Fran Pontasch, officed at the Stephenville Research and Extension Center, is an Extension Associate with Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Fran serves as viticulture advisor to North Texas grape growers. Fran received a BS from TAMU's horticulture department, and began graduate studies with interest in Pierce's Disease. Fran completed her graduate studies at Sul Ross State University while working in West Texas Vineyards. For her thesis, Fran investigated potential host plants and leafhopper vectors in relation to the incidence of Pierce's Disease hot spots.

Fran joined Texas AgriLife Extension Service from USDA's rice breeding program in Beaumont, Texas. She served as liaison in the molecular genetics lab working on various national and local rice breeding projects and forensics.

Fran also spent 12 years in horticultural services both running her own business and consulting for others.