Spotted-Wing Drosophila Team wins PBESA award 

The Spotted-Wing Drosophila Team, led by UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emeritus Frank Zalom and Joanna Chiu, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, received the Entomology Team Work Award presented by the Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America.

Team members include Mark Bolda, UC Cooperative Extension strawberry and caneberry farm advisor for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties; postdoctoral researcher Christine Tubuloc of the Chiu lab; Andrew Molinar, production research manager of the California Strawberry Commission; and Hillary Thomas-Sanchez, research and technical director of Naturipe Berry Growers, Salinas. The team collaborates closely with UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors, researchers, growers and the berry industry.

See more at Kathy Keatley Garvey’s story at https://entomology.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-entomologists-colleagues-win-regional-awards.

ASEV honors Block for career achievements in wine research 

David E. Block, Ernest Gallo Endowed Chair in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, will receive the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Merit Award for 2026. 

The ASEV Merit Award is the society's highest honor, recognizing career achievements that significantly advance enology or viticulture through research, teaching, extension and service. 

With a joint appointment in chemical engineering, Block's research focuses on fermentation optimization and the metabolic engineering of yeast, bridging fundamental engineering principles with applied enology.

By applying chemical engineering principles to real-world winemaking challenges, Block has advanced fermentation management, process efficiency and yeast performance, helping translate rigorous science into practical tools wineries use every day.

"I've always believed that the most meaningful research solves real problems," said Block. "This recognition reflects the many students, colleagues and industry collaborators who have helped turn fundamental science into better tools and practices for winemakers."

"Dr. Block's career represents the very best of what ASEV seeks to recognize," said James Osborne, ASEV board president and Oregon State University professor. "He has strengthened the scientific foundation of fermentation while keeping his focus squarely on industry relevance, and his leadership has helped shape the next generation of wine scientists."

Block will be formally recognized at the 2026 ASEV National Conference in June in Boise, Idaho. 

Valliere joins Calflora Board of Directors

Justin Valliere, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis, has been named to the board of directors for the nonprofit Calflora Wild Plant Database. 

“We’re thrilled to have Justin’s expertise and passion helping guide Calflora’s work to support science-based conservation and stewardship across California,” the organization wrote in a news release.

Valliere, who specializes in ecological restoration and invasive plant management, said, "My motivation for joining the Calflora Board of Directors stems from a strong commitment to protecting California’s iconic flora and encouraging others to share in that stewardship.”

His research is driven by a lifelong fascination with plants and a deep commitment to conservation, with a focus on practical solutions to restore native ecosystems and strengthen land stewardship.

“I use Calflora for outreach, research planning, mapping invasive species and developing science-based recommendations,” he said. “I want to help ensure that the platform remains useful, accessible and responsive. I also believe deeply in Calflora's Mission and Vision."