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 Brewing?
Join the next generation of fermentation scientists and brewing innovators. Applications are now open for the upcoming cohort.