A Michigan University is offering a new scholarship for students looking to get into the chemistry side of the cannabis industry.
Lake Superior State University (LSSU) on Monday announced an annual $1,200 scholarship for students working toward a cannabis chemistry degree.
LSSU made history in 2019 when it became the first institution in the country to offer the degree.
Steadfast Labs, a cannabis testing and consulting facility based in Hazel Park, Mi, is behind the new $1,200 scholarship.
Breaking New Ground to Grow
In 2020, the University opened its Cannabis Center of Excellence (CCoE) to provide a platform for students to be at the forefront of the cannabis analytics industry.
LSSU announced in March that the Center had upgraded its cannabis analysis instrumentation.
According to LSSU, the new hardware, in conjunction with repurposed equipment, allows for the analysis of residual pesticides, mycotoxins, and perfluoroalkoxy alkanes in cannabis products.
“This is a game-changer in more than one field.” said Assistant Professor of Chemistry and CCoE Coordinator Benjamin Southwell. “The opportunity to enhance our cannabis analysis capabilities and leverage our existing facilities to promote freshwater science is the latest expample of the value of the high-impact experiences LSSU is known for.”
LSSU Dean of College Science and the Environment Dr. Steven Johnson says he is excited about the collaboration with Steadfast Labs.
“This donation not only continues our trendsetting ways in this vital new field but also makes our already affordable tuition even more reasonable,” says Dr. Johnson,” When our Cannabis Center of Excellence began operations, members from Steadfast Labs toured the facilities and conducted guest lectures for our students. By funding this scholarship, Steadfast Labs again demonstrates their commitment to supporting future chemists who will enter the workforce and provide public safety in the cannabis field.”
Fostering Excellence
Students applying for the cannabis chemistry scholarship must be sophomores or higher and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
According to LSSU, preference will be given to students residing in Wayne and Oakland counties, the service areas for Steadfast Labs.
LSSU Presidents Dr. Rodney Hanley says that the scholarship reinforces the school’s vision statement of being vanguard-focused and driving social mobility.
Hanley says that LSSU’s relationship with Steadfast Labs furthers multiple facets of the school’s plans like “including enhancing academic offerings, positioning cannabis studies as a national leader of academic inquiry, and bolstering community partnerships.”
“It is our great pleasure to grant this unprecedented scholarship for a cutting-edge program in an innovative industry,” says Steadfast Labs Founder and CEO Avram Zallen. “This grant is another opportunity for Steadfast to help LSSU students pursue carreers in this exciting and important industry.”
