Hi everyone! My name is Alexandria Mansfield (you can call me Alex!) and I’m entering my fifth year of the biochemistry, biomedical sciences research specialization and co-op program. For my first work term, I worked as a genetic counselling assistant at SickKids in Toronto. Throughout my placement, I helped out on a large number of admin and educational tasks including developing slide decks that help explain genetic conditions in a patient friendly manner and developing a new, streamlined method to complete genetic testing requisitions. I also assisted with on two retrospective research projects, looking at the patient care practices for patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and experiences of families with genetic counselling in the neonatal intensive care unit. I’m currently on my second co-op placement, where I worked as a research student in the Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. I’m assisting on clinical research programs focused on improving how patients can be discharged into follow-up care and integrating new survivorship therapy programs into the Princess Margaret care system! I have really enjoyed both my co-op placements so far, and they have been a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience different domains of the healthcare industry. Outside of school or work, you can typically find me off on a run, squeezing a hot yoga class into my day, tracking down an iced coffee or trying to finish one of the many books I’ve got on the go! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, whether that be about biochemistry, co-op, working in Toronto/commuting or about life in general, I’m happy to help 🙂

Hey there! My name is Amie and I am a fifth-year in the medical and biological physics co-op program. I entered the co-op program in my fourth year so at the end of this summer I will have completed my first 8-month co-op term. For this work-term I was working as a Research assistant in the Resonance Imaging Lab at McMaster University. This experience gave me the opportunity to learn more about MRI physics and advance my coding skills in MATLAB. Specifically, I had the tasks of developing graphic user interfaces (GUI) for topics including adiabatic inversion pulses, magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat) and inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) that would be integrated into an open-source research MR image processing software called qMRLab. Research has always been a big part of what I want to do with my future and through co-op I was able to experience exactly that. I found that the biggest struggle of undergrad is trying to figure out what you want to do with your future or what exact path in your program you want to follow but with co-op you are able to explore all of your options. Without co-op I wouldn’t have known about the field of MRI physics and known this is the path I want to stay in for my future. Co-op has helped me more than I could’ve hoped, and I would love to chat more about the entire co-op experience and help you with yours! Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have and I’m looking forward to meeting you all!

Hello, my name is Banuga, and I’m a fourth-year Chemical Biology co-op student. I chose to study Chemical Biology because I’ve always been fascinated by the chemical processes in biological systems, and I wanted to pursue a career that allows me to explore analytical techniques. Currently, I am on a work term at ThermoFisher Scientific, a U.S.-based global leader in biotechnology, life sciences, and scientific instruments. In my position, I am responsible for collecting swabs from cleaned equipment, preparing solutions, and running samples on analytical instruments like Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). This role gave me hands-on experience with sophisticated analytical techniques and provided a deeper understanding of industry standards. I joined the co-op program to gain hands-on experience and apply what I’ve learned in my courses to real-world situations. I believe co-op is crucial for building practical skills and understanding current expectations, which is why I’m excited about the opportunities it offers. If you’re curious to learn more about co-op or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect!

Hi everyone! My name is Chaalena Manbodh, and I’m in my 4th year of the Earth and Environmental Science co-op program. I just completed an 8-month co-op work term with the City of Barrie’s Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability department. My role focused on implementing the Source Water Protection Program, where I developed and implemented Risk Management Plans, conducted site inspections, and ensured compliance with environmental regulations. I also used ArcGIS for data analysis, created educational content on water protection, and contributed to the city’s climate change strategy. What I loved most about this co-op was the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Every day presented new challenges and learning experiences, which kept the work engaging and rewarding. I also appreciated the supportive environment, where I was encouraged to ask questions and take on responsibilities that expanded my skill set. This experience not only helped me grow professionally but It’s been a great way to explore different career paths and build connections. If you have any questions about co-op or want to know more about my experience, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share!

Hello everyone, my name is Chengdai, and I am currently a fourth-year student in the AFM program. I’ve had the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience through the co-op program, which has been an integral part of my education. During my first two consecutive co-op terms, I worked at RBC as an Actuarial Analyst on the Life Products Valuation Team. Our team was responsible for the reserve valuation of all traditional life insurance products. This experience allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the actuarial processes involved in life insurance, as well as refine my analytical and technical skills. Through these roles, I acquired practical knowledge that is directly applicable to my future career in the financial industry. I’m passionate about the AFM program and the co-op opportunities it offers, and I am more than happy to share my experiences in greater detail if you are interested in learning more about the program, the co-op process, or careers in actuarial science and finance. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!

