Mr Andrew O'Brien
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
College of Science
Andrew is a PhD Candidate at Adelaide University in the field of Wine Science. His research investigates how the environment in and around vineyards can influence aroma and flavour profile of wines - an example of the concept of terroir. With a particular focus on the adoption of sustainable vineyard managment practices, he is exploring the feasibility of novel vineyard cover crops, which may be able to improve vineyard health, but could also affect wine aroma and flavour. Andrew has a stong interest in all facets of viticulture and oenology, as well as the use of advanced analytical instrumentation (including GC-MS/MS, HPLC-MS/MS, HPLC-QToF-MS) to explore and profile wines and other products.
Before commencing his PhD, Andrew worked alongside Dr Dimitra Capone at Adelaide Analytical (Adelaide University) on a number of projects since 2023, utilising various analytical techniques. This has given him experience in many aspects of analytical chemistry, from method development to quantification, accross many different pieces of instrumentation. After completing his Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Double Chemistry Major) in 2023, Andrew graduated with First class Honours in Wine Science in 2024.
Andrew's research explores the potential for aerial transfer of volatile aroma compounds, from the environment surrounding a vineyard onto grapes, which may have an impact on the aroma and flavour of wine. With a view to adopt sustainable vineyard management practices, and employ novel vineyard cover crops to improve vineyard health (in soil chemistry, biodiversity, and broader environmental health), their potential to affect wine aroma and flavour must be investigated.
Leveraging his background in organic and inorganic chemistry, and his experience in analytical chemistry, as well as his wine industry experience, Andrew hopes to be able to determine the suitability of a range of potentially valuable and beneficial vineyard cover crops.
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Award | Dr Tony Jordan OAM Award | Wine Australia | Australia | - |
| 2025 | Scholarship | Charles John Everard Scholarship | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2025 | Scholarship | Wine Australia PhD Top-up Scholarship | Wine Australia | Australia | - |
| 2024 | Scholarship | Ian Cocks Memorial Wine Research Scholarship | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - 2024 | University of Adelaide | Australia | Honours of Bachelor of Science |
| 2020 - 2023 | University of Adelaide | Australia | Bachelor of Science (Advanced) |
2025 Wine Australia PhD Top-up Scholarship
2025 Adelaide University (University of Adelaide) Elizabeth MacMeikan Trust
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