We are pleased to announce that Dr. Maria Smith will begin a new appointment in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science this February! She will serve as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice with a focus in Viticulture.
Dr. Doug Karcher, Chair of Horticulture and Crop Science, shared, “Maria has spent many years leading viticulture extension in Ohio, building deep trust with our grape and wine producers through her expertise, enthusiasm, and remarkable ability to translate science into practical solutions. She has already hit the ground running on our Wooster campus, engaging in collaborative research projects that strengthen our statewide program and position us to tackle emerging challenges in vineyard sustainability and subsequent wine quality. With Maria joining our faculty alongside new enologist and fermentation specialist Dr. Cristobal Onetto and enology extension specialist Dr. Lisa Dunlap, the future of Ohio State’s grape and wine programs is exceptionally bright”.
Dr. Smith earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture from The Pennsylvania State University, following an M.S. in the same field from Cornell University and a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
A member of our department since August 2018, she previously served as our Viticulture Outreach Specialist. In that role, she provided vital consultations, event programming, and resources for all aspects of commercial grape production. As a statewide specialist, she collaborated with colleagues across Horticulture and Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, the Ohio State South Centers, and AARS Kingsville to deliver comprehensive Extension support for the Ohio grape industry.
We are excited for Dr. Smith to take this next step in her career and continue to grow as a viticulturist! She is hitting the ground running with new research focused on improving vineyard sustainability and enhancing wine quality. Fortunately, she spared a minute to share her perspective on this new chapter...
What are you most looking forward to about this next step in your career?
I most look forward to continuing to serve all of our wonderful Ohio grape stakeholders through developing innovative and cooperative research-based extension programming. I am also excited for the opportunity to forge a bright future with our new research and extension enology colleagues to build a comprehensive team that bridges all facets of the grape and wine industry.
Could you give us an overview of the rough career path that brought you to this new role?
My path was not straightforward. I began my career at Virginia Commonwealth University in biology and chemistry, with a focus on pre-med studies. An intro plant biology course piqued my interest in all the cool ways plants had evolved to cope with stresses related to being sessile organisms. This led me to seeking undergraduate research in VCU’s plant molecular genetics lab. From there, I developed a desire for having application and outlet of basic plant research.
This led me to pursue graduate studies in Horticulture at Cornell University, where I would meet my future advisor, Dr. Michela Centinari, who was a post-doc in my MS advisor’s, Dr. Taryn Bauerle's, root physiology lab. Our mutual interest in ways that basic physiology research can inform practical management lead me to working with Dr. Centinari in a viticulture PhD at Penn State using a full-process investigation from grapes to wine to sensory to practical adoption.
I knew during to my PhD that I wanted to work hands-on with growers. Looking for viticulture jobs in the Eastern US brought me to Ohio State, where I have been working in a 100% viticulture extension capacity since 2018. With a new appointment that incorporates 10% research, I have the ability to integrate more research to solve pressing issues for Ohio grape producers.
What initially sparked your interest in viticulture?
A convergence of multiple things during a pivotal time in my early 20s drove my interest in viticulture, from my first memorable wine bottle on my 21st birthday (2005 Trimbach Frederic Emile Riesling) to investigating the grape ripening process while reading manuscripts for undergraduate research to being immersed in Finger Lakes vineyards and wine during my time in Ithaca. All these had a profound effect on shaping that interest.
Dr. Bauerle’s lab was comprised of individuals who worked in different subject areas related to root biology. I was fortunate to have lab mates who worked in viticulture application. They were seminal to introducing me to many of the viticulture and enology students at Cornell at the time. It was refreshing to see the collaborative community built in the discipline, and that was encouraging and welcoming for someone like me who otherwise had no connection. I gravitated towards the academic community that grapes and wines have. It is truly unlike any other.
What are a few highlights of your career so far?
Whenever I have been asked “what is the best part of viticulture extension?”, I will always say, “receiving the grower phone call in November that it was the best vintage yet”. I strive for all grape growers to feel that sense of satisfaction when the season ends, and the “best season ever” becomes immortalized in a bottle of wine. Seeing growers achieve their goals will always be my proudest professional accomplishment.
Could you briefly touch on some of your initial plans for your 1st year in this role?
I am wrapping up one large extension project currently, the publication of the 2nd Edition Midwest Grape Production Guide. I plan to work closely with our enology colleagues and AARS to ensure that we have a strategic plan for grape plantings at Wooster and Kingsville that serves our collective future purposes, since grape plantings are a long-term commitment. I am working with regional colleagues on viticulture project proposals that will drive some of this planning process.
What are you most excited about seeing happen in HCS this year?
I am happy to see a future where we can build a multi-faceted program that includes many cooperators in HCS. I am also excited to have a full and lively Gourley Hall in Wooster.
What’s your favorite industry conference?
I look forward to seeing the whole industry together each year at our Ohio Grape and Wine Conference in Dublin, OH (coming up Feb 15-17, 2026). My favorite academic conference will always be ASEV-Eastern Section. That meeting is like an educational family reunion every year.
Do you currently have any industry international involvement?
Yes, I was fortunate to connect with some wonderful German and Italian researchers at the 2025 Giesco meeting in Geisenheim, Germany. That has led to some great partnerships and opportunities for establishing trials on new cultivars and rootstocks here in Ohio. We have also had the privilege to get to know and visit with some great Spanish colleagues in the Sprayer Technology field, too.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
In an alternate life, I would have been an arborist. I love all things trees and can usually be found communing among them hiking with my dog, rock climbing, or trail running in their native setting. I appreciate well-cultivated trees at arboretums and gardens, too. I also love sharing a good meal with family and friends. Recommendations for favorite recipes, dishes, and restaurants are always welcome.
We’re thrilled Dr. Smith is continuing her journey within Ohio’s thriving viticulture community. Please join us in congratulating her on this next chapter!