Student standing:  
4th-year undergraduate 

Degree/Focus/interest areas:  
Viticulture and Enology with a research focus  

Where are you from originally? 
Windsor, CA 

What brought you to UC Davis? 
I was always interested in the school when I was growing up because of the reputation it holds in the world of viticulture and enology. When it was time to apply, I looked into the Viticulture and Enology program even more. After visiting, the school was a good fit for me and provided an opportunity to pursue my passion for wine. 

What do you enjoy the most about studying in this program? 
Getting to learn about making wine, I get to learn everything I would like to about a subject matter I am passionate about. I have come to appreciate the connections and knowledge I have gained from peers and faculty.

Have you interned at a winery/vineyard management company?  If so, tell us about your experience. 

• Alexander Valley Vineyards:  
  I interned as a lab technician, completing harvest lab work, pre-bottling analysis, and wine stability trials. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work with many varietals from Sonoma and Mendocino County. 

• Korbel Champagne Cellars:  
  I began as a tasting room host but eventually progressed to working in the cellar, where I participated in a sparkling harvest. 

• Redwood Empire Vineyard Management:  
  I interned as a viticulture technician, focusing on vine stress and irrigation. In addition to managing picking crews and grower relations, I conducted berry analysis and performed pest/disease scouting. 

• Merriam Vineyards:  
  I interned as a Viticulture Technician/Lab Technician/Cellar hand. Merriam Vineyards is a small winery that concentrates on producing wines in the Russian River Valley. During harvest, I had the opportunity to engage in various tasks, which greatly contributed to my understanding of the winemaking decision-making process and the impact of each step on the final product. 

• Currently, I am working the 2023 harvest in the Oberholster Lab at UC Davis. I have been part of Dr. Oberholster's lab for two years, primarily involved in smoke taint experiments. This summer, I presented my project at ASEV and have started assisting other lab members with their experiments. 

What are your plans after you graduate?  
I have not fully decided. I am considering completing a master’s degree at UC Davis or I might go abroad to work a harvest. 

What is one unique thing about you? 
I am an Eagle Scout.