About
THE CHEF BEHIND
THE RESEARCH.
THE RESEARCHER
BEHIND THE PLATE.
Dr. Syerra L. Donaldson, professionally known as Dr. Chef Sy, brings together culinary arts, psychology, social work, research, culture, and community. Her work explores the powerful relationship between food, behavior, emotional wellness, and the experiences that shape how we eat. Through her doctoral research, she developed the Culinary Healing Model, a culturally informed approach that uses food, storytelling, mindfulness, and community connection to help people understand not only what they eat, but why they eat it. Today, Dr. Chef Sy brings this work beyond academia through speaking, culinary experiences, educational content, community programming, and partnerships, all rooted in the belief that healing has a seat at the table.
WHERE FOOD, PSYCHOLOGY, CULTURE & HEALING MEET.
Dr. Chef Sy’s work exists at the intersection of culinary arts, psychology, social work, culture, and community. From the kitchen to the stage, she transforms research into experiences that help people better understand their relationship with food, behavior, and emotional wellness.
WHAT MAKES DR. CHEF SY DIFFERENT
Chef. Researcher. Mental health professional. Educator. Dr. Chef Sy brings these worlds together to create a different kind of conversation around food, culture, behavior, and healing.
