RIT will study the use of how best to optimize fermentation growth parameters in the production of filamentous fungal mycelium, which are used by a Rochester based mushroom technology company, Empire Medicinals. In addition, RIT professor Thomas Trabold and his research team will study the potential of its commercial partner using excess whey, a common waste product in the yogurt industry, in a stirred tank reactor as a production resource for the commercial mushroom industry. RIT researchers also will conduct an economic assessment of whey and its scalability as a food waste up-cycling and re-use alternative to wastewater treatment for the New York state dairy industry.