Dr. Jean Dodson Peterson is the Founding Department Chair for Department of Viticulture and Enology, Washington State University. Prior to coming to WSU, she was an Associate Professor of Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, in Viticulture and Enology with a minor in Managerial Economics. She continued at UC Davis, earning her M.S. and Ph.D. in Horticulture and Agronomy. At Cal Poly, she taught Basic Viticulture, Advanced Viticulture, Advanced Independent Study, Senior Project Research, and Thesis courses. She has been awarded the Panhellenic Award for Excellence in Education and the recipient of the Terrance Harris Award for Excellence in Mentorship. She also earned her Certification in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education. Her research program strives to advance the understanding of grapevine physiology, rootstock-scion interactions, rootstock selection, and vine performance factors. Her research mission is to execute innovative and inspiring research that advances the wine and viticulture industries and the scientific community. In her role as Founding Department Chair for Viticulture and Enology at WSU, her focus is centered on creating a dynamic and wholistic learning experience for students and shaping the new Department to benefit the state of Washington.