Meet the NUNM Mycophiles

Stacey is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine student at NUNM with a background in nutrition and a passion for exploring the intersection of mushrooms, food, and medicine. Her interest in mycology extends beyond the classroom through hands-on work with culinary and functional mushrooms, as well as ongoing research into their potential effects on the gut microbiome, immune function, cognition, and neurological health. As president of NUNM’s Mycology Club, Stacey hopes to build a community where students can dig deeper into the science, cultivation, traditional uses, and clinical possibilities of fungi—and have some fun getting a little shroomy along the way. 

Landon is a second-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine student at NUNM with a background in biological sciences and a longstanding fascination with fungi, microbiology, and the natural world. His interest in mycology grew from a combination of scientific research, hands-on microbiology experience, and a desire to better understand how fungi can intersect with human health and natural medicine.

Kimiya is a fourth-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine student at NUNM with a background in biology and accounting and a strong interest in the natural world, integrative medicine, and the intersection of traditional knowledge with modern biomedical science. Her interest in mycology grew through personal experience and a fascination with the evolutionary relationship between fungi and animals and what it reveals about biological interconnectedness. 

Izzy is a first-year student in both the Naturopathic Doctorate and Master of Science in Clinical Research programs, with a particular interest in mycology and mycological research. Izzy is the person who will stop for just about every mushroom she finds, identify it, and enthusiastically tell anyone willing to listen what kind it is and what makes it so cool. She is looking forward to meeting fellow mycophiles and continuing to grow the mycology community through the club! 

Dr. Heather Zwickey is an immunologist and microbiologist specializing in infectious disease, vaccine development, nutrition, and natural medicine. She founded NUNM’s Helfgott Research Institute and has extensive experience in research, graduate education, and integrative medicine. Her current work explores the application of immunology to natural medicine, with a particular focus on the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and cancer immunotherapy.