Built by curious humans

MycoNaut founders Joe Lane and Ryan Iacovacci met while obtaining their Wild Foraging Certificate. With their shared interests in fermentation, food discovery, and of course, mushrooms, they became fast friends, and thus– MycoNaut was born. They’ve been growing, harvesting, preserving, and selling wild and cultivated mushrooms for the better part of a decade.

Ryan

Ryan Iacovacci

CEO

While Ryan's academic background is in International Relations, his passion for sustainable living led him to accrue 15 years of practical experience in agriculture. His expertise spans small and large-scale permaculture initiatives, as well as local food distribution systems. Seeking a deeper connection to the land, Ryan relocated to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2016, establishing a homestead at Moon Mountain, where he continue to embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle.

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Tyler Watson

Analytical Chemist

Tyler is a highly skilled analytical chemist who brings a wealth of expertise to his role as lead analytical chemist. Tyler has a strong educational background in Medicinal Plant Chemistry and ongoing studies in Integrated Biosciences. Tyler's experience in experimental design, laboratory management, and advanced analytical techniques, particularly in mass spectrometry and natural products research, makes him an invaluable asset to the team. His academic pursuits, including his current M.S. program in Plant Molecular Biology, keep him at the forefront of scientific advancements. Tyler's ability to bridge academic research with practical applications, coupled with his teaching experience and public speaking skills, positions him as a leader in the field of analytical chemistry, capable of driving innovation and maintaining high standards in analytical processes and methodologies.

Molly

Molly Stanek

CFO

Molly brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her roles in sustainable agriculture and startup technology development. With a strong educational background in Environmental Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she has built an impressive career spanning over 15 years in the controlled environment agriculture industry.

James Wallington CTO

James Wallington

CTO

James is a versatile professional with expertise in software engineering, business, and lab sciences. As founder of Wallington Web and co-founder of DeliverContacts.com, he demonstrates strong entrepreneurial skills. Currently serving as Fractional CTO at Myconaut, he leverages his diverse background in full-stack development, data analysis, and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions across various industries.

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Joe Lane

Chief Mycologist 

Joe brings a strong scientific foundation to his work, holding a B.S. in Biology from Northern Michigan University. Since 2017, he has been actively involved in various facets of the local food system, driven by his passion for food science and fermentation. Joe's interests extend beyond the laboratory, as he is an avid mushroom forager and dedicated to expanding his knowledge of fungi.

Watch Ryan and Joe's Interview