Team
Sherry Boodram, PhD
Lucas C. McCann, PhD
Shawn Postle, PhD
Dario Jeginovic, M.Sc.
Denis Adigamov, M.Sc.
Vanessa Bairos, M.Sc.
Mahmed Hasib-Ravat, M.Sc.
Colleen Davidson
Ellen Wang, M.Sc.
Nirun Sivananthan, M.Sc.
Denis Gertler
Dana Baranovsky, M.Sc
Nalin Thillanayagam
David Wasserman, PhD
Callan Evans, LL.Dip
Mandeep Brar
Sherry Boodram, PhD
CEO & Co-Founder
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Dr. Sherry Boodram is the CEO and Co-Founder of CannDelta Inc., where she is responsible for providing regulatory guidance and developing strategies to ensure regulatory compliance within Canada’s existing cannabis framework.
Prior to founding CannDelta Inc., Sherry spent several years in the federal government, most notably Health Canada’s Medical Cannabis Program as a Senior Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Officer where she was responsible for licensing application reviews and on-site facility inspections under the legislative regimes of the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) and Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). She also contributed to field level input during the drafting of the current Cannabis Regulations. Her unique knowledge and experience have led Sherry to be frequently invited to provide regulatory insights about the cannabis industry to reputable media outlets, and she often teaches as a guest lecturer at local colleges, as well as speaks at cannabis conferences and events in Canada and abroad.
Sherry serves as an Independent Board Advisor for Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. (CSE:OILS, OTCQB:OILFF), a Canadian cannabis extraction technology company, and also serves as an elected Board Member for the Canadian Association of Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (CAPRA).
Sherry holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from York University, a H.BSc. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Toronto, and a Graduate Certificate with Honours in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations from Seneca College.
Lucas C. McCann, PhD
Co-founder, CSO, Partner
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Dr. Lucas C. McCann is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at CannDelta Inc. where he provides scientific oversight on all projects. A medicinal organic chemist by training, Lucas acquired regulatory knowledge within the Regulatory and Operations Enforcement Branch for Health Products within Health Canada before moving into the private consulting space.
Leveraging his science background he has catapulted himself to the frontlines, where technology, cannabis, and regulation interface. He specializes in chemical synthesis, laboratory processes and building science-forward cannabis companies. Lucas guides his clients through Health Canada’s Cannabis Regulations and the licensing process by working to create compliant business and scientific strategies for start-ups to publicly traded licensed producers.
Lucas holds a Ph.D. in combinatorial chemistry from York University (Toronto), a Masters’ degree in Natural Product Synthetic Chemistry from Laval University (Quebec City) and a B.Sc. from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby).
Shawn Postle, PhD
Senior Consultant
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As a senior consultant, Shawn helps clients navigate the challenges in the cannabis licensing process, including business plan development, site-selection, facility design assistance and application package preparation. He also assists clients post-licensing by offering regulatory support, conducting site audits and preparing compliance reports.
Shawn obtained a doctorate degree in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, where he explored the synthesis of main-group catalysts for organic transformations. He has developed a diverse analytical skillset, enabling him to identify the right technology to solve a problem. As a member of the Green Chemistry Initiative, he worked to promote safe and sustainable chemical research. Following graduation, he worked in an analytical laboratory as a nuclear magnetic resonance technician where he ensured clients were able to quickly meet their research goals.
Dario Jeginovic, M.Sc.
Director of Federal Licensing
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Experienced in application preparation, compliance reporting, conducting compliance audits and providing practical guidance to clients, Dario brings valuable technical expertise and a client-first approach to our qualified, capable and diverse team.
Prior to joining CannDelta, Dario worked as an Analytical Chemist and Lead Operator of the Mass Spectrometry (MS) department at a leading Canadian research chemical company. Driven by the incredible potential of cannabis as a medicine, he shifted his attention entirely from the pharmaceutical industry to the budding cannabis industry. Since then, Dario began his journey as a regulatory and scientific consultant, assisting clients in navigating the regulatory framework, liaising the application process and providing constructive guidance to achieve individual client goals in the Canadian cannabis industry from the introduction of the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations.
