Alan Rockefeller

Alan Rockefeller (born c. 1980) is a pioneering American mycologist, photographer, educator, and biohacker whose expertise and passion have made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary mycology. Based in El Cerrito, California, Rockefeller is renowned for his specialization in fungal taxonomy, DNA barcoding, microscopy, and fungi photography.

With a career spanning over two decades, Rockefeller is largely self-taught, having begun his journey into mycology in 2001. He quickly distinguished himself through meticulous fieldwork, particularly in California and Mexico, where he has documented and photographed more than 2,500 species of fungi. His annual expeditions to the cloud forests of Mexico and recent collaborations cataloging Ecuadorian fungi with indigenous communities underscore his commitment to global fungal biodiversity.

Rockefeller’s work is characterized by a unique blend of traditional taxonomy and cutting-edge molecular techniques. He is an authority on DNA sequencing and genetic barcoding, having uploaded over 700 fungal DNA sequences to GenBank and co-authored scientific papers describing new species, including bioluminescent Mycena and several Psilocybe mushrooms. His expertise in the identification and classification of psychoactive fungi, especially those containing psilocybin and muscimol, has expanded scientific understanding of these complex organisms.

A gifted educator and communicator, Rockefeller is in high demand at mushroom events and mycological societies across North America. He regularly teaches workshops on DNA barcoding, microscopy, and field photography, and is known for his generosity in sharing knowledge both in-person and online. His striking mushroom photography, released under Creative Commons licenses, is widely used in scientific publications, educational materials, and news articles.

Rockefeller is a prominent figure in citizen science, actively identifying fungi on platforms like iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer, and moderating online communities such as Shroomery.org. His outreach efforts have helped thousands of enthusiasts and researchers learn to identify, document, and appreciate fungi, making mycology more accessible to the public.

Despite his achievements, Rockefeller remains approachable and deeply committed to community science. He continues to inspire new generations of mycologists through his fieldwork, teaching, and advocacy for open-access science and biodiversity conservation. His work has been recognized by major media outlets, including National Geographic, The New York Times, and Scientific American, cementing his status as a true pioneer in the world of fungi.