Flavor Chemist | Food Scientist | Writer

I’m Courtney G. Beckett, better known as Court Be—a foodie by nature, food scientist by education, and flavor chemist by trade. Born and raised in New Jersey, I’ve carried my East Coast grit and curiosity across the country to Southern California, where I now work as an Associate Savory Flavorist.

My food journey began with a boxed cake mix in my Granny’s kitchen at age six, and twelve years later continued that journey at Virginia Tech, where I earned my B.S. in Food Science & Technology. With flavor in mind, I chose to further my education at the University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign, where I completed my M.S. in Food Science & Human Nutrition with a focus on flavor chemistry. Today, I explore the molecules, reactions, and sensory stories that transform raw ingredients into unforgettable taste experiences, bridging the science and art of flavor creation.

But my story isn’t only about science — I am a mentor, coach, and storyteller. For six years, I coached girls’ basketball, teaching teamwork, resilience, and confidence. I’ve led food science workshops for students of all ages, partnering with various schools and organizations such as 4H, Boys and Girls Club, and Girl Scouts, to educate and turn curiosity into hands-on discovery. That same spirit of connection carries into my personal life, where I love hosting family and friends— experimenting with new recipes, teaching cake decorating, or simply gathering around the table to share a meal.   

I also extend that storytelling beyond the kitchen through “A Journey to Flavor”, my blog and creative outlet where I share insights, experiments, and reflections on food, flavor, and lifestyle. My goal is to demystify the world of flavor chemistry while weaving in culture, creativity, and personal legacy.

At my core, I’m a multi-hyphenate: a scientist, creator, educator, and connector. Each role feeds into the others, shaping how I think, build, and evolve. For me, flavor isn’t just what I study or create, it’s what connects us, shapes our experiences, and accompanies us through this journey of life.

Welcome to my journey of flavor — explore, connect, and stay inspired!