Heli has experience in sharing her knowledge about zoology with children and in working in the field of wildlife conservation, both at home and abroad. Ever since her bachelor’s thesis on an ant-plant mutualism in Costa Rica, where fungi also play a vital role, she has been captivated by ecological processes.

Altogether she is very passionate about protecting nature, especially when it comes to our soils, which are incredibly important for maintaining global health. Interactions between plants and mycorrhizal fungi are of particular importance here, and that’s why she’s currently delving deeper into this fascinating topic.

Iris grew up on the countryside of Carinthia, where she developed a deep love for nature from an early age. Fascinated by the complex interactions within ecosystems—from roots to treetops, from mosses to mushrooms—she has been studying botany at the University of Vienna for some time now. With her keen eye for detail and genuine curiosity, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to the workshop, making the experience of exploring the world of fungi both insightful and inspiring. She knows how to make the world of fungi come alive for others with her clear explanations and passion.