Recent Advances in the Science of Cannabis

Robert M. Strongin is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Portland State University.

He has studied the chemistry of vaping since 2013. He has been interested in determining

how flavorings, including terpenes and other vape constituents, react and

degrade when heated and aerosolized. In 2017 he began to investigate cannabis vaping

and published the first peer-reviewed reports on the specific byproducts formed

when dabbing terpenes, and, more recently, on the reactions and products that form

upon vaping and dabbing concentrated cannabis oil mixtures. Dr. Strongin runs an

internationally recognized research program, is a founder of two biotech startup

companies, and is known for his contributions to STEM education. In addition to

tobacco control and cannabis science, he is an expert in the field of biosensors and

targeted molecular probes for imaging cancer tissue.

Monica Vialpando is a pharmaceutically trained product development scientist,

specializing in the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs. As founder and CEO

of Via Innovations, a bespoke product development company, she integrates this

background with plant-based medicines to create fit-for-purpose designed products.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, she is active in education and thought

leadership and often focuses on cannabis-based strategies to support women's health,

and is a scientific advisor to multiple organizations. With a passion for diversity and

global connection, Dr. Vialpando's reach extends beyond typical barriers to collaborate

with international experts and companies. She also leverages this throughout

her company to design their differentiated products through the integration of plantbased

medicines, science, technology, and art.

Jiries Meehan-Atrash graduated from the State University of New York at New

Paltz with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2014 and in 2021 earned his PhD in

Chemistry from Portland State University after studying e-cigarette aerosol chemistry

and analytical methods under the mentorship of Dr. Robert M. Strongin. Jiries is

currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the

laboratory of Dr. Irfan Rahman.