Elections

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Hi, my name is Madeline Berardi and I am in Engineering 1. I would love the opportunity to represent our first year cohort as your student representative.

I’ve always enjoyed taking on leadership positions where I am able to work with my peers, listen to their perspectives, and work towards creating meaningful change. I have a broad range of leadership experience as I have led many clubs and initiatives with my peers and within my community. For instance I was the President of my high school Key Club, Lieutenant Governor of Key Club, Student Council Lead, DSBN Student Senator, Relay For Life Entertainment Captain, Team Captain of my rep basketball team as well as a coach for U8 soccer and a member of the Pathstone Youth Advisory Committee, the community organization that is responsible for supporting youth mental health in Niagara where I am from.

At heart I’m a team player. From my years playing soccer and basketball, to the clubs/organizations I have been a part of, I want to make sure that we are supported, connected and equipped to succeed. I have the leadership experience and the drive to represent your needs as a first year eng student.

Platform

As a first year eng student, my first few weeks at Mac have been welcoming and full of camaraderie. MacMaster was my first choice since the engineering department came across as being supportive and open, which for me was the type of school atmosphere that I wanted to be a part of. I am a big believer of working together and supporting one another to achieve mutual goals.

As the first year rep, I recognize the importance of being the voice of the cohort and ensuring that our needs as first years do not go unnoticed. My role will be to support first years by giving an honest representation of all first year engineering students and listening to your needs. I have experience in this capacity as I was a student senator for my high school where I represented my high school and my peers at the district school board. I am very comfortable working with my peers and vocalizing any opinions or feelings on change that they want to see. I believe in being the voice of the people and listening to your concerns or suggestions. I am very open, friendly and willing to support you. My plan would be to set up a monthly online survey and/or chat where we could talk about what’s going on as a first year student in the program, keep you in the know of what is happening and to see if any support is needed.

One of the reasons why I want to be your representative is because I’m a big believer in engagement. I love to get involved and feel like I am a part of a team. As such, I want to work with first years like me, to get involved with engineering and Mac in general. I think it is really important to build relationships and connections and to even try something new. We have the opportunity to start new friendships, join clubs, and discover university. My goal will be to build a community with our cohort. I plan to keep you apprised of any opportunities for first years within engineering as well as other opportunities across campus. Especially in the exam crunch, we are going to be stressed out so any support that we could give each other or any fun activity that I can plan will hopefully relieve some stress and enrich our bond as first year eng students. We are the class of 2028 and my plan is to promote supportive and positive relationships with our peers through social activities and opportunities.

In the end, I would be honoured to be your first year engineering student representative as I hope that this year will set a strong foundation upon which we can all flourish over the next four years.

More About Me

I never have anything already prepared when people ask for a fun or interesting fact about myself. I have never climbed a mountain or met a celebrity so instead I’m just going to use this opportunity to tell you about my interests that I hope I share with many of you!

As I said earlier, I love sports, specifically basketball and soccer. I have played both sports since I was 4 and just recently stopped when I made the move to McMaster. In basketball, I was a shooting/point guard and in soccer I was left full back.

As well, I have had a passion for visual art since I was young. Throughout high school I took 6 visual art classes and I continuously spend my free time painting and doing DIY’s. I was very glad in our first 1P13 lab B where we got to sketch by hand, and then was immediately crushed when I was told we would basically never do it again.

I love listening to music! My favourite artist is the Beatles. I don’t have a favourite song, too many good ones, but my favourite album is Revolver. As well, I really enjoy Fleetwood Mac, Laufey, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Nicki Minaj, and Amy Winehouse.

Within engineering, I’m not sure what discipline I want to choose yet. I am really open to exploring all of them and seeing what best fits. As of now, I am most interested in Chemical and Materials engineering.

Overall, whether I become your first year Eng 1 rep or not, I hope to get to know as many people as I can. I’m always happy to be chatty, especially about any of these interests. Talk to me about how we might’ve played soccer together or how much you hate the Beatles, I don’t care! I just want to build our Eng 1 first year community.

Hi, my name is Madeline Berardi and I am in Engineering 1. I would love the opportunity to represent our first year cohort as your student representative.

I’ve always enjoyed taking on leadership positions where I am able to work with my peers, listen to their perspectives, and work towards creating meaningful change. I have a broad range of leadership experience as I have led many clubs and initiatives with my peers and within my community. For instance I was the President of my high school Key Club, Lieutenant Governor of Key Club, Student Council Lead, DSBN Student Senator, Relay For Life Entertainment Captain, Team Captain of my rep basketball team as well as a coach for U8 soccer and a member of the Pathstone Youth Advisory Committee, the community organization that is responsible for supporting youth mental health in Niagara where I am from.

