Hey! My name is Thyana, and I’m in my fifth and final year of the Honours Life Sciences Co-op Program with a Minor in Psychology and Concurrent Certificate in Science Communication.

Let me tell you — I went into co-op not knowing how to apply for a job or even how to interview. Now, with one final year left, I’m leaving the co-op program with not only four incredible experiences, but also a completely different outlook on life post-grad  (and a lot more confidence!). Co-op has given me the opportunity to explore different fields and roles that reflect my evolving interests!

Since then, I’ve completed co-op terms across clinical research management, research comms, patient education, and pharmaceutical marketing at Sunnybrook, SickKids, and now Operatic Agency. Every experience has taught me something about myself, challenging me in different ways and helping shape the career path I want to pursue.

Outside of school and the office, I love exploring and trying new things, creating art, binge watching shows, and discovering the pretty things in life!

If you have any questions about co-op, Life Sci, or anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. Always love to chat!

Hi everyone, I’m Daniel and I’m in my fifth year of the Medical & Biological Physics Co-op program. I was inspired by my high school physics teacher to pursue physics because I want to see the world the way he does. Thanks to him, I have had the wonderful opportunity to explore groundbreaking biophysics research while completing my second 8-month work term at NOSM in collaboration with SNOLAB. Over the course of my placement, I assisted many projects including (but not limited to): desiccating and irradiating yeast used in worldwide projects, engineering yeast genomes, human cell culturing, and pluripotent stem cell culturing. My main roles this year have been optimizing a flow cytometry protocol to investigate oxidative stress of cells at low background doses of radiation as well as learning how to culture human stem cells. Overall, I’ve gained hands-on experience in so many areas like cell culturing, sterile technique, data analysis, imaging, and irradiation. One day, I wish to inspire others like my physics teacher has inspired me. Co-op has provided me with direction for my future as well as the skills necessary for a future in this field. If you’re curious about why I think co-op is so beneficial for any undergraduate student or want to chat about anything related to biophysics, northern Ontario, or music, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hi everyone! My name is Kyra, and I’m in my fifth year of the Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op program. I’m excited to be back as a Co-op Ambassador this year! I completed my first two co-op terms with the Cancer Genetics and High Risk Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, where I worked alongside a genetic counselling team. My responsibilities included building pedigrees, assessing patient eligibility, and reviewing genetic testing results. This experience gave me valuable exposure to clinical genetics and helped me develop a strong understanding of pathogenic gene mutations and genetic testing criteria. Most recently, I completed my third co-op term at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, where I conducted laboratory research in the field of plant virology. I contributed to several research projects, including studies on the genome formulas of multipartite viruses and the gene regulation processes involved in the breakdown of genetic resistance to plant viruses. Through this role, I strengthened my laboratory, bioinformatics, and scientific writing skills while gaining experience in agricultural research. Being in a co-op program has given me the opportunity to explore both clinical and research settings and has been crucial in helping me determine my future career goals. I encourage students to use co-op as a way to explore different areas of science and discover what interests them most. It’s a great way to gain meaningful, hands-on work experience in fields that interest you. I’m happy to chat if you have any questions about my experiences or the co-op program, so please feel free to reach out!

Hi everyone! Through my three co-op experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to explore GenAI, automation, analytics, and the business side of problem-solving in meaningful ways. In my first co-op at Deloitte as a Data and AI Intern on the Audit & Assurance team, I worked on a GenAI-powered solution that used Azure OCR and GPT to extract, analyze, and translate information from confidential client documents into a single Excel output, helping save significant manual effort. My second co-op at CIBC as an AI Solutions Analyst gave me exposure to the AI space from a more strategic and product-focused perspective, where I developed a stronger appreciation for the “why” behind building scalable and impactful AI solutions. Most recently, in my third co-op at CIBC as a Data Analyst on the Strategy and Optimization team within Fraud Disputes Management, I led an automation project independently, identifying opportunities to improve a manual reporting process and reducing daily effort from one hour to about 15 minutes while also strengthening my project and time management skills.

