Beth Chang
Graduate Student/PhD Cornell University
Current Position: Enology Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, Winchester, VA
Role in VitisGen: Conducted research on grape flavor chemistry in wild and hybrid Vitis, as relates to the final wine quality.
“On a practical level, I learned that the relationship status between any grape cross would be, “it’s complicated”. In conducting selective breeding efforts in grapes, there needs to be a prioritization of desirable traits, because the introgression of certain attributes may result in the increase or introduction of less positive ones.”
“VitisGen introduced me to the field of accelerated plant breeding for more sustainable, high-quality specialty crops. In broad terms, I now have a lifelong passion for such efforts, and desire to continue supporting such projects. In my current role, I have used my knowledge of VitisGen’s aims, methods, and successes to promote similar efforts in the wine grape growing region that I currently serve. “
