Meet the Directors
Martha Rosenthal, Director
Dr. Martha Rosenthal received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University
of Virginia, her master's degree in neuropharmacology from Brown University, and her
PhD in neuroscience from UCLA, and began her career teaching at the University of
Florida's College of Pharmacy. She is the author of a number of textbooks, including Drugs: Mind, Body, and Society. Dr. Rosenthal has been a faculty member at Florida Gulf Coast University since they
opened their doors in 1997. Over the past two decades, she has taught courses in drugs
and society, neuroscience, human physiology, as well as co-teaching Florida's first
undergraduate course about cannabis. Dr. Rosenthal has been honored to receive the
Teacher of the Year award at both the University of Florida and FGCU, and is excited
to direct her passion for teaching towards cannabis education. Dr. Rosenthal is educational
director of the Cannabis Research, Education, and Workforce development initiative
at FGCU, which will support high-quality research, produce and disseminate information-based
educational programs, and provide workforce development for the cannabis industry.
Sam Walch, Director of Workforce Development
Sam Walch has enjoyed a wide range of experiences during both his academic and professional
careers. After earning a BA degree in Speech Communication from the University of
Florida, he began a career as a stand-up comedian where he performed throughout the
US, Canada, and the Caribbean. Upon retiring from the road, he earned a MA degree
in Communication from Penn State and stayed on as the Statewide Coordinator of the
Webmaster certificate program. After a decade of snow, the Walch family returned to
Sam’s home state of Florida where he is now the Director for Workforce Development
at CREW. In addition to developing internship opportunities and creating an employment
conduit at FGCU, Sam is also faculty sponsor of FGCU’s Cannabis Career Club.