Paolo Sabbatini is a faculty member in the MSU Department of Horticulture. He is the state viticulturist, with research and extension responsibilities for MSU.

Annemiek Schilder is a Small Fruit Pathologist in MSU's Department of Plant Pathology. She is responsible for research, extension, and teaching in the area of diseases of small fruit crops (grapes, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, currants, and gooseberries). The goal of her research program is to diversify options for disease control in small fruit crops while improving fruit yield and quality. Her research efforts focus on elucidating pathogen biology and the conditions that promote disease, developing reliable methods for pathogen detection, evaluating the efficacy of cultural and biological control methods and reduced-risk fungicides, and developing sustainable integrated disease management programs.

Rufus Isaacs is the Small Fruit Entomology Specialist and a faculty member in the Department of Entomology at MSU. His research addresses the biology, behavior, and ecology of insects in small fruit crops, and his applied work aims to develop effective insect pest management programs for growers of these crops. He is actively pursuing improved strategies for management of the grape berry moth, and is studying vine tolerance to feeding by foliar herbivores. On-farm research is emphasized as the best way to learn the real-world pest challenges that growers face, and because this is the best venue to evaluate the efficacy of proposed pest management advances.

Paul Jenkins serves as the Grape & Wine Integrator at Michigan State University. Paul's primary responsibilities are to provide leadership for coordinating statewide Extension and outreach efforts for grape production and enology education, working with Extension educators, specialists, faculty, and industry partners.

Nikki Rothwell is the District Horticulturist and Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station. She works with winegrape growers, addressing the research priorities of the northwest industry.

Tom Smith is the Acting Associate Director for the Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT). Tom's major responsibilities are developing and enhancing Community College Partnerships to collaboratively offer IAT Certificate programs at the local level. Part of this effor includes developing new program areas to meet the specific social, economic and education needs of the local community.

Tom Zabadal is the Coordinator of the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center. He is a horticultural specialist in grapes and a faculty member in the Department of Horticulture at MSU.

MSU Extension Educators

Duke Elsner is an Extension Educator in Grand Traverse County and works with wine grape growers in Northwest Michigan.

Diane Brown is an Extension Educator in Berrien County and works with juice grape and wine grape growers in Southwest Michigan.

MSU IPM Program

Joy Landis is assistant coordinator and communications manager of the MSU IPM Program. Joy works with faculty specialists and Extension Educators on several publications for fruit growers.