This week, I asked David some fun questions about himself. David is the Agtech and Biotech Advisor. He did his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Waterloo and a Master of Biotechnology at the University of Guelph. He has experience in toxicology and market research in the food industry.
What is your role in Healthy Hydroponics and what do you do?
My role in Healthy Hydroponics is to help answer the questions such as how we are going to connect with our market. A big part of my daily routine is learning: reading news (Bloomberg is very helpful), talking with industry experts, and figuring out digital marketing. I also try to keep our marketing activities organized!
From your perspective, what is the most exciting thing about Healthy Hydroponics?
The most exciting thing about Healthy Hydroponics is the industry itself! Being part of the rising indoor farm industry is a necessary solution for a sustainable food supply for the future. It’s exciting that we can be involved in something that can change the world!
What is your expertise?
My expertise was mainly in toxicology. I worked as a technologist in an environmental tox lab and a tobacco/combustibles tox lab. But I am currently changing career paths to the business side of the industry. Now, I find myself mostly in marketing: organizing our system, helping plan goals, and talking with industry experts. I like to use the science I learned as a basis for any business plans or goals.
What do you enjoy about being a part of the marketing team?
The people. We have a supportive team of real humans. We get things done because we support each other and try to make it less stressful for everyone. That kind of environment is rare and I’m glad I’m a part of it.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of work?
So outside of work, I have multiple interests. When it’s warmer, I come out of hibernation and you can find me on outdoor basketball or volleyball courts. I recently got into rock climbing, but that was cut short because the gyms were very limited during the pandemic. I’m looking forward to climbing soon when the gyms are not as busy.
For days when I do not want to be outside, I really enjoy drawing, watching, and listening to anything anime. That actually got me into drawing digitally, so I’m learning both illustrator and photoshop.
What made you pursue a Master’s in biotechnology?
Working in the regulatory industry as a technologist made me realize that I wanted to be more involved in the business side of things. I remember that I would enjoy organizing my own projects rather than being in the lab. I was also starting to enjoy using my creativity for new ideas, rather than repeating the same procedure day after day. But I did not want to completely leave my biology background behind. So I started looking for programs that had both biology and business.
The Master’s in biotechnology program provided the opportunity to change my career path. It introduced me to the business side of pharmaceutical, agricultural, and other biological industries. So while we were learning about the most recent molecular biology methods, we also learned about understanding the market and value chains. It bridges the gap between science and business for me!
If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?
I would love to teach a class about project management, not because I’m a true expert in it, it’s just because the simplest ideas in it are so useful! Organizing in PM can be applied to so many things at home and at work.
What is your most memorable trip?
Southeast Asia 2017 and 2018. I lived out my childhood dream of being a part of an expedition in the remote jungles of Indonesia. I also got my scuba diving license as a plus!
In 2017, I went as an undergraduate volunteer to help with different biodiversity surveys. We captured bats, listened to bird calls, and caught amphibians and reptiles in traps, all while trying to keep our socks dry and fungus free. After the jungle experience, I volunteered at the marine research station. I learned how to scuba dive and identify fish and coral for underwater surveys!
In 2018, I went back to the jungle as a staff member. The hikes were tiring (we would walk for hours each day), the temperature was hot and everything was wet, but the team was amazing. I really do miss them!
Also, this trip made me realize that my childhood dream of going on expeditions is something that I do not want in my everyday life. It’s exciting but very tiring.
What was the last thing you were really excited about?
Getting married soon! And planning all that.
What’s your motto in life?
‘Walk slowly; drink lots of water.’ by author Haruki Murakami. Reminds me to live in the present and to stay healthy while I still can.
