ASEV is pleased to announce the 2018 Extension Distinction Award recipient, Dr. Patty Skinkis of Oregon State University, Corvallis. Her presentation, Engaging Industry Citizen Scientists to Address Fundamental Production Issues, will be given this June at the 69th National Conference in Monterey, California.

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.

This honor recognizes a current extension educator for outstanding contribution to an extension program or the advanced translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.