Student Spotlight: Clancy Larmour

Fungi, Forests and Following Your Instincts

With over 350 students in associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, North Carolina State University’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is a place where curiosity meets real-world impact—whether in the lab, the field, or somewhere in between.

We help students find their path and explore careers that tackle today’s grand challenges in agriculture and the environment.

Today, we’re chatting with Clancy Larmour, a biochemistry and microbiology major whose love of fungi has taken root in both North Carolina’s forests and international research labs.

Where are you from and how did that influence your area of study?

I was born in California but raised in North Carolina. I grew up exploring places like Umstead Park, Hemlock Bluffs, and Bond Park, where I was surrounded by nature. I was always fascinated by the forest, which eventually sparked my interest in fungi!

What experiences or interests led you to choose NC State and Crop & Soil Sciences?

It was kind of a series of fortunate events! I had been searching for undergraduate research opportunities related to fungi, and that’s how I discovered the Garcia Lab in the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences. 

Dr. Garcia—and really everyone in Crop & Soil—was so welcoming and enthusiastic about getting undergrads involved in real-world research. That welcoming environment got me in the door, and I’ve now been a part of the lab for over three years.

What is your current major?

I’m majoring in biochemistry and have added a second major in microbiology, with a microbial research concentration. I’m a senior and I’ll be graduating this semester!

What topics in your major are you most interested in studying?

Fungi! There are so many ways to study them, but the ones in soil are particularly tricky. 

Soil is such a complex system that isolating the role of just fungi is like solving a puzzle, which is exactly what makes it so interesting to me.

What has been your favorite class so far?

It’s a tie! I really enjoyed SSC 535: Root and Rhizosphere Processes with Dr. Garcia and PP 575: Intro to Mycology with Drs. Cubeta and Bradshaw. 

SSC 535 introduced me to soil science and plant biology from a new perspective, showing me just how much we still have to discover. PP 575 was more general and broadened my understanding of what mycology could accomplish. Both were incredibly engaging.

Do you participate in any student groups or clubs?

Yes! I’m the president of the Mycology Club at NC State. I love sharing my passion for fungi with people from all different backgrounds and levels of experience—it’s a diverse community, and I’ve learned so much from others.

I’m also part of TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS). The program has been invaluable in providing academic counseling, peer mentoring, and helping me connect with other students. That support has been a game-changer for me.

What types of hands-on experiences have you had at NC State?

Working in the Garcia Lab has been incredibly valuable. I’m interested in research, so having real experience early on was a huge win. I’ve contributed to several projects, been credited on a publication, and have a co-authorship on the horizon. I’ve also attended conferences, given presentations, and gone to seminars—all thanks to the lab.

Another favorite experience was taking PB 220: Local Flora. We went on field trips to places like Green Swamp, Weymouth Woods, and the Coastal Plains. Seeing North Carolina’s biodiversity up close really brought everything to life.

You recently competed in a campus research event. What was that like?

Twice a year, the Office of Undergraduate Research hosts a Research Slam in D.H. Hill Library. Students get five slides and five minutes to present a lightning talk for lay audiences. Oftentimes in research, we get used to talking with experts, or at the very least, people who know about the subject. 

Entering my research in a way that was both comprehensive without being too wordy was a challenge! I was named a runner-up, but still attended and got to hear about some great research from all parts of NC State. Such a large breadth of domains was really interesting to see, and got me to think about my own research in a new light!

Tell us about an experience outside the classroom that impacted your time at NC State.

Last summer, I did a study abroad internship in France with INRAE-Nancy, one of the leading institutions studying fungi-plant interactions. 

The research was amazing, but what stuck with me most was the cultural experience—speaking the language, trying the food, experiencing centuries-old forests and architecture. It gave me a whole new perspective on my field and the world.

What is your career goal and why?

I’m hoping to pursue a career in research, most likely in academia. I’m especially drawn to ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, and there’s still so much to learn in that area.

I want my work to be practical—ECM fungi help trees, support soil health, and can even contribute to food systems through mushroom production. Their applications extend to forestry, sustainable agriculture, and more, making the field incredibly exciting to me.

What’s next for you after graduation?

Graduate school! I’m not sure where yet, but I know I want to stay in research.

What have you learned at NC State that you’ll carry with you?

I’ve learned to really appreciate the community here. 

With so many students and events, I’ve had the chance to connect with people from so many disciplines and backgrounds. Just a conversation or an event could spark a new research idea or hobby. The lessons I’ve learned from these interactions will stay with me forever.

What do you like most about the Crop & Soil Sciences department?

I really appreciate the openness and friendliness. As someone who didn’t start out in crop or soil sciences, I’ve felt incredibly welcome. 

I’ve been able to take part in seminars, classes, and research, and there are always professors and staff who are happy to say hello or help out.

What do you wish you’d known sooner in college?

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)! They offer grants, conference funding, and connections to help undergraduates get into research. I got involved in research pretty quickly, but knowing about OUR from the start would have helped even more.

What’s your advice to future students interested in this field?

Explore! The lab and the field are both essential but very different. 

Go check out places like Schenck Forest or the Sandhills to get a firsthand look at our local ecosystems. There’s so much to discover in North Carolina.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I have a YouTube channel where I talk about fungi! It’s called CraterAlias.

Picture yourself in crop and soil sciences. 

If you are looking for an academic path that leads to a career of impact, consider crop and soil sciences. Our students learn from expert professors and experience hands-on adventures every day.  

Learn more about our student degree pathways, including deep dives into our agronomy, soil science and turfgrass programs. Then, join us for a guided email tour of our Department of Crop & Soil Sciences.  

Connecting students with opportunities is just part of how we are growing the future.