Courtney Lasky Fake
About Courtney Lasky Fake
Courtney Lasky Fake is a Senior R&D Scientist in the Global Snacks Division at General Mills, based in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. She has extensive experience in food product development, research, and production, having worked in various roles at General Mills and the University of Minnesota.
Current Role at General Mills
Courtney Lasky Fake serves as a Senior R&D Scientist in the Global Snacks Division at General Mills, located in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. In this role, she focuses on advancing the company's snack product lines through innovative research and development initiatives. Her technical expertise in emulsions, starches, and protein systems positions her as a critical asset in the creation and improvement of snack products that meet consumer demands.
Previous Experience at General Mills
Courtney Lasky Fake has a solid history with General Mills, having worked there in various capacities before her current role. From 2015 to 2019, she was an R&D Scientist I & II in the Meals and Baking Division, responsible for developing and enhancing meal and baking solutions. Prior to that, she completed a two-month Research and Development Internship in 2014, which provided her with foundational industry experience right at the start of her career.
Educational Background in Food Science
Courtney holds both a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food Science from the University of Minnesota. Her academic training focused on food science and technology, equipping her with comprehensive knowledge and skills applicable to her roles in product development and research. Additionally, she completed a minor in French Language and Literature, showcasing a diverse range of interests and competencies.
Research and Development Internships
Courtney gained early career experience through multiple internships. In 2013, she was an R&D Product Excellence Intern at MOM Brands in Lakeville, Minnesota, where she spent three months honing her skills in product development. She also served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in various research labs at the University of Minnesota from 2010 to 2013, working under Dr. Baraem Ismail, Dr. Tonya Schoenfuss, and Dr. Marilyn Caroll. These roles helped build a strong foundation in research methodologies and techniques.
Skills and Expertise
Courtney has in-depth technical knowledge of emulsions, starches, and protein systems. Her analytical and problem-solving skills enable her to deliver innovative and profitable solutions for food product development. She is adept at working cross-functionally, often collaborating with different teams to secure necessary resources for complex projects. Her experience spans various aspects of food product development, research, and production, making her a versatile expert in the field.