Dario Jeginovic holds an M.Sc. from the University of Toronto where he established himself as a dedicated research scientist studying nanomedicines for oncology. A passion for organic chemistry earned him his H.BSc. in chemistry with a focus on organic chemistry at York University where he studied palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.
Denis Adigamov, M.Sc.
Senior Consultant
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As a senior consultant, Denis helps our clients overcome their regulatory challenges with a smile. Experienced in compliance auditing, application reports, security designs, and well versed in the federal & provincial cannabis regulations, Denis works closely with clients to realize their vision. He has helped shape many compliant businesses, whether it’s a cannabis processor, a boutique cultivator, or a cannabis retail store.
Denis holds an M.Sc. from York University, Toronto where he worked with neuronal stem cell cultures, observing their development when exposed to a drug. He completed his H.BSc. with First Class standing at the same school, with a focus on molecular biology and genetics. Denis’ background in biology and neuroscience give him a unique perspective when applied to the Canadian cannabis landscape
Vanessa Bairos, M.Sc.
Project Manager
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As Project Manager, Vanessa Bairos organizes all regulatory and scientific cannabis projects including working closely with Associate Consultants to prepare comprehensive action plans, timeframes and tasks. She ensures client needs are met as the project evolves and tackles tasks as required for project completion.
Prior to joining CannDelta, Vanessa worked as a Junior Researcher for a bio-technological and sustainable company specializing in the analysis of biomass conversion by-products. As a chemist, always intrigued with the cannabis industry, Vanessa shifted her focus to the growing industry and began her journey in the regulatory consulting space. Vanessa is also an active member in the community of Women Empowered in Cannabis (WEiC).
Vanessa holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Molecular Science from Ryerson University (Toronto), where she specialized in analytical chemistry and environmental sciences. She earned her H.BSc. in Chemistry at Ryerson University.
Mahmed Hasib-Ravat, M.Sc.
Associate Consultant
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As an Associate Consultant at CannDelta Inc., Mahmed has experience in application preparation, including site security design and drafting compliance documents for clients.
Mahmed holds an MSc. in Forensic Science from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom, where he specialized in DNA extraction from body fluids after he earned his H.BSc. in biochemistry at the same university. Following graduation, he has worked in the clinical waste department at various Leeds Teaching Hospitals at NHS Trust within the English National Health Service in the UK.
Colleen Davidson
Executive Assistant
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Colleen Davidson joined CannDelta in the Fall of 2019 as an Executive Assistant making her debut in the cannabis space. Colleen, an Office Ninja, brings over 25 years of executive support to the team. Best in class, her career began by supporting executives in TV production before she made the migration to major consulting and financial firms such as CSA Group, SAP, KPMG, and the Scarsin Corporation. Colleen is passionate, tech-savvy, and an early adopter. Colleen has the unique ability to focus on the details while still being able to see the bigger picture. The ultimate goal of providing reliable and experienced back office practices.
Colleen was on the board of Start-Up Durham, Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce and belongs to a large group of networking associations. She has received awards from the United Way for her role as Chair at Canadian Standards Association, Town of Ajax and from the Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce.
Ellen Wang, M.Sc.
Associate Consultant
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Ellen Wang is an Associate Consultant at CannDelta Inc., where she helps clients to develop scientific strategies, build quality systems, apply for cGMP certification and prepare regulatory documents. As a strong professional, Ellen brings in her extensive cGMP experience both in the cannabis and pharmaceutical industries.
With her profound understanding of regulatory guidelines (e.g. Health Canada, FDA, EMA), she has strong skills in stability program, method validation/transfer, change controls, deviations, OOS investigations, CAPA, instrumentation qualifications, product complaints and recalls. Prior to joining CannDelta, Ellen worked as a Global Quality Control and Stability Lead at Tilray where she was responsible for global quality control laboratory operations, stability study, regulatory inspections and deficiency responses. Before joining Tilray, Ellen worked as a Quality Control Supervisor at Apotex Fermentation Inc., one of Apotex Group Companies, in charge of stability program, analytical method validation/transfer, and standard certification.
