Patty Skinkis, professor and Extension viticulture specialist in the Department of Horticulture, has been confirmed as 2020-2021 president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV).

Skinkis will lead a 12-member board that oversees an organization composed of 1,600 professionals from wineries, vineyards and academic institutions and organizations from around the world.

“I am pleased to be serving as ASEV president during these trying times,” Skinkis said. “The challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis provide us with opportunities to change as a society and envision a new reality that may better serve the industry and the culture of scientific exchange long-term.”

A faculty member at OSU since 2007, Skinkis develops and delivers research information and educational outreach materials for the commercial winegrape industry in Oregon. As part of her viticulture program at OSU, she conducts applied research that impacts the commercial winegrape industry and contributes to the broader knowledge of grapevine physiology and vineyard sustainability. She teaches an upper-division viticulture course in the Department of Horticulture.

A highlight of her outreach efforts is building community between industry members and researchers through technical groups allowing information exchange to drive research and innovations.

Her awards and honors include ASEV’s Extension Distinction Award (2018), Visionary Horticulturist Award from the American Society of Horticulture Science (ASHS) eXtension Working Group (2014),  Outstanding Service Award by the Oregon Wine Board (2011), Savery Young Faculty Award from OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences (2010), Search for Excellence Award from the OSU Extension Association (2009), and the Shining Star Award by Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (2008).

She received her bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2002, and her doctorate in horticulture from Purdue University in 2006. She has been a member of ASEV since 2005.

She’s served as an associate editor for the American Journal of Enology & Viticulture and Catalyst, Oregon Wine Symposium planning committee member; and National Viticulture & Enology Extension Leadership Working Group member.

ASEV publishes the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and the Catalyst: Discovery into Practice.

~ Chris Branam

August 06, 2020