About me
Heather Dawson is a PhD student at the University of Oregon studying truffle biodiversity with a focus on truffles in oak savanna. She has spent the last 5 years following her truffle dogs around the woods learning first-hand about the vast number of truffle species that are easily detected by a canine nose. Heather trains her dogs to recognize truffle aromas of any type, so they are able to find countless different species, not just the gourmet varieties. Her current truffle dog, Rye, has an exceptional talent for generalizing truffle aroma and has found truffles from around 50 different fungal genera. Given the challenges in studying these hidden fungi, Rye’s abilities demonstrate an exciting method to expand current knowledge of truffle diversity and ecology. Heather's younger dog, Pyro, is quickly learning the tricks of the trade as well. Together, the two dogs are a truffling force to be reckoned with.
