Jeremy Scheck: From Self-Made Content Creator to Master’s Student in Food Science
A New Chapter
Jeremy Scheck ’22 has transitioned from a successful career as a self-employed content creator to being a full-time graduate student at Cornell University, starting with an 8 a.m. chemistry lecture. With a notable background in social media, Scheck has gathered over 2.3 million followers for his viral recipes and food content. He is also the author of the cookbook Cooking Smarter: Friendly Recipes with a Side of Science, which has sold over 15,000 copies, blending simple recipes with the chemistry of cooking.
Passion for Food
Scheck’s love for food began in high school while working at a local bakery. This led him to create “After School Bakery,” a blog focused on food science. His discussions about ingredient comparisons highlighted his early interest and set the stage for his academic efforts. Corners of his blog included informative posts about the protein content in flour and its effects on baking.
Cornell Calling
Cornell University stood out to Scheck since it was the first college he visited. He was drawn to its renowned food science and agricultural programs. After applying early decision, he enrolled in the food science major.
Academic Evolution
As an undergraduate, Scheck’s blog evolved into “Collegetown Kitchen,” which shared accessible recipes aimed at college students. He shifted his academic focus from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to the College of Arts and Sciences, double majoring in Spanish and Italian while continuing his food science education. This interdisciplinary approach informed his content creation throughout his college years.
Content Creation Success
During the pandemic, Scheck transitioned from blogging to short-form videos on TikTok, leading to substantial success; one video garnered 12 million views. His social media fame allowed him to pursue content creation full-time, while drawing upon his rich educational background.
Master’s Program and Future Aspirations
Having graduated, Scheck is now pursuing a Master’s in Food Science at Cornell. This one-year, STEM-designated program emphasizes professional development in agriculture, life sciences, and global development. His goal is to delve into product development and effectively communicate scientific information to consumers.
Gaining Perspective
Scheck reflects on his journey, noting that his prior experiences have enriched his academic pursuits. He believes that waiting to return to Cornell has provided him with a deeper appreciation of his studies. “It gives you a lot more perspective when you’ve had a little bit of a change,” he elaborates, highlighting his gratitude for the experiences that have shaped him.
About the Author
Rafaela Gandolfo Bustamante is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and serves as a senior writer for the news department. You can reach her at rgandolfobustamante@cornellsun.com.
