Archived News

Archived News

Junior Specialist - Selina Wang Lab

Food Science and Technology
The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research projects in a food chemistry laboratory. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. The role of this position is to provide specialized expertise in food chemistry research in the UC Food Quality laboratory of the Principal Investigator Dr. Selina Wang. The Junior Specialist is actively and significantly engaged in research including various projects that are related to food quality and analytical chemistry method development.
Split image: left award graphic with two men at a table; right photo of smiling older couple

In Memoriam - Professor Emeritus Charlie Shoemaker

Food Science and Technology

Regretfully, I must announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Charlie Shoemaker on April 13, 2026. Charlie was an internationally renowned food scientist, educator, mentor and collaborator.  His career with UC Davis spanned 35 years, including 10 years as department chair. He was an authority in the physical chemistry of foods, specifically how the composition of polymers affected texture and processing methods.

Blue announcement banner with IUFoST logo, list of new IAFoST fellows and a headshot of Nitin Nitin

Nitin named new Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology

Food Science and Technology

Congratulations to FST and BAE's Dr. Nitin Nitin, one of 27 new IUFoST Fellows for 2026!

13 April 2026 - The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) is proud to present the 15th class of outstanding food scientists and technologists to be elected to the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST). These 27 new Fellows will be inducted by the Academy Executive Council, led by Professor Fereidoon Shahidi, IAFoST President, in October 2026 at the 23rd IUFoST World Food Congress to be held in Hong Kong.

Academic Coordinator II - DiCaprio Lab

Food Science and Technology
Academic Coordinators are appointees who administer academic programs that provide service closely related to the teaching or research mission of the University. This service may be provided to academic departments, to organized research units, to students, or to the general public. Determination of the appropriate level for an appointment for an Academic Coordinator shall take into consideration such factors as program scope and complexity. The duties of an Academic Coordinator are primarily administrative. Individuals in an Academic Coordinator title who are assigned research or instructional duties are required to hold a dual title.
A person's hands form a heart shape over their stomach, wearing a gray top.

What is Gut Health?

Food Science and Technology
Beyond the Hype: Experts Agree on a Clear Meaning for the Term

Walk down the aisles of many grocery stores and you’re liable to see claims about products that are “good for gut health,” from yogurt and kombucha to supplements and even sodas. But despite its popularity, the phrase can mean different things to different people and lacks a shared scientific definition.

Selina Wang

Selina Wang Named Faculty Director of the UC Davis Olive Center

Food Science and Technology

For nearly 20 years, the Olive Center at the University of California, Davis, has worked to improve the olive and olive oil industry through research, education and outreach. The center, known for its work in sustainable olive growing and improving olive oil quality, has named chemist Selina Wang as its faculty director to guide the next phase of research and innovation for the state’s growing olive industry.

A person handing another person an award

Fall 2025 Awards & Honors

Viticulture and Enology
 

In 2025, WineBusiness Monthly selected leaders in the industry “who give the wine industry hope for the future, that we can acknowledge that times are tough and the headlines are less-than-positive and still find inspiration in those who buck trends, find innovative solutions and push all those they meet to do and be better.” One category celebrates mentors who generously share their knowledge, shaping not only skilled professionals but passionate ambassadors for wine.

UC Davis Viticulture and Enology students, staff and interns pose behind bins of grapes in the vineyard

2025 Harvest Highlights

Viticulture and Enology

Every harvest brings its own unique season and a wonderful group of students to work with. We are grateful to everyone who contributed this year: staff, faculty, students, researchers, and scholars. Between August 13 and October 16, 2025, we processed 54.4 U.S. tons of fruit across 20 grape cultivars.

Attendees listening to a man present at an event

January 2026 Extension & Industry Relations Update

Viticulture and Enology
 

The UC Davis Viticulture & Enology (V&E) Extension Team organized and presented a couple of programs in the fall. On December 10, 2025, we were On the Road to the Foothills! It was a beautiful sunny day, just above the fog line. Megan Bartlett, Ben Montpetit, James Campbell, Chris Chen, Ha Nguyen, and Mackenzie Patton were the presenters.

Man stands in front of a grapevine talking to a group of students

Fall 2025 Student Outreach

Viticulture and Enology
 

We kicked off the fall quarter with our annual department BBQ, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a lively start to the year. Our DEVO and WIW students took charge of the grill, while faculty and staff warmly welcomed both new and returning students. Liz, the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E) advisor, shared thoughtful words as she embraced this enthusiastic new cohort. Our Chair, Ben, concluded the event with encouraging remarks that set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Victoria Lasch sits on a barrel in the UC Davis Teaching & Research Winery

Student Profile: Victoria Lasch

Viticulture and Enology

Student standing: 
Second-year master’s student (graduating in Spring 2026)

Degree/Focus/interest areas: 
Viticulture and Enology, primarily interested in winemaking.

Where are you from originally? 
I am from Issaquah, WA, and have been based there for about a decade, although my family is originally from Northern California.

What brought you to UC Davis? 

Ted Reiger poses for a picture in front of a body of water with a tree in the background

Ted Rieger, freelance writer and photographer, retires after 41 years of covering wine industry

Viticulture and Enology

Anyone who regularly attended our departmental extension events over the last 30 years would recognize Ted Rieger as a constant presence. Maybe more importantly, those not attending our events could rely on Ted’s accounts of those programs in industry publications such as Wine Business Monthly, Vineyard & Winery Management, and Wines & Vines. After four decades of freelance writing, including nearly one thousand wine-industry-related articles, Ted has decided to retire.

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