At heart I’m a team player. From my years playing soccer and basketball, to the clubs/organizations I have been a part of, I want to make sure that we are supported, connected and equipped to succeed. I have the leadership experience and the drive to represent your needs as a first year eng student.

Platform

As a first year eng student, my first few weeks at Mac have been welcoming and full of camaraderie. MacMaster was my first choice since the engineering department came across as being supportive and open, which for me was the type of school atmosphere that I wanted to be a part of. I am a big believer of working together and supporting one another to achieve mutual goals.

As the first year rep, I recognize the importance of being the voice of the cohort and ensuring that our needs as first years do not go unnoticed. My role will be to support first years by giving an honest representation of all first year engineering students and listening to your needs. I have experience in this capacity as I was a student senator for my high school where I represented my high school and my peers at the district school board. I am very comfortable working with my peers and vocalizing any opinions or feelings on change that they want to see. I believe in being the voice of the people and listening to your concerns or suggestions. I am very open, friendly and willing to support you. My plan would be to set up a monthly online survey and/or chat where we could talk about what’s going on as a first year student in the program, keep you in the know of what is happening and to see if any support is needed.

One of the reasons why I want to be your representative is because I’m a big believer in engagement. I love to get involved and feel like I am a part of a team. As such, I want to work with first years like me, to get involved with engineering and Mac in general. I think it is really important to build relationships and connections and to even try something new. We have the opportunity to start new friendships, join clubs, and discover university. My goal will be to build a community with our cohort. I plan to keep you apprised of any opportunities for first years within engineering as well as other opportunities across campus. Especially in the exam crunch, we are going to be stressed out so any support that we could give each other or any fun activity that I can plan will hopefully relieve some stress and enrich our bond as first year eng students. We are the class of 2028 and my plan is to promote supportive and positive relationships with our peers through social activities and opportunities.

In the end, I would be honoured to be your first year engineering student representative as I hope that this year will set a strong foundation upon which we can all flourish over the next four years.

More About Me

I never have anything already prepared when people ask for a fun or interesting fact about myself. I have never climbed a mountain or met a celebrity so instead I’m just going to use this opportunity to tell you about my interests that I hope I share with many of you!

As I said earlier, I love sports, specifically basketball and soccer. I have played both sports since I was 4 and just recently stopped when I made the move to McMaster. In basketball, I was a shooting/point guard and in soccer I was left full back.

As well, I have had a passion for visual art since I was young. Throughout high school I took 6 visual art classes and I continuously spend my free time painting and doing DIY’s. I was very glad in our first 1P13 lab B where we got to sketch by hand, and then was immediately crushed when I was told we would basically never do it again.

I love listening to music! My favourite artist is the Beatles. I don’t have a favourite song, too many good ones, but my favourite album is Revolver. As well, I really enjoy Fleetwood Mac, Laufey, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Nicki Minaj, and Amy Winehouse.

Within engineering, I’m not sure what discipline I want to choose yet. I am really open to exploring all of them and seeing what best fits. As of now, I am most interested in Chemical and Materials engineering.

Overall, whether I become your first year Eng 1 rep or not, I hope to get to know as many people as I can. I’m always happy to be chatty, especially about any of these interests. Talk to me about how we might’ve played soccer together or how much you hate the Beatles, I don’t care! I just want to build our Eng 1 first year community.

Hey everyone!! I’m Ines El-Hajjami and I’m running to be your First Year Engineering Representative. I don’t know about you but first year is already testing me. Between lectures, labs, review, I swear I’ve aged 5 years in two weeks. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be that way. First year can actually be fun, and I want to help make that happen.

Back in high school, I was involved in student council and many community projects, which taught me how to organize, advocate, and get things done. But more importantly, I learned how to bring people together. Whether that’s through events, solving problems, or supporting classmates when they needed a hand.

At the end of the day, I’m here for you. I’ll listen, speak up for us, and make sure our ideas don’t get lost. If you want someone approachable, committed, and able to make you laugh when things get stressful, I’m your rep. Together, we can make first year a little less chaotic and a lot more memorable.

Platform

As First Year Engineering Representative, my goal isn’t just to voice concerns, it’s to transform them into actionable change. First year engineering comes with its challenges where we’re all stretched to our limits, with the constant pressure to perform. I want to make sure no student feels like they’re figuring it all out alone.

