The Algae Farmer

William Padilla-Brown is a multidisciplinary citizen scientist whose work focuses on mycology, phycology, and molecular biology. He grew up traveling around the world with his family living in cities like London, Mexico City, and Taipei. He is the founder and CEO of MycoSymbiotics an innovative, applied biological sciences enterprise specializing in mushroom and algae research, education, and cultivation. Will is certified in permaculture design and algal culturing techniques, and facilitates courses and consultations for individuals and organizations throughout North America as part of his mission to democratize complex scientific concepts and empower people to create and support sustainable, regenerative ecosystems. He established MycoFest, the first annual mushroom and arts festival of its kind on the East Coast, now in its tenth year. Will is an active hip-hop performing artist. Will is the author of the Cordyceps Cultivation Handbook and the ebook Practical Phycology. His work has been featured in publications such as Fantastic Fungi, Outside Magazine, Buzzfeed, and VICE. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.