Today’s guest uses craft chocolate as a way to introduce people to a subject they might otherwise feel intimidated by: chemistry.

Professor Robyn Araiza teaches at California State University San Marcos. She leads a class called the Chemistry of Chocolate, which was first created by her colleague Dr. Jackie Trischman about a decade ago. The important thing about this class is that it’s not really intended for chemistry students. It’s a GE course for non-STEM majors.

I met Robyn through our mutual friend Jorge Torres. Jorge took Robyn’s class, and he’s been a long time listener and supporter of Bean to Barstool. Jorge reached out to me a while back to share his excitement about this class, and about the unexpected way Robyn’s research has overlapped with our interests here at Bean to Barstool: she ran a study a few years back looking at caffeine and theobromine levels in coffee and chocolate beers, respectively.

Robyn was kind enough to sit down with me to talk about her research, but primarily to discuss her innovative chemistry of chocolate class, and how chocolate and the sensory process can be used in an educational setting to make a complicated subject more approachable. We also hear from Jorge about his own experience as a student in the class.

Guests:

Robyn Araiza began her studies at CSU San Marcos (CSUSM) in the Literature
department but was inspired and mentored by CSUSM professors to eventually earn her B.S. in Chemistry and later, her Master of Science in Chemistry. She is currently a PhD student in Analytical Chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Schug at the University of Texas at Arlington, while on CSUSM teaching faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She is also a Science & Conservation Research Associate with the San Diego Botanic Garden, supervising scientists on SDBG medicinal plant research collaborations. As the CSTEM Mentoring and Outreach Fellow much of her time is also dedicated to mentorship, community education, and outreach. Her roles include being a Super STEM Saturday Coordinator, and Faculty Director of the CSTEM Professional Mentoring Program and Blueprints Peer Mentoring Program, focused on mentorship and career development for students in the program. Her passion for early childhood outreach has led to work with The Center for Research and Engagement in STEM Education as well as helping create STEM focused Girl Scout merit badges. She’s also teaches “Chemistry of Chocolate”, an upper division GE course that attracts 200+ students annually from every imaginable major. As a passionate advocate for equity in STEM, Robyn is committed to diversifying instructional strategies both inside and outside the classroom. She consistently seeks innovative ways to inspire students and share her enthusiasm for the sciences.

Jorge Torres is the associate producer of the Capital of Craft Podcast, a member of the San Diego Brewers Guild Education Committee, and a U.S. Navy Reservist. Passionate about community and storytelling, he serves the industry through writing and building meaningful connections. A San Diego native, he loves celebrating the people and history that shap

Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.

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In this bonus episode of Bean to Barstool, I reflect back on my recent trip to Mexico to judge at Copa Cerveza Mx and the great beer and chocolate I had while I was there, and discuss what I love about beer judging and what you should and shouldn't take away from beer award results.

The Copa Cerveza Mx awards list can be found here.

I also briefly talked about the upcoming Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival. You can listen to my full preview of the festival here.

Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.

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Sign up for host David Nilsen's beer newsletter for regular beer musings, and the Bean to Barstool newsletter for pairings, collaborations, and maker profiles.

The second annual Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival will take place in the beautiful small town of Rushville, Indiana, on November 21-22. The MCCF was brought to reality by Dustin Cornett, the owner of Chocolat Cafe and organizer of the Craft Chocolat Challenge, along with a talented team and the wonderful folks of Rushville.

For the second year, Bean to Barstool will have a booth in the vendor space selling my pairing book, cacao photography, and beer- and spirits-infused chocolate bars. I'll also be giving a talk on collaborations between craft chocolate makers and beverage alcohol producers, giving a short presentation about working with media, serving on a panel, and leading a ticketed tasting of beer- and spirits-infused chocolate. It'll be a busy weekend for us!

In this episode, I talk with organizer Barb Genuario, sponsor Cocoa Supply's CEO Leila Carvajal Erker, chocolate maker Tandy Peterson of Embers Chocolate, and educator London Coe of Peace on Fifth about what to expect at this year's fest and what makes this festival so unique.

You can access my guests' websites and social media at the following links:

Barb Genuario on Instagram

Cocoa Supply's website and Instagram

Embers Chocolate's website and Instagram

Peace on Fifth's website and Instagram

You can find all the information you'll need about the Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival and purchase tickets at the festival website. You can also follow the fest on their Instagram account. I'll be sharing a ticketing link for my tasting soon.

We hope to see you in Rushville in November!

Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.

Follow Bean to Barstool on social media!
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest

Sign up for host David Nilsen's beer newsletter for regular beer musings, and the Bean to Barstool newsletter for pairings, collaborations, and maker profiles.