Ellen holds a Masters’ degree in Science from University of Manitoba. She has obtained various certificates in cGMP training, Investigation and CAPA Training, Laboratory OOS Investigation and Stability Management.
Nirun Sivananthan, M.Sc.
Associate Consultant
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Nirun Sivananthan is an Associate Consultant at CannDelta Inc., where he provides scientific and regulatory consulting with a client-first approach. Trained by the Rotman School of Management’s MBA Essentials program, he is well positioned to handle your services with the care they deserve. Prior to joining CannDelta, Nirun worked as a Research and Development consultant in the cannabis industry with respect to cannabinoid-based formulations and devices. He has also utilized his research and analytical experience to assist with ancillary services for start-ups. Furthermore, he has worked with non-profit advocacy groups to help educate the global public when it comes to cannabinoid science, drug development, and policy.
Nirun holds an M.Sc. in Applied Clinical Pharmacology from the University of Toronto where specialized in cannabinoid research. He assisted in both in vivo and in vitro studies elucidating the mechanics of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). His work into the ECS has led to the publication of articles around cannabinoids and neuroscience. In addition to his background in neuropharmacology, his Master’s level training in drug development not only has him well-equipped for the budding cannabis industry but also for what is on the horizon.
Prospective clients, please feel free to get in touch to see how Nirun can help you achieve your regulatory and scientific needs. He is available for contact by email at nirun@canndeltav2:8890 or on LinkedIn.
Denis Gertler
Senior Regulatory Advisor
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CannDelta is pleased to announce Denis Gertler, former AGCO official, as our new Senior Regulatory Advisor! Denis comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the regulatory and compliance field. Prior to working for CannDelta, Denis was the Director & Deputy Registrar of the Gaming Compliance Branch and Audit & Compliance Branch of the AGCO, where he pioneered the use of business analytics for internet gaming compliance. He also led the legislative development and implementation of the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2005.
Most recently Denis worked as an independent consultant providing guidance in the education, gaming, tobacco control and cannabis sectors. Notably, Denis advised senior management at George Brown College on cannabis legalization to help inform the College’s programming and planning efforts.
Denis has an MA in Communications from Purdue University and holds certificates in the Advanced Program in Managing Strategic Change, Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and in the Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Dana Baranovsky, M.Sc
Associate Consultant
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As an associate consultant, Dana Baranovsky works with cannabis companies to define actionable regulatory strategies in line with their business goals. She works closely with clients to help them achieve cannabis licensing and compliance.
Dana brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the cannabis industry. Prior to joining CannDelta, Dana worked as the Regulatory Affairs Manager at a licensed cannabis producer, where she acquired regulatory, quality assurance and operations experience. Before coming to the cannabis industry, Dana worked at a business accelerator and provided commercialization support to companies in the agri-tech, food and natural health product industries. Dana is passionate about using her expertise and experience to help companies overcome regulatory challenges to innovate and grow their business in the cannabis industry.
Dana holds a M.Sc. Degree in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph which focused on product development, business, and regulatory affairs.
Nalin Thillanayagam
Business Analyst
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Nalin Thillanayagam is currently the Business Analyst for CannDelta Inc. With his educational background in Chemical Engineering obtaining a Bachelor’s of Engineering degree from Ryerson University, he is ready to take on this role to provide insight within the Cannabis industry on opportunities and solutions to reach your business goals. He is looking forward to conducting analysis on product and profitability to your meet your business needs.
Prior to CannDelta, Nalin worked as an Intern for Buckman Technologies where he created multiple Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for chemical program test work. He worked for Metrolinx as a Maintenance Analyst implementing and recommending various project onboarding tools and assessed viability. Furthermore, Nalin was a Production Engineering/Continuous Improvement Intern with Agropur Natrel conducting studies and collecting data on dairy co-op processes and mechanical food packaging equipment to meet quality standards.
