Sara Branco, Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, was selected as a Fellow for the Mycological Society of America (MSA). This important distinction recognizes Dr. Branco’s outstanding contributions to the field of fungal evolution and genetics, as well as her extensive work in Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Branco studies the origins and maintenance of fungal diversity and has been studying the genetic and physiological bases of metal tolerance in plant-mutualistic fungi. Over the last decade, Dr. Branco has also actively contributed to diversifying MSA, including being involved in the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the MSA Interchange Ambassador Award, and the SPORES (Society Prioritizes Our Recruitment of Every Scholar) mentorship program for undergraduate students.