Michael Lankin has extensive experience in the aroma and fragrance industry, currently serving as Vice President of Aroma Ingredients at Takasago International Corporation since 1997, where previous roles included Account Manager and Director of R&D, focusing on the development of new aroma ingredients, flavor materials, and sensates. Prior to joining Takasago, Michael worked as a Chemist at Alteon Inc from 1994 to 1997, conducting drug discovery and development for Type II Diabetes, and served as a Scientist at the United States Department of Agriculture from 1992 to 1994, specializing in peptide preparation and purification. Michael also consulted for Enzymatics in 1992, developing a specific benzoquinone for cholesterol determination. Michael holds a PhD in Chemistry and a BS in Chemistry, both from Temple University.