DAVIS, Calif., April 24, 2018…Viticulture Extension Specialist and Oregon State University (OSU) Associate Professor Dr. Patty Skinkis has been confirmed as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) 2018 Extension Distinction Award recipient. This honor recognizes a current extension educator for outstanding contributions to an extension program or the advanced translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists. Dr. Skinkis will be presenting “Engaging Industry Citizen Scientists to Address Fundamental Production Issues” at the 69^th National Conference on June 20, 2018. 

Dr. Skinkis provides statewide outreach and education programming for the Oregon winegrape industry, conducts applied viticulture research and teaches upper division courses in viticulture and horticulture production. Her research program focuses on whole plant physiology studies designed to understand vine vigor, and the physiology of vine balance and its impact on fruit composition and wine quality. She also conducts research on bud fruitfulness, yield management, fine-tuning canopy management methods, sustainable viticulture production and understanding production factors that drive implementation of various practices. As an extension specialist, she develops educational programs and technical publications for the Oregon industry. Her outreach efforts include bringing industry members together in technical groups to exchange information and employs an engaged model of research where industry citizen scientists work together with the university to conduct long-term yield management research.

Dr. Skinkis received her doctorate in horticulture from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She is currently involved in national extension efforts through eXtension and ASEV, where she serves as a board director and associate editor of the Society’s journals.

Learn more about Dr. Skinkis’s extension model presentation at the ASEV National Conference taking place on June 18-21 in Monterey, California. Her presentation is one of several discussions featuring the latest research, techniques and tools in enology and viticulture. The conference also features practical industry seminars, student flash talks, a keynote presentation and a full-day Brettanomyces Symposium. Check the website for the schedule, and click here for registration.

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