Katelyn Comerford
My name is Katelyn Comerford, I am a graduate of Drexel University’s Culinary Arts and Sciences program with a concentration in Food Science. My childhood love of cooking and curiosity into how things work, driven by my amazing high school Chemistry teacher lead me to Drexel’s unique program. While at Drexel I was able to explore many aspects of the food industry and fall in love with research and development. I have been able to practice and fine-tune my mind for innovation through my work at the Drexel Food Lab. During my senior project I was able to indulge my love of recipe writing and photography to create my own cookbook, containing 20 recipes that I hope to expand. Outside of class I enjoy photography, painting, reading, gardening, and hiking.
Skills
Professional Skills
- ServSafe certified 2016
- Knife Skills, Pastry Preparation, Culinary Math
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Acrobat Photoshop, Bridge, InDesign
Personal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Flexibility
- Team work
- Organization and Attention to Detail
- Creativity
Education
Experience
MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
- Showcase new ingredient technologies in chocolate and biscuit prototypes
- Leverage culinary knowledge to guide prototype formulation adhering to international nutritional regulations and guidelines
- Centralize formulations, and records of all prototypes
- Implemented a database for ingredients developed in lab
BOVELLA'S PASTRY SHOPPE
- Executed mixes with existing bakery recipes as specified
- Cut, shaped, and decorated cookies and pastries to standards set by management
- Followed all sanitary regulations while maintaining a clean, tidy workspace
DR. GORDON CHIU
- Prepare market research reports for current trends in alternative meat
- Compile data reports on potential ingredients and processes
DREXEL FOOD LAB
- Formulated sweet and savory recipes and products for 15 organizations
- Developed 25+ recipes for Cook for your Life, 4 of which have been published online to date
- Collaborated with other students and company employees for desired reformulations
SWARTHMORE COLLEGE
- Collected 1000+ vendor item data to onboard CBORD Fusion, and contacted vendors to receive missing data
- Cataloged and formatted 200+ menu item recipes to be standardized by sous chef
- Composed step-by-step training documents for other staff members based on CBORD training sessions attended
- Executed creation of content, photos, and captions for the launch of Dining’s first Instagram
- Created marketing materials for newly renovated café and assisted on bringing it back online
MONELL CHEMICAL SENSES
- Assembled research on sensory perception of oleocanthal in olive oil, and interactions with proteins
- Introduced recipes used as delivery mechanism for 10 different oils and protein combinations being evaluated
- Prepared 20 samples, weekly for sensory evaluation sessions
GET REAL, GET RAW
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures for granola production
- Produced 50 lb. batches of granola and modify recipe to obtain desired texture
- Packaged granola in 1 lb. bags for retail sales
Activities
Activities
- Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Honor Society
- Philly Chef Conference Volunteer
- Drexel Center for Food and Hospitality Management Open House Volunteer
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
- AJ Drexel Scholarship 2016 – Present
- Hans F. Dresel Scholarship 2018, 2019
Publications
Publications
Competitions
Drexel Hershey's Snackathon Competition
Hershey's ideation competition to brainstorm new ideas for new products. Participants spent the first day in ideation sessions with group members to brainstorm potential ideas for the proposed category. The second day was spent creating test samples for a panel of Hershey's employees. My group one first place for our creation.
Drexel Themed Franklin Fountain Ice Cream Contest
Franklin Fountain Hosts Drexel-Themed Ice Cream Contest. The second-place winner in the contest was “Blue(berry) and Gold,” a lemon buttermilk ice cream with a blueberry crumble created by culinary arts and science majors Bridget Heeney and Katelyn Comerford. Read More
Holiday Gingerbread Houses of Philly Landmarks
Drexel undergraduate students in the Culinary Arts & Science Program made gingerbread versions of Philly landmarks — Katelyn Comerford and Melissa Martin teamed up to create Eastern State Penitentiary — The holiday display showcase called “Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice” at the Logan Hotel in Center City. Read More
Photography
Photography
My food photography can be seen above in my cookbook. Below are a few of the other projects that I have worked on throughout my photography classes
Modern Religion
This photo essay explored places of worship in West Philadelphia to highlight the differences in places of worship.
Philadelphia Street Art
This photoessay explored places of worship in West Philadelphia to highlight the differences in places of worship.
What Lies Beyond the Fence
This project explores the sense of separation that fences can create.
300 Emerson Lane
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922