Shawn Helmuller
Chief Science Officer, ChemID, Ionization Labs, Austin, Texas, USA
Heroes or mentors?
I’ve been privileged to work with a lot of amazing mentors throughout my career, too many to try and list them all here. My graduate research advisor, Dr. Don Poe introduced me to the field of analytical chemistry and he fostered a curious and inquisitive mindset that made separation science interesting and exciting. He also introduced me to the product development group at Waters Corporation where I would eventually take my first “real job”, with Dr. Poe’s recommendation.
At Waters, there were many people I looked up to as a young analytical chemist. Specifically, my first boss Andrew Aubin – who taught me that part of our jobs as analytical chemists is to be critical and skeptical (of pretty much everything). It’s on us to catch those things that no one else cares to notice.
The same serendipitous introduction where I became acquainted with my future boss, I was also introduced to cannabis science by Dr. Chris Hudalla at ProVerde Labs. Dr. Hudalla has been a friend and professional mentor my whole career. I’m not sure there’s anyone better to provide an unfiltered introduction to the then still taboo, emerging cannabis industry. His perspective and willingness to share is a big reason I felt I could make the transition into the cannabis industry successfully.
I could go on and on here, but I’ll end by saying that I’m hopeful that I can have the same type of impact on a young scientist someday as these people have had on me.
