Co-op Ambassadors

Hey! My name is Suky, I’m going into my fifth year of the Honours Biochemistry co-op program, and I am so excited to be back as the lead co-op ambassador this year! For my first work term, I was a research co-op student at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), where I learned a lot about cancer-associated inflammation and immuno-oncology. I actually met my thesis supervisor, Dr. Sheila Singh, when she came to visit OICR! I recently completed my undergraduate thesis project with her, and now I am continuing my work in the Singh lab for my second co-op work term. Currently, I am conducting an independent research project investigating the role of endogenous retroelements (EREs) in cancer initiation and progression. EREs are genetic elements that aren’t normally expressed in healthy people but are re-activated in many different kinds of cancers, so we study their behaviour and characteristics in the hope of developing them into a potential therapeutic target for aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma. 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 (or just life in general), so please don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂

Hi everyone! My name is Lyric and I’m going into my fourth year of Actuarial and Financial Math. At Definity Insurance as my first replacement, my role focused on responding to broker inquires, transaction processing on policies and triage daily incoming tasks. I learned how underwriting decisions connect to broader business operations while developing strong problem-solving skills by finding efficient ways to support brokers and streamline internal workflows. For my current role at Athene as Actuarial Co-op, it focuses on assistance in annual experience analysis, EBS and US Statutory reporting, and monthly derivative collateral processes by compiling data, updating Excel models, and summarizing findings for executive review. With Co-op, I have the opportunity to explore more about insurance in real- life scenario. Outside of school, I love biking and staying active in the gym. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are planning about becoming an Co-op as next step or anything else!

Hello all, my name is Arshun, and I am entering my last year of the Honours Physics Co-op Program! In contrast to most Co-op placements, I completed all of my work terms primarily within the same organization. For my first co-op, I was with the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Here, I studied the foundational principles of radiation protection, such as physical and protection quantities, while also analyzing the functionalities and mechanisms of TLDs and EPDs. In my second term, I spent my time working at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in a division that is responsible for overseeing the use, possession, and handling of nuclear substances and radiation devices in Canada. In this division, I reviewed and determined the operational effectiveness of radiation safety manuals for licenced companies. In my last work term, I worked with the CNSC’s nuclear security division. In this term, I assessed and evaluated site security plans (SSPs) relevant to licensees and utilized a combination of Python and Google’s APIs to develop a police response-time map for sealed source locations, which was visualized within Power BI. The co-op program allowed me to explore the field of nuclear science, which was never a particular interest of mine. Moreover, due to this experience, I plan to pursue a career in this field down the line. Aside from these formalities, in my pastime, I enjoy playing sports, watching documentaries and producing music. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my placement, experience, the co-op program, or anything in general!

Hi! My name is Raaniyah, and I am a fifth-year student in the Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op program. I entered McMaster University 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: the Beyond Silence and PeerOnCall applications, which are designed to offer mental health resources and peer support to healthcare workers and public safety personnel. During my second Co-op term, I worked at Bayer as a Quality Assurance Summer Associate. There, I gained a deeper understanding of quality assurance and learned how Canadian Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Health Canada GMP regulations influence product importation, distribution, and consumer safety.

Currently, I am on my last work term as a Quality Control Analyst at Estee Lauder Companies. The Co-op program has been an excellent way for me to explore my interests in various fields and acquire a wealth of valuable skills that I will undoubtedly use in the future.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to answer any inquiries you may have.

Hi everyone! My name is Rebecca, I am going into my fifth year of the Sustainable Chemistry co-op program and I am excited to be back as a co-op ambassador this year! For my first co-op term I worked as a research assistant in the Higgins Lab here at McMaster University, I also stayed on in that lab for my fourth year thesis. During my time there I researched the development and testing of atomically dispersed catalysts for reducing nitrate to ammonia. Now I am on my second co-op term working at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River. My research here focuses on developing and testing novel methods for processing waste products associated with the nuclear industry. Outside of work and school I enjoy spending time outside. I like hiking, running and biking. Living in the Ottawa Valley has been fantastic for this. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about co-op!

Hi everyone! My name is Amy, and I am a fifth year in chemical biology! For my first 4 month work term, I worked at an analytical chemistry company in Ancaster called Actlabs. There, I helped with sample preparation and inventory. For my second 4 month work term, I moved to Montreal, where I worked at a small pharmaceutical company called Repare Therapeutics. I helped develop an assay for a biomarker of interest and gained a lot of experience with cell culture and microscopy. My final 8 month work term is at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, where I’m researching oncolytic viruses. I’m continuing to develop my cell culture skills, and I’m getting to perform a lot of different kinds of assays on a lot of different sample types, which is really interesting. Outside of work or school, you can typically find me reading, baking, or at the skating rink! If you have any questions about my experience, moving away for a work term, or coop in general, please reach out, I’d love to chat!

