Educational Philosophy: Changing your mind about what chocolate means

Education:
B.S. in Biology, Loyola University Chicago
B.A. in English, Loyola University Chicago
Ph.D. in Biology, University of Notre Dame

Career:
Professor, Southwestern University (current)
Current Research: Aquatic ecology (with molecular bent)

Chocolate Experience:
​Professor, Interdisciplinary chocolate classes since 2007
Invited participant, The Chocolate Conservatory, FCCI and Harvard University
Judge, Good Food Awards, Chocolate 2017
Judge, International Chocolate Awards, Americas Competition
Judge, International Chocolate Awards, World Finals
Speaker/Tasting Workshop, Art.Science.Gallery.com
Member, Fine Chocolate Industry Association
Supporter/Advocate, Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute (FCCI)
Invited Lectures (community, university and various organizations)
Published article about teaching evolution with chocolate

Presentations at Chocolate Festivals:
2018, Invited Speaker, New England Chocolate Festival
2018, 2017 & 2016 Invited Speaker, Dallas Chocolate Festival
2018, 2017, 2015, Speaker, Northwest Chocolate Festival

Presentations Topics:
Chocolate as a model for liberal arts education
Science of chocolate
Genetics 101 for chocolate enthusiasts
Future of genetic engineering in the chocolate industry

Chocolate Media Features:
University students learn about chocolate (7/16/17, Williamson Co. Sun)
A college course coated in chocolate (12/30/07, Houston Chronicle)

Chocolate Factories/Museums Visited:
​Askinosie Chocolate
Blommer Chocolate
Cacao Prieto
Creo Chocolate
Dandelion Chocolate
Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Indi Chocolate
Jacques Torres Chocostory
Manoa Chocolate
​Madre Chocolate
​Middlebury Chocolate
Palette de Bine
SRSLY Chocolate
Taza Chocolate
​TCHO Chocolate
Theo Chocolate
​Videri Chocolate

"Go To" Fine Chocolate Sources:
Cacao, Portland, Oregon
Chocolopolis, Seattle, Washington
The Meadow, NYC, NY
The Chocolate House, Washington DC
Central Market, Austin, TX
Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Barandcacoa (on-line)
Cocoa Runners (on-line)
Formaggio Kitchen (Cambridge, MA)
Direct from individual makers (in person or on-line)

A Few of My Chocolate Friends (& references - @Twitter or FB links):
Adrienne Dawn Newman (@MadameCocoa)
Dr. Carla Martin (@carladmartin), FCCI
Dr. and Chef Maricel Presilla (@MaricelPresilla)
Chloe Doutre-Roussel (@chloechocolat)
Steve DeVries
Aubry Lindley (@cacaoportland)
Bob Williamson (@SRSLYchocolate)
​Art Pollard (@AmanoChocolate)
Shawn Askinosie (Shawn)
Ben Rasmussen (@PotomacChoco)
Erin Andrews (@indichocolate)