Experience

Smithers - Cannabis Testing Services
• United States
• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Chief Scientific Officer

  • May 2023 - Present


Green Scientific Labs

• United States
• Biotechnology
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Scientific Officer

  • Jul 2021 - May 2023

  Acquired by Smithers

• Director of Integrated Sciences

  • Jun 2021 - Jul 2021



Cherry

• Netherlands
• Business Consulting and Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Principal & Chief Innovation Officer

  • Jan 2021 - May 2021

  Responsible for several core areas of business operations including Processing/Extraction, Marketing, Regulatory Compliance, and Business Development. Responsible for several core areas of business operations including Processing/Extraction, Marketing, Regulatory Compliance, and Business Development.



The Niva Labs

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Lab Director

  • Feb 2019 - Dec 2020

  The Niva Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited and BCC licensed cannabis and hemp testing laboratory and contract research organization in Los Angeles, CA. License No. C8-0000024-LIC Key Achievements and Responsibilities: • As the first lab director - planned, developed, and implemented a QMS that was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation after an initial accreditation assessment which resulted in zero nonconformances • Directed from-scratch method development and designed… Show more The Niva Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited and BCC licensed cannabis and hemp testing laboratory and contract research organization in Los Angeles, CA. License No. C8-0000024-LIC Key Achievements and Responsibilities: • As the first lab director - planned, developed, and implemented a QMS that was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation after an initial accreditation assessment which resulted in zero nonconformances • Directed from-scratch method development and designed validation protocols that led to the successful issuance of a California Cannabis testing laboratory provisional license for all required test methods • Review and sign off on all laboratory COAs and ensure compliance with BCC and CCTT-METRC • Tracked cost analyses and developed a key performance indicator dashboard to track turnaround time, sample throughput, and overall company growth • Public speaking engagement including at the 2020 Emerald Conference, as a panel member at CannaFarmCon 2019, as a guest interviewee on the LabAroma Podcast, and in various other publications • Guided the lab in key interlaboratory comparison tests with NIST and the Cannabis Beverage Association Show less The Niva Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited and BCC licensed cannabis and hemp testing laboratory and contract research organization in Los Angeles, CA. License No. C8-0000024-LIC Key Achievements and Responsibilities: • As the first lab director - planned, developed, and implemented a QMS that was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation after an initial accreditation assessment which resulted in zero nonconformances • Directed from-scratch method development and designed… Show more The Niva Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited and BCC licensed cannabis and hemp testing laboratory and contract research organization in Los Angeles, CA. License No. C8-0000024-LIC Key Achievements and Responsibilities: • As the first lab director - planned, developed, and implemented a QMS that was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation after an initial accreditation assessment which resulted in zero nonconformances • Directed from-scratch method development and designed validation protocols that led to the successful issuance of a California Cannabis testing laboratory provisional license for all required test methods • Review and sign off on all laboratory COAs and ensure compliance with BCC and CCTT-METRC • Tracked cost analyses and developed a key performance indicator dashboard to track turnaround time, sample throughput, and overall company growth • Public speaking engagement including at the 2020 Emerald Conference, as a panel member at CannaFarmCon 2019, as a guest interviewee on the LabAroma Podcast, and in various other publications • Guided the lab in key interlaboratory comparison tests with NIST and the Cannabis Beverage Association Show less



