by adminMEET PHOEBE OUR PLANT SCIENTIST
#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!
Today Plant Scientist, Phoebe Sutton, emerges from the undergrowth! Phoebe and her team ensure everything we do is underpinned by science. If you want to talk plants…she’s got you covered!
NAME: Phoebe Sutton
JOB TITLE: Plant Scientist
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE COMPANY?
16 Months
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO
I conduct research in our Grow Lab, which involves growing plants under our spectra, collecting, analysing and presenting data. I stay on top of current trends in the field and advise both the design team and clients on spectral choices.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It’s an exciting time in Controlled Environment Agriculture with huge amounts of innovation and potential to be explored. I enjoy working at this cutting edge; pushing our development in the industry and working with companies who are equally as passionate.
HOW DID YOU END UP HERE?
My journey to Vertically Urban began in Bristol where I completed both my undergrad and masters degrees in Biology, in between which I assisted on a summer project with a small vertical farm start up. This experience piqued my interest and drove me to undertake a PhD project which examined the potential for LED lighting to increase nutritional content of plants grown in a vertical hydroponic system. From there I was discovered by Vertically Urban and haven’t looked back since!
IS THERE A COMMON QUESTION/MISCONCEPTION THAT YOU HEAR FROM CUSTOMERS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ANSWER HERE?
A common misconception is that we know everything there is to know about plants, when in reality there is a lot still unknown.
Often the research has not yet been done on a particular crop or plant, and even then the results can vary between cultivar and cultivation system. We can of course make an educated assessment, especially on crops that are commonly grown, but much of the industry is uncharted territory which offers many opportunities.
WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CEA?
CEA represents a huge opportunity to improve sustainable food production worldwide. Yet, there is so much to be explored, discovered and optimised. It’s a researcher’s dream! But as a multidisciplinary enterprise, collaboration is essential. So I’m excited to see the results of those collaborations and what we in the industry can create together.
BONUS QUESTIONS:
FAVOURITE PLANT?
Iris (iris).
COFFEE OR TEA?
TEA! Milk, no sugar please.
NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Iceland or Norway.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Crafting, be that cross stitch, crochet, or DIY.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Count your blessings.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD YOU HAVE A CELEBRITY LOOKALIKE? WHO WAS IT?
Natalie Dormer.
WHICH TWO CURRENTLY LIVING FAMOUS GUESTS WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY?
Sir David Attenborough, who has inspired generations of nature lovers including myself, and Russell Brand, to share the insights he gained to become the person he is now, and also for comedic value!