Across all three experiences, one thing I’ve learned about myself is that I’m really motivated by impact. When I automate something and it saves my coworkers a lot of time, seeing how genuinely happy or relieved they are is incredibly rewarding. Knowing I’ve made someone’s work easier is what keeps me going. I find a lot of fulfillment in building solutions that add meaningful value to people’s day-to-day work.

A fun fact about me: I love playing badminton, and I absolutely cannot live without music. I honestly can’t think of a single day I’ve gone without listening to it!

Hi! I’m Crystal, and I’m going into my fifth year of Actuarial & Financial Mathematics. I’ve completed one co-op at Aviva on the Personal Auto Technical Pricing team, where I worked on data cleaning, pricing analyses, trend selection, indications, and presenting results to stakeholders. I’m currently completing my second co-op at the Insurance Company of Prince Edward Island (ICPEI), where I’ve gained experience in rate and underwriting filings, implementation, Power BI reporting, data analysis, and indication work across both personal and commercial lines. Looking back, the Co-op Program has played a huge role in helping me build confidence and connect what I learn in the classroom to real-world projects. Every work term has taught me something new and reinforced the importance of staying curious and never being afraid to ask questions.

I know how overwhelming co-op recruitment and starting your first work term can feel, so I’m always happy to chat about applications, interviews, or what it’s actually like working in an actuarial co-op. Outside of school and work, I love trying new restaurants (I’m always looking for recommendations!), taking photos, and I’ve recently started learning tarot just for fun. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat about co-op, food spots, photography, or anything in between!

Hi everyone! My name is Riya, and I’m going into my fourth year of Honours Life Sciences Co-op with a Minor in Business.

During my first co-op term, I traveled to India to work as an R&D Laboratory Intern at Meril Life Sciences. My work included designing and conducting acute exposure studies to evaluate cellular responses to bioactive compounds using human cancer cell lines. Additionally, I worked with standardization of SOPs and QA workflow logs in aseptic techniques, scientific documentation, and reproducible experimental workflows.

This upcoming term, I’ll be joining EVERSANA as a Research Assistant on the Value & Evidence team, expanding my experience in literature-based research, evidence synthesis and understanding how scientific evidence supports healthcare and pharmaceutical decision-making.

Co-op prepares you for something entirely beyond the classroom, and hearing from students who have been in the same position can make all the difference. So please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my projects, life sciences, or co-op in general!

Hey everyone! My name is Elise, and I’m in my fifth year of the Biochemistry Co-op program.

I completed my first 8-month co-op term as a Research Assistant in the Forman-Kay Lab at The Hospital for Sick Children. In this role, I studied potential modulators of the enzyme O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) and how disease-associated mutations in OGT affect its activity. Starting this  role with no research experience, I built a strong foundation in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques while developing my critical thinking, troubleshooting, and scientific communication skills.

After my first co-op, I began my undergraduate thesis in the Whitney Lab at McMaster University. My thesis continued into my second 8-month co-op term, where I study how toxins are recruited to the H3-type VI secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Now working as a more independent researcher, I spend my days designing experiments, cloning genes, purifying proteins, and analyzing results. During my time in the Whitney Lab, I also had the opportunity to present my research at the annual Canadian Society of Microbiologists conference in Edmonton, Alberta.

Co-op has been the most transformative experience of my undergraduate degree! Beyond developing my scientific skills, it has helped me discover my passion for research, build confidence in my abilities, and connect with incredible mentors and colleagues.

