Taelie Kennedy

Biography

Taelie Kennedy is a driven and enthusiastic graduate food science student with a solid background in product development and sensory science. She is a participant of the BUILD Dairy program, and her thesis research involves investigating the incorporation of milk powders into chocolates and caramels, to create higher protein and lower added sugar options. She is very active in student product development competitions and has been honored to place as a finalist in two competitions and take home Grand Prize three years in a row in the IMPA competition! Her most recent success is as team captain for the IMPA competition, creating ChiaChill, and securing Grand Prize for Utah State. After graduation, Taelie would love to work in either product development, especially in the confectionery or snack industries, or in sensory and consumer science. Her long-term aspirations include improving accessibility to healthy food options for those with alternative dietary needs, addressing the food crisis, supporting small farms and farming communities, and establishing a scholarship fund for future food science students.