Hi everyone! My name is Megan, and I’m a fifth-year Environmental Sciences co-op student. I’m currently completing an eight-month co-op placement with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as a Junior Environmental Compliance Officer. I’m based out of the Niagara District Office, which serves the entire Niagara Region. In this role, I work with Senior Environmental Compliance Officers to respond to environmental events and ensure compliance with Ontario’s environmental legislation for the protection of air, land, and water. I handle responsive events such as public complaints and various environmental incidents by coordinating with local governments, residents, and private agencies. I also accompany officers during planned inspections of facilities whose operations are regulated by the Ministry to ensure they comply with legislation and Ministry approvals. Additionally, I’ve created and distributed outreach materials to promote compliance among community members and businesses. This

role has helped me understand how environmental legislation and abatement measures can be applied across various industries in my community. I’ve strengthened my technical skills through fieldwork, as well as my interpersonal skills through collaboration with colleagues both internally and externally. Outside of school, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, and spending time outdoors. Feel free 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 Sheri, and I am a fourth-year student in the Statistics Co-op program. During my first co-op term, I traveled abroad to Kosovo as a Global Skills Opportunity scholarship recipient, where I worked as a research assistant for an evidence synthesis group. This experience gave me the chance to apply my statistical skills in an international setting while learning how research can inform real-world decision-making. For my second co-op term, I worked as a research assistant with the McMaster Health Forum, where I did data entry for the HSE and SSE websites.

Through these roles, I’ve been able to explore how statistics can be applied to research, healthcare, and global contexts. If you’re interested in international opportunities or want to learn more about pursuing research experiences through co-op, I’d be happy to share my experiences and help guide you along the way!

Hi there! My name is Anika, and I’m in my fifth year of the Honours Life Sciences Co-op program with a Minor in Business, gaining experience in industries where science and business intersect.

During my first two consecutive co-op terms, I worked at Afynia Laboratories as a Product Manager, where I marketed a molecular screen for endometriosis and developed materials for clinicians, patient advocacy groups, and product packaging. In my third term, I joined Shoppers Drug Mart as a Sales and Marketing Intern, supporting B2B sales processes to help manage health insurance clients and enhance drug coverage programs for Canadians at the pharmacy level.

Currently, in my final co-op term, I’m a Research Assistant at EVERSANA on the Value and Evidence teams, where I conduct disease landscape research and contribute to drug submissions that bring new therapies to market.

Across these roles, I’ve honed my science communication skills for audiences including clinicians, insurance carriers, patients, and pharmaceutical professionals – while gaining a front-row seat to how drugs and medical devices make it to market.

If you’re interested in building a career in science and business, learning more about the co-op program, or navigating the job search, I’m more than happy to answer any questions!

Hi everyone! My name is Kyra and I am in my fourth year of the Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op program. For my first co-op term, I worked with the Cancer Genetics and High Risk Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre as part of a genetic counselling team. In this role, I managed the intake and processing of new referrals, built and reviewed patient pedigrees, and distributed genetic testing results. I also had the opportunity to work on a quality improvement project aimed at expanding access to genetic testing for breast cancer patients. Through this experience, I developed strong skills in creating and critically analyzing pedigrees, and gained extensive knowledge about gene mutations and genetic testing criteria. Co-op has allowed me to gain valuable experience with direct patient care in a medical setting and has been crucial in determining my future career path. I encourage students to use co-op to explore a wide range of opportunities – it’s a great way to gain meaningful and in-depth work experience in fields that interest you. I’m happy to chat more about my experience, so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Hi everyone! My name is Christy, and I’m in my fourth year of studying Chemical Biology (Co-op). I am currently on my first 8-month co-op term at the Toxic Allure Lab, a medical physics lab at McMaster. The lab studies historical makeup that contains lead and how the lead is absorbed by the skin to result in lead toxicity. My project investigates how glycerol facilitates lead absorption by altering skin proteins, using a technique called Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). My responsibilities include placing pig skin on Franz diffusion cells to allow lead solutions to diffuse through the skin, flash freezing using liquid nitrogen, and cutting

lead-treated skin using a cryostat. The co-op team has supported me through many ups and downs during my job search, from providing detailed feedback on my résumés and cover letters to running mock interviews that helped me build confidence. Although I wasn’t able to secure a position for Winter 2025, which was supposed to be my first work term, I was able to resequence my terms and am grateful for the continued guidance that helped me move forward and succeed in securing my current placement. The co-op program has allowed me to explore science outside of the classroom, applying the skills I’ve gained in my courses to real-world research problems. It has also been a steppingstone towards my career goal of working in the formulation and development of cosmetic products, where I can combine my scientific background with my passion for innovation in personal care. Overall, co-op has taught me resilience and adaptability, reminding me that setbacks like resequencing are part of the journey and can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about chemical biology, co-op, or resequencing. I am happy to help!

