B. Eng. Leeroy Begle

Mycologist and Landscape Architect, Tyroler Glückspilze / MRCA Mushroom Research Center Austria. Founder of MYCOFACTUM – Association for Mycology & Cultivation in Vorarlberg, specializing in mycorrhizal research and environmental mycology

Distinguished landscape architect and professional mycologist whose unique career trajectory seamlessly integrates ecological engineering, biodiversity conservation, and advanced mycological research within the pristine alpine ecosystems of Austria. Born in 1989, Begle's profound connection with nature began in early childhood with intensive autodidactic exploration of local forests and their complex fungal communities, developing an exceptional understanding of indigenous mycological diversity that would later inform his groundbreaking research methodologies. Following his comprehensive education culminating in a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Landscape Architecture from the prestigious Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf in Freising, Germany (2014), where he served as research assistant and tutor in botany and specialized plant applications, he completed his distinguished thesis on "Conservation Importance of Green Roofs with Near-Natural Plant Communities," demonstrating his early commitment to sustainable ecological solutions that incorporate fungal symbiosis.

His professional journey encompasses a remarkable blend of practical horticultural expertise, gained through extensive work at Nemetz Tree Nursery (2008-2010, 2010-2015, 2019), and innovative artistic expression through his involvement with KUMOP – Art & Culture without Profit e.V. and the KULTURSEKTOR ELEKTRA artist collective, where he pioneered revolutionary techniques using mushroom-based dyes, spalted wood carvings, and natural pigments derived from fungal sources. This unique artistic perspective has profoundly influenced his scientific approach to mycology, creating unprecedented opportunities for public engagement and environmental education through creative expression. His transformative internship at Tyroler Glückspilze / MRCA Mushroom Research Center Austria in 2023 marked the beginning of his specialized focus on mycological research, leading to his current full-time position as mycologist where he leads groundbreaking initiatives in genetic collection and strain preservation from the biodiverse forests of Vorarlberg and Tyrol.

As the visionary founder and acting chairman of MYCOFACTUM – Association for Mycology & Cultivation in Vorarlberg (established February 2024), Begle has created a vital platform for advancing mycological education, research, and practical applications throughout the Alpine region. His leadership in developing MYCORRHIZA products and consulting services, supported by his certification in Plant Protection Advisory through AGES/BAES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), demonstrates his commitment to translating cutting-edge mycological research into practical environmental solutions. His expertise as a certified Myco-Consultant and Mycotherapy Practitioner (May 2024) positions him at the forefront of therapeutic mycology, while his dynamic presentations at conferences and workshops, including his acclaimed "Mushroom Detectives: On the Trail of Fungi" and "We Become Mushroom Growers" programs, inspire the next generation of mycological researchers and environmental stewards.

Mr. Begle's exceptional contribution to the Mycoverse Foundation's scientific advisory board brings a rare combination of ecological expertise, artistic vision, and practical mycological experience that bridges the gap between academic research and real-world environmental applications. His ongoing work in establishing and maintaining the MRCA Mushroom Culture Bank represents a crucial conservation effort for preserving Alpine fungal genetic diversity, while his innovative approaches to mycorrhizal research offer promising solutions for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation. His upcoming representations at prestigious international conferences, including the ALPS Conference on Psychedelic Science in Switzerland, the International Medical Mushroom Conference in Italy, and IG Fungi in Zurich, underscore his growing recognition as a leading voice in applied mycological research. Through his multidisciplinary approach combining landscape architecture, environmental conservation, artistic expression, and rigorous scientific methodology, Begle exemplifies the innovative thinking necessary to unlock the full potential of fungal biotechnology for addressing contemporary environmental and therapeutic challenges.