Outside of the lab, I love playing rugby, running, and discovering new coffee shops. I love talking about all things co-op, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Hey everyone! My name is Emma, and I am in my fourth year of the Honours Biochemistry Co-op program. I recently completed my first co-op work term as a lab assistant in the Whitney Lab in the Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University. During my work term, I studied bacterial viruses, bacteriophages (phages), in Enterococcus faecalis. These phage genomes encode polymorphic toxins which are multi-domain bacterial proteins consisting of a trafficking domain and a variable toxin domain. I have been investigating the function of these antibacterial toxin proteins and assessing whether their presence plays a role in phage infection and the lysis-lysogeny decision of the phage lifecycle. In this role, I have gained experience in a variety of wet-lab techniques, developed my scientific communication skills, and learned a lot about molecular biology, protein, and nucleic acid biochemistry. I am now continuing in the Whitney lab for my undergraduate thesis.

Outside of work and school I enjoy spending time outdoors, running, wakeboarding, playing the guitar and reading. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about co-op, biochemistry, or just life in general!

Hi everyone! My name is Tamanna and I am in my fifth year of the Biochemistry program in the Biomedical Research Co-op specialization. I conducted my first eight-month work term as a Research Assistant at Kalia Labs at the Krembil Brain Institute. Here I studied novel therapies for Parkinson’s disease in rodent models. I then went on to do my senior thesis at the Bramson Lab studying CAR T cell therapy, specifically using gamma-delta T cells. Both these experiences helped me land my current eight month co-op position as an Animal Technician at the Princess Margaret Living Biobank. In my current position, I am helping develop patient derived xenograft models for studying cancer genetics and novel therapies. If you are interested in learning more about animal work, biomedical research, cancer or Parkinson’s research, working at UHN, or anything else, please feel welcome to reach out to me. I am more than happy to help.

Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa, and I’m heading into my fifth year of Biology and Pharmacology. Over my three co-op terms, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting research projects that have expanded my experience in both cell biology and drug discovery.

During my first four-month work term, I investigated how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect human trophoblast cells, gaining hands-on experience in cell culture and pharmacological research.

For my second co-op, I joined the Brown Lab, where I helped build a fungal natural products library by fractionating fungal extracts, pulverizing fungal fruiting bodies, and preparing glycerol stocks. This experience introduced me to the fascinating world of natural products research and microbiology techniques.

In my final work term, I continued in the Brown Lab, taking on a larger role in drug discovery research. I screened fungal fractions and known compounds using high-throughput screening with C. elegans as a model organism, contributing to the identification of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications.

Outside of work and school, you’ll usually find me at hot yoga, training for marathons, going to concerts, or spending time with friends.

If you have any questions about my co-op experiences, finding a work term, or anything related to the co-op program, feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to chat!

Hello! My name is Nadine, and I am in my fourth year of the Chemical Biology Co-op program, pursuing a Minor in French.

I recently completed my first 8-month co-op as a Research Innovation and New Technology Intern at Lactalis Canada’s Research and Development site in London, Ontario. I worked alongside research scientists and fellow analytical chemistry interns in the Analytical Chemistry department, where I supported quality control, analytical method development, and research initiatives related to dairy product development. Some of the work I was involved in included analyzing carbohydrate and organic acid concentrations using UHPLC, evaluating fat and oil quality and stability through titrations, conducting headspace analysis for packaging, and participating in sensory panels for consumer products.

My co-op experience has been incredibly positive from the beginning. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, explore different career paths and industries, build your professional network, and meet amazing people.

In my free time, I love trying new baking recipes, logging movies on my Letterboxd, exploring new places, and finding unique pieces while thrifting. I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions about co-op or want to learn more about my experience!

Hi everyone! My name is Sarina and I’m entering my fourth-year of the Chemical Biology Co-op program. So far, I have completed an 8-month work term as a Research Assistant at the McMaster Platelet Immunology Laboratory (MPIL). During my placement, my responsibilities included purifying antibodies, performing quality control tests, and isolating white blood cells from whole blood. This placement introduced me to the world of immunology and many topics I hadn’t encountered through coursework alone, while also showing me just how interdisciplinary research can be. This experience was very valuable and impactful, and I am excited to continue at MPIL to complete my fourth-year thesis!

