Patty Skinkis: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Patty Skinkis, Associate Professor of Viticulture, and Extension Specialist of at Oregon State University’s Oregon Wine Research Institute. In this interview, Patty discusses how she started out studying horticulture, but late developed a passion for viticulture. She also discusses how she ended up in Oregon, and her role in the Oregon Wine Research Institute. She goes on to discuss what specifically she does for the Extension program, as well as her involvement in the Oregon Wine Industry. Patty also speaks about the current research she is conducting, as well as her academic side of life which she very much enjoys. Towards the end, Patty talks about the challenges to her job, as well as how it is being one of the few women in this industry, and how grateful she feels to be a mentor for many women looking to be a part of the industry. She concludes with talking about future projects for the OWRI, and her hopes for the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Oregon State University on March 1, 2019.