Head of Innovation
Robert August is an academically trained medicinal chemist with a focus on ergolines, phenethylamines and tryptamines.
Robert began his academic career at Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. During his undergraduate years, Robert worked as an analytical chemist for Martel Laboratories where he received his state analytical certifications for ICP, GC/MS and LC/MS operations. While pursuing a post graduate degree in medicinal chemistry at Johns Hopkins University, Robert turned his focus toward the synthesis of psychoactive and psychedelic compounds, namely ergolines such as LSD and phenethylamines like MDMA and 2CB.
It is during this time that Robert began to work as a research chemist and, eventually, began to actively pursue working partnerships with other chemists who were researching psychedelic compounds like Dr. David E. Nichols and Nick Sand with whom Robert worked with briefly in Vancouver, B.C.
After earning a reputation as a skilled chemist, Robert was invited to work alongside Ben Alkire (Purdue University) in Lafayette, Indiana where he went on to cofound Berkeley-Clearlight Research Group.
While forming BCRG, Robert was given unlimited access to the D.E. Nichols Archive at Purdue University and the vast array of synthesis notes created by Dr. Oberlender during his time as a chemist for the Nichols team.
In the years that followed, Robert synthesized numerous novel compounds and research chemicals and became the first person to synthesize 3,4-MDMA Monohydrate HCl as a crystalline solid and as a beta ketone. Robert is a highly respected member of the psychedelic community and an advocate for ending prohibition.