Dr. Reginald “Reggie” Gaudino has joined DPI as the inaugural Director of the Cannabis Research Institute. A molecular geneticist specializing in biochemical networks in plant phytochemistry, Reggie brings over 20 years of experience as a patent scientist at several national law firms before transitioning to cannabis research. In 2014, he joined Steep Hill, where he leveraged his deep understanding of intellectual property (IP) to lead a team in developing the first DNA-based diagnostic assay for cannabis within a year. His work resulted in multiple patents and paved the way for his move to Front Range Biosciences in 2019 as Vice President of R&D and Director of IP. At Front Range, Reggie led a team of 20 scientists, agronomists, breeders, and growers in sophisticated breeding programs, driven by multidisciplinary scientific support, all while advancing cannabis research.