The Future is Fungi.
MUSHROOM FORGE (Fungi Off-World Resource Generation Ecosystem)
Awarded 2X by NASA for Pioneering Advancements in Space Technology for Astronaut Health, Life Support, & Habitation Systems
MUSHROOM FORGE (Fungi Off-World Resource Generation Ecosystem) is a revolutionary mushroom ecosystem for the Earth, Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Winner of the NASA L’SPACE Program with the highest-scoring proposal, MUSHROOM FORGE is backed by NASA seed funding through the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
Leadership Team
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Urban Koi, MS
Principal Investigator, Space Systems Engineer, Space Medicine + Bioastronautics Researcher
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Emillianna Manino
Project Manager, Scientist
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Linda Montilla-Celis, MS
Deputy Project Manager
Led by Principal Investigator, Urban Koi, MUSHROOM FORGE is supported by a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and medical professionals, united by a bold vision for the future of human life, on Earth and beyond. Our team brings expertise from world-class institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Purdue University, Columbia University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Central Florida. Guided by advisors including former NASA astronauts and subject-matter experts across biology, engineering, and medicine, we are harnessing the power of fungi to redefine how humanity thrives—wherever we go.
Engineering + Science Teams
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Sean Gallina, MS
Lead Systems Engineer, Electrical + Thermal Engineer
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Shakenya Clark, MS
Mechanical + Structural Engineer
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Gavin Guarino, MS
Mechanical + Structural Engineer
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Destiny Knoop
Research Scientist
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Enayah Rahman
Lead Data Analyst, Scientist
Advisor Team
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D. Marshall Porterfield, PhD
Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University
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Joseph W. Guarnieri, PhD
Research Scientist, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
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Kai Staats, MS
Director of Research, Space Analog for the Moon & Mars (SAM) at Biosphere 2, University of Arizona
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Hansjorg Schwertz, MD, PhD, MOH, FACOEM, AFAsMA, AME, CMRO
Medical Director of Research & Employee Health, Billings Clinic; Assistant Professor, Occupational Medicine, University of Utah
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José M. Hernández, MS
Former Astronaut, NASA; President & CEO, Tierra Luna Engineering
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Nicole Stott, MS
Former Astronaut, NASA; Founding Director, Space for Art Foundation
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Sheri Klug Boonstra, MS
Principal Investigator, NASA L’SPACE Program, Arizona State University
Thank You to Our Supporters