David Wasserman, PhD
Associate Consultant
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Dr. David I. Wasserman is an Associate Consultant at CannDelta Inc. where he brings his scientific, technical, and teaching experience to the team. David has a strong passion for refining procedures, and critical thinking and provides retail store training, scientific, and regulatory consulting with a client-first approach.
For over 10-years, David had been conducting research and teaching at some of Canada’s top universities. In addition to his research into the neuronal basis of addiction, David has substantial experience with scientific and regulatory writing (including grants, technical documents, SOPs, and section 56 exemptions); developing course curriculums, lecturing, and teaching; and utilizing an array of scientific equipment and procedures. Prior to joining CannDelta, David worked as a Research and Development Associate at a Canadian Cannabis Licensed Producer where he was involved in formulating and designing Cannabis 2.0 products, coordinating technology transfers, and interpreting and coordinating compliance to regulatory requirements. In addition, he worked to analyze processes and procedures used to produce cannabis products and implemented strategies to help refine, streamline, and improve upon them, especially in scaling from benchtop to full production.
David earned his Ph.D., Master’s degree, and an Honours Bachelors of Science in psychology (neuroscience) from the University of Toronto where he studied the neuropharmacology and mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse in rodents. Following his doctorate, he held a postdoctoral position at the University of Guelph where he utilized touchscreen technologies and transgenic rodent models of Alzheimer’s Disease to study the longitudinal course of the disease. Afterwards, David relocated to Western University where became the Lab Manager of the Rodent Cognition Core and a Research Associate and Lab Manager at the Translational Cognitive Neuroscience (TCN) Lab. At Western he helped to design and plan biosafety-level-2 compliant facilities (laboratories, animal facilities, and surgical suites), establish laboratory procedures, oversee and train staff, and help guide the policies, scientific, and technical directions of the research group.
Callan Evans, LL.Dip
Associate Consultant
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Callan Evans is an Associate Consultant at CannDelta. With a Bachelor of Chemistry from Queen’s University and a Diploma of Law from BPP University, Callan gained experience in academic research at several Canadian Universities and in consulting clients through the legal framework in England.
Before joining CannDelta, Callan utilized his experience at a major Licensed Producer, where his focus was on the development and improvement of processes. Callan worked on well over 50 projects, spearheading initiatives in Inventory, Packaging, Extraction, Formulation, Cultivation and Post-Harvest. With a wide range of projects geared towards improving Quality, Compliance and Operations, Callan developed a unique understanding on how to uphold compliance and product quality while streamlining operations on both a GPP and GMP scale.
Through Callan’s academic foundation and industrial experience, he has developed the ability to consult clients on how to identify the gaps within the three pillars and develop operational efficiency. With an appreciation in project management, Callan is currently completing a Project Management certificate and Business Analysis certificate from the University of Toronto.
Mandeep Brar
Associate Consultant
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Mandeep Brar is an Associate Consultant at CannDelta Inc. Mandeep holds a Master’s in Engineering degree focused in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University, ON, Canada.
Ms. Brar has over 8 years of experience working in the Regulatory Affairs field which makes her highly skilled in regulatory submissions, risk assessments, SOP management, deviations identification, investigations and closure, quality systems, operational quality, product releases, compliance, and complaints. Prior to joining CannDelta, Mandeep has worked as a Regulatory Affairs Manager and Quality Assurance Personnel at Cronos Group, a major Licensed Cannabis Producer, where she acquired regulatory, quality and operations experience. Before working in the Cannabis Industry, Mandeep has worked as a Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance professional working with controlled drugs, precursors and other chemicals including cosmetics. Mandeep is very enthusiastic about using her knowledge and experience to help companies to innovate and grow their business by overcoming any regulatory and quality related challenges.
