Principal investigators: Davide Piovesan and Matthew Gacura
University: Gannon University
Industry partner: Consol Energy
Gannon University and CONSOL Energy will collaborate to develop innovative carbon foam containers with specific light-reflective properties for optimized mushroom cultivation. These receptacles will reflect UVC, blue, and red light bands to support sterilization, vegetative growth, and fruiting stages, respectively. Leveraging CONSOL’s carbon foam technology, the project will test and refine the foam's reflective and mechanical properties under varied conditions. This venture not only aims to boost mushroom farming, an expanding industry in Erie with urban farming potential, but also to produce sustainable, scalable materials with possible applications across sectors. Students from biology and engineering will engage in multidisciplinary research, advancing skills in material science and sustainable agriculture. The containers’ durability, regulatory compliance, and efficacy in controlled fungal growth environments will be evaluated through extensive testing, with potential for future patents. This project exemplifies Gannon’s commitment to community-focused innovation and sustainability in agritech.