We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Qun (Kristy) Sun
Title: Assistant professor
Department: Viticulture and Enology
Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Cornell University

How long you have worked at Fresno State: four years

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? My research focuses on improving the quality of grapes and wines in the San Joaquin Valley. My team collaborated with the University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisors, George Zhuang and Dr. Karl Lund for a three-year study, “Evaluation of Interactive Effects of Mechanical Leafing and Deficit Irrigation on Berry Composition and Wine Chemistry of Vitis Vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon in the San Joaquin Valley.” We found that moderate water deficit and mechanical leafing may reduce labor cost and improve grape and wine quality while maintaining yield, and improving the profitability of San Joaquin Valley wine grape and wine production. It is estimated that it could save labor cost by $300/acre and save water by 12% respectively and bring an additional $100/ton in income for San Joaquin Valley growers. Last year, I joined the California Water Institute, and I was fortunate to work with outstanding researchers from different disciplines to address San Joaquin Valley water issues.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? Grape and wine industry is one of the biggest businesses in California. The hard work, courage, and creativity of the first generation of pioneers always inspire me. The grape and wine industry in San Joaquin Valley is facing many challenges under climate change and labor shortages. As a researcher, I can work with other industry partners and academic scholars to address these issues. As a teacher, I can train future viticulturist and winemakers. All makes me work hard with passion.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job? During the COVID-19 pandemic, our department and research center initiated “Meet with Alumni” series. I worked with our two student clubs: Enology Society and Viticulture Club and hosted the event weekly on Zoom. It opened doors to our students and really meant a lot for them during the pandemic. Alumni from different wine regions shared their career path, life experience and gave valuable suggestions to our students. Some alumni are willing to be a mentor to continue to support students and some even provided internship opportunities. This is really motivating for our students. It was my most recent memorable moment when I saw students build confidence for their future and enjoy their learning.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style? Last spring semester, Dr. Monique Bell from the Craig School and I worked together on an interdisciplinary learning project between enology and marketing students. Students themselves became instructors. They built teams, routinely met and discussed their teaching topics through Zoom. For two weeks, enology students taught marketing students how to make different styles of wine (red wine, white wine, rosé wine and sweet wine), and marketing students taught enology students basic wine marketing and promoting strategies. I am very proud of them since it was challenging for them to work together virtually during the pandemic. At the end of semester, enology students were able to create their own wine labels, print them on wine bottles and share with their family. The project not only made students love their major more and strengthened what they learned in the class, but also improved their presentation and communication skills. In my class, I try my best to create a fun, safe and productive learning environment. Students feel a strong sense of belonging. They are very happy to come to my class, ask questions and are enthusiastic about what they have learned.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? I like nature and hiking. My husband and I usually take our two daughters hiking over the weekends. We enjoy spring wildflower blossom in the Valley and beautiful views in the mountains and our nearby national parks.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? I was once a women's 100m and 4x100m relay champion when I was in college. That is a wonderful memory for me.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked? I love Upstate New York where I studied and lived for years. But relocating to California's Central Valley was a great move for me and my family. I love Fresno State. I enjoy working with our wonderful faculty and staff to make our campus better and better.