January 2022

AAAS Fellows headshots

Linda J. Harris is new AAAS Fellow

Food Science and Technology
The Department of Food Science and Technology is pleased to announce that Linda J. Harris, Professor of Cooperative Extension was elected to the rank American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow by the Council of AAAS. 
Extension pics

Update from the UC Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology Extension Team

Viticulture and Enology

We were very excited that on Nov 10, we were able to host the 2021 Winter Grape Day at the UC Davis Conference Center, our first On Campus, in-person event since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Cooperative Extension Specialist, Kaan Kurtural, gathered 14 speakers presenting on topics ranging from the effects of wildfire smoke on grapevines, grapes, and wine to soil health, irrigation management, nitrogen in table grapes, and the effects of cover crops on grapevine physiology.

Alumni Celebration Collage

140th Anniversary Alumni Celebration 2021

Viticulture and Enology

On December 3, 2021, we finally got the chance (after several attempts) to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of the Department of Viticulture and Enology with approximately 150 people in attendance-only a year and a half after we intended!  The morning started with Department Chair David Block presenting a brief history (with pictures from the University Farm and Picnic Days) and the impact the department has had on the California and global grape and wine industries since its start in 1880.  With respect to impact, Dr.

Reflections by Dr. Andy Waterhouse

Viticulture and Enology

I was very lucky that in 1990, I saw an ad for a job at UC Davis. The next year I was proud to join such a distinguished department with its long history of leadership in research and teaching in Viticulture and Enology.  In my first quarter as a faculty member, Professor Ough asked me to give a lecture on chromatography.  I was happily explaining how HPLC could separate and quantify the acids in wine when a student innocently asked, “how much tartaric acid is in wine?”  I had no idea, and I realized how much I needed to learn.

Junior Specialist - Taha Lab

Food Science and Technology
This position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, or with research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. Junior Specialists are required to be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results. Junior Specialists are also expected to review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications as applicable, related to their research area of expertise. When possible (and finding permitting), Junior Specialists may participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
A cross-section of 140Ru rootstock

Course Profile: VEN 110

Viticulture and Enology

Assistant Professor Megan Bartlett teaches VEN 110, Grapevine Growth and Physiology, during the winter quarter. The goal of this course is to give students the understanding of grapevine biology they will need to tackle the challenges of vineyard management.  

Arpa

Student Profile: Arpa Boghozian

Viticulture and Enology

Student standing:  
I am currently a senior in the department.  


Degree/Focus/interest areas: 
One unique feature about the viticulture and enology program at UC Davis is that undergraduate students must complete courses in both disciplines. That being said, I have found that even though I originally thought that I would prefer viticulture, I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses with a focus in enology. Going forward, I would like to pursue positions that have roles in both disciplines.  

Daniel Baron

Alumni Profile: Daniel Baron

Viticulture and Enology

Year and degree of graduation: 
I received my BS in Plant Science in 1976 (V&E Department Citation for Outstanding Undergraduate Accomplishment) and completed my classwork for my MS in Horticulture in 1978.  I completed my thesis and received my MS in 1981.  My thesis advisors were Dr. Harold Olmo and biometeorologist Dr. Jerry Hatfield. My thesis topic was Microclimate and Wine Quality of Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards of the Napa Valley in 1976.