ABOUT US
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR DESCENDANTS
We are all here for a short lifetime, yet the impact of our lives can be felt for generations to come. The Center for Ecological Consciousness (CEC) is conceived to bring scientists, educators, artists, and students together from different disciplines whose intersections of skills and studies can help create new solutions to our agricultural and ecological challenges. The CEC supports initiatives that help us become more civil, responsible citizens of Earth, and create patterns that improve the quality of life for our descendants.
OUR STORY
The Center for Ecological Consciousness (CEC) is a culmination of lifetimes of dedication by scientists, knowledge keepers, and elders whose common goal is to protect the biospheres of Earth. The CEC is unique in centering on the pivotal roles fungal networks (mycelium/mycelia) have in sustaining ecosystems and agriculture. Moreover, these networks not only support ecosystems but also build bridges across cultures.
Ultimately, we are One People. Our diversity is our collective strength.
The CEC seeks to implement solutions that are ecologically rational but practical and economically sustainable. The CEC's integrated approach seeks solutions for food biosecurity while strengthening ecological health. To do so, we need a paradigm shift in our consciousness of ecology. The CEC is uniquely positioned to succeed in this goal.
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR / OFFICER
MYCOLOGIST & SCIENTIST
PAUL STAMETS
Paul is a renowned American mycologist and entrepreneur. Considered an intellectual and industry leader in mycology, Paul has engaged in extensive medical research, authored several books, and discovered and named new species of mushrooms. He has received numerous awards including Invention Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Mycologist Award from the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), and the Gordon & Tina Wasson Award from the Mycological Society of America (MSA). His visionary research has led to significant breakthroughs and innovative mycological solutions, including using mushroom extracts to help bees overcome colony collapse disorder, supporting immune systems, and most recently for neurological health. A new species of psilocybin mushrooms have recently been named after him, Psilocybe stametsii.
MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Pamela Kryskow
Co-Founder / Director
Dr. Pamela Kryskow, MD is a researcher, academic, and therapist with expertise in chronic pain and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is the medical lead for a psychedelic-assisted therapy program at Roots to Thrive. She is also a founding board member of the Psychedelic Association of Canada and co-founder of MycoMedica Life Sciences.
Tad Buchanan
Director
Tad is a co-founder and CFO of MycoMedica Life Sciences. He also co-founded the investment firm Buchanan Investments, Inc. in 1998. He previously served as Executive Director at UBS Securities (Hong Kong and NYC) and holds an MBA from Boston College. He has 25+ years of venture capital and private equity investment experience.
Steve Sheppard
Director
Steve Sheppard is the Thurber Professor of Apiculture in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University. Since 1996, Steve, his students, postdocs, and research collaborators at WSU have conducted basic work on honey bee population genetics and evolution, a long-term breeding program to select honey bees for northern conditions, and novel approaches to improve honey bee health.
Chris Kantrowitz
Director
Chris is a serial entrepreneur in gaming, technology, and music. Recently Chris Co-Founded Mootral, a biotech company that uses natural supplements to reduce methane emissions in cows and develops products to end the use of antibiotics in protein production. Chris is also the Managing Partner of Bicycle Day Ventures. BDV invests in next-generation biotech businesses focused on psychedelic compounds.
We collaborate with
