Perfumer and User Experience Researcher Ethan Turner presents a comprehensive overview that brings together minds from across the fragrance industry to discuss and learn about how Artificial Intelligence will affect the olfactory industries. We’ll aim to cover 3 key questions:

• What is AI?
• How is AI used in olfaction?
• How can we ethically use AI in our work?

After this course you will leave feeling confident to begin researching ways to utilize several forms of AI in ethical ways, as well as having a better understanding of how to navigate the new AI infused environment of tomorrow.

There is a light writing assignment to inspire more critical thinking that will follow between each course.

No certificate or credentials will be awarded from this course.

This online class meets April 4, 11, 18, from 4pm to 5:30 pm PT.

Day 1: Introduction to AI – April 4 online

Many people hear the term Artificial Intelligence and some may be confused on what that actually means. Technology is moving fast, and the spread of AI continues to be projected to revolutionize all parts of every industry. So what is Artificial intelligence, and should we be concerned?

This is an introductory class for all that will go over the basics of what AI is, the history of AI, and the various types of AI that exist today. The class will include discussions, a writing assignment, and a chance to connect with other like-minded olfactory enthusiasts.

This is the first of a 3 part course covering how to use AI in olfaction, and the ethics of using it in today’s rapidly changing space.

Day 2: AI in Olfaction – April 11 online

As Artificial Intelligence affects industries ranging from Healthcare to Education, it’s hard not to wonder what AI will do to the Olfactive industry. How will it affect perfume making, research of olfactory technology, and most concerning our jobs?

In this class we will look at several ways AI has already impacted the industry, how it will continue to shift it, and how we can get ahead of these changes. The class will include discussions, a writing assignment, and a chance to connect with other like-minded olfactory enthusiasts.

This is the second class of a 3 part series covering how to use AI in olfaction, and the ethics of using it in today’s rapidly changing space.

Day 3: Ethics of AI – April 18 online

There are concerns about how AI is being used in today’s market, ranging from stealing formulas, to developing fragrance descriptions, and seeking to undermine competitors and partners throughout the supply chain.

In this class we will look at several ways you can use AI in an ethical manner, ways to address others who may be using it maliciously, and what ethics in a world integrated with AI will feel like.

The class will include discussions, a writing assignment, and a chance to connect with other like-minded olfactory enthusiasts. This is the final course of a 3 part series covering how to use AI in olfaction, and the ethics of using it in today’s rapidly changing space.

ABOUT ETHAN TURNER

Ethan Turner is an African-American Perfumer, Sommelier, and Principal User Experience Researcher. As a Researcher, he has worked on Artificial Intelligence (AI) devices such as Siri, Google Home, Alexa, ByteDance’s Algorithms for TikTok, Cortana, Facial recognition for iPhones, and various Medical devices.

With a lifelong interest in the olfactory sense, Turner began studying perfumery, wine, and olfaction at the age of 19. He graduated from Drake University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, and a second BA in Writing. During college he took courses in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management from Università Bocconi in Milan, Italy. Later, Turner was trained in perfumery at the French academy ISIPCA, and as a Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He manages 17 fragrance lines under his manufacturing label Maison Ethan Turner, and his work has been featured in publications such as Cuisine Noir, Perfumer & Flavorist, AskMen, among others.

In 2022, Ethan Turner was nominated for Best Designer, and was awarded Perfumer of the Year from the Golden Pineapple Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In 2023, as part of his membership in BlackPerfumers, he was a recipient of the Community Impact Award from the Institute of Art and Olfaction Awards.

He is launching his personal niche perfume line, Empyrean Parfums, in June 2024.