Misha Vandal
Angwin
Summary
Winemaking professional with solid foundation in vineyard operations and wine production, ready to contribute to dynamic team. Known for meticulous attention to detail in fermentation and aging processes, ensuring superior wine quality. Reliable team player with strong focus on collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving production needs.
Knowledgeable agronomist with proven background in consulting, delivering strategic insights and effective solutions to clients. Successfully led multiple projects, enhancing operational efficiency and driving business growth. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving and client relationship management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Microbial Consultant - Soil Ecology/ Microbial Ecology/product sales
Microbial Consultant
11.2023 - Current
- Collect soil samples for DNA assessments to determine microbial activity and potential pathogens
- Analyze data generated from DNA results
- Complete report on soil health and microbial communities
- Make recommendations for regenerative farming based on culturing a more desirable soil microbiome
- Determine products currently used by clients that harm the soil ecology, and fine suitable replacements
- Viticulture support to increase fruit quality and ensure premium wine is achieved
- Managed sales of numerous microbial based inputs
Winemaking Team
Plumpjack
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Worked directly with industry leading winemakers
- Sample and test both red and white wine in all stages of fermentation and aging
- Identify pitfalls and potential areas of complications in both SOPs and viticulture practices
- Handle all additions, inoculations and yeast cultures
- Identify fermentation problem sources and issues related to stuck fermentations and undesirable biology
- Safeguarded wine quality by managing barrel inventory, including cleaning, sanitizing, filling, stacking, topping off, and sampling finished products.
Director of Agriculture / Business
Lucy Gulch LLC
01.2017 - 02.2024
- Directly managed the successful licensing, compliance and completion of the agricultural permitting process
- Oversaw the development and launch of our estate brand and associated processing and manufacturing
- Ensured health of crops at all stages of the crop life cycle and met strict California standards for testing
- Managed up to 15 harvest staffers and 8 full time employees
- Successfully negotiated several large procurement and sales contracts
- Reduced costs of production by over 50% over a three year time period while increasing quality using sustainable methods
- Well versed in all areas of small business management, particularly in resource management, budget creation/implementation, and finding/creating niche markets to attain sales
Lab Technician
Humboldt State University
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Performed various laboratory experiments for Dr
- Zhong's research on intracellular microbes in tick hosts using PCR and vector cloning
- Successfully extracted DNA, developed primers for DNA extraction, used primers for amplification
- Analyzed and presented data from experiments to Dr
- Zhong and professors within the Biology department
Education
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
California Polytechnic
Arcata, Ca12.2014
Skills
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
- Future-Oriented Planning
- Standard Operating Procedure Development
- Advanced Excel Proficiency
- Soil management
- Budget Management
- Commitment to Learning
- Demonstrated Hand-Eye Coordination Skills
- Quality Control Assessment
- Fermentation Quality Control
- Proficient in Blending Methods
Accomplishments
- BS Microbiology, 05/01/14
- Achieved complete licensure of agricultural farm
- Identified Multiple emerging pathogens in viticulture, with one particularly concerning Cab-Sauv specific fungi.
- OSHA 30 Certified
Publications
The Rickettsia Endosymbiont of Ixodes pacificus Contains All the Genes of De Novo Folate Biosynthesis, Hunter DJ, Torkelson JL, Bodnar J, Mortazavi B, Laurent T, et al., PLOS ONE, 10, 12, e0144552, 12/01/15, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0144552
Certification
- OSHA Certified
- Forklift Operator Certification - Various Accredited Organizations.
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Outdoor Recreation
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Food Tourism
Timeline
Winemaking Team
Plumpjack
01.2024 - 12.2024
Microbial Consultant - Soil Ecology/ Microbial Ecology/product sales
Microbial Consultant
11.2023 - Current
Director of Agriculture / Business
Lucy Gulch LLC
01.2017 - 02.2024
Lab Technician
Humboldt State University
01.2014 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
California Polytechnic
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