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?
My undergraduate degree was in biochemistry, and I had always thought I would pursue a career in research. After graduating, I worked a harvest in eastern Washington to try something new and loved it. Afterwards, I switched over to the biotech industry in Seattle before deciding that I preferred winemaking. I applied to UC Davis and haven't looked back!
What do you enjoy the most about studying in this program?
The UC Davis V&E program has an amazing sense of community and shared passion. I love that everyone, from the students to the faculty, is invested in helping one another succeed. Networking is an integral part of the wine industry, and this program provides ample opportunities to connect with the industry and gain a deeper understanding of viticulture and enology, allowing students to be set up for successful careers upon graduation. My friends and peers truly make this experience special, and I feel lucky to have met such a welcoming group of individuals. I am hoping to give some of that back this year as the president of Women+ in Wine.
Have you interned at a winery/vineyard management company? If so, tell us about your experience.
I have worked two harvests in two states: the Columbia Valley in WA and the Sonoma Valley in CA. My first harvest was split between Columbia and Hogue wineries in eastern Washington and is the reason I am still in the industry today. I was part of a relatively large team with a small intern group and consequently, was able to experience many aspects of cellar work. The team was patient and always excited to demonstrate new skills, providing a safe learning environment. I just completed my second harvest at Hamel with the opposite staffing composition–a small full-time staff and a large intern class. However, this experience was just as valuable, with a diverse set of experiences and unique winemaking strategies to learn from. In both harvests, winemakers took the time to taste with other interns and me, and answer any questions I had, exemplifying the generous and collaborative nature of the wine industry.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate, I am currently planning to work a couple more harvests (perhaps abroad!) to continue to practice my skills and increase my repertoire of winemaking techniques. As the industry increases its focus on viticulture, I would also like to grow my experience in this area to better understand how the vineyard impacts the wine and how we can more broadly implement sustainable vineyard practices. Ultimately, I aspire to be a winemaker; my other interests include community engagement and finding new ways to reach young consumers.
What is one unique thing about you?
I fence foil. I picked up the hobby/sport while living in Seattle (It's never too late to try something new!). I also wear a lot of print tees and own three from a local Issaquah fair called Salmon Days.