Dr. Susan Trapp
Molecular scientist • Genomics researcher • Terpene specialist • Biotech strategist
Explore the remarkable chemistry shared across plants, fungi and the natural world with scientist, educator and Terpedia co-founder Dr. Susan Trapp.
Terpenes: Humanity’s First Medicine Cabinet
Susan's Southwest Funga Fest presentation explores terpenes in plants and fungi — bringing together natural chemistry, molecular biology and the extraordinary chemical diversity of the living world.
Lecture / Talk • 45 minutes
“A general talk on Terpenes in plants and also fungi.”— Susan Trapp, Southwest Funga Fest speaker submission, August 7, 2026
Science, Genomics & the Chemistry of Nature
Dr. Susan Trapp is a molecular scientist, genomics researcher and biotech strategist with more than two decades of experience spanning academia, natural-products research and entrepreneurial innovation.
She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland and completed postdoctoral training at the Institute of Biological Chemistry at Washington State University, where she investigated the molecular evolution and genomics of terpenoid natural products.
Her scientific work has encompassed molecular biology, genomics, computational biology, transcriptomics and RNA-seq, as well as translational research involving botanical formulations, cannabinoids, terpenes and other natural products.
Susan has also played foundational roles in multiple bioscience startups, working across science, strategy, education and business development.
Co-founder & Chief Scientist of Terpedia
Susan is co-founder and Chief Scientist of Terpedia, an AI-powered terpene knowledge platform bringing together scientific information surrounding terpenes, bioactivity, safety, chemistry and evidence-based product development.
The “Terpene Queen”
Susan's professional materials describe her as known within the cannabis industry as “The Terpene Queen” for her ability to make terpene science clear and practical — including explaining how these natural compounds shape aroma, flavor and experience.
At Southwest Funga Fest, that expertise expands into the fascinating territory shared by plants, fungi, chemistry and human experience.
From DNA to Personalized Insight
Susan currently serves as Director of Genomics & Wellness at UGenome, contributing to the development and commercialization of genomics-driven personalized wellness solutions integrating nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, AI-enabled interpretation and consumer health applications.
Dr. Susan Trapp at Southwest Funga Fest
September 5–6, 2026
Nambe Falls Recreation Area
Northern New Mexico
Discover Susan's keynote on terpenes, fungi, natural chemistry and the extraordinary molecular language shared throughout the living world.
See Dr. Susan Trapp at Southwest Funga Fest 2026
Join us for two days of fungi, science, guided forays, hands-on workshops, citizen science, art, education, community and live programming in Northern New Mexico.