EVIO Labs

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Laboratory Director

  • Oct 2018 - Feb 2019

  EVIO Labs is the leading national provider of accredited cannabis testing, providing high quality analytical and consulting services for agricultural and biomedical industries in North America. EVIO Labs is dedicated to providing clients with superior customer service, reliable results, and world class expertise. Key Responsibilities: • Directed daily lab operations and process flow to maximize sample throughput and minimize turnaround time in a regulated, GLP… Show more EVIO Labs is the leading national provider of accredited cannabis testing, providing high quality analytical and consulting services for agricultural and biomedical industries in North America. EVIO Labs is dedicated to providing clients with superior customer service, reliable results, and world class expertise. Key Responsibilities: • Directed daily lab operations and process flow to maximize sample throughput and minimize turnaround time in a regulated, GLP environment • Oversaw a continually improving quality management system in accordance with the ISO 17025 standard • Monitored and reported KPIs to executive leadership and interfaced regularly with clients • Developed and optimized methods and ensured compliance of chemical and microbiological assays • Assisted the software development team with the design and implementation of a custom LIMS platform Show less EVIO Labs is the leading national provider of accredited cannabis testing, providing high quality analytical and consulting services for agricultural and biomedical industries in North America. EVIO Labs is dedicated to providing clients with superior customer service, reliable results, and world class expertise. Key Responsibilities: • Directed daily lab operations and process flow to maximize sample throughput and minimize turnaround time in a regulated, GLP… Show more EVIO Labs is the leading national provider of accredited cannabis testing, providing high quality analytical and consulting services for agricultural and biomedical industries in North America. EVIO Labs is dedicated to providing clients with superior customer service, reliable results, and world class expertise. Key Responsibilities: • Directed daily lab operations and process flow to maximize sample throughput and minimize turnaround time in a regulated, GLP environment • Oversaw a continually improving quality management system in accordance with the ISO 17025 standard • Monitored and reported KPIs to executive leadership and interfaced regularly with clients • Developed and optimized methods and ensured compliance of chemical and microbiological assays • Assisted the software development team with the design and implementation of a custom LIMS platform Show less



Steep Hill

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Production Lab Manager

  • Apr 2018 - Sep 2018

  As Production Lab Manager I oversaw daily lab operations at Steep Hill’s headquarters location in Berkeley. Key Responsibilities: • Track sample throughput, ensuring optimization of lab tasks by employees • Lead method development for LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS analyses • Personnel management • Collaborate with the sales and R&D teams • Design and execute method validation protocols in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements • Communicate with the… Show more As Production Lab Manager I oversaw daily lab operations at Steep Hill’s headquarters location in Berkeley. Key Responsibilities: • Track sample throughput, ensuring optimization of lab tasks by employees • Lead method development for LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS analyses • Personnel management • Collaborate with the sales and R&D teams • Design and execute method validation protocols in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements • Communicate with the Lab Support Manager regarding routine and preventative maintenance https://www.steephill.com/

• Lab Analyst

  • Nov 2017 - Apr 2018

  Founded in Oakland, CA in 2008, Steep Hill is a science and technology firm that has become the industry leader in cannabis testing and analytics in the US and internationally. With cannabis labs in 4 states, Steep Hill is the largest lab network in the country. The company pioneered the first medical cannabis potency and microbiological contaminants testing methodology use in California - the first state to legalize medical cannabis. Steep Hill has since developed a variety of revolutionary… Show more Founded in Oakland, CA in 2008, Steep Hill is a science and technology firm that has become the industry leader in cannabis testing and analytics in the US and internationally. With cannabis labs in 4 states, Steep Hill is the largest lab network in the country. The company pioneered the first medical cannabis potency and microbiological contaminants testing methodology use in California - the first state to legalize medical cannabis. Steep Hill has since developed a variety of revolutionary cannabis testing products, including QuantaCann™, Strain Fingerprint™, and GenKit™. Steep Hill also provides expert consulting services to many states and municipalities and is developing proprietary genetic testing services for the industry as well. Key Achievements: • Analyzed over twelve different kinds of cannabis matrices using LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC/PDA, and Shimadzu Lab Solutions software • Developed and optimized LC and GC methods to improve sample throughput, analyte sensitivity, and rapid quantitation • Designed validation protocols for SOPs/methods in accordance with ISO 17025



RENAISSANCE KIDS, INC

• United States
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Physical Sciences Tutor

