1. What is your position at Oregon State University/OWRI?
I am an Associate professor and Horticultural Entomologist at Oregon State University in the Department of Horticulture, and a Core member of the Oregon Wine Research Institute.
2. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Working with growers, and students and being able to solve problems through discovery.
3. When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
Spending time with my family. We try to get out as often as possible in order to enjoy the mountains and hiking trials. When I get the opportunity I love to do some mountain biking.
4. What inspired you to choose your career path?
I grew up in a farming family. I’ve always had the desire to be involved in farming because of this. Farming is of course problem solving and multidimensional. My current job is very similar.
5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When doing any job it is about serving people, not yourself. Excellence is important when serving.
6. Which three people (living or dead) would you invite to dinner?
Nelson Mandela, Ernest Shackleton, Erica Walton, my wife.
7. What is your vision for the future of your research?
To serve the industry and help them solve problems and improve their daily life.