One of my key priorities is enhancing academic support. While tutoring exists, many first years don’t know where to start or feel intimidated asking for help. I plan to work closely with senior students to create a structured, accessible mentorship network. This will connect first years with experienced students who can provide guidance not just on assignments, but on time management, study strategies, and navigating the engineering culture.

Beyond academics, I aim to foster community and especially well being. Engineering can be intense, and can take a toll on our mental health. I want to implement more casual, social, and wellness/movement focused events that encourage connection without adding pressure. Think coffee chats with the class and/or senior students, puppy yoga (maybe 🤔) and collaborative study sessions where the focus is learning together, not competing.

Lastly, I want to innovate how we share resources and opportunities. From workshops to events, many first years miss out simply because they don’t know these opportunities exist. I’ll work to centralize information and make it easy to access, so everyone can take advantage of every chance to learn, grow, and showcase their skills.

Being a first year engineer is tough, but it shouldn’t be isolating. My platform is about building support, connection, and empowerment for every student. I don’t just want to represent first years, I want to create an environment where we can all thrive, learn from each other, and enjoy the journey.

More About Me

I’ve ran two half marathons and have been skydiving. Both experiences taught me how exciting (and scary) it can be to step outside my comfort zone and try something that once felt impossible.

Hey everyone!! I’m Ines El-Hajjami and I’m running to be your First Year Engineering Representative. I don’t know about you but first year is already testing me. Between lectures, labs, review, I swear I’ve aged 5 years in two weeks. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be that way. First year can actually be fun, and I want to help make that happen.

Back in high school, I was involved in student council and many community projects, which taught me how to organize, advocate, and get things done. But more importantly, I learned how to bring people together. Whether that’s through events, solving problems, or supporting classmates when they needed a hand.

At the end of the day, I’m here for you. I’ll listen, speak up for us, and make sure our ideas don’t get lost. If you want someone approachable, committed, and able to make you laugh when things get stressful, I’m your rep. Together, we can make first year a little less chaotic and a lot more memorable.

Platform

As First Year Engineering Representative, my goal isn’t just to voice concerns, it’s to transform them into actionable change. First year engineering comes with its challenges where we’re all stretched to our limits, with the constant pressure to perform. I want to make sure no student feels like they’re figuring it all out alone.

One of my key priorities is enhancing academic support. While tutoring exists, many first years don’t know where to start or feel intimidated asking for help. I plan to work closely with senior students to create a structured, accessible mentorship network. This will connect first years with experienced students who can provide guidance not just on assignments, but on time management, study strategies, and navigating the engineering culture.

Beyond academics, I aim to foster community and especially well being. Engineering can be intense, and can take a toll on our mental health. I want to implement more casual, social, and wellness/movement focused events that encourage connection without adding pressure. Think coffee chats with the class and/or senior students, puppy yoga (maybe 🤔) and collaborative study sessions where the focus is learning together, not competing.

Lastly, I want to innovate how we share resources and opportunities. From workshops to events, many first years miss out simply because they don’t know these opportunities exist. I’ll work to centralize information and make it easy to access, so everyone can take advantage of every chance to learn, grow, and showcase their skills.

Being a first year engineer is tough, but it shouldn’t be isolating. My platform is about building support, connection, and empowerment for every student. I don’t just want to represent first years, I want to create an environment where we can all thrive, learn from each other, and enjoy the journey.

More About Me

I’ve ran two half marathons and have been skydiving. Both experiences taught me how exciting (and scary) it can be to step outside my comfort zone and try something that once felt impossible.

Hello, my name is Jude Hawthorn, and I am going into my first year of Biotechnology. I had planned to start here last year, but at the last minute, I decided to defer my offer and travel, which ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made!

I spent 2.5 months living out of my backpack traveling through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore. There, I earned my scuba diving certification, drove and hiked through the mountains, and ate so much amazing food!

Once I got back, I fell back into the routine of work, working full-time as a head lifeguard at the City of Kitchener, winning our staff excellence award for my positivity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

Back in high school, I was a part of the swim team, hockey team, and rugby team, which our team ended up being OFSSA champions!

Now that I am here at McMaster, I plan to bring that same positivity and sense of adventure to help make not just my time but also all my fellow engineers' time here much more enjoyable and worthwhile while forging relationships with one another.