Hi everyone! My name is Etisha and I am entering my fifth year of Honours Life Sciences Co-op Program. I have completed three co-ops so far, which have all been very diverse. My first co-op was completed at MARS (yes the chocolate company!) where I worked as Sales Intern. My main responsibilities involved strategizing our pet promotions through grocery banners, analyzing data, and conducting market research. This role was not related to my degree, but was an opportunity for me to explore something different and learn a completely different industry. My second co-op was completed at Shoppers Drug Mart, where I was a Sales and Marketing Intern. In this role, I conducted research and analysis to investigate the pharmaceutical B2B space, as well as led the development of new product process tools using agile methodologies. During this role, I also had the opportunity to be a part of the intern committee, where I helped create and lead intern events across the organization, to promote early career development! Lastly, my current co-op is at GSK, as a Sales Force Incentive Associate. At this role, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the pharma industry, and help strategize the design of different incentive plans. At this role, I am also leading the intern committee, and have helped various students with networking, resume building and more! This role has been the most closely aligned with my degree, and has given me the opportunity to combine the two disciplines I am passionate about: Science and Business. Beyond school and co-op, I enjoy thrifting, photography, spending time with friends & family, and trying new foods. Please feel free to reach out as I would love to connect with you and chat about anything!

Hi! My name is Gwyneth and I’m going into my fifth year of the Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op program. In my first work term, I was at SickKids Research Institute working for the Yuen lab, where I was performing validations of genetic variants detected in autism. In addition to this, I was helping out with day-to-day maintenance of the lab, supervising summer students, and I got the chance to do some Nanopore sequencing. Currently I am doing my second work term at SickKids again, but this time in the Ellis lab. I am focused more on dry lab work and data analysis, and I am involved in multiple projects around the lab. I got both of my positions through cold emailing, so if you have any questions regarding personalized job searches, working in academic labs, or just about the program in general, please feel free to reach out!

Hello everyone, I’m Jasiya and I’m entering my final year of the BioPharm program. I am currently completing my co-op and thesis over 8 months in The Holloway Lab! My project examines the effects of sulfated polycyclic aromatic compounds, which are environmental toxicants, on metabolic health in rat hepatocytes. I’ve been learning many new skills, including laboratory techniques like RT-qPCR and cell culture, as well as gaining experience with experimental design and project management. I’m enjoying the transition to the research setting and gaining insight into the process of discovery! In addition to my academic experiences, I previously worked for 8 months at Norgen Biotek, which provided me with valuable industry experience. While at Norgen, I piloted an experiment focused on exosome preservation from human biological samples and also gained experience in laboratory sales. During my time at Norgen, I had the opportunity to attend four international conferences relating to genetics, microbiology, cancer research, and extracellular vesicles. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about my projects, co-op journey, or future goals in healthcare or research, please feel free to reach out to me!

Hi! My name is Jolin and I’m in my fourth year of Actuarial and Financial Math Co-op. I just finished my first two co-op terms as an Actuarial Intern at Echelon Insurance. I worked in the Commercial Property Pricing team and the Corporate team. Some of my duties were writing code for data extraction and automation, producing reports to monitor the lines of businesses, and supporting with quarter-end reserving tasks. I developed my technical skills in Python, VBA, and SQL, and learned to use ResQ, a reserving software. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, playing board games, and trying new foods! Send me a message if you have any questions or simply want to chat!

Hi everyone! My name’s Katrina and I’m a fifth year Chemistry Co-op student. My first work term was in industry, at a medical device company called Abbott Point of Care in Ottawa. Here, I worked in the R&D department and did a mix of testing in the lab as well as data analysis and report writing. I was able to learn a lot about the healthcare field and how companies operate. Then I completed an 8-month term at National Research Council Canada. I worked as a Research Assistant and focused on purification methods for boron nitride nanotubes. I gained a lot of lab experience and learned how to use different characterization instruments. Co-op has allowed me to gain lots of work experience and learn about my interests. Please feel free to reach out, I’m happy to chat about my co-op experiences or answer any questions!

