The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Science Co-op Employer of the Year – Emerging

The Emerging Employer of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Carlos E. Cardenas from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Dr. Cardenas was nominated by Udbhav Ram, a third-year Medical & Biological Physics co-op student who had the incredible opportunity to work alongside him in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Udbhav was heavily involved in meaningful work which significantly enhanced his skills and knowledge as a future medical physicist.

LEMuR Lab, McMaster University – Science Co-op Employer of the Year

This year’s recipient of the Employer of the Year Award goes to Dr. Irena Rebalka of the LeMUR Lab at McMaster University.

Matthew describes Dr. Rebalka as an outstanding mentor and advocate who consistently went above and beyond to provide him with guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. Her unwavering support allowed him to take ownership of his research and push the boundaries of his learning.

Jack Hickmott – Science Co-op Supervisor of the Year

This year’s Science Co-op Supervisor of the Year Award was awarded to Jack Hickmott of The Morshead Lab at the University of Toronto. Jack was nominated by Kriesha Eyer, a third-year Biochemistry co-op student, who had the opportunity to work closely with Jack. Throughout her time in the lab, Kriesha gained increasing independence, thanks in large part to Jack’s guidance and mentorship. 

For more details, visit Recognizing Excellence in Science: 2024 Co-op Employer of the Year Awards – Science Careers & Experience Centre – Faculty of Science – McMaster University

Propel Physiotherapy: Best Employer for Science Co-op Students, Emerging Employer Category

Alexander Georgiou highlighted Propel Physiotherapy as an exemplary employer committed to continuous improvement. Georgiou’s supervisor, Kyle Whaley, loves his job and made the effort to give Georgiou an unmatched co-op experience at Propel Physiotherapy. Under the supervision of clinicians, Georgiou was trusted with a diverse range of projects including the treatment of clients. Whaley is always looking for ways to improve the business for all who trust Propel Physiotherapy with their rehabilitation needs. Georgiou expressed gratitude for the mentorship he received that deepened his understanding of the physiotherapy profession.

TRIUMF: Best Employer for Science Co-op Students, Small Employer Category

Dr. Hua Yang supervised Meghan Kostashuk as the first co-op student to work in TRIUMF’s radiobiology laboratory. Kostashuk credits Yang’s guidance and support as essential to the success of her project and development as a researcher. Their work received awards at TRIUMF’s Science Week Poster Competition and TRIUMF’s Student Symposium. In her award speech, Kostashuk praised Yang’s supervision and personal qualities and announced that she will be continuing to work with Yang on her master’s project which involves a collaboration between TRIUMF and the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: Best Employer for Science Co-op Students,  Large Employer Category

Dr. Robert Screaton welcomed Mithusha Peragerasingam as a co-op student in his lab at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Peragerasingam shared that Screaton was a supportive mentor, provided many opportunities for her to acquire new skills, and helped her expand her laboratory toolkit while fostering a supportive and positive work environment. Peragerasingam noted that while these reasons contribute to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s deservingness of the award, they represent only a portion of why they were a worthy recipient.