Extraction Manager

• May 2021 - Present

Responsible for extractions and purification processes in botanical drug development focused on innovative new therapies for depression, addiction, PTSD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Developed innovative extraction and post-harvest processes for various fungi and botanicals including but not limited to reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, Psilocybe sp., and caapi vine. Performed facility design activities, with respect to Extraction/Purification and shared areas, for three facilities with a focus on compliance with local and federal regulations and safety. Charged with hiring Extraction employees and ensuring all are fully trained on all quality and regulatory compliance documents and processes. Responsible for writing SOPs, batch records, controlled substance logs, and various control documents for compliance and quality. Determined equipment necessary for processes, as well as overseeing maintenance and repair of equipment said equipment. Show less

Product Development Manager

• Sep 2020 - May 2021

Independent Consultant

• Apr 2020 - Sep 2020

Consulting in the Cannabis Industry for Quality and Compliance, Extraction and Equipment Maintenance. Consulting in the Cannabis Industry for Quality and Compliance, Extraction and Equipment Maintenance.

Director of Extraction and Quality Assurance

• Oct 2018 - May 2020

Responsible for the creation of a comprehensive quality system covering six licensed state producers of Willie’s Reserve in order to maintain product quality and consistency while working towards a cGMP compliant system. This job role included generating specification sheets and producer guidelines, comprehensive quality and compliance audits of Licensee quality documents, creation of batch records for new processes and updating current batch records, and qualification of new vaporizer hardware options for quality and safety. Performed process development for distillations (Wiped Film and Short Path) using a range of feedstocks (Winterized THC Extract, THC Crude Extract, and Winterized Hemp CBD Extract) to maximize throughput and yield while maintaining a high quality product. For GCH’s Colorado Licensee, charged with creating a Preventative Maintenance program and performing all troubleshooting and maintenance on extraction and other lab equipment. For multiple nationwide facilities, job duties also included troubleshooting of product defects, ingredient sourcing, and process development for finished products. Conducted the R&D of new products including: a nanoemulsified sublingual spray/beverage, dissolving tablets, 100% cannabis high CBD vaporizer oil blends, and 100% cannabis vaporizer oil blends designed for a well-known brewery to mimic the taste of a beer they produce. Developed a testing protocol for Willie’s Remedy coffee products for determination of in solution cannabinoid content of brewed coffee product. Show less

Head of Processing

• Mar 2017 - Sep 2018

Responsible for the buildout of a cGMP marijuana concentrate production lab. Developed high yielding extraction methods as well as methods for purification of THCa. Wrote and implemented SOPs, wrote and reviewed batch records, and oversaw state mandated testing and data review for product release. Served as Safety Officer, maintained all chemical inventory and training documentation, and interfaced with auditors from four separate agencies during quarterly audits. Responsible for the buildout of a cGMP marijuana concentrate production lab. Developed high yielding extraction methods as well as methods for purification of THCa. Wrote and implemented SOPs, wrote and reviewed batch records, and oversaw state mandated testing and data review for product release. Served as Safety Officer, maintained all chemical inventory and training documentation, and interfaced with auditors from four separate agencies during quarterly audits.

Research and Development Scientist

• Dec 2015 - Mar 2017

Assisted in the buildout of a new facility and first R&D lab. Helped develop purification techniques including a scalable Supercritical Fluid Chromatography method for separation of cannabinoids. Designed and performed optimization experiments for agricultural and extraction processes resulting in savings exceeding $3 million per year. With a cross-functional team, scaled capsule production over 300x. Developed sample preparation methods and analyzed samples by HPLC for plant breeding, in-process checks, process optimization, and product formulations. Show less

Chemistry Department Manager

• Jul 2015 - Nov 2015

Supervised a team responsible for in-process checks, product development, and analyzing samples for the optimization of the Supercritical Fluid Extraction process. Oversaw the development of a preparative chromatography method for separation of cannabinoids and scaled this process for small-scale production. Developed post-processing for CO2 extracts.

Chemist I

• Jun 2015 - Jul 2015

Lead a team of three, performed in-process checks utilizing HPLC and NIR, in addition to designing experimental protocols.

Chemistry Technician

• Feb 2015 - Jun 2015

Along with our Senior Chemist, I helped build out what would eventually become part of our Research and Development Department. Performed routine analysis for in process checks, helped the Extraction Team with experiments, as well as helping our New Products Team in formulating.

Extraction Team Supervisor

• Oct 2014 - Feb 2015

Lead a team of six in supplying extract to be used in alleviating the Realm of Caring wait list. Wrote and implemented SOP’s to assist the Quality Department in building out a cGMP facility. Lead a team in creating a cannabinoid-rich powder for encapsulation, as well as sourcing raw materials and packaging. Sourced new equipment, in addition to troubleshooting and maintaining existing equipment.

Extraction Technician

• Sep 2014 - Oct 2014

Assisted in the buildout of our first cGMP production facility. Performed experiments to scale the alcohol extraction process to meet the need of over 10,000 families waiting for Charlotte’s Web hemp extract.

Sprinkler Technician

• 1998 - Sep 2014

Performed hydraulic and electrical troubleshooting for irrigation systems. Operated small to medium sized equipment including trenchers, pipe pullers, tillers, and bucket loaders. Performed troubleshooting and repairs on equipment as well as managing a fleet of 20 trucks. Drove plow trucks for residential and commercial snow removal. Prepared Sales Tax as well as performing billing and payroll duties. Performed hydraulic and electrical troubleshooting for irrigation systems. Operated small to medium sized equipment including trenchers, pipe pullers, tillers, and bucket loaders. Performed troubleshooting and repairs on equipment as well as managing a fleet of 20 trucks. Drove plow trucks for residential and commercial snow removal. Prepared Sales Tax as well as performing billing and payroll duties.

Undergraduate Researcher in Biochemistry

• Nov 2013 - May 2014

Project: Sensitive Detection of the Potential Biological Warfare Agent Ricin in Foodstuffs and Blood Design of a sensitive EDNA sensor, Buffer Preparation, Potentiostat operation for Square and Cyclic Voltammetry Project: Sensitive Detection of the Potential Biological Warfare Agent Ricin in Foodstuffs and Blood Design of a sensitive EDNA sensor, Buffer Preparation, Potentiostat operation for Square and Cyclic Voltammetry