Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist and professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis, died Saturday after a long battle with cancer. She was 50.

Known as a dedicated educator, researcher, mentor and colleague, Oberholster joined UC Davis in 2011 with a background in both wine chemistry and sensory science. She was also charged with working with the industry in her role as a Cooperative Extension specialist supporting the thousands of wineries in California.