...my dream is to restore world's soils one passionate soil superhero at a time

My name is Sandra Tuszynska (think two shins (in a) car). I am an Australian based soil ecologist and microbiologist, with an agricultural science background and PhD research on root symbiotic fungi. I strongly believe we can create a beautiful, clean, abundant and fruitful future for ourselves and this planet by supporting the soil ecosystem. I believe this because I have witnessed the superpowers of the tiny microbial life namely bacteria and fungi, which create soil.

My research has focused on biodegradation of pesticides in cotton field soil, heavy metal uptake, transfer and detoxification by root symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal) fungi, and the regulation of phosphate and carbohydrates in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

I now study and work with the whole soil food web and investigate how the key microbial functional groups in soil ensure plant nutrition and immunity, soil structure, water retention, carbon sequestration and pollutant remediation among other benefits. I have completed the certified lab program with Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web School, and have created the Soil Restoration Course to further our understanding of the soil ecosystem.

One of my greatest passions is science communication, devoting much of my time on community education related to soil ecology, biodiversity and restoration. I provide seminars and microscopy workshops, soil microbial analyses, consultancy for gardeners, food producers and land managers to improve their soil ecosystems and thus yields while lowering inputs, and bush regenerators to restore habitats and biodiversity. I also lead fungi forays at BioBlitz events, have managed citizen science projects such as the Mycology Research Project and create courses and units such as the Exploring Fungi Unit for schools and communities.