Year and degree of graduation:

• 1998, B.S. Fermentation Science, UC Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology 

• 1998, B.A. Spanish, UC Davis College of Letters and Sciences 

• 2010, M.B.A., UC Davis Graduate School of Management

Did you know that the popular Dole Whip frozen treat was invented by a young UC Davis Food Science graduate?  Kathy Westphal '82, at 24 years old, created the product in her first job at Dole after she graduated.  Read the complete story in Benjy Egel's "How a young UC Davis graduate invented Dole Whip, a Disney theme park staple". 

The Physical and Chemical Stability of Wine (a.k.a. VEN 126 Wine Stability) course deals with the most important physical, chemical, and enzymatic reactions in juices and wines, together with the theory and principles associated with the adjustment of acidity, fining, stabilization for shipping, and the clarification of wines.  The course provides students with a scientific basis and a quantitative perspective of our understanding of the physical and chemical reactions in wines, other than ethanol and malolactic fermentations.  

Year and degree of graduation
B.S. in Viticulture & Enology, 2003 

Current job title/company
Winemaker, Far Niente Winery 

Dear FST Alumni, Donors and Friends, 

I'm delighted to serve the Department of Food Science and Technology as the latest Chair. As a UC Davis alumnus myself, I know how special UC Davis is and the lifelong impact it has on its students. As a member of the faculty, it is particularly rewarding to contribute to the success of our Food Science students and witness the growth of our department and community of supporters.

For those of you going to Natural Products Expo West 2024 in Anaheim, CA, four UC Davis Food Science and Technology faculty members (Drs. Alyson Mitchell, Jean-Xavier Guinard, Nitin Nitin, and Luxin Wang) will be speaking at a panel on Tuesday, March 12th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm PDT. 

Year and degree of graduation: 
2002 - Bachelor of Science, Viticulture and Enology 

Current job title/company: 
Winemaker, Mumm Napa 

Year and degree of graduation: 
1996, M.S. Horticulture (Pest Management of Trees and Vines) 

Current job title/company: 
Owner, Matthiasson Family Vineyards 
Partner, Premiere Viticultural Services 

What have you been up to since you graduated? 
Growing grapes, making wine, consulting for other vineyards, and trying to help our industry be even more sustainable. 

Do you feel your UC Davis experience benefited your career?  

Year and degree of graduation
2001 with a BS in Viticulture & Enology and a BA in Spanish 

Current job title/company 
Vice President, Winemaking, The Wine Group 

What have you been up to since you graduated?  
I have worked around the globe (Italy and Chile) and throughout California. I have worked in various parts of the industry including winemaking, sales, marketing, importing and logistics.