Hi there! I’m in my fourth year of the Honours Physics program at Mac. My research experience began in Summer 2023, when I won an NSERC USRA and traveled to the University of Alberta for four months. Here, I worked with members of the ATLAS collaboration based at CERN on testing and improving a Monte Carlo event generator for simulating string resonances in parton scattering events in the ATLAS detector. I recently completed my first coop placement at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre. I worked with the TRIUMF UltraCold Advanced Neutron source (TUCAN) collaboration, where most of my work focused on testing neutron detectors, designing and assembling electrical hardware for slow control, and selecting hardware for our pressurized gas handling systems. I am continuing my work with the TUCAN group in my undergraduate thesis, where I am simulating the commissioning of the TUCAN source, the world’s highest-flux ultracold neutron source in the world. I am also the co-lead of the Attitude Determination and Control Systems subteam on the McMaster Interdisciplinary Satellite Team where I supervise a small team of students focused on simulating satellite maneuvers, manufacturing and testing hardware, and developing software attitude control and determination. Outside of school, I also run a small business called TeamYouthMusic that helps connect highschool-aged music students who want to teach with the parents of young children looking for music lessons.

Hi everyone! My name is Megan and I’m going into my fourth year of the Environmental Sciences Co-op Program. I completed my first 8-month work term with Environment and Climate Change Canada, where I worked at a Student Policy Analyst. In this role, I explored how science and policy intersect under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, a federal government program that deals with the regulation, management and assessment of chemicals. My main responsibilities included conducting research and analysis on how industrial chemicals are regulated in Canada and other countries. I created briefing materials such as reports, visual aids, and a comparative analysis to summarize my findings. I also learned how stakeholder consultations are conducted to gather input from the public during the review of chemicals regulations. Overall, I learned what regulatory and non-regulatory approaches are used to manage chemicals in Canada and reduce their risks to human health and the environment. This role also allowed me to expand my professional skillset and explore different careers that are available in environmental science. Outside of school, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, and spending time outside. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my experience or just want to chat about co-op in general!

Hi! My name is Raaniyah, I am a fourth-year student in the Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op program. I entered McMaster through the Life Sciences Gateway during my first year and joined the Co-op program in my third year. For my first Co-op term, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant on two projects, namely the Beyond Silence and PeerOnCall applications, which are designed to offer mental health resources and peer support to healthcare workers and public safety personnel. I learned about data visualization, qualitative data analysis, conducting literature reviews and translating data into written reports. Co-op has been a great way for me to explore my interests in various fields and gain a plethora of valuable skills that I will surely use in the future. My interests outside of school include reading, music and going on walks. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me! I would love to answer any of your questions.

Hey! My name is Rebecca and I am entering my fourth year of the sustainable chemistry co-op program. I completed my first 8-month co-op term working in academia. I was a research assistant in the Higgins Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering here at McMaster. Working in The Higgins Lab I had the opportunity to learn about all things electrochemistry! I specifically was a part of the nitrate reduction team. My role was to design and execute my own project with the guidance of the PhD candidate I was working with. My project was to study iron tetraphenyl porphyrin as a catalyst for reducing nitrate to ammonia, and to investigate the effects of polymerization on these catalysts’ performance. Day to day my role mainly consisted of reading academic papers to design my experiments, working in the lab synthesizing, preparing and testing catalyst samples, and performing product quantification using UV-Vis and H-NMR. I also had the opportunity to use and learn about a variety of material characterization techniques such as x-ray diffraction crystallography (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to name a few. Being a part of the co-op program has been a great opportunity to explore career interests of mine and expand my professional network as an undergraduate student. I really enjoyed working in research, and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had and the people I have met! If you have any questions about co-op, or you just want to chat please feel free to reach out!

Hi everyone, my name is Simran! I’m in my fifth year of the Honours Chemical Biology program. For my first 8-month term, I worked with Apotex as a Coordinator in the Quality Control Lab. I worked with chemists to ensure the safety and quality of Apotex medications through quality control testing processes, including the preparation of materials, inventory management of supplies and reagents, and testing of raw materials and finished dosage products. I’m now completing an 8-month term with Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network as a Quality Assurance and Pharmacovigilance student! I assist in the organization and maintenance of electronic quality documentation such as standard operating procedures, required operating procedures, work instructions, and many more. Other tasks include reviewing and documenting events such as deviations and investigations, and providing external audit support! I support the SHN Pharmacovigilance team to monitor the safety of medications in patients through the creation of program/product specific reference documents. These co-ops have provided me with great experience in the pharmaceutical industry through exposure to daily lab operations, regulatory standards, and the importance of safety and effectiveness in pharmaceutical products. Co-op has been extremely beneficial in my professional growth, growing my resume, building industry connections, and determining what paths I can take post-graduation. If you have any questions about working in the industry, or co-op in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 🙂

