Program: Honours Life Sciences Co-op
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
My favourite course at McMaster was LIFESCI 2AA3 (now known as SCICOMM 2A03: Foundations in Science Communication) with Dr. Katie Moisse! Looking back, this course played a huge role in shaping my undergraduate experience and many of the opportunities I pursued afterward.
It was the first time I was introduced to science communication and the idea that research and health information should be accessible and understandable to everyone. That concept really resonated with me and sparked an interest that has continued to grow throughout my degree. It helped me realize how much I value translating complex information into something meaningful and useful for communities.
What makes this course even more special is how much it influenced the path I ended up taking. Many of the projects, volunteer experiences, and opportunities I became involved in were rooted in science communication and knowledge translation skills I first developed in that class. It laid the foundation for work that I genuinely enjoy and continue to pursue today.
It was also a full-circle moment when I was invited back to the course as a guest panelist to speak about experiential learning. I remembered completing an assignment where I mapped out my future goals and imagined what my degree might look like. Returning to share my experiences made me realize how much I had grown and how many of those goals had actually become reality.
During my time at McMaster, I am most thankful to have met Sujane Kandasamy. Looking back, meeting her completely changed the trajectory of my undergraduate experience. She has been a mentor, a role model, and a huge part of my growth over the years.
What I admire most about Sujane is her ability to see potential in people and help them see it in themselves. There were many times when I doubted my abilities or questioned whether I was ready for certain opportunities, but she always encouraged me to take that next step. Because of her, I became involved in projects and experiences that I never imagined I would be a part of, many of which have shaped my interests, career goals, and confidence.
She leads with so much passion and genuine care for the people around her, and that is something I hope to carry with me throughout my own career. It is amazing to think about how much I have grown since our first meeting, and I know that growth would not have been the same without her guidance and encouragement. I will always be grateful for her mentorship, her belief in me, and the impact she has had on my life!
My best moment as a McMaster student was receiving an Honourable Mention for the 2025 McMaster Science Co-op Student of the Year Award. While I was incredibly honoured to receive this recognition, what I am most proud of is the journey that led me there.
Being part of the Science Co-op program has been one of the most impactful experiences of my undergraduate degree. It opened doors to opportunities that I never imagined I would be a part of and pushed me to keep going, even during moments when I doubted myself. Through co-op, I was able to explore different career paths, build meaningful connections, and meet mentors who have become role models in both my personal and professional life. Many of the opportunities, experiences, and accomplishments that shaped my time at McMaster happened because I took a chance on co-op.
I am also incredibly grateful to the SCEC staff, who supported me every step of the way. Whether it was helping me navigate applications, celebrating my successes, or encouraging me through challenges, they always believed in me and wanted to see me succeed. Looking back, being part of the co-op program gave me so much more than work experience. It gave me confidence, direction, lifelong connections, and opportunities that helped shape who I am today.
My family and friends. Graduating is a milestone that I am incredibly grateful for, but it is not something I achieved on my own. Throughout my journey, my family and friends have been my biggest supporters, cheering me on through every success, challenge, and moment of uncertainty.
My parents, especially, have always believed in me, even during times when I struggled to believe in myself. Their sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering support gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward and pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. They celebrated every accomplishment, no matter how small, and reminded me to keep going when things felt difficult.
My biggest piece of advice is to trust yourself and remember that you are here for a reason. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially in your first year, but everyone’s journey looks different. Focus on what feels right for you and don’t be afraid if your path doesn’t look the same as someone else’s!
I would also encourage students to step outside of their comfort zone. Some of the most meaningful experiences, friendships, and opportunities in my undergraduate degree came from saying yes to things that initially felt intimidating. You never know where one opportunity might lead!
Convocation, Students