Hi everyone! My name is Shawna and I’m in my fifth year of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Co-op program. For my first 8-month term, I worked at ArcelorMittal Dofasco as an Environmental Coordinator. This position allowed me to apply my knowledge in various environmental fields, including water, waste, chemistry, and biodiversity, to support the steel plant’s regulatory compliance. I helped with a variety of tasks, including assisting in site visits focused on monitoring and implementing Ontario’s Spill Prevention and Contingency Plans and Canada’s Pollution Prevention Plans. I also helped complete a variety of environmental reports such as the Ontario 103/94 waste audit report, a chemical inventory report, and a dangerous goods inventory report. Additionally, I was responsible for reviewing camera footage to report any air emissions from the steel plant which exceeded reportable opacity levels to the Ontario Spills Action Centre. My second co-op was a 4-month position at Environment and Climate Change Canada as a Student Policy Analyst for the Chemical’s Management Plan. This job allowed me to further my knowledge of environmental regulation and compliance, specifically for chemicals. One of my tasks was to conduct an analysis between an international chemical policy framework with Canada’s Gender-Based Analysis Plus to illustrate how policymakers working for the Chemical’s Management Plan can implement similar strategies while working with or creating policies. Lastly, I am currently completing another 4-month co-op with Environment and Climate Change Canada, but as an Assistant Evaluator under the Chemicals Management Plan. Within this position I am helping with ecological assessments of chemicals

to determine if they are toxic to the environment. To complete ecological assessments, information such as industrial uses, bioaccumulation potential, and ecotoxicity are needed. So far, my tasks include helping with literature searches and compiling bioaccumulation data from various data sources. I have genuinely enjoyed all my co-op experiences, so if you have any questions, or would like to learn more about these positions, I would be happy to chat!

Hi everyone! My name is Anannya Rahman and I am in my 5th year of the Honours Chemistry Co-op program at McMaster University. I am currently completing a 12-month co-op at AtomVie Global Radiopharma as a Quality Assurance Systems Intern. AtomVie is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, which are specialized medicines used for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In my role, I am working on change controls, where I update new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reconciliation forms to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). My co-op experience has been wonderful, as I have not only contributed to meaningful projects but also gained a deeper understanding of how the industry functions on a day-to-day basis. This opportunity has allowed me to strengthen my technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and SharePoint, as well as my soft skills, including communication, organization, and adaptability through collaboration with cross functional teams and managing multiple projects. My colleagues have been very supportive, encouraging me to ask questions and learn as much as possible. The company hosts many events all year long and one of my favourite events is the Summer Family Event. Outside of work, I enjoy taking strength classes at the gym, grabbing an iced latte, going to concerts, and exploring new places. I would love to share more about my journey. So do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about co-op, McMaster, or anything. I would be happy to chat.

Hey everyone! My name is Laura Reeves and I’m entering my fourth year of biochemistry and biomedical research co-op program. At this point, I’ve completed one 8-month work term where I was a student research assistant “sagitaire avec credits” at the IRCM (Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal) in the Lécuyer Lab. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to the world of neurodegenerative disease research from an RNA biology lens; looking into the RNA binding proteins involved in DNA damage repair! Besides the basic skills of research, this

placement allowed me to develop critical thinking skills, build my molecular biology toolbox, learn how to approach problems from multiple angles, and develop new research trajectories. Specifically, in my role at the IRCM this looked like attacking my research question through optimizing PCR protocols to amplify genes of interest, build a library of GFP conjugated plasmids for an overexpression system, compare DNA damage foci in cancer versus normal cell lines, and develop knocked down, endogenous, and over expression image sets. Co-Op to me is an opportunity to explore all the different career paths that intrigue me and learn where my skills are best utilized. It’s so easy to be caught up in what you think you do (or do not) want post-undergrad and so I believe using these co-op terms to explore different paths allows for a safe exploration of your possibilities! These co-op terms have allowed me to experience the world of true academic research and distinguish the difference between being good at something and feeling a career is the right fit. Please feel free to reach out and chat about working “abroad” in Montréal, academic research, the Lécuyer Lab, or generally about co-op and finding a career for you!

