Debbie Inglis, director of Brock's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), has been recognized with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce's award for excellence in science, technology and innovation at its annual Women in Business luncheon.

Debbie Inglis, director of Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), has been recognized with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce‘s award for excellence in science, technology and innovation at its annual Women in Business luncheon.

The award celebrates the achievements of women whose business and community contributions have made a significant difference in Niagara. Inglis, who received the award at a June 13 luncheon, said she was honoured and surprised to be recognized. She said she accepted the award on behalf of her team at CCOVI, noting the collective effort required to have a positive impact through research on the region’s grape and wine industry.

“I’m very fortunate at Brock to be encouraged in my job to think outside the box, be creative and innovative, and work to break down barriers that prevent progress,” Inglis said at the presentation.

Besides being CCOVI’s director, Inglis is one of its core researchers and is also a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a biochemist, her research focuses on topics of economic importance to Ontario’s grape and wine industry.

These include creating signature styles for appassimento and sparkling wines to grow the Ontario wine market share, reducing fermentation stresses during ice wine production, biochemistry-based approaches to improving wine flavour in premium wine production, and adaptation strategies to erratic weather events and changing climate.