Dr. Carmen Licon is the 2024 Daphne Zepos Teaching Award Recipient

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - July 31, 2024 - PRLog -- The Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment (DZTE) announced the recipient of its annual $6,800 Daphne Zepos Teaching Award (DZTA) scholarship to dairy science and technology professional  Dr. Carmen Licon at the American Cheese Society conference in Buffalo, NY. She is the eleventh recipient of the award since it was established in 2012. Carmen will spend the next year traveling and researching the European dairy vocational systems that are part of the professional development programs in France and Italy with a goal of developing a similar program that can be utilized throughout the United States.

"I am honored to receive this scholarship and I can't wait to start the project. I am so blessed to be part of this incredible industry," Licon said.

"There have been times when I've wondered how our recipients will be able to complete their project and achieve the goals stated in their vision. With Carmen as our 2024 recipient, I do not have that concern at all. I'm excited for her to share her research ," said DZTE executive director, Rachel Juhl.

About Dr. Carmen Licon

Dr. Carmen Licon is a seasoned professional with a rich background in dairy products. In August 2023, she assumed the role of Director at CalPoly's Dairy Products Technology Center, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise.

Her journey in academia commenced in October 2017 when she joined the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at Fresno State as an Assistant Professor for Food Processing and Engineering. With a remarkable blend of academic achievements, research, and a commitment to advancing the dairy industry, Dr. Licon is a distinguished leader and advocate for excellence in dairy product technology.

About the Organization

The Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment (DZTE) aims to grow a team of cheese professionals who teach about the history, culture and techniques in making, aging and selling cheese. Each year recipients are chosen to learn about cheese after receiving the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award (DZTA). The recipients share their learnings with the cheese community the following year. The Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Learn more at http://dzte.org/

Further help always available at info@dzta.org.

About Daphne

Daphne Zepos was one of the most outspoken, insightful and dynamic advocates for the cause of traditional cheese here in the U.S. and around the world. Daphne played a prominent role in nearly every major cheese event in the U.S. and Europe. She lectured, moderated, and presented at the American Cheese Society's Annual Conference. She taught at Slow Food's bi-annual Cheese in Bra, Italy, and at courses throughout the country, including the Cheese School of San Francisco and Zingerman's in Ann Arbor.