For Daniel Ta, a fourth-year student in 911�Թ���’s Honours Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) program, engaging in research has been a transformative journey — one that not only shaped his academic skills but also sparked a newfound passion for sustainability.

Ta worked on a pioneering research project aimed at improving the energy efficiency of greenhouses in northern Ontario. The innovative greenhouse design was developed by , an Indigenous-owned-and-operated B-Corp tackling food insecurity across Canada. The project was validated by Sheridan researchers at ’s led by Dr. Amin Ghobeity with co-investigator Dr. Joaquin Moran, professors in the Faculty of Applied Science & Technology.

The net zero greenhouse combines a multi-layer ethylene tetrafluoroethylene cushion system for the roof and facades with a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) solar panel system, that create ideal growing conditions while keeping energy use to a minimum—even in tough, remote climates.

Ta played a key role in the project by building computer models to test how well the greenhouse could hold heat, simulating how the solar system would perform, and running airflow and heat transfer studies to check the efficiency of the wall design. He also explored different operating scenarios to find the most cost-effective way to run the greenhouse year-round.

“Research has truly opened my eyes to the potential we have as engineers to drive real-world change.”

– Daniel Ta

Before joining this research initiative, Ta had little exposure to sustainable energy systems. In fact, sustainability wasn’t even a field he had considered for his future career. However, through his involvement in the project, he quickly saw how engineering solutions could address some of the most pressing global challenges, such as reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Ta credits Sheridan’s research and innovation ecosystem as an essential part of his journey — offering hands-on experiences, allowing him to hone his technical and soft skills and sparking creativity.

“Research has truly opened my eyes to the potential we have as engineers to drive real-world change,” said Ta. “I’m excited to be a part of a future that uses engineering to create a more sustainable future.”

Interested in learning more about how to get involved as a student in research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Sheridan? Visit