Alexander Raffetto ‘25’s research determines the diversity of fungi in the College Woods
Spanning over 900 acres, William & Mary’s College Woods contain a vast ecological landscape. Alexander Raffetto ‘25 was interested in researching this diversity, specifically focusing on the fungi present in the woods. Advised by Associate Professor of Biology Joshua Puzey, Alexander has conducted the first fungal sampling of the area.
Raffetto began his research in the fall of 2023 by sampling and documenting the diversity of macro-fungi or any fungi that produce mushrooms or other visible fruiting bodies, to note the effects of environmental changes on the fungi over time. He continued his research last summer with support from a Charles Center Summer Research Grant.
With the help of fellow researchers Clara Rinker ‘26, Bela Rein ‘25, and Charlotte Croucher ‘25, Raffetto has identified 69 families, 115 genera, and 212 species of fungi in the woods, so far. In September, he presented a poster at the Charles Center’s Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium in Swem Library, detailing the most common families of fungi. Herbarium specimens have been stored, which will allow other undergraduate students to continue Raffetto’s research in the future. Raffetto is currently working on publishing a paper on his findings.
“I have been impressed by Alexander's initiative and forward-thinking approach to research. Alexander's project has provided an important baseline for understanding fungal diversity in the College Woods,” said Puzey. “In the coming years, this study will serve as an important reference point for tracking how mushroom diversity responds to a changing climate. Beyond the long-term importance of the study, it has been amazing to uncover the stunning diversity of mushroom species in our local area.”
Raffetto was interested in studying organisms that are “notoriously underrepresented in the literature,” although there has been increased focus in recent years. “[Fungi], just like animals and plants, are affected by climate change and pollution. For one thing, they are good indicators of environmental health. Knowing what sort of fungi are in the woods is important just for monitoring the health of the ecosystem,” said Raffetto.
Fungi also help plants survive by forming important symbiotic relationships with them. Specifically, in Williamsburg, the fungi in the College Woods help maintain a thriving and diverse plant community by assisting their access to essential nutrients from the soil.
“If we see certain changes in the woods, it would be wise to also know what’s going on with the fungi because it’s all intertwined,” said Raffetto. “Fungi will be in the next few decades more and more important. I think people are starting to realize that and I’m very excited to be a part of that movement.”
