Elias Fournier
Founder & Head Instructor
Chicago, IL·4.9rating·3,200students
About
Sourdough FundamentalsFermentation Science
My name is Elias Fournier, and I have spent more than 20 years dedicated to the craft of traditional sourdough baking. Born and raised in France, I learned early that great bread begins with patience, respect for fermentation, and understanding your ingredients. I founded Certified Sourdough Academy in 2021 to bring structured, science-backed sourdough education to home bakers everywhere. My personal motto has always been: "Knowledge is power but only when applied, so get your hands dirty!"
Credentials
- Certified Bread Baker (CBB)
- Former Software Engineer turned Baker
- Featured in Bon Appétit & Food52
- 2,000+ loaves baked
Courses Taught
Baguettes & French Techniques
Authentic French baguette techniques
4 weeks1 lessons
$139
4.8
Sourdough Pastries & Lamination
Lamination and pastry with sourdough
7 weeks1 lessons
$99
4.8
Fermentation Science Deep Dive
The science behind sourdough fermentation
6 weeks1 lessons
$129
4.9
Student Testimonials
Nov 2025
“The fermentation science course was a complete revelation. After struggling with dense loaves for months, the instructor's teaching style broke down the chemistry in a way that finally clicked. I opened my cottage bakery within 8 months.”
Lena Crawford
Certified Graduate
Sourdough Fundamentals
Portland, OR
Sep 2025
“I bake with my kids every weekend now thanks to this course. The pacing is perfect — I never felt lost or overwhelmed, even as a complete beginner.”
Daniel Reyes
Stay-at-Home Dad
Sourdough Fundamentals
Austin, TX
Jan 2026
“The Troubleshooting Your Starter module alone was worth the entire enrollment. I now recommend sourdough to my nutrition clients with real authority.”
Aisha Khan
Nutritionist
Troubleshooting Your Starter
Chicago, IL
Dec 2025
“As an engineer, I loved the scientific rigor behind the fermentation deep dive. Understanding the pH and temperature dynamics changed everything about my process.”
Tom Harrison
Retired Engineer
Fermentation Science Deep Dive
Seattle, WA
Feb 2026
“My blog traffic doubled after I started applying the advanced fermentation timing techniques from the academy. My readers noticed the difference immediately.”
Priya Sharma
Food Blogger
Fermentation Science Deep Dive
Chicago, IL
Ready to Learn from Elias?
Enroll in one of their courses and start your sourdough journey today.