Paul Stamets is the author of six books and has discovered and named numerous new species of mushrooms. Paul has received numerous awards, including: Invention Ambassador (2014-2015) for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). His work has entered into the mainstream of popular culture. In the new Star Trek: Discovery series on CBS, the Science Officer is portrayed by an Astro-mycologist.... Lt. Paul Stamets. Paul's work with mycelium is a central theme of this series. Paul funds research to save rare strains of mushrooms that dwell within the old growth forests. He is a collaborator with numerous scientific organizations and research institutes.