Outside of school and the lab, I enjoy baking, travelling, reading, and watching movies. I was in your position not too long ago, so I know that considering and starting co-op can come with lots of questions and uncertainty. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and I’d be happy to help!

Hi everyone! My name is Alyssia, and I’m a fourth-year Earth and Environmental Sciences co-op student. I’m currently completing an eight-month co-op placement with the City of Barrie’s Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability department as an Environmental Risk Management and Compliance student. In my role, I work alongside the Risk Management team to help protect municipal drinking water through source water protection, development reviews, inspections, and Risk Management Plans.

When I’m not at work or in class, I love hiking, getting lost in a good book, baking and cooking, and making way-too-long playlists for drives and walks. I’m excited to be a Science Co-op Ambassador this year and hope I can be the same kind of friendly, approachable mentor that I had when I was starting out. Whether your questions are about co-op, courses, careers, or just university life in general, my inbox is always open!

Hi Everyone! My name is Naomi and I am currently in my fourth year studying Honours Earth & Environmental Sciences. For my first 4 month co-op term, I worked with NATO CCASCOE (Climate Change & Security Centre of Excellence) as part of the Research Analysis and Lessons branch. I primarily focused on the Arctic Project where I developed publication ready geospatial visualizations utilizing ArcGIS Pro for climate security assessments by integrating environmental datasets. In addition to this I conducted research on autonomy and autonomous systems and analyzed geospatial data to help support decision making.

I am also currently completing a 4 month co-op term as a Development Intern with Empowerment Squared in Liberia, funded by Global Affairs Canada, where I supported research on mental health and substance abuse through data collection, analysis, and project activities. In addition to this, I developed a  multimedia initiative, Voices Under the Palaver Tree, featuring a podcast, website, and environmental journalism to raise awareness of environmental issues. I also contributed to the group passion project, Zayzay Readers, a literacy initiative that supports children ages 9–12 in developing reading skills, confidence, and a love of learning. Overall through this experience I gained skills in project development, problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and community engagement while adapting to a new cultural environment. Outside of school, I love singing, music, and being outdoors! If you have any questions about international co-op experience or co-op in general, please feel free to reach out! 🙂

Well hello there! My name is Benjamin Neiterman, and I’m heading into my fourth year of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Co-op program.

This past winter, I completed my first co-op term with the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence on the Arctic Mapping Project. I created GIS maps and visualizations using ArcGIS Pro, researched Arctic climate-security issues, and contributed to the High North and Arctic Climate-Security Assessment Report. It was an amazing opportunity to apply what I had learned in the lecture hall to real-world research with an international impact.

This summer, I completed my second co-op term in a constituency office, where I supported community outreach by helping residents access government services and local resources, assisting with community events, and working directly with constituents. Although very different from my first co-op, it helped me build strong communication, problem-solving, and public engagement skills.
One thing I’ve learned through co-op is to keep an open mind. I never expected my first two work terms to be so different from each other, but each taught me something valuable and introduced me to new career possibilities. My biggest piece of advice is to stay resilient during the job search and not be afraid to apply for opportunities outside your comfort zone. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about co-op or the Earth and Environmental Sciences program!

Hi! My name is Eleanore Wu and I’m going into my fourth year of Kinesiology Co-op. I worked an 8-month Co-op term as a Research Assistant at the PEARL lab at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. The lab focuses on rehabilitation technology for children with disabilities, specifically a mixed reality rehabilitation video game that aims to make therapy fun. My main project involves comparing and validating different marker-less motion capture tools, such as iPad, as we want to explore the possibility of other low-cost devices to make the game more accessible to everyone. I analyzed joint position data, joint angles and range of motion. I also supported the other aspects of research, such as preparing ethics application, running data collection sessions and crafting some game equipment. This experience has given me a hands-on look at how technology and research come together in pediatric rehab, and gained valuable experience in all aspects of research. Outside of work and school, I love being active and drinking bubble tea. Name any bubble tea and I’ve probably had them before!

