From researching climate change policy to exploring the potential of cell therapy to combat disease to fostering leadership skills in youth, McMaster students have made tremendous impact through their co-op and internship placements this year.

Along the way they’ve also gained valuable experience in their field of study, bridged the gap between academic learning and industry practice, built their networks and enhanced their employability.

This year, 12 students have been named co-op or internship award winners, in recognition of their demonstrated leadership, innovation and impact.

Here are this year’s winners:

Faculty of Engineering

Shiyu (Shannon) Chen | McMaster University’s Co-op Student of the Year Award
and McMaster Engineering Co-op Student of the Year (graduate) 

Chen received the 2024 McMaster University Co-op Student of the Year Award, as well as the Faculty of Engineering Graduate Co-op Student of the Year.

The Master of Engineering – Engineering Systems and Technology student was recognized for her work automating workflows, creating process maps and optimizing data collection during a co-op term with Alectra Utilities’ Process Improvement team.

Jane D’Souza | McMaster Engineering Co-op Student of the Year (undergraduate) 

D’Souza, a computer engineering and management student, is the Faculty of Engineering’s undergraduate Co-op Student of the Year award winner.

During her time as a project engineer intern at Toyota Motor North America, D’Souza contributed to Toyota’s Rav4 202* launch, where she applied 3D CAD modelling, equipment simulations and project management skills.

Ten other co-op students from the Faculty of Engineering were recognized as future leaders. Click here to learn more

Faculty of Science

Megan Johnson | McMaster Science Co-op Student of the Year, Level 3

The third-year Environmental Sciences student spent eight months working at Environment & Climate Change Canada as a Student Policy Analyst.

Johnson was also nominated for the Ontario Education Work-Integrated Learning Co-op Student of the Year Award.

Maya da Luz | McMaster Science Co-op Student of the Year, Level 4

The fourth-year Chemical Biology student was recognized for her work term with BlueRock Therapeutics, a biotechnology research company that specializes in cell therapy.

Alexandria Mansfield | McMaster Science Co-op Student of the Year, Level 5  

The fifth-year Biochemistry student was recognized for her work term with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network.

Faculty of Humanities

Makayla Hahn | Humanities Internship Student-of-the-Year award 

Hahn, a third-year Honours History student, worked for the City of Kitchener as a Building Youth Leadership Development (BYLD) and Trips & Special Guests coordinator.

She led a volunteer program that trained over 100 youth volunteers aged 12-15 to develop skills essential for working with children. Click here to learn more.

Faculty of Social Sciences

Emmalee Parago | Social Sciences Co-op Student of the Year 

The Honours Political Science student was recognized for her co-op placement as an economic development student in the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Division, where she provided marketing support. Click here to learn more.

Sana Khan | Social Sciences Internship Student of the Year 

Khan was recognized for her work while interning as a research assistant at the McMaster Health Forum, where she helped develop two resources offering valuable academic resources for students of all faculties. Click here to learn more.

DeGroote School of Business

Yumnah Hussain | Bachelor of Commerce Internship Student of the Year award 

Hussain was recognized for her work at SC Canada, a manufacturer of household cleaning supplies and other consumer chemicals.

The fourth-year Integrated Business and Humanities student was also nominated for the national award with CEWIL/ECAIT Canada.

Irmela Ostiguy | Bachelor of Commerce Internship Student of the Year award

Ostiguy was recognized for her work as a smart energy, pricing management and product data analysis intern at Celestica, a global leader in design, manufacturing, hardware platform, and supply chain solutions.

Ostiguy was also nominated for the provincial award with Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario.

Neha Tayal | DeGroote MBA Co-op Student of the Year award

Tayal was recognized for her contributions during her co-op as a credit analyst with CIBC Asset Management.

She also was selected for the Fall 2024 Spark Program, which recognizes CIBC’s top early talent.

Franka Subic | DeGroote MBA Co-op Student of the Year award

Subic was recognized for her contributions during her co-op as research and development analyst in emerging technologies with Lumenix, a leader in building technologies and artificial intelligence.

In photos: The DeGroote School of Business Co-op and Internship Awards Celebration