Cannabis Programs

Alex Goldstein, CPP, CISSO, holds an Honor BA from York University, double-majoring in Criminology and History, a Certified Protection Professional Certification from ASIS International, and a Certified Information Systems Security Officer Certification from the United States Committee on National Security Systems. In his 14 years of progressive experience servicing the Canadian public sector and private Security industries, most recently, he worked with Led Threat Risk Assessments and suitability reviews, site audits, Standard Operating Procedure reviews, and site/design plan consulting for cannabis companies across Canada. Over the last few years, Alex has been closely working with many start-ups and existing leading cannabis companies to develop security plans, plant management systems, and facility design.

– PhD, Biotechnology, M.Sc., Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Carlos Aragon is a Specialist in Process and Products at Sanofi Pasteur Limited, Toronto. He has 15 years of experience working in research laboratories, pharmaceutical and analytical chemistry; research & development and Quality Control achieving results, improving new techniques, procedures and products with advanced scientific knowledge.

– Organic Chemistry, PhD

Dr. AKM Abdul Hai has years of experience as a Product Development Scientist involving API Synthesis and Analytical Method and Formulation. His extensive knowledge of processes of Biopharmaceutical drug products supported his career in Canada and abroad. To name a few, Dr. Hai has worked as a Scientist in Matesci Inc, Scarborough and CMI Cosmetic, Toronto. Dr. Hai completed his PhD from Okayama University, Japan and acquired specialisation in Organo-copper Chemistry from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. He also obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Pharmaceutical and Bio pharmaceutical Modern Technology.

Elena earned her Bachelor of Engineering Degree Faculty of Industrial Chemistry and Cannabis Quality Assurance Certificate. Elena is a quality and results-driven professional with over 15 years of experience in Pharmaceutical and related industries, managing Quality Systems and training employees with leading pharmaceutical companies such as Apotex Corp., GERMIPHENE Corp, and BAXTER CORPORATION. In her past roles, she was an instrumental part in ensuring that good documentation practices (GDP) were being followed by all employees and provided coaching and training where necessary to ensure compliance. When large organization system changes such as a new Global Service Platform and QMS TrackWise8 were to be implemented, Elena managed all aspects of the training and supported employees through the difficult transition. Moreover, Elena has a tremendous grasp of the quality toolbox and has successfully helped the organization investigate root cause & analysis to resolve complex business issues. Elena has in-depth knowledge about many cannabis instrumentations such as HPLC, GC, GC-MS, and dissolution apparatus.

– B.Sc.in Pharma Chemistry, M.Sc.in Pharma Sciences at University of Toronto

Gaurav Raval has joined the NACPT Lead Training Team in 2020 as part of the Cannabis Quality Control and Quality Assurance department. It is his job to train students and employees in cannabis analytical testing, method development and validation using HPLC, GC and Dissolution Apparatus.

Gavin Clark has a deep understanding of cannabis and the developing industry in Canada as well as internationally. This includes the many beneficial properties of cannabis chemistry, their medical applications as well the legal framework regulating it in Canada. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario in Political Science. As Managing Director of Delta Eight Pharmaceuticals, Gavin is involved in research and development work in medical and recreational cannabis. Gavin is currently working as an advisor to cannabis-based businesses including Newstrike and Up Cannabis.

Karim Meghji is a well-seasoned senior scientist with 25 years work experience in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, CRO/CMO and CDMO companies. He acquired his MSc. in Biology from the University of Waterloo where he conducted research in microbial biotechnology and wrote a thesis on production, purification, and characterization of extracellular carboxylesterases from B. subtilis. Prior to joining North American College of Pharmaceutical Technology (NACPT), Karim worked as a senior scientist in a CDMO and generics company called DPT Labs, in San Antonio, Texas (now acquired by Mylan N.V.), that specialized in topical dermatologic products. Karim has also worked for companies like QLT Inc. in Vancouver that developed the blockbuster photodynamic therapy drug Visudyne for wet age-related macular degeneration and worked as a research associate and safety officer for a leading CRO/CMO company formerly called Northern Lipids, Inc (now Evonik Transferra Nanosciences) in Vancouver, specializing in development and manufacture of complex drug delivery systems using lipid nanoparticle science. In these companies, Karim was responsible for optimizing, developing and validating HPLC and GC methods for analysis of peptides, cytotoxics, small molecules, siRNA and dsRNA in liquid, semi-solid, aerosol foam and liposomal drug formulations. In his role as CMC Manager in a virtual biotechnology company formerly called Protox Therapeutics Inc (acquired by Sophiris Bio Inc) in Vancouver, Karim oversaw and managed all chemistry, manufacturing and control aspects of the company’s pipeline by successfully working with third-party contractors.

– B.Sc., Post Graduate Pharma QA & QC, MBA / TECH

Rathi Param is the president / founder of the NACPT Pharma College, International Medical Cannabis Association (IMCA), and Validation Tech Inc. Rathi earned her B.Sc. in Chemistry from University Ottawa, MBA in Technology from the University of Phoenix and Post Graduate Pharmaceutical QA & QC Certification from SRN Institute.