Lake Superior State University has secured a long-term partnership with Cambium Analytica, a Michigan cannabis testing laboratory, through a $250,000 donation over five years that will help fund the school’s Living-Learning House for Cannabis Studies and various academic research programs for students pursuing a degree in the cutting-edge field.
LSSU held a public unveiling of the new Cambium Analytica Living-Learning House for Cannabis Studies—formerly called the Erie House—on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 8, 2021. LSSU officials, students, and alumni plus representatives from the Traverse City-based Cambium Analytica participated in the event.
“This gift dedication is another first for Lake State in the burgeoning discipline of cannabis studies,” said LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley. “In 2019, we opened our Cannabis Center of Excellence, the first cannabis chemistry program in the nation. Earlier this year, we created both our first cannabis chemistry annual scholarship and our first endowed annual scholarship fund for cannabis chemistry. And now, thanks to the generosity of Cambium Analytica, we have our first living-learning house for cannabis studies. We look forward to more projects with them. LSSU remains at the forefront of the academic pursuit of cannabis chemistry and cannabis business in part through such forward-thinking teammates.”
As the United States’ first accredited university to offer a degree in cannabis chemistry, LSSU has built connections with industry experts to provide students with the opportunity to utilize the best available technology and instrumentation and connect them with organizations to support them post-graduation. Cambium Analytica is a member of LSSU’s Cannabis Chemistry Advisory Board and has supported students in the program through lectures, internships, and eventual full-time employment.
“LSSU is very excited to continue our collaboration with Cambium Analytica,” noted LSSU’s Dean of the College of Science and the Environment Dr. Steven Johnson. “It seems natural as both parties are leaders in their field and continue to innovate. This donation demonstrates Cambium Analytica’s continued support of both student research and the cannabis programs at LSSU as a whole.”
The living-learning communities, situated in the historic row houses on LSSU’s campus, provide an environment for students with similar academic interests or career goals to live and study together in an intimate setting. The opportunity enhances the academic experience beyond the traditional approach.
“We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be partnering with LSSU faculty and students at such an exciting time for cannabis research,” said Cambium Analytica CEO Alexander Adams. “We are both aligned in our understanding of the growth and academic opportunity within the cannabis industry. The university has created an environment that is offering incredible resources for its students, and we are honored to invest in their future.”