GP Mendie
GP Mendie, Assistant Vice President for Research Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Executive Director, Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI)
Bio:
GP Mendie is the Assistant Vice President for Research and MMERI’s Executive Director at Florida A&M University
In implementing strategic executive leadership functions and responsibilities, GP leverages an extensive and richly diverse decades of government and private sector experience in Finance and Operations; Health Outcomes; Public Education Campaigns; Pharmacoepidemiology; Pharmacovigilance; Pharmacoeconomics, Markets, Monetary & Fiscal Policies, Strategic Planning & Development; Implementation and Logistics; Technology Systems Applications, Design and Utilization; Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Mobility.
Knowing the immense power and importance of evidence-based education, GP is proud of the growing leadership role Florida A&M University holds in the research and cannabis education space, especially the privilege of educating Floridians on this crucial public health matter that continues to have a profound socioeconomic impact on our communities, state, and nation.
Dr. Mandip S. Sachdeva
Dr. Mandip S. Sachdeva, Professor, Florida A&M University (FAMU), College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Bio:
Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Fulbright Fellow / AAPS Fellow /GAN Fellow/Editor-in-Chief, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems
Dr. Mandip S. Sachdeva is an internationally recognized expert in pharmaceutical sciences with over three decades of groundbreaking research and leadership in drug delivery systems and cancer therapeutics (2 percent of the world’s scientists as per the Stanford List). He currently serves as a Professor at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has been a key member of the faculty since 1993.
A Fulbright Scholar and Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), and Global Association of Nanotechnology, Dr. Sachdeva’s research portfolio spans drug delivery innovations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric microspheres, biomaterials, and inhalation and nasal therapeutics. His work has had a significant impact in the fields of oncology, with a particular focus on breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer, as well as in areas like skin permeation, wound healing models, and skin toxicology. He has also contributed to the development of novel inhalation strategies for peptide and protein therapeutics.
Dr. Sachdeva is a prolific researcher, having authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications (H index of 61) and numerous book chapters, and he holds 16 U.S. patents related to advanced drug delivery systems. His dedication to innovation and education has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Davis Productivity Award from the State of Florida, the Researcher of the Year Award from Florida A&M University, Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Panjab University in India.
In addition to his academic and research pursuits, Dr. Sachdeva serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems and actively contributes as a reviewer for top-tier journals such as Clinical Cancer Research, Journal of Controlled Release, Pharmaceutical Research, and British Journal of Cancer. His mentorship of students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty has helped cultivate the next generation of leaders in pharmaceutical sciences.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Sachdeva has remained committed to advancing translational research that bridges fundamental scientific discovery with practical therapeutic applications, ultimately improving health outcomes across various populations.
Dr. Jamal A. Brown, PharmD.
Dr. Jamal A. Brown, PharmD., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Florida A&M University (FAMU), College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Bio:
Dr. Jamal A. Brown, PharmD is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, and serves as Faculty Senate President, Chair of the University Curriculum Committee, and a member of the Board of Trustees. A Tallahassee native, FAMU Developmental Research School alumnus, and graduate of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy, Dr. Brown’s work spans clinical practice, academic leadership, and public health innovation.
Dr. Brown has extensive experience in ambulatory care and chronic disease management, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, anticoagulation, and smoking cessation. He has over a decade of experience in pharmacy education, teaching across pharmacology, evidence-based medicine, pharmacy law, and multiple therapeutic areas while mentoring student pharmacists in clinical and research settings.
He currently serves as the Principal Investigator of the MMERI-funded initiative, “Enhancing Patient Care: A Multi-Stakeholder Education Initiative on Medical Cannabis for Pharmacists, Physicians, Dispensary Staff, and Emerging Practitioners.” Through this work, he leads the development of a standardized, evidence-based curriculum and training model designed to improve patient safety, clinical decision-making, and public understanding of medical cannabis across Florida. His program integrates interprofessional education, experiential training, community outreach, and research to support responsible and informed patient care.
