Lesley Campbell
Hello! I am a Plant Evolutionary Ecologist dedicated to generating new knowledge for solving applied problems in agriculture and conservation, with interests in crop yield limits, agricultural weed success, and recovery of rare or endangered species. As a Principal Investigator, I lead a dynamic team of graduate students, staff researchers, and undergraduate assistants alongside Dr. Bougherara. As an ecologist, my focus in Skyripe Farms has been the plant-driven agriculture, BeeFree Pollination system, & how to connect this technology to interested farmers.
Habiba Bougherara
Hello! My research focuses on biomaterials biomechanics, particularly the bone-implant interface, aiming to develop and assess biomimetic and conventional implants. I seek to create prosthetic materials with bone-like characteristics, using natural fibers for better integration with host tissues. As a Principal Investigator in the project, I lead a hardworking team of graduate students, staff researchers, and undergraduate assistants alongside Dr. Campbell. As a mechanical engineer, I work mainly on the technological side of the project.
Hello! I’m dedicated to ensuring our vertical farming team operates smoothly and effectively. With a Bachelor of Science and a strong passion for supporting research and innovation, I’ve been inspired by our team’s vision to integrate botany and engineering to create practical solutions in sustainable agriculture. My role involves managing project coordination, enhancing team collaboration, and optimizing workflows, which allows our experts to concentrate on advancing agricultural technology. Whether you’re an industry innovator, a curious consumer, or a sustainability advocate, I’m here to build meaningful connections and drive transformative change.
Engineering & Design
Our team is responsible for designing and prototyping the system. From lighting and irrigation to airflow, it is our job to ensure that any features or ideas that are to be incorporated into the system, can be viable and manufacturable. We use computer modeling and simulations along with 3D printing to create a real life prototype for testing and growing plants. Each of our members undertake different aspects of the system. Mide Shola-Shittu designs the irrigation system to supply plants with tailored water and nutrients. Hassan Sarailoo develops the lighting system and heat management solutions to ensure optimal performance and the best spectrum and coverage for plant growth. Dr. Allaeddine Benchikh Lehocine and Dr. Thabet Belamri refine the airflow and nozzle system to supply balanced air to all the plants in the system. Ahmed Sarwar designs and simulates the complete system, as well as heading the 3D printed prototype testing. Together we ensure that the platform caters to the plants’ needs for optimal growth and maximum efficiency.
Automation & Robotics
Our team is dedicated to developing advanced plant health and yield monitoring tools. Led by Dr. Sajad Saeedi at TMU, the team is a multidisciplinary group composed of experts from various fields. Dr. Kourosh Zareinia (Robotics), Dr. Habiba Bougherara (Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Lesley Campbell (Plant Science), along with students Georgia Jovanovic specializing in interpreting electrochemistry biosignals, Parham Jafary focusing on machine learning models for vision systems, and Mide Shola-Shittu also interpreting electrochemical biosignals, who all collaborate to push the boundaries of agricultural technology. The team's ultimate goal is to create precise and reliable tools that enhance plant health monitoring and yield prediction, thereby supporting sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Horticultural Scientists
We are botanists from the Campbell Lab who specialize in research pertaining to the production of multiple plant species. Our main projects revolve around the manufacturing of a witness system capable of detecting fruit development and yield prediction, as well as the development of environmental recipes for optimal fruit production. Our team is made up of botanists Yoana Angelova, Huzaifa Almohimed, Anna Bazangeya, Samuel Druif, Simran Kaur, and Michelle Pham, all of whom form a hard-working team with the ultimate goal of increasing fruit quality, maximizing efficiency and reducing energy costs in urban indoor agriculture.
