ABOUT
Professional Biography
Anna Schwabe, PhD, is a leading expert in cannabis genetics and biology with a rich background in various scientific fields. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Northern Colorado, where she received the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Excellence and the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Dissertation for her research on cannabis variation. Dr. Schwabe has published extensively on topics including THC potency, cannabis strain genetics, and olfactory discrimination. Her work has been featured in numerous media articles, podcasts, and webinars. She is also an accomplished botanical illustrator and educator, teaching classes and serving as a judge for exhibitions. Professionally, Dr. Schwabe serves as a consultant and board member for the Agricultural Genomics Foundation, a scientific advisor for multiple Cannabis companies, and online Lecture Professor at the University of Colorado, where she co-developed and teaches multiple Cannabis science courses. With a passion for advancing cannabis science and ensuring industry consistency, Dr. Schwabe brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of connections to her work.
EXPERIENCE
Past and Present
The following is an outline of current and past work experience. Each role has provided an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue developing both as a person and a professional.
OPERATIONS & STRATEGIC GROWTH COORDINATOR
Coordinate laboratory operations, sales, marketing, customer communication, and leadership to build the organizational structure, communication flow, and operational visibility required to grow the company.
Houston, Texas
LECTURE PROFESSOR
Lecture professor through the continuing education program in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department
Advanced Cannabis Science, EBIO 4220 , Spring 2025 -present
Basic Cannabis Science, EBIO 3000, Fall 2024 - present
Modern Cannabis Science, EBIO 4460-581, Fall 2020- Fall 2024
University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
BOARD MEMBER, CANNABIS SCIENCE COURSE DEVELOPER
Direct and guide field experiments and research initiatives across the U.S. Assist in the development and instruction of college level Cannabis science course material for upper level students as well as lesson modules for members of the cannabis industry seeking continuing education grounded in science.
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE MEMBER
MJUnpoacked has truly distinguished itself from the stale, conventional B2B events. As our industry matures beyond the initial green rush, MJ Unpacked is at the forefront of this evolution, continuously adapting to meet the needs of the cannabis community.
BOARD MEMBER
Served on the board to advance science-driven policy and consumer protection. Supported education for regulators, and assisted in scientific inquiry related to mislabeling, and industry misconduct to protect consumers and promote accountability.
LAB DIRECTOR
Provided scientific guidance on product development and testing for Madison Labs’ cannabis research and innovation initiatives. Support quality control, and compliance efforts to align with industry standards. Advise on scientific communication, education, and research strategy.
Wilmington, Delaware
Developed education curricula and courses for 420 Organics Cannabis Education Series and NJ Training Program.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
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DIRECTOR OF R & D
Led a team to enhance cultivation and product development, designed marketing materials, and composed SOPs for NJ CRC cultivation licensing.
Forked River, NJ.
DIRECTOR OF R & D
Designed and implemented various projects, led the cultivation team to optimize production, and directed product development efforts.
Forked River, NJ.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Introduction to Genetics, Course BIO 220
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Initiated academic collaborative projects to investigate safety and toxicity of cannabinoids, and designed education and training materials to be disseminated and implemented.
Mile High Labs, Loveland, Colorado
LAB COORDINATOR & RESEARCH ASSISTANT
BIO245 Anatomy & Physiology
Designed course materials and syllabi, coordinated and oversaw all labs and graduate teaching assistants, designed and implemented experiments, assisted and taught lab techniques and data analysis (graduate and undergraduate students).
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION GENETICS LAB MANAGER
Designed and implemented genetic projects for multiple rare and sensitive species, oversaw and trained laboratory assistants and volunteers.
Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado
EDUCATION
AUG 2015 - MAY 2020
PHD, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
Cannabis Genetics & Biological Education
Dissertation: A Multifaceted Approach to Investigate Variation in Cannabis sativa.
Graduate Dean’s Citation of Excellence
Graduate Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Dissertation
AUG 2010 - DEC 2012
MS, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
MAY 2007 - DEC 2009
BS, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Areas of study included organismal biology, plant taxonomy, genetics, animal and human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics.
OCT 2009 - JUN 2010
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION, DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
AUGUST 1992- MAY 1997
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
ANIMAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Areas of study included animal and human anatomy & physiology, advanced biology, psychology, drugs and pharmaceuticals, reproduction, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, genetics, cell and molecular biology, cell physiology, and microbiology.
EXPERTISE
RESEARCH & SCIENTIFIC PROJECT DESIGN
EDUCATION & TRAINING
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION
PERSONEL & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
DATA ANALYSIS
PUBLIC SPEAKING & NETWORKING
"We’re not doing science for ourselves. We’re doing this for you. When you have a question and you want it answered, the perfect person to do that is a scientist."
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact me through LinkedIn or ResearchGate, or by email
Help Cannabis science and education moving forward by donating to the
Agricultural Genomics Foundation
