The Smell Scientist Summary

The Smell Scientist, by Megan Gilbert shared a great deal of information about the "smell scientist" Avery Gilbert who is considered an expert on smells. In Gilbert's article she shares a few things such as the overview of work of smell, how science is applied to the marketplace, how she came across her career path, a disaster project and advice for students. Beginning with the overview of work, she shares the the natural elements of biology, chemistry, and psychology and how they are all very involved in the development of our sense of smell. The next section of the article mentions how science is completely immersed into the marketplace. Scientists have to use different methods of consumer research such as "scientific methods and marketplace knowhow" in order to make

Avery then came to realization that she wanted to focus her research on human smell and later became recruited by perfume companies. The next section of the article shares about a personal experience that Dr. Gilbert had when creating a fragrance for a new client which resulted in finishing the formula in the parking lot due to the overbearing foul smell. Lastly, Gilbert offers a piece of advice for student which essentially states that to be able to work in the smelling field it requires ones basic knowledge about psychology, biology, organic chemistry, experimental design, and statistics. Dr. Gilbert also shares that whether you are scientifically inclined or artistically inclined keep your options open.

I found the article by Avery Gilbert to be very informative and diverse. I have never thought about a smell scientist and how important their job is. This article has definitely shed light on a new perspective of scientists and has enlightened me about a very underrated career.

Dr. Gilbert mentioned how a human nose can detect the difference between two different types of mice that are similar genetically. I found that extremely interesting, and can see why