  • Oct 2012 - Oct 2017

  A family business at the core, Renaissance Kids works with families to support all academic needs, from reading readiness to test preparation. We provide courses both on site and online. Key Achievements: • Tutored middle school, high school, and university students on science concepts, from basic chemistry, to advanced organic chemistry, to physics, and more • Prepared lesson plans for students taking the SAT II chemistry subject test, resulting in all students scoring a 750… Show more A family business at the core, Renaissance Kids works with families to support all academic needs, from reading readiness to test preparation. We provide courses both on site and online. Key Achievements: • Tutored middle school, high school, and university students on science concepts, from basic chemistry, to advanced organic chemistry, to physics, and more • Prepared lesson plans for students taking the SAT II chemistry subject test, resulting in all students scoring a 750 or higher out of 800 Show less A family business at the core, Renaissance Kids works with families to support all academic needs, from reading readiness to test preparation. We provide courses both on site and online. Key Achievements: • Tutored middle school, high school, and university students on science concepts, from basic chemistry, to advanced organic chemistry, to physics, and more • Prepared lesson plans for students taking the SAT II chemistry subject test, resulting in all students scoring a 750… Show more A family business at the core, Renaissance Kids works with families to support all academic needs, from reading readiness to test preparation. We provide courses both on site and online. Key Achievements: • Tutored middle school, high school, and university students on science concepts, from basic chemistry, to advanced organic chemistry, to physics, and more • Prepared lesson plans for students taking the SAT II chemistry subject test, resulting in all students scoring a 750 or higher out of 800 Show less



Skywell

• United States
• Climate Technology Product Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Sr. Water Quality Engineer/ R&D Scientist

  • Jan 2017 - Jun 2017

  Founded in 2011, Skywell LLC is a late-stage startup company in Santa Monica specializing in commercial atmospheric water generators. Skywell is committed to impacting our world’s water crisis. We’re empowering people to control their own water supply—and in the process, to act in a socially responsible manner regarding the Earth’s waning supply of clean drinking water. Key Achievements: • Delivered recommendations to executive staff on standardizing water quality testing, resulting… Show more Founded in 2011, Skywell LLC is a late-stage startup company in Santa Monica specializing in commercial atmospheric water generators. Skywell is committed to impacting our world’s water crisis. We’re empowering people to control their own water supply—and in the process, to act in a socially responsible manner regarding the Earth’s waning supply of clean drinking water. Key Achievements: • Delivered recommendations to executive staff on standardizing water quality testing, resulting in acceptance and compliance with key California regulations and several federal standards required prior to consumer usage • Evaluated product commercialization opportunities for atmospheric water generators, successfully identifying several high-impact ideas and actionable strategies to de-risk market entry • Carried out routine analytical testing and analyses for bacteria, VOCs, SOCs, metals, and general chemistry • Sourced materials for innovative water filtration in closed-loop systems, including iodinated resins www.skywell.com Show less Founded in 2011, Skywell LLC is a late-stage startup company in Santa Monica specializing in commercial atmospheric water generators. Skywell is committed to impacting our world’s water crisis. We’re empowering people to control their own water supply—and in the process, to act in a socially responsible manner regarding the Earth’s waning supply of clean drinking water. Key Achievements: • Delivered recommendations to executive staff on standardizing water quality testing, resulting… Show more Founded in 2011, Skywell LLC is a late-stage startup company in Santa Monica specializing in commercial atmospheric water generators. Skywell is committed to impacting our world’s water crisis. We’re empowering people to control their own water supply—and in the process, to act in a socially responsible manner regarding the Earth’s waning supply of clean drinking water. Key Achievements: • Delivered recommendations to executive staff on standardizing water quality testing, resulting in acceptance and compliance with key California regulations and several federal standards required prior to consumer usage • Evaluated product commercialization opportunities for atmospheric water generators, successfully identifying several high-impact ideas and actionable strategies to de-risk market entry • Carried out routine analytical testing and analyses for bacteria, VOCs, SOCs, metals, and general chemistry • Sourced materials for innovative water filtration in closed-loop systems, including iodinated resins www.skywell.com Show less



UCLA

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Research Assistant / Teaching Assistant

