The Department of Horticultural Science is thrilled to welcome Dr. Soon Li Teh as the newest faculty member in Grape Breeding and Enology!
Dr. Teh received his PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Minnesota in 2018, where his work integrated genomics and metabolomics in characterizing genetic and biochemical resistance to grape powdery mildew.
After graduation, he joined Washington State University as a postdoctoral researcher, and subsequently, as a research assistant professor. In the past five years, he led the WSU pear rootstock breeding program to breed dwarfing Pyrus rootstocks. He also assisted the WSU apple breeding program and pioneered data-driven discoveries through nondestructive tools, postharvest fruit quality, and statistical modeling.
Dr. Teh regularly interacts with growers and industry partners through stakeholder meetings, Extension events, and public field days. He believes in creating meaningful impacts through intentional understanding of growers’ concerns.
In his new role, Dr. Teh will focus on developing high quality cold-hardy wine and table grapes to benefit growers in Minnesota and the broader cold-climate regions. Additionally, he has a teaching appointment starting in the Fall of 2024, where he will teach HORT 1031 (Vines and Wines: Introduction to Viticulture and Enology).
Dr. Teh will begin his appointment as the Assistant Professor in Grape Breeding and Enology on September 30th, 2023. Please join us in giving Dr. Teh a warm welcome back to campus!