Dr. Albert Torzilli was the Graduate Program Director for the Environmental Science & Public Policy Department from 2005-2018.  Dr. Torzilli used molecular and biochemical methods to study the ecological role of fungi in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. His research projects included the molecular characterization of fungal communities associated with detritus processing of salt marsh plants, and the fungal communities of the roots of invasive plant species and their native competitors. Graduate student research projects mentored by Dr. Torzilli included the study of fungi associated with corals, and interactions between commercial truffles and native truffle species.  Courses taught by Dr. Torzilli included Fungi and Ecosystems; Mushrooms, Molds and Society; Medical Mycology; Cell Biology; and Plant Biology.