Cannabis Sciences 2021

Aaditya Aeron is a LIMS Implementation Expert with CloudLIMS.com. He has worked with laboratories across the globe and specializes in understanding a laboratory's workflow requirements and assisting them with a LIMS' implementation and configuration to automate their unique laboratory workflow. With a strong inclination towards understanding and researching how the cannabis testing and consumption market is evolving globally, he collaborates with his clients, partners, and end-users to see through and contribute across all shades of the Cannabis industry. Earlier in his career, Aeron has worked in industries like Event Management, Hospitality, and E-commerce catering to the American and Southeast Asian markets.

Dr. Anu Anand is a board certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ("PM&R").  Dr. Anand practices in Pittsburgh in her own private practice managing patients in skilled nursing facilities and acute care settings. She is also on staff at Encompass Rehab Hospital. Prior to this she worked in private practice in outpatient clinics as well as acute inpatient rehab. Dr. Anand was part of a PM&R medical practice in Queens, New York, before her move to Pittsburgh.

Dr. Anand’s experience comprises various specialties of PM&R, including EMGs, spasticity control with Botox injections and Baclofen pump refills, and pain management with joint and trigger point injections. Dr. Anand is also proficient with prosthetics and orthotics as well as ultrasound for diagnosis and injections.

Dr. Anand completed her residency in PM&R at Nassau University Medical Center in New York as well as a one year general surgery internship at Montefoire Medical Center in New York. Dr. Anand is a graduate of AUC Medical School, and received degrees in Biology and Economics from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Anand has been a contributing author to multiple PM&R books and publications.  She is Pennsylvania state approved medical marijuana provider, has certification in migraine management with Botox, and has a certification from the American Academy of Brain Injury Specialist. Her practice focuses on helping patients achieve their best possible physical function and obtaining the best quality of life.

In recent years Dr. Anand has developed an interest in alternative pain management due to the opioid epidemic. She has been an approved PA medical marijuana provider and recently started her own line of science backed CBD products based on research and patient feed back in her pain management clinic.

Dr. Susan Audino is a chemist/chemometrician and independent consultant (S.Audino & Associates, LLC)  to chemical and biological laboratories.  She is an Analytical Chemist and chemometrician.   As a contractor for Accreditation Bodies, Dr. Audino assesses laboratories to and is an instructor for multiple ISO/IEC standards including ISO/IEC 17025.  Dr. Audino is on the Board of Directors of the Center for Research on Environmental Medicine and Board of Associates of Hood College. She is highly visible in the cannabis industry where she is a recognized leader for the development of official/consensus test methods and quality in cannabis laboratory science. She has been a member of technical expert review and advisory panels, currently serves as the Science Advisor to the AOAC International Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP),  advises several cannabis testing laboratories, private and non-profit cannabis organizations, and recently joined the Analytical Cannabis Editorial Advisory Board. Dr. Audino has chaired the AOAC cannabis advisory panel and analytical cannabis working groups, was a member of the NCIA Guide for Laboratory Testing, has consulted to many organizations including regulatory bodies, and has been an invited speaker at numerous domestic and international scientific conferences. She has been on faculty at Teachable Medicine where she now serves as an advisor.  Dr. Audino is principal of multiple independent companies, has several patents pending and is a contributing author to Cannabis Laboratory Fundamentals to by published by Springer-Nature in early 2021.

Carly Barone is currently the Laboratory Manager for Bia Diagnostics’ Chemistry Laboratory located in Colchester, Vermont. She received her Ph.D. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from the University of Rhode Island where her research was focused on the use of phytochemicals to combat parasitic diseases. She also completed her post-doctoral fellowship with the United States Department of Agriculture where she continued this research to encompass the use of terpenes. Dr. Barone now oversees cannabis testing at Bia Diagnostics’ Chemistry Laboratory where she directs all analytical testing and method development.

Kirsten Blake is the Vice President at Emerald Scientific, developer of The Emerald Test™ ILC/PT which was the first international inter-laboratory proficiency testing program for cannabis analytics. Emerald Scientific is also a distributor of cannabis-related scientific supplies including reference materials, chemicals, reagents, and instrumentation providing insight into industry trends, requirements, and areas for improvement. Kirsten holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Technology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo which drives her to look for improved production and workflow technologies. With 25 years of sales and customer service experience, she builds lasting relationships with both customers and suppliers by providing exceptional personalized service while working with industry experts to create solutions to the cannabis industry’s challenges. For over 5 years, Kirsten has been working with the cannabis analytical community and various proficiency testing providers to understand the needs of the industry and deliver relevant proficiency testing products to this market.

Mark is the CEO of MC Squared Enterprises Inc (MC2) an independent consulting firm with in-depth expertise in business, technology development and deployment.  MC2 works with companies and organizations that are focused on improving public health.

