Alumni

Alumni Profile: Steve Matthiasson

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?  

Alumni Profile: Jessica Tomei

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. 

Alumni Profile: Celia Welch

Year and degree of graduation:
I graduated in 1982 with a BS in Fermentation Science. In those days, winemaking and viticulture were considered separate disciplines. Many of the winemakers took the general viticulture class (as I did) but the two areas of study were considered separate disciplines. 

Current job title/company
My current title is Owner/Winemaker at Celia Welch Consulting. 

Historical Artwork with Agricultural Motifs on Display at the Robert Mondavi Institute Complex Zann Gates
Art and research intersect within the Department of Food Science and Technology

Peaches, grapes, tomatoes and olives – some of California’s specialty crops that have been the subject of numerous research projects at UC Davis are also a prominent feature in a colorful art display at the home of the Department of Food Science and Technology.

A large vinyl display was recently unveiled in the Robert Mondavi Institute (RMI) complex. It was created using images of three historical batik cloth panels that depict California agricultural motifs.

The Cause and Effects of ‘Hop Creep’ During Beer Production Zann Gates
UC Davis researchers examine how different types of yeast affect flavor profile

Crafting beer is a precise science. Brewers know that various types of yeast and different fermentation methods control how beer will taste. But a phenomenon known as “hop creep” can sometimes throw a brewer for a loop.

Which bread should you buy? Topher McNeil slices it up for you Zann Gates

Christopher McNeil, a former Ph.D. student in Professor Carolyn Slupsky's lab (FSGG, Class of 2020), stars in an engaging and informative YouTube video for Epicurious, breaking down the text on the bread bag into easily understandable pieces. 

UC Davis FST Graduates Develop Allergen-free Ice Cream Zann Gates

Most people love eating a scoop of ice cream, but it’s not a treat that everyone can enjoy. A group of students who studied in the Department of Food Science and Technology created an innovative frozen dessert that is free of dairy, nuts and soy, making it something that people who have food allergies can savor.

FST Alumnus Martin Yan donates archive to UC Davis Zann Gates
World-renowned celebrity chef Martin Yan’s collection of nearly 3,000 cookbooks, his first wok, thousands of photographs and other media will be the main ingredients in an archive to be established in his name at the University of California, Davis,