From Wine Server to PhD: Massive Leaps in Wine

Your favourite wine enthusiast’s journey from pouring tips into wine purchases to earning a PhD isn’t what you’d expect from a typical wine bar server. The surprising twists and turns in Jennifer Kelly’s wine-making career will leave you eager to learn more about the untold possibilities in the wine industry. 

I really love attending conferences with fellow wine academics because we get a sense of the research that’s going on everywhere and like it’s happening everywhere. – Jennifer Kelly

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how someone can go from having a part-time job at the LCBO to obtaining a PhD in wine science.
• Understand why passion is so important when it comes to making a career choice.
• Discover the enriching opportunities available for gaining hands-on experience in global wine-making.
• Learn why applied science studies in the academic world of wine-making can be so satisfying. 

Jennifer Kelly is an accomplished wine enthusiast and seasoned researcher with a strong background in wine science and viticulture. Hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jennifer’s journey began with small roles at a wine bar and the LCBO, which served as the catalyst for her profound interest in wine and its intricate processes. She gained experience in international harvest work which helped her understand and appreciate different winemaking cultures. Jennifer’s academic pursuits culminated in the attainment of a PhD, specializing in the impact of yeast on sugar levels and flavors in wine. Now, she not only gets to continue her research in wine-making techniques but she also get to help and mentor local and international students. 

Connect with Jennifer Kelly: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kelly-aba763174/
• Email: jkelly@brocku.ca