Hi! I’m Isra, a fourth-year Honours Kinesiology Co-op student at McMaster University, pursuing a concurrent Certificate in Rehabilitation Sciences. I joined co-op to explore the many career paths available after kinesiology, discover what I enjoyed most, and build connections with professionals in the field. I recently completed an 8-month co-op at the Geras Centre for Aging Research, where I worked on clinical research studies focused on healthy aging. My role included conducting physical and cognitive assessments with older adults, contributing to the development of augmented reality rehabilitation technology, supporting participant recruitment, and delivering a community gait analysis workshop.

My co-op experience helped me discover my passion for aging research and rehabilitation while strengthening my research, communication, and professional skills. Looking back, I’m so glad I chose the co-op program because it gave me the opportunity to explore my interests, grow my confidence, and build meaningful connections. Outside of school, I enjoy staying active at the gym, trying new food spots, creating art, and exploring nature. I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to reach out!

Hi everyone! My name is Fatima, and I’m entering my fifth year of Honours Life Sciences Co-op at McMaster. Throughout my co-op journey, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the pharmaceutical industry from two different perspectives, which has helped shape my career interests and expand my understanding of the field.

My first co-op was a 12-month placement at Sanofi, where I supported the Upstream Operations team working on the development and production of the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent influenza vaccine. During my time there, I contributed to process documentation, observed and improved operational workflows, and collaborated with cross-functional teams in a GMP-regulated environment. This experience introduced me to the world of pharmaceutical engineering, and I learned so much about how vaccines are developed and produced. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that sparked my interest in the pharmaceutical industry.

Most recently, I completed a co-op at Cencora, where I was able to explore another side of pharma. Building on what I learned at Sanofi, I gained insight into how pharmaceutical manufacturers work with distributors to bring medications to patients, while also learning about pricing, product pipelines, and the business side of the industry. It was a really cool full-circle experience that showed me how everything connects from production to distribution.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, going on walks, and watching movies. I’m always happy to chat about co-op, careers in the pharmaceutical industry, or anything at all, so feel free to reach out – I look forward to connecting with you!

Hi! My name is Kyle, and I am a fourth-year Mathematics and Statistics Co-op student with a specialization in Statistics and a minor in Business.

For my first Co-op term, I had the opportunity to work as a Support Assistant for the SCEC office here on campus. I was a part of the Co-op team which deals with Co-op admissions and supporting Co-op students during their work terms, and while job searching. In that role, I generated reports, assisted with the Co-op admissions process, and supported students and employers through email communication.

During my second Co-op term, I had the pleasure of working as an Advancement Analyst for the University Advancement team here at McMaster. Some of my responsibilities in this role involved maintaining and updating departmental databases, files, and records, analyzing, collecting, and reviewing year-over-year metrics, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders including donors, alumni, and senior administration.

These Co-op experiences demonstrate just how great the Co-op program is. It has exposed me to a variety of potential career paths while allowing me to develop both my hard and soft skills. I am excited to see how my final two Co-op terms can help me develop my skills even further! Alongside my academic work, I am also a member of McMaster’s Baseball team. Outside of the office and classroom, I enjoy going to the gym, playing different intramural sports, cooking, and trying out different coffee shops around Hamilton. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about Co-op, math and stats, or anything else!

Hi everyone! My name is Wes, and I’m a level V student in the Medical and Biological Physics Co-op program. Over the past two years, I’ve been lucky enough to complete co-op terms with three different teams, and each one shaped where I’m headed today.

