Making Connections and Confections: LSU Alum Pours her Heart into Teaching and Chocolatiering
May 22, 2025
— Video by Grant French and Callie Boyd
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Maram Khalaf grew up surrounded by the energy and excitement of LSU.
“There was always that hype around LSU and going there,” she said. “So, I went there with a bunch of my friends, and I decided to study biology.”
What began as a love for science and the pursuit of a biology degree transformed into a life of dual passions: teaching high school and running her own chocolate business.
“I love teaching high school students in Louisiana because I’m able to connect with them... build that relationship, but also be professional and get them to do their work,” Khalaf said. “Even with the kids that are a little bit tougher, I can joke with them but then also get them to do their work.”
Her teaching career began through LSU’s GeauxTeach STEM program. The program allows eligible students to receive two degrees in one, a bachelor's degree and secondary teaching certificate (grades 6-12), in only four years.
“I think for me, that was one of the highlights of my time at LSU was teaching at U High, which is right on LSU’s campus.”
— Photos by Eddy Perez and Katherine Seghers
“I think it’s important for LSU graduates to stay, invest their talents in Louisiana, because when you come to LSU, whether you are from LSU or not, you kind of get a grasp of that culture that we have in Louisiana, and you understand it more. It’s deep and rich, the culture that we have. And so, you would want to stay to help the next generation do better.”
— Maram Khalaf, LSU graduate, biology teacher and founder of Chocolate Bijoux
Today, she teaches gifted biology classes at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge. Khalaf’s enthusiasm for teaching is matched only by her creativity in the kitchen. During the pandemic, as her family’s favorite sweets started to run low, a new passion began to bloom—fueled by a craving and inspired by her mom.
“Chocolate Bijoux wouldn’t even be a thing if it wasn’t for my mom,” she said. “She loves chocolate so much. When COVID hit and her chocolate stash ran out, she wanted to learn (how to make it) and dragged me into it.”
That curiosity sparked a business that quickly gained attention for its handcrafted, locally-made treats.
“No one ever has said the chocolate has been bad,” Khalaf said. “It’s high-quality chocolate made right here in Louisiana—something you don’t come across too often."
To Khalaf, the process of making chocolate isn’t far from the precision required in the lab.
“Everything has to be done in a specific way.. It kind of runs the same way as science,” she said.
Today, she splits her time between her students and her growing chocolate brand—two very different worlds that bring her the same kind of joy.
“My favorite part about being a teacher and chocolatier is that you get to see someone being happy,” she said. “That light when people try chocolate for the first time—and the same when students understand something.”
It’s that response from others that keeps her moving and setting more goals.
“You’re not stuck in one career or one major forever,” Khalaf said. “You can teach and still do biology, still do chocolate, still be in healthcare... You can do anything as long as you try.”
For Khalaf, it all comes back to giving back to the place she’s always called home.
“I think it's important for LSU graduates to stay, invest their talents in Louisiana, because when you come to LSU, whether you are from LSU or not, you kind of get a grasp of that culture that we have in Louisiana, and you understand it more. It's deep and rich, the culture that we have. And so, you would want to stay to help the next generation do better,” she said.
Next Steps
Let LSU put you on a path to success! With 330+ undergraduate programs, 70 master's programs, and over 50 doctoral programs, we have a degree for you.