World-Class
Expertise,
One Team
of combined expertise in bioresource engineering, plant physiology,
quality assurance, and controlled-environment agriculture.
Leadership & Research
The people
who make it grow
From McGill University labs to international GMP audits — our team combines rigorous science with real-world farm experience.
Founding Director
Philip Wiredu Addo
BSc · MSc.A · QAQCC · PhD, Bioresource Engineering — McGill University
Schulich Fellow · NSERC QAQCC Program · External Auditor, Cannabis Industry
Philip is the founding director of Crop Heaven and one of Canada’s most authoritative voices in indoor farming consultation, cannabis quality assurance, and postharvest engineering. With nearly a decade of industry experience and a PhD from McGill University — completed as a Schulich Fellow under Prof. Mark Lefsrud — he brings a rare combination of academic rigour and real-world regulatory expertise.
His doctoral research focused on optimising postharvest processing technologies for medicinal plants including cannabis and hops — advancing cold ethanol and microwave/ultrasound-assisted extraction, secondary metabolite profiling, and antioxidant capacity analysis. Philip has published multiple peer-reviewed papers accumulating over 311 citations, and has led GACP- and GMP-compliant projects across Canada and internationally, served as an external QA auditor for licensed cannabis producers, and participated in the NSERC-funded QAQCC graduate research training program.
311+
Academic Citations
10+
Peer-Reviewed Papers
10yr
Industry Experience
CA + INT
Project Reach
Health Canada · GMP
GACP Auditing
Postharvest Technology
Postharvest Technology
Cannabis Extraction
Bioresource Engineering
Secondary Metabolite Profiling
Response Surface Methodology
QA / QC Systems
Leadership & Research
Scientific Advisor · McGill University
Philip Wiredu Addo
PhD · P.Eng · P.Ag · William Dawson Scholar · Associate Professor, McGill University
An Associate Professor at McGill and Director of the Biomass Production Laboratory, Dr. Lefsrud combines a farming upbringing with advanced degrees in Agricultural & Bioresource Engineering and Plant Physiology. His research covers new biomass sources (food, fibre, fuel), LED and energy-efficient grow systems, cannabis quality practices, and machine vision monitoring for plants and microorganisms.
LED Lighting Systems
Biomass Production
Cannabis Quality
Machine Vision
Energy Efficiency
Scientific Advisor · QAQCC Coordinator
Sarah MacPherson
PhD — Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University · Research Associate, Bioresource Engineering
Sarah holds a PhD from McGill in Microbiology & Immunology and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Since joining the Biomass Production Lab in 2018, she has coordinated the NSERC-funded QAQCC graduate program, bridging science communication with applied cannabis production research and quality standards development.
Microbiology
Quality Assurance
Cannabis Compliance
Science Communication
Advisor Seat Open
We are actively expanding
our advisory board.
Research Members
Research Member · Horticulture & LED Science
Sophie Rufyikri
BSc Biology, U. of Louisiana at Monroe · MSc Bioresource Engineering, McGill University
Sophie’s master’s research at McGill focused on using LED technology for horticulture and post-harvest shelf-life extension. She investigated how different light wavelengths affect photosynthesis, stomata opening, transpiration, and conductance in commercially grown plants — providing data-driven insight into how lighting decisions directly impact crop quality and longevity.
LED Horticulture
Shelf-Life Extension
Photosynthesis
Postharvest Science
Join the Team
We’re always looking for
passionate researchers and
agri-science specialists.
Get in touch →
Ready to build
something remarkable?
Business:philip.addo@cropheaven.ca