Fun-gi on the Rise: How Christian Woehr Is Cultivating the Next Generation of Air Filters

Junior chemistry major Christian Woehr’s love of science is rooted in curiosity about the world around him. Originally from Pennsylvania, Woehr chose Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science for its innovative programs and welcoming campus community.

“I enjoy studying chemistry as it applies to everything around us,” shared Woehr. “From the food we eat to every tool we use during the day, chemistry is everywhere. It’s fascinating to understand how even the smallest reactions can have such a big impact on our daily lives. That’s what keeps me curious and motivated to keep learning.”

Under the mentorship of Vivian Merk, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Woehr conducts innovative research on bio-renewable, mushroom-derived aerogel cultivation and tests the air and water filtration of persistent organic pollutants. Overall, his research aims to address critical environmental challenges.

“Current air filters are made unsustainably,” Woehr explained. “Ideally, these bio-renewable aerogels will be able to replace current filters and thus lead to a more sustainable planet.”

His scientific ingenuity and dedication have paid off. Woehr’s lab experiments led to the development of a new venture named FungiFlow—eco-friendly, mushroom-based air filters. His project was named runner-up at the university’s 2026 Business Pitch Competition in the event’s newest category, the Blue/Ocean Economy track.

FungiFlow won $1,000 in seed funding to advance the development of the team’s biorenewable air filtration system. As the lead researcher, Woehr grows and tests the FungiFlow prototypes that reduce waste and costs while providing sustainable, accessible indoor air purification under Merk’s direction.

“Being named runner-up in the competition is very fulfilling,” stated Woehr. “With this funding, Dr. Merk and I will be able to explore more ways to reduce manufacturing costs for FungiFlow and build more testing reports to support its viability.”

Woehr’s dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, he received the American Chemical Society’s Undergraduate Award in Environmental Chemistry. He was also named a recipient of Florida Atlantic’s WLW-ECOS Research Fellowship.

“It means a great deal to be selected as a WLW-ECOS Research Fellow,” expressed Woehr. “The fellowship opens so many doors, with many avenues for support. Everyone involved in the ECOS program is rooting for the success of the fellows.”

Looking ahead, Woehr aspires to become an academic dentist and pursue both a DMD and a Ph.D. With his passion and drive, Woehr is poised to continue making an impact in science and beyond.

This fall, Woehr is among a select group of students scheduled to present his FungiFlow research in the College Showcase at the Climate Compact Innovation Day during the 18th annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit, Nov. 4–6 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. The university's School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) is a signature sponsor of the summit. Each day of the three-day program will feature Florida Atlantic researchers who are translating coastal science into local action.