Richard DeMaria joined the faculty of Johnson & Wales University in 1993, and was the recipient of the 1994 Outstanding First Year Teacher Award. He has taught Introduction to Pastry and Baking and Introduction to Bread and Rolls and his personal specialties include wedding cakes, decorative breads, and Italian pastries. While teaching for a year at the University’s practicum properties, he was selected as Best Instructor each term.Prior to joining the Johnson & Wales teaching staff, DeMaria worked in the wholesale baking supply business for many years. DeMaria has participated in the regional competitions for the World Baking Cup Team USA and received a gold medal from the Societé Culinaire Philanthropique at the 1995 International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show. He is a member of Progressive Baker, the Bread Bakers Guild, and the Retail Baking Association.