Meet the Team
People
Meet the founders, instructors, directors, and recruiters behind the
University of Oregon's Brewing Innovation Minor.
Lindsey Rubottom
Instructor & Lab Manager
Role
Brewing Innovation Instructor and Lab Manager
Favorite Beer?
I always come back to a crisp, refreshing pilsner — rooted in brewing's rich history, with a perfect balance of malt and noble hops.
Why Brewing & Innovation?
The constant evolution of ingredients and techniques blends artistry with science — beer is a medium full of endless possibilities.
Jim Hutchison
Co-Founder & Director
Role
Co-founder and Director of the Brewing Innovation Program
Favorite Beer?
If I had to pick one style, it's probably Helles — subtle but rich malt flavors just balanced by the bitterness of noble hops.
Why Brewing & Innovation?
Brewing is one of the ultimate creative processes — complex, unique, delicious flavors from just a handful of natural ingredients.
Nathan Jacobs
Co-Founder, Sr. Director
Role
Senior Director of Academic and Impact Programming, co-founder of the Brewing Innovation Program
Favorite Beer?
I'm always on the hunt for my next favorite — but I usually enjoy anything homebrewed over commercial beers.
Why Brewing & Innovation?
Brewing is a great platform for innovation — you can try an almost infinite variety of experiments quickly, and you always have users willing to give feedback.
Jenni Van Wyk
Student Recruiter & Advisor
Role
Student Recruiter and Advisor for the Knight Campus; helps coordinate progress through the Brewing Innovation Minor
Favorite Beer?
It depends on so many things — the time of year, what I'm eating, the weather, who I'm with, and my mood!
Why Brewing & Innovation?
My passion is with both the product and the people who make it. Every brewery has a different set of obstacles to overcome to make great beer.
Mark Blaine
Professor of Practice
Role
Professor of Practice in science communication; splits time between the Knight Campus and the School of Journalism and Communication
Favorite Beer?
Vienna lagers and märzens — very clean and simple ingredients with an added bit of darker malt.
Why Brewing & Innovation?
Brewing is rich with stories. How and why we drink the beer we do is often based on a narrative that blends science, history, and community.
Ready to Start Innovating?
Explore the Brewing Innovation Minor course sequence, learn more about the program by reading through our frequently asked questions and apply for the next cohort.