The Future of Cannabis Science: NAP x Custom Cones’ Higher Potential Scholarship Awardees

These awesome awardees recognized by DaySavers’ Higher Potential Scholarship represent the future of cannabis research. At NAP we believe our community depends on people willing to ask better questions, challenge outdated systems, and build bridges between research, community, and real world application for impactful and immediately tangible results. Read more to learn about their research and how they are hoping to connect with other cannabis community advocates and leaders!

In 2025, DaySavers’ Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition awarded more than 200 awards worth over $25K in scholarships to current and aspiring industry professionals. This was a collaboration backed by 25 industry sponsors and NAP was happy to uplift and amplify the awardees to help continue to empower the next generation of cannabis industry leaders. Here are the NAP awardees in alphabetical order by last name:

Freweyni Abrha

Freweyni’s path into cannabis science began with a foundational curiosity about how plants respond to stress—shaped by their her early experiences growing up in Ethiopia and witnessing agricultural challenges firsthand. Now pursuing a PhD in food sciences, Freweyni’s research focuses on how pest pressures, specifically the corn earworm, can affect cannabinoid and terpene production and plant defense mechanisms. Using RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis, Freweyni is working to uncover how these interactions influence secondary metabolites in hemp.

Freweyni is interested in internships and hands-on experiences in medical and applied cannabis research—including cannabinoid pharmacology, extraction, formulation, and bioactive compound analysis.

Contact information: fabrha@umes.edu, 

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/in/freweyni-michael-061174165

Devonere Alexander

Devonere’s passion for cannabis science is founded in both science and justice. Growing up in Georgia, Devonere witnessed how stigma and restrictive laws prevented people from accessing relief—shaping their commitment to equitable access and evidence-based medicine. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, Devonere is focused on cannabinoid pharmacology and the endocannabinoid system, with plans to continue into a PhD program. 

Devonere is interested in internships relating to endocannabinoid system and cannabis research and science communication

Contact information: devonere914@gmail.com  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonerealexander/

AlexandraArnett

Alexandra’s journey into cannabis began as a patient and evolved into a career spanning retail, education, and research. Over more than a decade, she has worked as a budtender, manager, researcher, and science communicator who helps patients navigate an increasingly complex cannabis landscape. She holds a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics and is concluding a Master’s in Experimental Psychology Through her work, Alexandra is leading research on cannabinoids for autism spectrum disorder, analyzing dosing, quality-of-life outcomes, and gaps between observational and experimental data.

Alexandra is interested in research collaborations, science communication, educational partnerships, and consulting opportunities

Contact information: alexarnett@mail.fresnostate.edu - calyxcannabisedu@gmail.com 

IG: @calyx.alex - @calyxcannabisedu | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-arnett23 

Sister Camilla

With a background in economics and doctoral studies in social sciences, Sister Camilla initially pursued academia before realizing the need for hands-on experience in cannabis. Since joining the Sisters of the Valley in 2018, Sister Camilla has grown into a leadership role—managing farm operations, teaching extraction methods, and representing the organization internationally. Her future goals include returning to Mexico to build a cannabis research and education center rooted in both scientific rigor and community empowerment.

Sister Camilla is interested in knowledge-sharing, professional networking, continued learning, and contributing to the scientific community. Our farm is also available for visits and volunteer participation.

Contact: sistercamilla@sistersofcbd.com 

linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talia-s-camilla-romero-19b41848/ 

IG: @sistersofthevalleymexico @sistercamillavalley @lashermanasdelvalle

Ashley Chapdelaine

Ashley’s path into cannabis began with a passion for natural medicine and evolved through hands-on experience in analytical testing and regulatory science. After earning a biology degree, she joined a cannabis testing lab and advanced to a senior analyst role. Ashley’s work has provided deep exposure to the product testing world and patient interactions, which only reinforced her desire to move beyond testing into research. Ashley is now in a master’s program in nanomedicine, with long-term goals of pursuing a PhD focused on cannabis and drug discovery.

Katherine Halle

Like many advocates, Katherine has a deeply personal journey into cannabis science. Early exposure to family illness and later their own diagnosis of PMDD revealed significant gaps in conventional treatment options that leading her to explore cannabis as a tool for symptom management. Now pursuing a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, Katherine combines academic excellence with advocacy, including work in menstrual equity and patient education.

She will be a participant in the PsychedelX talk competition hosted by the Intercollegiate Psychedelics Network in June. During her current ambassadorship with Students for Sensible Drug Policy, she hopes to raise awareness on the incoming ban of hemp derived cannabinoids.

Katherine is interested in internships or job opportunities in science communication and advocacy 

Contact: katherinemhalle@gmail.com

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-halle

IG: @Shesovarit @ohheyitskatherine I started publicly posting on my personal page as well

Michelle McDonald

Michelle’s connection to cannabis began in plant science classrooms and evolved through hands-on cultivation in Southern California, where they managed large-scale clone production and earned the nickname “Clone Queen.” Now a PhD candidate in plant breeding, Michelle’s research focuses on developing improved cannabis cultivars through inbred lines, F1 hybrids, polyploidy, and tissue culture. Her work aims to enhance yield, cannabinoid content, and breeding efficiency.

Michelle is interested in connecting over postdoctoral opportunities in plant breeding or horticulture, and other research collaborations

Contact: mcdonn958@gmail.com (personal), michelle.m.mcdonald@uconn.edu (work) 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-m-70100880/

Carrie Miskill

Carrie’s interest in cannabis science began as an athlete navigating injury and recovery. With a background in exercise science and years as a personal trainer, she saw first-hand how cannabis intersected with physical wellness and chronic pain management. After completing a master’s degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, Carrie is now focused on translating scientific knowledge into accessible education and practical applications, especially for active individuals and recovery-focused populations.

Kameko Overs

After over two decades of personal use and advocacy, including helping a spouse with epilepsy with cannabis, Kameko formally entered cannabis education in 2023. During their studies, they faced a life-altering diagnosis of tumefactive multiple sclerosis, yet continued their education and graduated with honors. Cannabis remained their only consistent treatment during this time, reinforcing their commitment to research and patient care. Now pursuing a degree in medicinal plant science, Kameko’s goal is to contribute to cannabis research that improves patient outcomes and expands understanding of therapeutic applications.