Amyris
Michael Leavell began their career in 2003 as a Postdoctoral Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories. In 2004, they became a Project Scientist at UC Davis. In 2006, they joined Amyris Inc as a Scientist II, where they were responsible for the entire analytical facility. Michael then moved up the ranks at Amyris, becoming Associate Director of Analytical Science, Director of Analytical Science, Senior Director of Screening and Analytical Science, and Vice President of Research and Development. In these roles, they were responsible for the management of a team of 60 researchers, the development and execution of assays across Amyris, the creation of Quality Control and Quality Assurance departments, and the expansion of the Analytical Science department. Michael also instituted a performance excellence program across R&D, resulting in over $1M savings in two years.
Michael Leavell earned their B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Colorado Denver in 1996. Michael then went on to earn their Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003.