  • Aug 2012 - Jun 2017

  Earned PhD in the materials chemistry program at UCLA working in Professor Richard Kaner's research lab in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Key Achievements: • Authored eleven refereed journal articles in top tier scientific journals and mentored 3 students in advanced materials research, including carbon-based supercapacitors, 2D materials (boron nitride, graphene), and reverse osmosis filtration membranes • Synthesized novel perfluorophenyl azide small molecules… Show more Earned PhD in the materials chemistry program at UCLA working in Professor Richard Kaner's research lab in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Key Achievements: • Authored eleven refereed journal articles in top tier scientific journals and mentored 3 students in advanced materials research, including carbon-based supercapacitors, 2D materials (boron nitride, graphene), and reverse osmosis filtration membranes • Synthesized novel perfluorophenyl azide small molecules and characterized them with NMR, FTIR, and XPS • Analyzed and processed XPS samples as departmental expert for over five separate, collaborative research projects • Engineered novel conducting polymer thin films with industry partner The Boeing Company • Volunteered two years as lab safety officer, ensuring compliance with OSHA and UCLA safety codes • Spearheaded a collaborative project with industry partner Momentive Performance Materials resulting in one peer-reviewed publication and one patent (WO 2016/040599 A1) • Designed and coded the Kaner group website from scratch, using HTML/CSS

• Percussion Instructor

  • Jan 2013 - Feb 2015

  The Solid Gold Sound of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band is a 270-piece ensemble which performs en masse at all home UCLA football games and in smaller contingents at a variety of other collegiate sports events, band festivals, and private gigs on the national and international scope. Key Contributions: • Led rehearsal, wrote musical scores, and assisted with choreography design for the drumline section • Managed six section leaders, including scheduling rehearsal time, discussing… Show more The Solid Gold Sound of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band is a 270-piece ensemble which performs en masse at all home UCLA football games and in smaller contingents at a variety of other collegiate sports events, band festivals, and private gigs on the national and international scope. Key Contributions: • Led rehearsal, wrote musical scores, and assisted with choreography design for the drumline section • Managed six section leaders, including scheduling rehearsal time, discussing percussion pedagogy, and improving morale • Initiated and completed the redesign of the drumline drum colors, resulting in a vibrant finish more reflective of the band's brand and spirit



Walt Disney Imagineering

• United States
• Entertainment Providers
• 700 & Above Employee

• Imagineer Intern

  • Jun 2016 - Sep 2016

  Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. is the research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation, design, and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions worldwide. Key Contributions: • Directed discussions and interactions with dozens of engineers and artists to fulfill creative intent on innovative new projects, advising on material design feasibility and suggesting implementation of additive manufacturing techniques •… Show more Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. is the research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation, design, and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions worldwide. Key Contributions: • Directed discussions and interactions with dozens of engineers and artists to fulfill creative intent on innovative new projects, advising on material design feasibility and suggesting implementation of additive manufacturing techniques • Assisted in designing a new materials laboratory for mechanical stress/strain, abrasion, drop, and environmental testing • Coordinated research and development efforts to advance cutting-edge, flame-retardant materials for theme parks and robotics Show less Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. is the research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation, design, and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions worldwide. Key Contributions: • Directed discussions and interactions with dozens of engineers and artists to fulfill creative intent on innovative new projects, advising on material design feasibility and suggesting implementation of additive manufacturing techniques •… Show more Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. is the research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation, design, and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions worldwide. Key Contributions: • Directed discussions and interactions with dozens of engineers and artists to fulfill creative intent on innovative new projects, advising on material design feasibility and suggesting implementation of additive manufacturing techniques • Assisted in designing a new materials laboratory for mechanical stress/strain, abrasion, drop, and environmental testing • Coordinated research and development efforts to advance cutting-edge, flame-retardant materials for theme parks and robotics Show less



UCLA Anderson School of Management

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Student Team Member of Technology Commercialization & Innovation Class

  • Sep 2014 - Dec 2014

  Evaluated commercial value of drag-reduction material on multidisciplinary team of 4 across business and science, conducting market analysis and IP assessment for an advanced material invented by Professor CJ Kim at UCLA Synthesized analysis and identified commercialization opportunities resulting in a formal business plan for the technology Evaluated commercial value of drag-reduction material on multidisciplinary team of 4 across business and science, conducting market analysis and IP assessment for an advanced material invented by Professor CJ Kim at UCLA Synthesized analysis and identified commercialization opportunities resulting in a formal business plan for the technology



Johns Hopkins University

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Staff Researcher

  • Jun 2011 - Jun 2012

  Conducted research on carbon nanotubes using wet chemistry and surface science techniques as part of Professor Howard Fairbrother's research group. Conducted research on carbon nanotubes using wet chemistry and surface science techniques as part of Professor Howard Fairbrother's research group.