Biography:  Marco Pepe

Marco Pepe is a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, where he uses in vitro biology to study medicinal plants and fungi. Over the past five years, he has co-authored more than twenty peer-reviewed academic papers focusing on the growth and physiology of medicinal plants and fungi. In addition to his research, Marco serves as a peer reviewer for several international academic journals and teaches methods for cultivating plants and mushrooms at the University of Guelph.

More recently, Marco founded a business-to-business venture dedicated to sustainable cultivation and the development of plant- and mushroom-based products that support small enterprises. He also established a community garden initiative that promotes local food security, hands-on education, and the conservation of medicinal plant species. Through these projects, he aims to bridge scientific research with community engagement, making the benefits of plant and fungal biotechnology more accessible to the public. His work continues to inspire collaboration among researchers, growers, and educators to build interdisciplinary connections for a more sustainable future.

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