Mark has extensive international business and technical experience. He recently served as COO of Matrix Sciences as well as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development where he was responsible for Matrix Sciences M&A activity. Mark previously held positions as CEO of QCL and Corporate Vice-President of R&D at Merieux Nutrisciences a global life sciences company.

Mark has experience in various technical, quality and business functions and is an active member of IFT, IAFP, AOAC and ASM (American Society for Microbiology). He serves on the AOAC Expert Review Panel for Food and Environmental Methods.

Mark has served on the advisory boards of the food science and nutrition departments at both Cornell and Tuskegee University. He also spent time on the board of S.T.O.P. an advocacy group dedicated to serving those affected by foodborne illness.

Mark is a graduate of University of Georgia with a B.S. in Microbiology and also holds an M.S.A. from Columbus State University. He is also a registered clinical and public health microbiologist (RM AAM) with the American Academy of Microbiologists. He has extensive training in statistics, epidemiology, and diagnostic development.

Renee Delauter is an Accreditation Officer at American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and has worked with the Association since September 2019. She supports the day-to-day operations of accreditation by assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining accreditation in the chemical and biological fields of testing.  Renee predominately works with cannabis testing laboratories and serves as the deputy for A2LA’s cannabis program. She is an approved ISO/IEC 17025:2017 management system assessor.  Renee also serves on the AOAC CASP working group. Renee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Public Health from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia in 2017.

Dr. Dhanabalan is a highly respected and educated physician and known to most as Dr Uma. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with High Honors from Rutgers University and her Medical Degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry in Newark, New Jersey.  She completed her Family Practice Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, South Carolina. She has her Master’s in Public Health and completed her Occupational & Environmental Medicine Residency and Fellowship in Heavy Metals at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She is a Diplomat in Cannabinoid Medicine Certified by the American Academy of as a Cannabinoid Medicine, and a Medical Review Officer Certified by  Medical Review Officer Certification Council. She has received awards from the American College of Occupational & Environmental Medicine for her research project: “Occupational & Environmental Exposure to Lead in South India”; from The 7th World Ayurveda Conference & Arogya Expo for her presentation “Cannabis & The Therapeutic Uses" ; The Educational Achievement Award presented by Clover Leaf at Cannabis Business Award 2017; Award from High Times Inaugural Female 50 and Harvard T.H.Chan School Of Public Health, Lighting Talk Presenter – Misinfodemic - “Cannabis The Exit Drug”™ Dr Uma is the Founder/CEO for Global Health & Hygiene Solutions, LLC established in 2006, with a mission to promote wellness and prevent illness.  She is an educator, advocate, activist and  speaks globally. She created the model TotalHealthCareTHC and runs an Independent Clinic at Uplifting Health & Wellness. where  she “Educates, Embraces, Empowers” her patients and public about preventive health and safe effective alternatives including cannabis as a plant medicine. Her mission is to change the Stigma regarding Cannabis and for the world to know about the Endocannabinoid system through education. Dr Uma Says®, “Cannabis is not for everyone, yet it should be a first line option not the last resort” ™ “Cannabis is entrance to a better quality of life; it is an exit drug from pharmaceuticals, narcotics, alcohol and nicotine.”™  “Safety first, Do No Harm.”™ “Cannabis The Exit Drug®”

Bonni Goldstein, MD is the Medical Director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education, a California-based medical practice devoted to educating patients about the use of cannabis for serious and chronic medical conditions.  After years of working in the specialty of Pediatric Emergency medicine, she developed an interest in the science of medical cannabis after witnessing its beneficial effects in an ill friend.  Over the last 13 years she has evaluated thousands of patients for use of medical cannabis and is recognized as an expert in the clinical application of cannabis therapeutics.  She has a special interest in treating children with intractable epilepsy, autism, cancer and other conditions. Her latest book, “Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain” was published in September 2020 by Little, Brown Spark.

With over 20 years of experience in eco-sustainable cannabis farming, and as developer of an industry-leading cannabis agricultural operation, Tim Gordon is considered a premier cannabis authority worldwide. He serves as a board member of the US Hemp Growers Association and the Hemp Industries Association. He has been interviewed, quoted and featured in US and international news programs, magazines and periodicals. Tim is also a highly requested speaker, having presented to faculty and staff at national universities, manufacturers and retailers at world industry conferences, and at healthcare symposiums where he educates on the legality, efficacy, and clinical benefits of cannabis, cannabis farming, and the soil ecosystem associated with the cannabis plant. Tim Gordon has the honor of serving the cannabis industry as the following:

