Karen Block

Education: Ph.D., Pharmacology and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 1995. B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1986.

Employment: Director of Industry Relations, Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis, organize extension programs On Campus, On the Road, and virtual (Office Hours); attend various regional group meetings; communicate latest research and other information to stakeholders through email, newsletters, social media, and in-person meetings; and facilitate and host industry recruitment events for students, 2011-present. Senior Scientist, Scidera, Inc. (formerly MMI Genomics and Celera AgGen), Plant and Animal Genomics-Sequencing, Genotyping, and Assay Development, 2000-2011. Postdoctoral Researcher, UC Davis, Cloned and characterized subunits of the translation initiation factor eIF3, 1996-2000. Chemical Engineer, General Mills R & D, Big G Division (developed new breakfast cereals), 1987-1988.

ASEV Activities: ASEV member since 2011. ASEV Board Member (Director), 2022-2025. Technical Liaison Committee Member, 2016-present. Exhibitor Advisory Committee, Chair, 2022-present. Best Student Presentation Awards Committee, Chair, 2024, 2025. ASEV National Conference Enology Flash Talk Session Moderator 2023, 2024. Co-organize annual UC Davis Viticulture and Enology booth and reception (since 2012) at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium.

Other Activities: NGRA Extension and Outreach Committee member, 2019-present. Guest attendee at the research, education, and communication committee meetings for the Lodi Winegrape Commission, 2015-present. California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Green Medal Judging Panel, 2016, 2019-2023. Co-Instructor for VEN 170 (Wine Regulations class for UCD V&E Students), 2019-present.