Convocation countdown with…Masha Mohamed

Program: Honours Life Sciences

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Favourite course:

My favorite course was definitely LIFESCI 3Q03 – Global Human Health and Disease. This course seamlessly bridged clinical medicine and public health, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding the social determinants of health and the complex mosaic of triggers behind various human illnesses. I found it incredibly compelling because it shifted the focus toward the root causes of disease, challenging us to analyze and interpret global health disparities through a preventative, systemic lens rather than just a reactive one.

Person you’re most thankful to have met at Mac:

I am most thankful to have met Dr. Alexander Hall from the School of Interdisciplinary Science. I approached him after a science communication lecture during my third year, eager to join his lab. In our very first meeting, we realized we shared a passion for how pressing scientific issues impact and interact with society, specifically Canada’s diverse population. This shared curiosity ultimately laid the foundation for my undergraduate honours thesis project under his supervision. As a supervisor, Dr. Hall taught me an immense amount about how to navigate the scientific world, guiding me through the complexities of research while empowering me to become an independent thinker. While my degree focuses heavily on building technical research skills, he showed me how to apply those tools effectively to shape a project I am deeply proud of. Ultimately, his mentorship completely transformed my academic trajectory, instilling in me a lasting confidence as both a researcher and a curious thinker.

Person you’ll be most proud to show your degree to:

I am most excited for my parents to watch me walk across the stage. Graduating from an institution like McMaster University has not only been a personal dream of mine, but it represents the culmination of everything my parents have spent years working toward. Without their immense sacrifices, unwavering support, and hard work, I wouldn’t be fortunate enough to have this opportunity today. This milestone belongs to them just as much as it does to me.

Best advice / insider tip for Mac students starting in September:

If I could give just one piece of advice to future students, it is to actively leverage the university’s resources to the absolute best of your ability. McMaster offers an incredible wealth of support systems, mentorship networks, and interdisciplinary pathways designed to help you understand yourself both academically and personally. It is incredibly easy to look around and feel a wave of imposter syndrome, but in those moments, you have to take a step back and remember that this degree is entirely what you make of it. There is no single ‘right’ path, and your journey here is uniquely yours. During my time here, I made a conscious effort to look beyond the basic requirements of my courses and truly utilize the institution as a catalyst for my personal and professional growth. Whether it is seeking out guidance from professors outside of regular lecture hours, taking advantage of unique concurrent certificates, or pushing yourself to step out of your academic comfort zone, Mac provides a chance for you to evolve. Your degree is only one part of the journey, the real value lies in overcoming those doubts, the person you become, and the unique skills you cultivate along the way.