Dr. Brown’s scholarly contributions include authorship in the widely recognized Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach (DiPiro) textbook and other peer-reviewed publications. He also serves as a question writer and reviewer for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), contributing to the development of national pharmacy licensure standards.
Known for his innovative approach to education, Dr. Brown incorporates music and creative media into clinical teaching. In 2023, a video featuring his original song on type 2 diabetes reached more than 300,000 viewers and was featured by major media outlets including BET, Yahoo News, WCTV, ABC Action News, Inside Edition, and Good Morning America.
Beyond academia, Dr. Brown is a consultant and educator who has delivered continuing education programs to healthcare professionals, including dentists, on topics such as sedation pharmacology, antibiotic stewardship, and opioid safety. His work reflects a commitment to bridging clinical practice, education, and public health through innovative and impactful programming.
Dr. Brown is also an ordained minister at Family Worship and Praise Center in Tallahassee, Florida, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the CEO of Jamal Brown Photography, LLC.
Michelle Wilson, MBA, FCCM
Michelle Wilson, MBA, FCCM, Associate Director, Florida A&M University (FAMU), Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI)
Bio:
Michelle Wilson serves as the Associate Director of Training and Community Engagement for the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI). In this role, she leads statewide outreach efforts. She works closely with diverse stakeholders under the direction of the Executive Director and Associate Vice President for the Division of Research, GP Mendie.
Deeply passionate about community advocacy, Michelle is dedicated to educating Floridians on the lawful use of medical cannabis and the risks associated with unlawful marijuana use. FAMU’s MMERI program is the only initiative in Florida mandated by the Legislature to provide this critical public education—an impact Michelle champions with commitment and purpose.
Michelle brings a wealth of experience from her seven-year tenure as Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations, where she advanced and promoted Florida’s Civil Rights Laws. Her work provided significant opportunities to engage communities statewide, increase awareness of employment and fair housing protections, and advocate for equity. Her transition to MMERI allowed her to continue her lifelong passion for community education and legislative engagement.
A Gainesville native who grew up in Tampa, Michelle earned her degree in business economics from Florida A&M University and later completed her MBA at Capella University. While at FAMU, she met her husband, Errol. The couple has been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of three adult children—Joshua, Charity, and Aaron—and grandparents to two grandchildren, Kaiden and Kyce, who bring them immense joy.
Michelle is an active member of several civic and service organizations, including the Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Tallahassee Southside Rotary Club, and the League of Women Voters. She also volunteers as her family’s team leader for the March of Dimes.
She finds joy in directly impacting the lives of those she serves and is guided by one of her favorite quotes:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
— Maya Angelou
Anthony Washington, CPM
Anthony Washington, CPM, Statewide Program Outreach Coordinator, Florida A&M University (FAMU), Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI)
Bio:
Anthony Washington serves as the Statewide Outreach Coordinator for Florida A&M University’s Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (FAMU MMERI). A Navy veteran with over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, the drug testing industry, and public service, Anthony brings valuable leadership, strategic planning, and a strong commitment to community engagement to his role. By leveraging his background in law enforcement, he builds essential connections, enhances credibility, and strengthens MMERI’s relationships with stakeholders, allowing FAMU MMERI to fulfill its legislative mandate effectively.
Under the leadership of Executive Director GP Mendie, Anthony oversees community-based education programs, builds partnerships, and promotes initiatives to enhance Floridians’ understanding of cannabis-related topics. His mission is to establish MMERI as the leading authority in medical marijuana education. Before joining MMERI, Anthony held significant leadership positions, including serving as President of the National Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA). He also has experience in probation supervision, emergency shelter coordination, and managing drug testing programs.
Anthony is a Certified Public Manager with a background in law enforcement and corrections. He has achieved notable milestones, including founding a national marijuana symposium, tackling issues related to homelessness, and leading Leon County's response to COVID-19. Inspired by his mother's words, Anthony remains dedicated to making a significant impact as an agent of change through his work with MMERI and his commitment to community service.
“Everyone is gifted; we just unwrap our packages at different times, but by God’s grace, we are made acceptable, not better than anyone, just acceptable.”
- My Mom