Haley Ray L&S Social Sciences
Repurposing Coffee Waste to Cultivate Functional Mushrooms
As a SURF fellow, I’m researching how food waste, specifically spent coffee grounds from Berkeley coffee shops can be repurposed to grow functional mushrooms like oyster, lion’s mane, and shiitake. These fungi not only help break down organic waste but are also known for their nutritional and medicinal potential. My project investigates both the viability of coffee grounds as a growing medium and the health benefits of these mushrooms, including lion’s mane’s cognitive support and shiitake’s immune-boosting properties. Through lab-based cultivation trials and literature-based nutritional analysis, I aim to explore how we can turn daily waste into scientifically-backed functional foods advancing circular food systems and public health in urban communities.
Message To Sponsor
Dear donor, This fellowship has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me, both academically and personally. Through my summer research on cultivating mushrooms using spent coffee grounds, I explored how local waste streams can be transformed into sustainable food sources, a project that deepened my understanding of circular economies and community-based food systems. The opportunity to conduct independent research has strengthened my confidence as a scholar and reinforced my commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable food future. I am deeply grateful for your support in making this work possible.