Ten McMaster students have been named Schulich Leaders — recipients of the highly coveted Schulich Leader Scholarships, a prestigious undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) award. 

Only 100 students, among over 1,400 nominees, receive the scholarship each year across 20 partner universities. Each high school in Canada may nominate one student. For the fifth year in a row, McMaster was designated 10 recipients — the maximum number allowed — five each for the Faculties of Engineering and Science. 

Recipients are awarded based on a combination of academic excellence, leadership, creativity and charisma, financial need and entrepreneurial mindedness. 

Valued at $100,000 and $120,000, the award allows students to devote their time to pursue their studies and focus on positive, impactful contributions to society. 

Learn more about McMaster’s 2024 Schulich Leaders:  

Taylor Knelsen – Engineering Co-op 

With an avid interest in robotics, Knelsen has competed in international robotics competitions and was selected to travel to Uganda to help students with building and programming robots for the Ugandan Robotics League competition. Knelsen wants to continue that passion with mechatronics engineering to improve automation. 

Darshan Shah – Engineering Co-op 

From K’nex and motors to app developing and programming, Shah used his technological know-how to address environmental pollution and his entrepreneurial acumen to create a profit-making business selling clothes with inspiring messages. Shah hopes to explore and develop cutting-edge technologies to foster a healthier planet. 

Julia Da Silva – Engineering Co-op 

Da Silva has led various efforts to educate peers and mentor younger students in STEM, particularly in technology and robotics, with success at provincial and international competitions. Da Silva is interested in improving surgical efficiency to accelerate the healing process for post-operative patients. 

Luca Iacovelli – Engineering Co-op 

Combining communication and collaboration with programming and technical skills, Iacovelli’s experience in both athletics and robotics has led to success in both fields. Iacovelli plans to expand into sustainable technology, specifically advancing eco-friendly AI systems to optimize resource usage. 

Andre Kim – Engineering Co-op 

An avid swimmer, volleyball team lead and cellist, Kim helps his community through volunteering, tutoring and helping remove snow from seniors’ properties. With aspirations of being an entrepreneur and owning a small business, Kim is setting out to develop and produce products. 

Timéo Puyet – Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway 

Creating a successful gaming streaming channel at only 14, Puyet chose an unconventional path that ultimately led to developing skills, which became pivotal when migrating to Canada and having to adapt quickly to a new environment. Puyet is eager to tackle and solve society’s key challenges with innovative and interdisciplinary solutions.  

Rain Tolentino – Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway 

Community engagement and inspiring youth are key goals for Tolentino, along with striving for a deep knowledge of her favourite subjects, such as chemistry, biology and physics. Tolentino seeks to use chemical biology in applied research to innovative chemical technologies that can improve quality of life and discover life-saving solutions. 

Isabel McDonald – Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway 

McDonald’s success in the arts as an award-winning violinist is easily matched by their success as a leader and educator, with experience spearheading various projects to provide learning resources to younger students. McDonald wants to leverage knowledge of chemical structures to innovate new materials within the nanotechnology field. 

Pari Markanday – Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway 

After being inspired by space travel and rockets, Markanday quickly found a deep love for math and engineering. Markanday’s main interest is biophysics and how advanced technologies, such as AI and nanobots, can help solve health care issues, deliver medications and administer life-saving interventions. 

Muhammed Gangat – Integrated Science 

After a rewarding internship working alongside engineers and scientists, Gangat saw how bringing different disciplines together can produce jaw-dropping outcomes and advancements. As a radiochemistry entrepreneur, Gangat wishes to improve the accuracy of traditional nuclear imaging techniques.