*Chief Science Officer at Functional Remedies

*Creative Opportunity Advisor at Impello Bioscience

*Director of Cannabis Science and Research at Element 7

*Board of Directors, HIA.  Hemp Industries Association

*Board of Directors, USHGA.  US Hemp Growers Association

*Cannabis Committee Board Member, AHPA.  American Herbal Products Association

Shawn obtained Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Chemistry, and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Minnesota studying supercritical fluid separation theory, and adult education. Shawn Joined Waters Corporation in 2015 as a product development and applications chemist in the SFx separations product development and marketing group. Considered a subject matter expert in applications and systems utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent, Shawn consulted with internal and external stakeholders on systems research and design, product development, and applications utilizing CO2-based technology. In 2019 Shawn joined Deutsche Process as Chief Scientific Officer and was involved with new product research and development and scientific evaluation of new and existing technology for implementation in emerging markets. In 2020 Shawn joined Ionization Labs, a Green Ocean Sciences Company, as Chief Scientific Officer. Ionization Labs is a life sciences solutions and software provider. Shawn blends his background in analytical and industrial systems development, natural products application research, and new product research, development, and marketing to deliver robust, innovative, and intuitive application and software solutions in support of new and emerging markets. He collaborates with the business and software development teams to support and manage new product research, development, and marketing of Ionization Lab’s flagship cannabis potency testing solution, Cann-ID, as well as supports the science team in Ionization Lab’s commercial ISO 17025:2017 accredited cannabinoid testing laboratory.

Sheldon Lotspeich is a logistics entrepreneur who has been creating products, expanding the boundaries of the cannabis market, redefining quality standards, establishing white market practices for auxiliary cannabis organizations, connecting teams, and innovating supply chain solutions since 2010. During a foundational education in International Business and Logistics from the California Maritime Academy he honed his skills in coordinating goods along multi-mode transportation paths, mastering exacting documentation processes, and navigating goods successfully across borders. After college, he excelled in various logistics and operations positions with The Pasha Group, Military Sealift Command, and Ports America where he executed and led successful supply chain operations transporting goods ranging from ammunition to frozen goods, from windmill blades to Chinook helicopters. Following an invitation from his brother Lejen Lotspeich to join him in entrepreneurism, Sheldon left the maritime logistics industry to use his supply chain management skills in the cannabis-adjacent industry of chemical adsorbents and solvents. Sheldon’s attention to value carries effects beyond initial quantitative measures to include qualitative markers such as company culture, loyalty, perception, trust, and goodwill. He believes that quality isn’t created by titles or the authority of how well a company is established, but is built by measured, thoughtful, and consistent attention at the inception of creation. Carbon Chemistry’s motto is, “we believe in improving lives by providing for others.”

Mr. May brings more than 25 years of cannabis and genomics experience to Endocanna Health. A pioneer in the medical cannabis industry, May has been instrumental in shaping the current legislation and culture. He has held past positions as President of the Cannabis Action Network and ​Board Member and Lifetime Member of California Cannabis Association. May is the current chair of the CBDIA science board, and is a ​stakeholder in some of the industry’s most iconic brands. His areas of expertise include the workings of the E​ ndocannabinoid system and how genetic expression plays a role in human experiences. A​ s a Certified Medical Cannabis Specialist in Medicinal Genomics, May has an in-depth knowledge of genomics, cannabinoids and terpenes, and their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. As well, he holds a Masters of Medical Cannabis and a certificate in Endocannabinoid Formulation from the Institute for the Advancement of Integrative Medicine. Mr. May is an accomplished public speaker having presented on these topics on some of the world’s most prestigious stages in his mission to help educate the population about the healing powers of cannabis. A published author “ Making Cannabis Personal” and the host of the popular “Everything is Personal” podcast.

Kevin is the CSO and Founder of Medicinal Genomics and has pioneered the genomics of cannabis and hemp to build a stronger scientific environment (Kannapedia.net) for the study of cannabis based therapeutics and blockchain technologies for tracking and verifying cannabis genetics. Previously, Kevin was the CSO of Courtagen Life Sciences, Inc., and was Vice President and Director of R&D of Life Technologies where he managed the development of Life Technologies next generation SOLiD sequencing technology. Integral to the SOLiD R&D process, Kevin oversaw over 100 research collaborations exploring the new biological frontiers with next generation sequencing and saw particular excitement and traction in human tumor sequencing. Kevin initiated an R&D project to investigate chemFET semiconductor based DNA sequencing and spearheaded a process to acquire the DNA sequencing company Ion Torrent for $350M. These collaborations resulted in hundreds of publications and 7 Journal covers from Science Translational Medicine to Nature.

