Meet Dan Bath, Research Scientist, Horticultural Automation
From Flies and Fish to Food Systems Innovation
Dan Bath’s path to Vineland began far from the greenhouse — in neuroscience labs and behavioural biology research facilities, where precision and creativity were essential tools of the trade.
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With an academic background in biology, neuroscience, and animal behaviour, Dan built a career exploring how living systems function and interact. His research often required developing entirely new tools to answer complex biological questions. That meant designing and building custom technologies at the interface of biology, computer science, optics, and robotics.
In one project, Dan developed systems capable of precisely targeting fruit flies with lasers to alter neural responses. In another, he engineered large-scale behavioural experiments where schools of up to 4,000 fish could be guided to move collectively and solve problems. These projects weren’t just biological experiments — they were exercises in quantitative, precision-driven technology development.
That experience positioned Dan uniquely when he joined Vineland. He works closely with engineers but brings a biologist’s perspective to every project — understanding not just how to build systems, but how those systems interact with complex living organisms. That ability to think across disciplines helps bridge technology and horticulture, ensuring innovation is grounded in biological reality.
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What Keeps Me Inspired?
For Dan, inspiration comes from two places: emerging technology and meaningful impact.
On the technology side, he is energized by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence — particularly new approaches such as Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) — as well as breakthroughs in spectral science and sensing technologies. The opportunity to apply these tools to agriculture, automation, and plant science opens doors that simply didn’t exist a few years ago.
Equally important is impact. Whether supporting innovation in Canada’s horticulture industry or contributing to projects that strengthen food security in remote Indigenous communities, Dan is motivated by work that delivers tangible benefits. The combination of cutting-edge technology and real-world outcomes is what makes the work at Vineland deeply rewarding.
And Outside the Lab?
The fusion of biology and technology doesn’t stop at work.
At home, Dan has built a small-scale regenerative and permaculture-inspired micro-farm in his yard. It serves as both a food-producing system and a living laboratory — a place to experiment with ecological design, automation, and sustainable growing practices.
His workshop is equipped with CNC machinery and laser cutting tools, which he uses to build farm automations, practical gadgets, and the occasional art project. Once again, biology and technology meet — this time in handcrafted form.
Dan is also active in the local agricultural community. As a Director of the Wainfleet Agricultural Society, he developed a children’s program aimed at inspiring the next generation of farmers. He also works with the Marshville Heritage Festival, demonstrating historical agricultural techniques, including traditional fur and leather tanning and preservation — keeping agricultural heritage alive while connecting it to modern practice.
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And when he’s not building systems or growing food, you might find him at the piano or playing guitar — another creative outlet that blends structure and expression.
From precision neuroscience experiments to sustainable farming and agricultural outreach, Dan’s career reflects a consistent theme: bringing biology and technology together to better understand — and improve — the systems that sustain us.