Cannabis sativa L. PhytochemistryResearch Focus - Modification of phytochemicals derived from Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) and other plant sources for anticancer drug discovery. Leveraging advanced techniques in combinatorial chemistry to create novel molecules that enhance therapeutic profiles. These modified phytochemicals are designed to target specific cancer types with increased efficacy and reduced side effects.PI: Russell W. Jessup, Ph.D.https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/moore-clayton/Molecular and environmental plant sciences seeks to understand the molecular basis for functions and behavior of plants in managed and natural environments. It blends botany, ecology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics and physics. Today the unifying goal of plant science is to understand and improve plants. This goal involves significant interdisciplinary interactions with molecular genetics, plant breeding, environmental physics, agronomy and other plant-agriculture disciplines.Research Focus - Modification of phytochemicals derived from Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) and other plant sources for anticancer drug discovery. Leveraging advanced techniques in combinatorial chemistry to create novel molecules that enhance therapeutic profiles. These modified phytochemicals are designed to target specific cancer types with increased efficacy and reduced side effects. PI: Russell W. Jessup, Ph.D. https://soilcrop.tamu.edu/people/moore-clayton/ Molecular and environmental plant sciences seeks to understand the molecular basis for functions and behavior of plants in managed and natural environments. It blends botany, ecology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics and physics. Today the unifying goal of plant science is to understand and improve plants. This goal involves significant interdisciplinary interactions with molecular genetics, plant breeding, environmental physics, agronomy and other plant-agriculture disciplines.

As an Undergraduate Research Student in the esteemed Industrial Hemp Breeding Program at Texas A&M University, I have had the incredible opportunity to work under the expert guidance of Dr. Russell Jessup. In this highly specialized program, my role involves breeding, genetics, and facility management of industrial hemp, allowing me to hone my skills and expertise in this cutting-edge field.One of the most exciting aspects of my work involves actively trading seed and pollen with hemp growers and breeders from around the world, all located within a latitude of 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south, for the Hemp Conversion Program. This collaboration has allowed me to gain a unique perspective and understanding of the global landscape of industrial hemp cultivation, and has enabled me to contribute to the creation of new, innovative strains that will help to shape the future of this vital industry.In addition to my breeding work, I have also been entrusted with the responsibility of managing Texas A&M University's first hemp germ plasm bank, which involves the preservation and distribution of diverse genetic material for future breeding efforts. This vital work ensures that important genetic traits are preserved for future generations of researchers, and I am deeply committed to this important task.Overall, my passion for industrial hemp and its immense potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry is evident in my dedicated work, and I am proud to be a part of such an important program at Texas A&M University.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of being selected as a summer intern at Texas A&M Agrilife, where I had the opportunity to work under the guidance of the esteemed Ph.D Extension Agent, Dr. Joshua McGinty, whose research specialization is in weeds. As a part of this program, I was involved in an exciting project centered around hemp data collection and analysis, which allowed me to gain invaluable skills and experience.Throughout the internship, I was exposed to a wide range of agriculture-related tasks and responsibilities, including the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, as well as the implementation of drip irrigation systems, which I learned to use with great proficiency. Moreover, I was able to strengthen my abilities in organizing and managing data collection, as well as honing my collaborative skills, working alongside other team members to achieve our common goals.This internship experience has not only deepened my knowledge and expertise in the field of agriculture, but it has also instilled in me a strong sense of dedication and passion for the important work of improving crop yields and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources.

1) Leadership and Visionary Guidance:-Directly manage and oversee all organizational activities, ensuring CHIL’s objectives and goals are met.-Provide a strategic vision for the club's direction and growth, ensuring its relevance and prominence within the Texas cannabis/hemp community.2) Academic and Industrial Collaboration:-Share in-depth academic and industry knowledge on Cannabis/Hemp with students and the broader university community.-Collaborate closely with the Texas A&M University Industrial Hemp Breeding Program as a researcher, ensuring relevant, real-time information flow to students.3) Member Engagement and Growth:-Organize, manage, and teach informative sessions, currently having reached over 700 students across 14 meetings. We obtained 74 active paid CHIL Members in the first academic year.4) Fundraising and Financial Management:-Raise funds for student scholarships, successfully obtaining $7,500 for student research essay competitions over two academic school years.-Secure additional external funding, notably $11,500 in grants from Texas A&M University's Good Bull fund.5) Event and Trip Organization:-Plan and lead educational field trips, such as the recent 16-student trip to Denver, Colorado, to experience industry-leading growth facilities, extraction labs, and interact with prominent business owners.6) Network and Partnership Development:-Forge and maintain strategic partnerships with cannabis organizations within and outside Texas. Some notable associations include Texas A&M University, Texas State University, Rare Earth Genomics, PurIso Labs, Texas Hemp Reporter, Texas Hemp Coalition, FOHSE, Texas Cannabis Collective, Weed & Whiskey News, Global Hemp Association.7) Guest Speaker Program:-Source, invite, and host speakers from diverse backgrounds, ranging from medical cannabis growers, chemical extraction specialists, medical doctors in cannabis, professors, student researchers, to business owners.