The ASWA Wine Grape Productivity Tray has been awarded since 1984 to individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to sustainable growth and economic viability in the American wine industry. This includes professional consulting, innovation, research and knowledge, along with leadership and active support.

Kelly, who works as the Enology Extension Educator at Penn State, has been at her current position for eight years. She teaches microbiology, wine analysis, production and sanitation throughout Pennsylvania, and is currently working on the impact of the spotted lanternfly on wine quality.

“She conducts applied research including the presence of non-saccharomyces yeast on incoming fruit and its impact on wine volatile aromas,” the ASWA wrote in a media release announcing the award. “She is completing an on-line introduction to winemaking course for Penn State Extension. She leads numerous workshops and makes presentations at seminars and trade shows. Her work is meticulously researched and she is well-respected by the wine trade throughout the eastern states.”

Kelly started her career as a Biodefense Team microbiologist at the New York State Department of Health, and completed her PhD at Virginia Tech., then started working at Virginia Polytechnic Institute as an Enology Extension specialist. She was also an enology instructor and winemaker at Surry Community College in North Carolina.