Hi everyone, I’m Daniel and I’m in my fourth 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 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 for worldwide projects, engineering yeast genomes, human cell culturing and investigating microbial contamination and stability of food products. My main role was contributing to the REPAIR (Researching the Effects of the Presence and Absence of Ionizing Radiation) project where I would work 2km underground at SNOLAB conducting various biological assays and monitoring cell growth under a low-background environment. Overall, I 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 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 to do with Northern Ontario, music, interior design, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hi! My name is Thyana, and I’m in my fourth year of the Honours Life Sciences Co-op program. Co-op has allowed me to explore different areas within science, gaining hands-on experience in distinct fields that reflect my evolving interests. My first co-op was at Sunnybrook in the Centre for Clinical Trial Support, where I was involved in the behind-the-scenes work that drives clinical research. I supported a multi-centre clinical trial comparing intravenous and inhaled sedatives in the ICU, where I was responsible for managing REDCap data and ensuring case report forms were accurate and aligned with research protocols and objectives. For my second co-op, I was a Communications Intern at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in the Communications & Public Affairs department, where I supported the Research Institute & Strategic Initiatives team in amplifying SickKids research across internal and external channels. This experience deepened my interest in science communication, combining my passion for science and creativity. I contributed to the launch of SickKids’ first enterprise-wide Clinical Research Strategy and published my first SickKids.ca web story! Overall, co-op has helped me build practical skills like writing tailored resumes and preparing for interviews, giving me confidence as I step into the professional world. Outside of school and co-op, I love creating art, binge- watching movies and TV shows and discovering the beautiful things in life! If you have any questions about co-op, my experiences or anything else, feel free to reach out —I’d love to chat!

Hi! My name is Navya Vattikundala and I’m going into my fourth year of the Biology and Pharmacology Co-op program. I’m currently completing my first work term as a Dairy Research Student at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, where I work primarily with dairy cows and sheep. My first project focuses on validating a behaviour-monitoring device, the AfiCollar, to quantify dry matter intake and assess feed efficiency in dairy cows. In this role, I help with feed preparation, collection and analysis of refusals, and milk sampling for component analysis. Alongside this, I am contributing to a lamb tail docking study that compares lidocaine-impregnated elastrator bands (Lidobands) with standard bands to evaluate pain relief methods. My responsibilities include lamb handling, infrared thermography, tail and scar assessments, temperature recording, blood and wool sample collection, pressure sensitivity testing, and monitoring growth. If you would like to learn more about my projects, co-op journey, or future goals in science and research, please feel free to reach out!

Hi! My name is Yasmin, and I am a fifth-year Mathematics and Statistics Co-op student with a specialization in Statistics and a minor in Business! In my first two work terms I worked as a Business Analyst at CIBC. I was a part of the Enterprise Change Management team which looks to reduce adverse impact to IT services, software, and applications when making changes to these systems. In that role, I generated reports of high-risk changes for executive review, assessed changes for quality, ran weekly meetings to discuss these changes, and automated tasks in Excel with VBA. Currently, I am on my third work term where I am working as an Undergraduate Researcher under the supervision of Dr. Paul McNicholas. My research is in computational statistics, with a focus on mixture model-based clustering. My principal interests and work in this field involve model averaging and variable selection. Some of my responsibilities in this role involve reading and comparing relevant scientific literature, programming statistical techniques, visualizations, and algorithms in R and C++, and communicating with other researchers about my work in numerous settings, including academic conferences. These co-op experiences have illustrated just how great the co-op program is! It has exposed me to a diverse array of potential career paths while allowing me to develop both my hard and soft skills. I am truly looking forward to seeing what my final 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, or trying out a new local coffee shop (and ordering matcha)! Please do not 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!

Hello! My name is Coco and I am in my fifth year of the Medical & Biological Physics Co-Op Program. I completed my first work term at CNL as a Nuclear Forensics Student in Chalk River. Through this role, I worked to identify gaps in current laboratory practices to ensure compliance to accredited ISO standards as an initiative to develop the nuclear forensics laboratory. I also assisted in routine calibrations of HPGe detectors for source term characterization of soil samples from decommissioning projects. My time at CNL certainly sparked an interest in the nuclear industry and exposed me to the wide diversity in career opportunities in nuclear. Since then, I have worked as a Health Physics Student at Ontario Power Generation and recently completed my last placement as an Isotopes Business Development Student at Laurentis Energy Partners. One common theme across my time is leveraging the applications of radiation

to power our society. Ranging from radioligand therapies, electricity generation, and a form of material dating, the possibilities are truly endless in nuclear. Co-Op is a wonderful opportunity to try different roles and explore careers you may have not considered previously.

I hope to be able to guide you in your own career journey and answer any questions you might have! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to chat more about my experiences or school!