by adminMEET LEON OUR TECHNICAL MANAGER
#HUMPDAYHELLO
We’d be nothing without the wonderful team of people who work here at Vertically Urban Towers.
You may have already met some of them, but we’d like to introduce you to them all properly.
Each Wednesday we’ll be posting a little introduction to a member of our staff members, so why not swing by and say a big #humpdayhello to them!
Next up, it’s Leon Gibson our Technical Manager. If you have any questions of a technical nature, he’s your man!
NAME: Leon Gibson
JOB TITLE: Technical Manager
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE COMPANY?
Over 3 years
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO
I support and guide the technical team, covering plant science, R&D, design and applications.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Speaking to the technical minds behind some of the most exciting CEA start-ups in the UK.
HOW DID YOU END UP HERE?
I studied mechanical engineering at university, including a year on placement at a commercial jet engine maintenance, repair and overhaul site. From there I joined the Vexica team in 2018 as a design engineer and was heavily involved in the creation of Vertically Urban. As the company has grown, I’ve become more and more focused on the horticultural product development and applications side of the business.
IS THERE A COMMON QUESTION/MISCONCEPTION THAT YOU HEAR THAT YOU’D LIKE TO TACKLE HERE?
Unfortunately, our lights don’t go up to 11 – so we need to know your max PPFD requirement up front.
WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CEA?
The point at which we can accurately tune into the demands of the plant, particularly light use efficiency (LUE) across a growth cycle. Once we can do that, we should see a huge step change in the efficiency and economics of CEA.
BONUS QUESTIONS:
FAVOURITE PLANT?
Peppermint (Mentha × Piperita) to make tea with.
COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee, black.
NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Argentina
WHAT’S THE COOLEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
We now have our own beer!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Rowing, cycle rides with pub stops, travelling to new places.