Recognizing Excellence in Science: 2024 Co-op Employer of the Year Awards

Co-op students who were on work terms in 2024 had the opportunity to nominate employers and supervisors who went above and beyond to create meaningful, impactful work terms. These nominations highlight the dedication of employers who foster valuable learning experiences, shaping the future of the next generation of professionals. 

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.

She describes Jack as an exceptional supervisor who balances trust and support effortlessly. He created a welcoming space where students felt comfortable sharing concerns and learning from their mistakes. Kriesha says Jack was always quick to check in when someone needed reassurance, and that his encouragement and positivity truly defined the lab’s atmosphere.

Though sometimes Kriesha was hesitant to challenge herself, Jack bolstered her confidence, reassuring her that she deserved to make the most of her experience and tailoring his mentorship style to suit her needs. Jack also fostered an open line of communication where mistakes were seen as learning opportunities, guiding her without judgment. Jack’s support gave Kriesha the confidence to pursue her goals, a lesson she’ll carry with her.

Congratulations to Jack on being named 2024 Science Co-op Supervisor of the Year.  

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.

Under Dr. Rebalka’s guidance, Matthew received a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) and two other scholarships, which he attributes in part to her support.

She has also provided him with numerous opportunities that have greatly helped him in achieving his goals, some of which include coordinating a collaboration for his project with NOSM in Sudbury, extending an invitation for him to present at a conference at the University of Florida, and providing him with the opportunity to be a part of at least three research papers.

Dr. Rebalka’s commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists is truly remarkable.  

Congratulations to Dr. Irena Rebalka of LeMuR Lab, the 2024 Employer of the Year!

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.

Udi describes Dr. Cardenas as a supportive mentor who not only guided his research but also actively championed his success by nominating him for prestigious awards and scholarships. Recognizing the value of clinical exposure, Dr. Cardenas also facilitated shadowing opportunities that provided Udi with hands-on experience, solidifying his passion for medical physics.

Further, Dr. Cardenas played a key role in establishing Udi’s position as a student ambassador between McMaster University and University of Alabama at Birmingham. This role not only expanded his professional network but also honed his leadership and communication skills.

Throughout Udbhav’s tenure, Dr. Cardenas continuously encouraged him to pursue challenging projects and provided the necessary resources and guidance to achieve his goals. Udbhav says his mentorship has been a cornerstone of professional growth, instilling confidence and fostering a proactive approach to his career development.

Congratulations to Dr. Carlos E. Cardenas, the 2024 Science Emerging Employer of the Year! 

2024 Nominees  

Employer of the Year  

University of Toronto BioZone nominated by Abigayle Williams, Biochemistry student 

ThermoFisher Scientific nominated by Banuga John, Chemical Biology student 

Zheng Lab, University Health Network nominated by Caitlyn Lee, Chemical Biology student 

LEMUR Lab, McMaster University nominated by Matthew Marlatt, Biochemistry student 

BlueRock Therapeutics nominated by Maya da Luz, Chemical Biology student 

Environment & Climate Change Canada nominated by Megan Johnson, Environmental Sciences student  

McMaster University Medical Centre nominated by Narges Kalani, Chemical Biology student  

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute nominated by Quanshen Guo, Molecular Biology & Genetics student 

Nuclear Operations and Facilities, McMaster University nominated by Sama Al-Salihi, Physics student 

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute nominated by Tianneng (Kevin) Xu, Biology & Pharmacology student 

Mukherjee Lab, McMaster University nominated by Yinglan Xie, Life Sciences student 

Emerging Employer of the Year 

Bubble Technologies nominated by Ella Buchnea, Physics student  

Allstate Insurance nominated by Harjot Kaur Sanghera, Mathematics & Statistics student 

Definity Financial Corporation nominated by Jenna Mallinson, Earth & Environmental Sciences student 

City Centre IDA Pharmacy nominated by Natalie Chiang, Biology & Pharmacology student 

Propel Physiotherapy nominated by Rachel Swance, Life Sciences student 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham nominated by Udbhav Ram, Medical & Biological Physics student 

Northbridge Financial Corporation nominated by Yingchen Guo, Actuarial & Financial Mathematics student 

Supervisor of the Year  

Peter Stogios nominated by Abigayle Williams, Biochemistry student 

Keval Shah nominated by Banuga John, Chemical Biology student 

Giulia Kassab & Gang Zheng nominated by Caitlyn Lee, Chemical Biology student 

Irena Rebalka nominated by Matthew Marlatt, Biochemistry student 

Tara Sivasubramaniyam nominated by Maya da Luz, Chemical Biology student 

Riya Sharma nominated by Megan Johnson, Environmental Sciences student 

Dr. Mathew Leonardi nominated by Narges Kalani, Chemical Biology student  

Stephen Boulton nominated by Quanshen Guo, Molecular Biology & Genetics student 

Joanna Poutou Paumier nominated by Tianneng (Kevin) Xu, Biology & Pharmacology student 

Manali Mukherjee nominated by Yinglan Xie, Life Sciences student 

Michael Bolton nominated by Harjot Kaur Sanghera, Mathematics & Statistics student 

Andrew Grandison nominated by Jenna Mallinson, Earth & Environmental Sciences student 

Nicole Fioravanti nominated by Natalie Chiang, Biology & Pharmacology student 

Kyle Whaley nominated by Rachel Swance, Life Sciences student 

Dr. Carlos E. Cardenas nominated by Udbhav Ram, Medical & Biological Physics student 

Sukaina Visram nominated by Yingchen Guo, Actuarial & Financial Mathematics student 

Dr. Jennifer Jones & Charmaine Silva nominated by Alexandria Mansfield, Biochemistry student 

Dr. Gregory German nominated by Dinuri Diyana Punchihewa, Biology & Pharmacology student 

Dr. Jack Hickmott nominated by Kriesha Eyer, Biochemistry student  

Valentina Evdokimova nominated by Suky Zheng, Biochemistry student