Earned a Bachelor of Science in Cannabis Chemistry from Lake Superior State University, one of the first ACS-accredited degrees of its kind in North America. The curriculum blended advanced organic chemistry with medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, instrumental analysis, molecular spectroscopy, and quantitative analysis.

Hands-on work also included organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, with applications in medicinal chemistry and cannabinoid transformation. Conducted acid-base cyclizations, retrosynthetic planning, TLC, isolation and purification, and crystallization techniques. Additional coursework in solvent recovery, hydrocarbon extraction, winterization, and distillation further supported a deep understanding of cannabis processing systems.

Independent research focused on the unexpected detection of PCTT polymer microleaching in regulated vape cartridges, a project now undergoing peer-reviewed submission. This work combined SEM, spectroscopy, and method disruption recovery to identify hidden safety threats in consumer hardware.

Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry:

• UHPLC-MS/MS (Agilent Ultivo) - Molecular structure confirmation

• UHPLC-TOF-MS (Agilent 6230B) - Molecular structure confirmation

• GC-MS (Agilent 5977B) - Volatile compound analysis

• GC-MS/MS (Agilent 7010B) - Pesticide analysis

• GC-FID/ECD (Agilent 8890) - Hydrocarbon analysis

• MPLC (Yamazen Akros SmartFlash) - Preparative purification

Elemental Analysis:

• ICP-MS (Agilent 7800) - Heavy metal analysis

• MP-AES (Agilent 4200) - Elemental composition analysis

• SEM-EDS (JEOL IT200LA) - Microscopy and particle analysis

• uXRF (Bruker M4 Tornado Plus) - Elemental mapping

Spectroscopy:

• FTIR-ATR (Agilent Cary 630) - Molecular structure confirmation

• NMR (Bruker Ascend Aeon 400 MHz) - Molecular structure elucidation

Completed a minor in Biochemistry to complement the cannabis chemistry major. Coursework covered enzymatic mechanisms, protein structure and function, biosynthetic pathways, and metabolic processes. The minor supported both plant growth and pharmacological understanding of cannabinoids at the molecular level, tying together plant chemistry with human biochemistry.

Earned certification in microscopy and microanalysis with direct training in stereomicroscopy, plane polarized light, epifluorescence, and SEM-based methods. These tools were integrated into active research workflows, especially in identifying and characterizing vape cartridge materials at both macro and micro scales. The certificate supported data validation through visual imaging, elemental mapping, and real-time sample tracking.

Led novel research uncovering polymer microplastic leaching in cannabis vape hardware, raising questions around consumer product safety. The project has drawn early interest from regulators and is expected to be published in peer-reviewed literature via ACS Omega.

Served as a Supplemental Instructor for Organic Chemistry classes, supporting 3 to 8 students weekly with concept reviews, problem solving, and exam preparation. Also acted as an undergraduate research assistant on multiple projects, including chiral chromatography for enantiomeric separation of cannabinoids and method re-creation of controversial winterization patents.

Played a pivotal leadership role as President of the Cannabis Studies Club, helping to secure over $50,000 in lab equipment donations and organizing events, guest speakers, and strategic partnerships. Aided in founding the LSSU chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and led campus-wide harm reduction efforts, including distribution of Narcan and substance test kits.

Appointed as the sole student body representative to the University Curriculum Committee, where I provided feedback on academic policy and program revisions. Elected VP of Political Action and University Development, where I led a successful resolution that resulted in a student-initiated vote of no confidence in a controversial interim university president. The resolution led to administrative changes, bringing forth institutional reform talks and long-term improvements in faculty relations and student advocacy.

Named to the Dean’s List five times, while balancing research, leadership, and frequent speaking or travel responsibilities; all while navigating chronic health challenges that periodically impacted attendance and lab access.

Held multiple elected and appointed student government positions, including VP of Political Action and University Development, Upperclassmen Representative, and Curriculum Committee appointee.

Advocated for and assisted with improving university marketing and brand awareness, greater academic transparency, and expanded collaboration between science and business programs.

Widely recognized by faculty and peers as a driving force in reshaping how cannabis students were perceived and supported on campus.

Efforts helped increase the legitimacy of the Cannabis Chemistry degree program across departments and positioned it as a model for other institutions navigating stigma, funding challenges, and industry alignment.