Kevin was the President and CSO of Agencourt Personal Genomics, a startup company he co-founded in 2005 to invent revolutionary sequencing technologies that dropped the cost of sequencing a human genome from $300M to $3,000; a 100,000-fold improvement in sequencing speed and cost in a few years. In 2000, Kevin Co-Founded Agencourt Biosciences Corporation and acted as the CSO until it was acquired by Beckman Coulter. Kevin also managed the R&D for the Human Genome Project at Whitehead Institute/MIT resulting in several patents for nucleic acid purification. Kevin holds a B.S. in Biology from Emory University with a focus on cloning and expressing Norepinephrine Transporters.  When not decoding DNA and unraveling the mysteries of cannabis medicine, Kevin enjoy boating, skiing, and gardening.

John Mills is a Senior Staff Scientist in the Industry Scientific Affairs division of bioMérieux, Inc, and has been with bioMérieux for 24 years. John has worked in Food Safety for the majority of that time. John is currently responsible for support and application activities in St. Louis involving the TEMPO, VIDAS, Gene-Up, VITEK 2 Compact, and VITEK MS systems. John has a significant amount of experience with Quality Indicator testing, Pathogen testing and identification of bacteria and yeasts. John also works extensively with AOAC, NCIMS, and Health Canada regarding the approval and validation of bioMérieux products. John is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and a Masters of Natural Science.

Developer and provider of ISO 17025 Management Systems to over 1,000 labs worldwide. 25 years of experience in the field of testing, ISO 17025, standards development, product safety and performance specifications, measurement, uncertainty, and calibration. Two years developing solutions specifically tailored for the Cannabis lab industry. John is a licensed professional engineer and an expert in laboratory operations and management. John holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Management.

Dr. Paszko is the Sr. Vice President at Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc. a LIMS, laboratory automation and informatics firm. She is an innovative, customer-centric leader with strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate well with both technical and sales teams. She received her undergraduate degree in Medical Technology (MT ASCP), with a minor in Microbiology from the State University of New York @ Buffalo. Her graduate studies were conducted at the University of Maryland in Molecular Microbiology with an emphasis in infectious diseases and informatics. Her unique career combines a Ph.D. with 20+ years of experience in working in laboratories and leveraging data management tools, LIMS and automation. These tools enhance data quality, facilitate regulatory compliance, increase productivity, and the ability better manage laboratory data and information. She has co-authored a book on LIMS, and authored over 5 dozen scientific, LIMS and informatics articles in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Paszko has been helping analytical testing laboratories understand regulatory compliance requirements (ISO 17025), leverage LIMS and automation to increase productivity, throughput and profitability. This approach has helped customers to outperform competitors with best in class Laboratory Information Management Systems Technology, Automation, Systems Integration to offer insights into laboratory and business intelligence.

Christopher Pauli is a molecular, cellular, and developmental biologist, who’s specialized in genomics, genetics, and transcriptomics of Cannabis and other non-model organisms. He has published eight peer-reviewed articles and has developed intellectual property that provides genetic tests and breeding applications of various cannabinoid synthase gene paralogs. His more recent focuses have been on understanding the underlying genetics of hermaphroditism and secondary metabolite production in Cannabis, specifically predicting the accumulation of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.  Christopher has worked in the Cannabis Research Industry for over 5 years and has grown and bred Cannabis since 2012. He’s worked with renowned researchers including Nolan Kane’s Laboratory, Cannabis Genomic Research Initiative, Agricultural Genomics Foundation, The Institute of Cannabis Research, Steep Hill’s Research and Development Team, and most recently with Front Range Biosciences’ Research and Development Team. At Front Range Biosciences, Christopher and his colleagues have published over 55 identified terpene synthase genes, which provides the basis of understanding needed to predict a given terpene profile. Additionally, Christopher works with both the bioinformatics and breeding teams at Front Range Biosciences to apply our scientific discoveries into breeding applications that let us develop new genetic combinations with our marker assisted breeding.

Dr. Eberhardt Kuhn is the Marketing Manager for Food and Consumer Products at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments.   He is a renowned chromatographer with over 30 years of experience in this field at companies like Restek, Agilent, and Bio-Rad.  Dr. Kuhn has presented talks at conferences and events in over 30 countries.  His expertise is the field of chromatographic separations, column chemistry, and scientific instrumental analysis of food, including determination and identification of contaminants, like pesticides or heavy metals, food quality, e.g., fusel alcohols in alcoholic beverages, and analytical method development, e.g., antibiotics in honey and acrylamide in fried foods.  His recent interests include food contamination from Food Contact Materials, such as PFAS, and detection of food adulteration and confirmation of food authenticity.

Jamie York is an Applications Chemist at Restek Corporation in the LC Solutions department, where she works on the development of novel applications for the food, clinical, and cannabis markets. She earned her PhD in chemistry from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2019. There, she mastered many analytical techniques including gas chromatography–vacuum ultraviolet; gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization; and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry with a focus on food and environmental research. Jamie continued her post-doctoral work at The University of Texas at Arlington with a focus on the analysis of mammalian cell culture media by LC-MS/MS.