Meet Travis Cranmer. Improving the efficiency of hydroponic food production through research.

I chose a career in biotech because... it is an exciting field that will continue to transform agronomic practices in the future. I come from an agricultural background and as such, I have been growing a wide range of field and vegetable crops for most of my life. Plant pathology offered answers to many of the problems I had encountered growing crops and as a result I became extremely fascinated. I chose to do graduate work in plant pathology and biotechnology has been a major player in recent advances in plant science.

Photo with quote of Travis CranmerPlant-pathology research is impacting food production systems by offering methods to increase yield, lower costs and decrease energy input.

Name: Travis Cranmer
Title: Plant Pathology Biocontrol Technician
Organization: Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Background: Plant Pathology, Biotechnology, Agricultural Systems, Vegetable Production
I am most passionate about… improving current food production systems in Canada. I am specifically interested in improving greenhouse vegetable production and greenhouse design in Canada by identifying methods in which we can increase yield, lower costs and decrease energy input. My current role as a research technician has allowed me to test biologicals and microbial extracts against plant pathogens in hydroponic vegetable production to lower the impact of common plant diseases in hydroponic production.

I chose a career in biotech because… it is an exciting field that will continue to transform agronomic practices in the future. I come from an agricultural background and as such, I have been growing a wide range of field and vegetable crops for most of my life. Plant pathology offered answers to many of the problems I had encountered growing crops and as a result I became extremely fascinated. I chose to do graduate work in plant pathology and biotechnology has been a major player in recent advances in plant science.

I am most proud about… being able to take a growth room or greenhouse compartment and transform it into a space specific for research. It is the little things that can make a good space into a great space that can increase efficiency and allow for consistent results.

What’s the best part about working in biotech? Discovery. Past work has allowed me to quantify the vertical distribution of resting spores of Plasmodiophora brassicae in fields across Canada. The results allowed for insight to why management techniques targeting resting spores have not been successful in the past.

How has wage subsidy impacted your career? I am grateful to be employed in a field that I am interested and passionate about.

To other recent graduates I would say… set goals, remain enthusiastic and be passionate about what you do.

Most-admired scientist: Bill Nye (1955), Science Educator, Engineer and Television Personality, better known as “The Science Guy.” He captivated my interest in science at a very young age.

Favourite pastimes: Woodworking, managing my own small business, Cranmer Earth Design.

Favourite book: “The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World” by Michael Pollan.

Favourite destination: A stream or river with a kayak nearby.