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Science Peer Help Initiative (SciPHI)

SciPHI is made up of student volunteers empowering their peers to take charge of their career readiness journey. SciPHI volunteers receive professional development and mentorship from Science Careers & Experience staff to provide creative and engaging career peer support.

Expandable List

Peer Career Educators lead interactive workshops for their science peers on various, relatable and timely career topics. These leaders draw from their personal experiences to offer the following workshops:  

  • Searching for Research, Clinical, or Shadowing Experience 
  • Making the Most of Your Science Degree 
  • Level II Selection: Real Talk with Upper Year Students 

You can find and register for their upcoming workshop offerings of OSCARplus > Science > Events 

Visit a Peer Career Advisor during weekly SciPHI Drop-in Hours in BSB 127 for peer support on: 

  • Building a professional resume or CV 
  • Feedback on cover letters  
  • Guidance on your LinkedIn profile or how to utilize it for your career 

Find their hours posted on OSCARplus > Science > Events 

Students are strongly encouraged to book their appointment slot in advance on OSCARplus > Science > Appointments > Book a Career Appointment.

Co-op Ambassadors are current co-op students who represent their program and share their experience with prospective science students. Reach out to a co-op ambassador to ask your questions, learn about real experiences, and determine whether co-op is the right option for you!  

Meet this year’s Co-op Ambassadors here. 

Information Box Group

Bana Kak - Peer Career Educator

Hi, I’m Bana! I’m a Level IV Honours Bachelor of Science student in Biology – Physiology Research Specialization. My experiences in research, peer mentorship, and science communication have shaped my approach to leadership and sparked a passion for reflecting on my own experiences and using what I’ve learned to support others. Through my roles as a Peer Career Advisor, research student, and podcast host, I’ve learned the value of meeting students where they are, sharing lessons from both successes and challenges, and creating spaces where questions and curiosity are always welcome. As a Peer Career Educator, I’m excited to help students explore the many possibilities within a science degree and share practical strategies, resources, and lessons that can help you navigate university and pursue opportunities that align with your goals. Outside of school, I love cooking, staying active, and reading romance novels!

Giulia Colalillo - Peer Career Educator

Hi there, my name is Giulia Colalillo. I am in Level IV Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Specialization. I bring my experiences as a student leader, Science Welcome Week Executive, and teaching assistant to my role as a Peer Career Educator. I’m passionate about creating welcoming spaces where students can explore their interests, ask questions, and feel more confident navigating their academic and career journeys. I’m excited to share practical tips and personal experiences through peer-to-peer workshops and help students discover the many opportunities available to them. When I’m not leading workshops, you can find me in the Science Lounge helping my Student Affairs team plan events for the McMaster Science Society!

Ricky Hong - Peer Career Advisor Leader

Hi! My name is Ricky Hong and I’m a second year Master’s student in the department of kinesiology where I’m researching neuromuscular biology and disease. I am returning student to SciPHI where I will be taking on a new role as a Peer Career Advisor Leader. My time with this initiative has been extremely rewarding as I’ve been given the opportunity to connect and guide a large number of students across the Faculty of Science. From these experiences I’ve listened and learned about the experiences from our diverse student body to which has better equipped me to engage with more students. I’m excited for this upcoming semester and to hear about the unique experiences that everyone has garnered in our future appointments! Until then, you might see me biking around campus.

Meher Dhillon - Peer Career Advisor Leader

Hi everyone! My name is Meher Dhillon, and I’m a third-year student in the Honours Medical and Biological Physics program. I’m excited to return to SciPHI this year as a Peer Career Advisor Leader! Through my experience as a Peer Career Advisor, I have learned how important it is to create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and getting feedback. I truly believe success looks different for everyone, and my aim is to make the process a little less stressful. I’m looking forward to continuing to support students with their resumes, cover letters, CVs, and LinkedIn profiles, hearing about their experiences, and helping them take the next steps toward their goals. A little bit about me, outside of school, I enjoy listening to music, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family!

Jessica Vaughan - Peer Career Advisor Leader

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Vaughan, and I am going into my Fifth year of the Biology Research Specialization program. I am super excited to be joining the SciPhI team again for my second year as a Peer Career Advisor. After attending many “what to do after a biology degree” seminars and taking classes about the different careers in science, I have become passionate about the various career options available to science students after graduation. Outside of school, I really enjoy going on hikes, working out, baking and playing video games. I am really looking forward to supporting everyone in making and refining their career toolkits through resume and CV support as well as being a mentor to anyone that wants to chat about their career journeys. If you see me around campus working at the Pulse or cramming for a midterm in Mills come say hi at any time, I am always happy to chat!

Anvi Babbar - Peer Career Advisor

Hi, I’m Anvi! I’m a second-year student in Honours Biology Research Specialization at McMaster, and a lot of my growth as a leader and mentor has happened outside the classroom. Through my work in clubs, I’ve learned what it means to lead with curiosity, ask for help, and turn setbacks into improved ideas. My background in competitive speech and advocacy, including delivering a TEDx talk, taught me early on that storytelling is a skill anyone can build, and that confidence often just means practice. I’m so excited to bring that into my advice for you: helping you find and communicate your voice effectively. Outside of workshops, you’ll probably catch me with my nose in a good book.

Mary Choy - Peer Career Advisor

Hi, my name is Mary Choy, and I’m a Level III student in the Honours Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour program. I’m really excited to be joining the SciPHI team as a Peer Career Advisor this year! Through my own experiences with job applications, I’ve learned that navigating the career process isn’t always straightforward. From figuring out how to communicate my experiences effectively to tailoring application materials for different opportunities, I’ve learned how valuable feedback and guidance can be. I hope to bring that perspective into my appointments and create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their options. When I’m not studying, I enjoy baking and exploring new cafes. I’m looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you!

Kathan Piludaria - Peer Career Advisor

Hi, I’m Kathan Piludaria! I’m in Level II of the Honours Bachelor of Science, Biology Research
Specialization program. I am thrilled to be serving as a Peer Career Advisor Volunteer at SciPHI. I didn’t discover the Science Careers & Experience Centre until my second year, and I wish I’d found it sooner. After finding the Science Careers and Experience Guidebook, I learned to effectively optimize my resume, CV and LinkedIn for the positions I apply to, and I’m excited to
bring those skills to help my fellow peers at McMaster. Through my appointments, I’m looking forward to helping students turn their experiences, even the ones that feel unrelated or messy, into a resume or cover letter that represents them well. When I’m not on campus, you’ll probably find me testing out a new recipe in the kitchen or training for triathlon events.

Jennifer Tseng - Peer Career Advisor

Hello everyone! My name is Jennifer Tseng, and I am a Level IV Life Sciences Co-op student. Throughout my time at McMaster, I have been fortunate to receive a lot of support from my peers and the staff at the Science Careers & Experience Centre. I look forward to giving back by supporting other students as they build their professional development skills through helping with resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn review. I am also open to answering any questions pertaining to the science co-op program at McMaster. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, exploring new cafes, and playing volleyball. I am excited to connect with you and support your professional development goals!