Hello everyone!! My name is Sophia, and I’m in my fourth year of the Life Science Co-op program. I recently completed an incredible 8-month work term at the Geras Centre for Aging Research as a student research assistant. The Geras Centre conducts clinical research focused on improving the lives of older adults. The centre is involved in various areas of aging research, including frailty, mobility, dementia, bone health, and caregiving. During my time at the Geras Centre, I contributed to their high-impact research by conducting clinical assessments for data collection and managing study data. I also assisted in writing manuscripts, contributed to grant applications, and had the pleasure of presenting a keynote talk on healthy aging. Through these experiences, I’ve developed valuable career skills, including time management and professional communication, which I am excited to carry forward into future placements. Outside of work, I enjoy getting involved in the community, playing soccer, and exploring my passion for dentistry and oral health. My co-op experience so far has been fantastic, and I’m eager to see where my next placement takes me. If you are considering the co-op program or just want to find out what the program has to offer, feel free to reach out for a chat. I’m looking forward to hearing from you! 🙂

Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie, and I am a fifth-year student in the Mathematics and Statistics Co-op Program. I worked as a Data Scientist intern in the Sports Analytics team at Canadian Tire Financial Services for my first and second work terms. I mainly worked on automated data collection, analysis, and visualization for Sports competitions. I also got the chance to develop a statistical rating model for athlete performance. For my third and fourth work terms, I work as a Longevity Solution Analyst at RBC Insurance. As a part of the Research & Development team, I focus on testing for the automated Data Quality Assessment Tool and developing the Pandemic Excess Mortality Calculator. With co-op, I have the opportunity to explore different industries. Outside of school and work, I love traveling and hanging out. If you have any questions or just want to chat, please feel free to reach out! 🙂

Hey! My name is Suky, I’m going into my fourth year of the Honours Biochemistry co-op program. For my first work term, I was a research co-op student in Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi’s lab at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR). I worked very closely with a team of researchers and scientists to design and run a variety of experiments. Our research is in the field of immuno-oncology, specifically focusing on the role of endogenous retroviral elements (EREs) in cancer initiation and progression. EREs are genetic elements that aren’t normally expressed in healthy people but are reactivated in many different kinds of cancers, so we study their behaviour and characteristics in the hope of developing them into a potential therapeutic target. During the eight months I was at OICR, I spent the majority of my time at the bench, but I also attended a lot of professional development activities like seminars, presentations, workshops, equipment training, and even got to present my work at the OICR Translational Research Conference. I actually met my thesis supervisor, Dr. Sheila Singh, when she came to visit OICR, and I will be starting my thesis work with her in the fall. Outside of work and school, I am an avid baker, reader, writer, painter, and musician. However, research is genuinely my #1 hobby, so it never really feels like work at all! It is literally THE thing that gets me up in the morning. I am always happy to chat more about my experiences, so please don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂

Hi! My name is Yasmin and I am in my fourth year of the Mathematics and Statistics, Statistics Specialization Co-op program! In addition to studying math and statistics, I am working towards a minor in Business. I spent the last 8-months completing my first co-op as a Business Analyst at CIBC in the Enterprise Change Management team. This team works to reduce adverse impact to IT services, software, and applications when making changes to these systems. In my role, I generated reports of high risk changes for executive review, scored changes for quality, ran weekly meetings to discuss changes, automated tasks in Excel, and more! The meetings I ran allowed me to develop communication skills. I was able to learn VBA in Excel through the automation I was doing to increase efficiency and productivity. Working at CIBC also proved to be a great opportunity to learn about unique career options. There are so many areas of the bank that I had never heard of before working there, including that of my own team! My experience on this first work term demonstrated how amazing co-op is! It exposed me to new career paths and allowed me to develop both my hard and soft skills. I’m looking forward to seeing what my next co-op has in store! Outside of the office and classroom, you can find me staying active in the gym, playing intramural soccer, reading a good book, scouting out Hamilton coffee shops (and ordering tea), creating Spotify playlists for oddly specific moods, or planning the next Math and Stats Society event as one of this year’s Co-Presidents! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or are just seeking out advice whether it be about co-op, math and stats, or anything else!