Kimberley Cathline is the Research Program Manager of the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC). In her role, she oversees projects in the areas of precision agriculture technology, environmental technology, horticultural practices, and greenhouse research.

Kimberley has 18 years’ experience in applied horticulture research – most recently at the Vineland Research & Innovation Centre – managing numerous horticulture research projects, and previously at the University of California, Davis, where she managed viticulture research in lab, field and greenhouse environments. Kimberley holds a BSc (Hon. with Distinction) in Plant Biology from the University of Guelph and an MSc in Biological Sciences, specializing in Plant Sciences, from Brock University. 

Christine George is the research lead for the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC). She leads and supports the success of applied research projects mainly for the Greenhouse Technology Network, a Niagara College-led initiative that brings together research institutions and greenhouse and technology businesses to accelerate the development, commercialization and adoption of new technologies. Research projects focus on validating novel products and/or technology through testing within greenhouses.

Also a faculty member at NC since 2019, Christine is a partial load professor teaching Plant Science 2 in the School of Environment and Horticulture program. After receiving her Master’s degree in Soil Science (2013) from the University of Guelph, Christine worked as a R&D lab manager for Alpha Agri Products Inc. She has spent the last three years as a private soil health consultant in southern Ontario, dividing her time between contract work with research or grant-driven projects, and soil sampling and analysis.

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Laurie Zuber is the Horticulture Technologist with the Niagara College (NC) School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies and part-time faculty with the Commercial Cannabis Production program. She oversees the daily operations of their Health Canada licensed cannabis cultivation facility and helps train the next generation of cannabis industry employees and entrepreneurs by developing and delivering labs and in class instruction. Laurie also works with the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) and academic teams to design and set up various trials and projects including setting up irrigation, lighting, and grow room environmental systems. She supports research trials with data collection, pest and disease management, record keeping and subject matter expertise.  

Laurie seeks creative and innovative ways to nurture industry relationships to further the educational experience for the students. She represents the program at industry trade events and conferences, where she has participated on panels, advisory boards and connected with other cannabis professionals.  Laurie works at maintaining an active presence to connect current students, graduates and supporters with the exciting and interesting work of legal cannabis production in an academic setting. 

Laurie has 15 years’ experience managing plant production and operations at two large wholesale nurseries in southern Ontario and is a graduate of the inaugural 2018 class of the Commercial Cannabis Production program, graduating on the Dean’s List. 

Stanley Leggett is a Horticulture Technician for the School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies (SEHS) who also works with the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC). He assists in maintaining the cannabis facilities and caring for the cannabis plants, ensuring optimal growth in the CannaBunker and the CannaResearchBunker. Stanley also conducts and assists with research-based projects on cannabis and has become part-time faculty with SEHS as a Lab Instructor for the Commercial Cannabis Program. 

Stanley graduated from the inaugural 2018 class of Niagara College’s Commercial Cannabis Production program.  He worked in the cannabis industry in roles such as Quality Assurance Technician, Irrigation Specialist, and Propagation Technician. He also holds an Honours Bachelor of Geography and a Bachelor of Education, both from Brock University. 

Peter Brewer is a Research Associate who focuses on cannabis projects for the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC). He assists in planning new projects for the team as well as handling many of the day-to-day activities required for trials, such as hydroponic system maintenance, data gathering and any required plant work, from propagation and cultivation to harvest.  

Peter studied at Niagara College, completing both the Greenhouse Technician and the Commercial Cannabis Production programs. Before starting with the Research & Innovation team, Peter worked with The Niagara College Teaching Greenhouse and has had previous experience working on an organic farm. This position with HESIC and his educational background have opened his eyes to the possibility and opportunity present in the greenhouse and cannabis industries as well as increasing his skill, understanding and appreciation for horticulture of all kinds.  

Bill MacDonald has extensive expertise in greenhouse production, plant agriculture, soil science, LED lighting, and nutrient-use efficiency. As well as a teaching faculty member and coordinator, Bill co-designed and developed the current Commercial Cannabis Production Ontario College Graduate Certificate program curriculum. He has experience supporting licensed cannabis producers in their production systems, advising on many aspects of their production and he serves on the Cannabis Jobs Steering Committee with the Niagara Workforce Planning Board.

With a strong background in the applied and research horticultural fields, Bill has managed and owned greenhouse operations in Nova Scotia and Ontario. He began his time at Niagara College in 2007 teaching Plant Science, Soil Science, and Nursery Management courses, as well as conducting ongoing applied research projects with the College’s Research & Innovation division. Bill holds a BSc in Soil Science (1983) and an MSc in Plant Agriculture (2013), both from the University of Guelph.

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Derek Schulze has been a faculty member at Niagara College since 2016 for the School of Environment and Horticulture Studies, and the Coordinator for the Greenhouse Technician program. Prior to this, he spent 15 years in industry as a commercial greenhouse owner/operator (TJ Greenhouses Inc.). Derek received his MSc in plant biotechnology and biophysics from the University of Guelph (1996) and a BSc (Hon) from the University of Waterloo (1994). In the years between graduation and his time in industry, Derek worked as a Research Associate at Queen’s University in the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). While there, he contributed to grant applications, designing experimental protocols and performing research at both whole animal and cellular levels.

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Sebastien Jacob is a professor in the Horticulture, Greenhouse and Commercial Cannabis programs at Niagara College’s School of Environment and Horticulture Studies. He joined the College in August 2018 after 15 years of practical experience in the greenhouse horticulture industry, which included advising, training and teaching growers and their staff – throughout North, Central and South America – the art of implementing and maintaining a successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

He also served as Research Assistant for both Laval University and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and as an IPM Specialist and R&D Manager for a biological control company. Sebastien holds an MSc in Entomology (Biocontrol Science) from the University of Montreal (2004) and a BSc in Biology from University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres (1998).