Melis Cakirer is an InnoTech Sweet Goods Flavorist at dsm-firmenich, specializing in the creation of innovative flavors for sweet goods. With 19 years of experience, she has worked across sweet goods, beverages, oral care, and pharma, having previously held roles at Takasago and Colgate-Palmolive. Her background includes a deep specialization in high-protein and plant-based systems, and she collaborates with research teams to bring new flavor technologies to market. Melis holds an M.S. in Food Science and a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Pennsylvania State University. She is passionate about exploring raw materials and advancing the science of taste.