Clara Darling completed her undergraduate degree in Culinary Nutrition at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colorado, and she has worked in some of the best restaurants in Denver and Birmingham, Alabama. Since 2013, Darling has worked as a chef for First Descents, an organization serving young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Motivated by her work in the oncology community she returned to her home state to complete the Master of Science in nutrition and Dietetic Internship program at Samford University, with a focus on engaging local communities to promote better nutrition and sustainable practices. She was inspired by the unique blend of culinary arts and nutrition within Samford’s degree programs, and she is honored to return as faculty and Wellness Kitchen director. This position combines her own passion of culinary arts, nutrition and community service through teaching. In her free time, Darling enjoys cooking, traveling, being outdoors. 

 Degrees and Certificates

• MS, Nutrition, Samford University
• Dietetic Internship, Samford University
• BS, Culinary Nutrition, Johnson & Wales University
• AS, Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, Johnson & Wales University