Bill W. Wheeler

Research Technician
Division of Plant and Soil Sciences
401 Brooks Hall - Box 6058
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506-6058

Email: wwheel@wvnvm.wvnet.edu

I came to work with Dr. Morton and INVAM in 1991, shortly after the project was funded by NSF. I had been working in the WVU soil testing laboratory for a number of years. It was a big change, but one I do not regret!

During the past ten years, I have learned a great deal about arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. It is said that ignorance is bliss, but I think these fungi are very interesting creatures. It is amazing how I have come to recognize so many species in spore extracts as if I had known them for years. It is true that experience is the best teacher. Therefore, I am not surprised that I have come to view these fungi as "friends" in their own right.

I have a wide range of responsibilities, all of which center around successfully establishing new cultures and keeping the existing ones alive and healthy. With between 300 and 700 cultures growing simultaneously at any one time, this is a full time job! Each day, I examine the status of active cultures and work with Joe and others to determine what to do with them. I also set up cultures that have been stored dry for very long (six months in the case of Gigaspora or >18 months for species in most other genera). I monitor our inventory list daily and prepare and maintain our extensive voucher collection.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is the interactions I have with the rest of the INVAM team, other students and faculty, and especially visitors from around the world. I have found everyone to be considerate and friendly, and a joy to work with.