This is a unique time at HESIC, where we get to see the behind-the-scenes work of setting up our new home and what it really takes to lay the groundwork for a great research team.

Coincidentally, I have also followed the trend of stepping into new chapters in springtime, recently moving into a new role as Research Lead at HESIC. Having taken on this role during this move-in phase, I’ve been able to observe that research doesn’t just start when the data comes in. It starts with the complex, collaborative, and sometimes challenging groundwork.

As I mentioned, this is an exciting time to be part of the team. While I can speak for the whole HESIC team when I say that getting to conduct research on plants is our No. 1 joy with the job, being part of creating a space where the magic happens is also pretty special. At this stage, we’re finalizing the strategic setup of our research facility to meet the needs of a wide range of clients and trials. Our first greenhouse pepper variety trial is already underway, with partner Seminis Vegetable Seeds (part of Vegetables by Bayer), and other systems—including our vertical grow room, highwire bay, and ebb and flood tables—are unlocking new ways to test commercial crop performance, irrigation efficiency, and innovative cultivation methods.

With each new area coming online, we’re expanding the breadth of what we can offer: from plant variety trials and light spectrum optimization to tissue culture and genomic services. The complexity of designing a research facility from scratch has given us the chance to make thoughtful choices—ones that let us tailor our space to the evolving needs of modern horticultural research.

At HESIC, our core focus is on controlled environment agriculture, product and innovation, testing and development, and plant variety trials, with additional work in integrated pest management, genomics and specialty crop research. The new facility is designed with flexibility in mind, and we’re always eager to explore ideas that push the boundaries of what’s possible in plant science. It’s been rewarding to watch this space, and our team, take root. Just this week, our first peppers began to form in our inaugural trial! These early signs of success, both in the crops and in our workflow, mark the start of a new chapter for HESIC, one filled with opportunity.

Take Scott Golem, for example – our Research Facilities Manager, a fearless leader, and cannabis expert. Overseeing a brand-new research greenhouse is a daunting task, and not without challenges as we slowly uncover the quirks of a new construction build and how to adapt to them. One of Scott’s many mottos is “be honest, not perfect,” and that mentality has helped to foster an environment of openness, collaboration, and trust. We can all see his excitement with the possibility of more problems being solved for partners in the cannabis world with our soon to be licensed bay dedicated to answering cannabis-related research questions.

Olga Safonova, our Research Laboratory Technologist, has also been instrumental – she is the organizational powerhouse behind every piece of equipment, pot for planting, and fertilizer or pesticide that needs to be ordered, in addition to so much more. Without Olga and her many phone calls and follow-ups to make sure we have what we need to start our research, we’d be in a greenhouse with all the lights off and no one to locate the breaker.

Olga’s many years of growing and laboratory experience alongside our new analytical lab is steadily increasing our capabilities for potential partners. We’re equipping the lab with tools for fruit quality assessment, soil and tissue nutrient analysis, PCR, genomics, and tissue culture – greatly enhancing the level of support we can provide across many research areas. I am personally excited about the variety of new infrastructure we have at our fingertips to be able to cater to what partners need.

Our many students (Research Assistants) also deserve a shout-out for their patience and elbow grease, especially during the not-so-glamourous moments (read: lots of cleaning) of setup. This transitional period has not only reminded us how important teamwork is, but it has brought to light that our diverse team effort really is shaping the foundation of what our research facility will become.

Of course, setting up a facility of this scale comes with countless moving parts, but each step has reinforced our team’s adaptability and problem-solving mindset. From coordinating equipment deliveries to fine-tuning environmental controls, we’ve worked together to tailor each space to support the diverse needs of our partners. These early stages have been more than setup; they’ve been about building a strong foundation for collaboration, flexibility, and innovation. The energy and momentum we’ve built as a team during this process is already shaping the way we approach our work, and the kinds of projects we’re ready to take on.

If your company has a challenge you’re trying to solve, or if you’re interested in collaborating with a research team dedicated to innovation, we’d love to hear from you!

Please contact David DiPietro, Manager, Business Development, at [email protected], and let’s explore what we can grow together. In the meantime you can also learn more about our research and facilities on our website: