An opportunity to engage with a public health research lab expert specializing in microbial contaminant method development.
As the use of regulated medical cannabis becomes more prevalent for patient healthcare, we welcome Julia Bramante, a seasoned cannabis expert, to offer her scientific insights into the regulatory framework governing Aspergillus testing across the US. She will also provide valuable advice on how to prevent and address potential issues in this dynamic landscape.
In this webinar, participants will gain valuable insight into:
- The evolution of microbial testing for cannabis products
- Current trends, risks, challenges and regulations associated with Aspergillus contamination and testing
- Guidance on Aspergillus preventative controls and remediation strategies
- Emerging microbial contaminants in cannabis
- Non-viable target DNA in cannabis flower: real-world examples and mitigation methods
- Screening and speciation with iQ-Check real-time PCR kits and iQ-Design assays
Julia Bramante,
Cannabis Reference Laboratory Manager,
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Julia leads method development and validation to advance both routine and novel analytical studies. In addition, Julia serves as a board member of the AOAC Official Methods Board, where she acts in an advisory capacity in the development and implementation of testing standards. Julia is also the Chair of the AOAC CASP Microbial Contaminants Working Group and Expert Review Panel, and serves on the Cannabinoids and Chemical Contaminants Expert Review Panels, where she brings together diverse perspectives and her expertise to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. Additionally, Julia serves on the Board of the National Registry of Certified Chemists and the Executive Committee of the Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision of the American Chemical Society.
Corey Balentine,
Account Executive,
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Corey, with extensive experience in the food and diagnostic industries, joined Bio-Rad in 2018 as an Account Manager for the Food Science Division in the Central US. He's responsible for offering Bio-Rad's Food Science portfolio, including real-time PCR, ddPCR, and rapid growth media products, to the food, water, and cannabis testing sectors. Corey has successfully assisted numerous US cannabis testing labs in implementing Bio-Rad's iQ-Check products. He holds both a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology and a Master's Degree in Food Science from the University of Arkansas.
Alex Tudor,
Account Executive,
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Alex serves as the Account Manager for Bio-Rad's Food Science Division in the Western US. Before joining Bio-Rad, she held the role of Director of Business Development and managed microbiology lab operations at a service lab specializing in food and cannabis analysis. Alex holds a Master of Science in Food Safety and Food Microbiology from Texas Tech University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Colorado State University. She actively participates in food safety initiatives as a member of the AOAC, IAFP, and ISO working groups.