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Francois M. Lutzoni

Professor of Biology
Biology
Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708-0338
357 Bio Sci Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Biology · 2015 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

In the News


Published January 6, 2023
When Science and Art Meet at the End of the Road
Published July 22, 2016
Two's company, three's a lichen?
Published September 15, 2015
Lutzoni Receives NSF Grant for Fungal Genealogy

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Recent Publications


Peltigera lichen thalli produce highly potent ice-nucleating agents

Journal Article Biogeosciences · April 29, 2025 From extracellular freezing to cloud glaciation, the crystallization of water is ubiquitous and shapes life as we know it. Efficient biological ice nucleators (INs) are crucial for organism survival in cold environments and, when aerosolized, serve as a si ... Full text Cite

Eco-phylogenetic study of Trebouxia in southern Africa reveals interbiome connectivity and potential endemism in a green algal lichen photobiont.

Journal Article American journal of botany · December 2024 PremiseSouthern Africa is a biodiversity hotspot rich in endemic plants and lichen-forming fungi. However, species-level data about lichen photobionts in this region are minimal. We focused on Trebouxia (Chlorophyta), the most common lichen photob ... Full text Cite

Environmental drivers and cryptic biodiversity hotspots define endophytes in Earth's largest terrestrial biome.

Journal Article Current biology : CB · March 2024 Understanding how symbiotic associations differ across environmental gradients is key to predicting the fate of symbioses as environments change, and it is vital for detecting global reservoirs of symbiont biodiversity in a changing world.1 ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Digitization TCN: Collaborative Research: Building a global consortium of bryophytes and lichens: keystones of cryptobiotic communities

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2020 - 2025

Spatio-temporal factors shaping symbiotic networks: a case study with cyanolichens

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2019 - 2024

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Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 1995 Ph.D.
Ottawa University · 1990 M.S.
Grinnell College · 1987 B.S.

External Links


Lab website