Publications
Andres Zhou Tsang


Biography
I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. I studied a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the Complutense University of Madrid where my initial interest was in genetic engineering. During the final year of my degree I inclined towards wine science as it is a more integrative discipline where the aim is to produce a product that people enjoy. While I was finishing my biology degree I took complementary courses in wine tasting and wine microbiology. I also engaged in internships as a laboratory assistant at the Madrid Institute of Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), where I worked on monitoring the spread of Xylella fastidiosa and performed vinification trials on local minority grape varieties (those whose wines are not found in the usual shops… yet) Later, I studied a Master’s degree in Biotechnology at the Autonomous University of Madrid and I developed my MSc thesis on salt tolerance in wild grapevines with rootstock breeding potential, working with the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP UPM-INIA). As I wanted to continue my career overseas, I searched for positions in viticultural and oenological research in different countries with strong and innovative wine sectors. While having a look at the amazing wine science in Australia I got in contact with the professor Matthew Gilliham and had the opportunity to apply for a PhD position at the ARC Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, and join his laboratory.