I started at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories as a Radiation Protection Student, where I learned the core principles of radiation safety. My main project involved approving radiation survey meters for use at the Chalk River Laboratories. For my second term, I was selected for the Harold E. Johns Studentship at the Juravinski Cancer Centre here in Hamilton. I spent four months validating a dose calculation algorithm for electron radiotherapy, then completed an eight-month senior thesis on gel dosimeters in my fourth year. All of these projects gave opportunities for hands on experience and taught me something new practically every day. That was my first exposure to physics applied in a clinical setting, and it completely changed my trajectory. I’m now finishing my eight-month co-op at the Arthur J. E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta, where I’ve worked on several clinical projects, shadowed radiotherapy treatments for a variety of tumour sites, and helped with quality assurance of the equipment. No classroom could have taught me what I’ve learned just from being in the clinic these past few months, and it’s left no doubt that radiation oncology physics is the career path for me.

Outside of work, I’ve recently gotten into hiking (hard not to with mountains in your backyard!) and rock climbing, and I’ve always been huge into video games and weight training. Between the work and everything around it, these two years have been the best part of my degree, and I’m positive that prospective students will experience the same kind of growth and opportunity. Please don’t hesitate to reach out about literally anything – I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about the program, your courses, and what to expect.

Hi everyone! My name is Avery, and I am going into my fourth year of the Medical and Biological Physics co-op program.

I recently completed my first 8-month co-op term with McMaster’s Health Physics Department and am continuing to work with the department part-time during the school year. As part of the reactor Health Physics team, I had the opportunity to work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, right on campus, and see firsthand how the physics and radiation safety principles we learn in class are applied in an operating nuclear research facility. My primary focus was supporting the radiation safety training program for Nuclear Energy Workers across campus, where I helped update training materials, create new learning modules and assessments, and improve the overall training experience.

Alongside this, I gained experience in a variety of health physics activities, including environmental sample analysis, source checks, filter changes, developing non-routine radiological work reports, emergency preparedness exercises, and radiation survey support.
One of the most valuable parts of co-op has been the opportunity to grow professionally while gaining hands-on experience and learning more about the field of health physics. Outside of work and school, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time outdoors!

If you have any questions about co-op, the Medical and Biological Physics program, or my experiences so far, feel free to reach out!

Hi! My name is Simona, and I’m a fourth-year student in the Molecular Biology & Genetics Research Specialization.

My first co-op job search was challenging, but I secured my position at the very last minute, and it turned out to be one of the most impactful experiences of my undergrad so far. I completed an 8-month work term as a Research Assistant at the McMaster Platelet Immunology Laboratory (MPIL), where I gained hands-on experience with immunology research, cell culture, protein purification, and a variety of other wet-lab techniques while investigating immune-mediated platelet disorders. This year, I’m excited to continue my research by completing my thesis with the MPIL. As someone who entered co-op unsure of my career path, I understand how overwhelming the job search can feel and how valuable the experience is once you find the right opportunity. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about my co-op journey — I’d love to chat!

Hi everyone! My name is Shreya, and I’m in my fifth year of the Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op program. For my first two co-op work terms, I worked with Trillium Health Partners as a Genetic Assistant at Credit Valley Hospital. In this role, I coordinated genetic testing alongside medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, and administrative staff. My daily responsibilities included communicating with patients, completing genetic test requisitions, and collecting patients’ medical and family histories to create pedigrees. I also collaborated with the lead medical geneticist on a project to develop a new clinic model that streamlines patient care. This placement was vital in shaping my career path, as I had the opportunity to shadow several members of the clinical genetics team as well as the laboratory genetics team in the hospital.

For my third work term, I worked as a project support assistant in the Science Careers & Experience Centre at McMaster. In this role, I responded to student inquiries, supported employer communications, and collaborated closely with the co-op team to develop resources for incoming students. I also contributed to planning key events, such as the Science Career Expo! This placement reinforced my passion for mentorship, student support, and helping students navigate their co-op journey. My own journey through the co-op program has strengthened both my technical and interpersonal skills, built confidence, and helped determine my career path beyond undergrad. I’m happy to chat about my placements, networking, and share tips for the job search, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!