Submitted by Karina Bree, Capstone Coordinator
The research capstone program at SLC is dedicated to introducing real-world industry challenges into student projects, giving them the chance to apply their skills to impactful work.
On Friday, October 18, Houcine Houssa, an instructor in SLC's Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology program, accompanied a group of third-year students to GreenReach Farms, an urban AgriTech start up in Gananoque, where they gained firsthand insights into the farm's operations and the challenges they will address as part of their capstone projects.
The students were joined by John Beddows, the Mayor of Gananoque, which underscored the importance of community involvement in fostering educational and industry partnerships that benefit both the region and future professionals.
The visit was organized in collaboration with Peter Gilbert, CEO of GreenReach Farms, who is partnering with the students to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing waste. These projects not only offer the students practical experience but also contribute to addressing key challenges faced by urban farmers. Peter spoke to the students about the farm’s ongoing operations and the scope of the capstone projects, which helped students understand the impact that their work will have.
During the site visit, students toured the facility and engaged in an active Q&A session with Peter, asking detailed questions related to their individual projects. This interaction will play a crucial role in shaping their upcoming project proposals, ensuring their solutions are practical and aligned with GreenReach Farms’ needs.
The collaboration with GreenReach Farms and the Town of Gananoque provides an exciting opportunity for SLC students to apply their learning in a meaningful way while making a tangible impact on local businesses.
For more information about SLC’s research capstones, please reach out to Karina Bree, Capstone Coordinator at kbree@sl.on.ca.