Platform

If I were elected as first-year rep for BTech, my goals for the Mac Engineering society would be to bring more social events for our engineering students. I am a firm believer that physical activity helps academics by maintaining a healthy balance, and that you will not learn everything that you learn in university in the classroom, but you will learn just as much, if not more, by going out, experiencing all that the school has to offer, and by creating lifelong friendships and connections!

As a member, I would like to have more events focused around physical activities, such as a McMaster Engineering intermural team or even a league for sports such as dodgeball, volleyball, soccer, and more! I would also like to host chill events for our less competitive people, like the board games night and movie nights that they had last year, or hikes to explore the beautiful waterfalls and trails we have around Hamilton!

One thing needed for these events is turnout! During welcome week, I went to the BTA’s scavenger hunt, which was actually pretty fun; however, there was very minimal turnout to it because of the lack of advertisement for it. Obviously, there could be other reasons for it, too, because it was the weekend, but everyone I talked to about it after the fact was not aware of the event at all! I mentioned this to the president of the BTA, and the following event, the mingle bingo, was great! There were posts about it on A2L, and our professors even brought it up in class, which caused a pretty sizable turnout to the event! I hope to carry this momentum and bring it to the MES events. To do this, there need to be three key things done:

1. We need to keep the advertising up. This can be accomplished by continuing with the posts on A2L about the event, as well as getting professors to talk about them in class. But I think this could be even better. I think if we were able to get a member to go to classes, and just give a quick spiel about the event and why they should go.

2. There needs to be a reason to go. As I was learning about the MES, I found that they had a casino night, which had the greatest turnout of any event. This may just be because everyone loves to gamble 😉, but there is more to that. It was something that a wide variety of people are interested in and capable of doing. We need to have these types of events that a large population would enjoy!

3. There needs to be hype around it! By advertising the events and by giving people a reason to go, the hype will be there! If we can start the year with a bang, people will tell their friends to come to the next one, and the chain reaction will bring more people to the events!

More About Me

- I have a twin sister at Western and an older sister at U Ottawa

- I grew up playing AA hockey and A soccer.

- I've lived my whole life in Waterloo.

- I am an orange, green person for everyone who did the true colours personality quiz.

- I am a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

- I LOVE lego.

- I live off campus (but like a 3-minute walk away)

- I love to play games on my PlayStation

Hello, my name is Jude Hawthorn, and I am going into my first year of Biotechnology. I had planned to start here last year, but at the last minute, I decided to defer my offer and travel, which ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made!

I spent 2.5 months living out of my backpack traveling through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore. There, I earned my scuba diving certification, drove and hiked through the mountains, and ate so much amazing food!

Once I got back, I fell back into the routine of work, working full-time as a head lifeguard at the City of Kitchener, winning our staff excellence award for my positivity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

Back in high school, I was a part of the swim team, hockey team, and rugby team, which our team ended up being OFSSA champions!

Now that I am here at McMaster, I plan to bring that same positivity and sense of adventure to help make not just my time but also all my fellow engineers' time here much more enjoyable and worthwhile while forging relationships with one another.

Platform

If I were elected as first-year rep for BTech, my goals for the Mac Engineering society would be to bring more social events for our engineering students. I am a firm believer that physical activity helps academics by maintaining a healthy balance, and that you will not learn everything that you learn in university in the classroom, but you will learn just as much, if not more, by going out, experiencing all that the school has to offer, and by creating lifelong friendships and connections!

As a member, I would like to have more events focused around physical activities, such as a McMaster Engineering intermural team or even a league for sports such as dodgeball, volleyball, soccer, and more! I would also like to host chill events for our less competitive people, like the board games night and movie nights that they had last year, or hikes to explore the beautiful waterfalls and trails we have around Hamilton!

One thing needed for these events is turnout! During welcome week, I went to the BTA’s scavenger hunt, which was actually pretty fun; however, there was very minimal turnout to it because of the lack of advertisement for it. Obviously, there could be other reasons for it, too, because it was the weekend, but everyone I talked to about it after the fact was not aware of the event at all! I mentioned this to the president of the BTA, and the following event, the mingle bingo, was great! There were posts about it on A2L, and our professors even brought it up in class, which caused a pretty sizable turnout to the event! I hope to carry this momentum and bring it to the MES events. To do this, there need to be three key things done:

1. We need to keep the advertising up. This can be accomplished by continuing with the posts on A2L about the event, as well as getting professors to talk about them in class. But I think this could be even better. I think if we were able to get a member to go to classes, and just give a quick spiel about the event and why they should go.

2. There needs to be a reason to go. As I was learning about the MES, I found that they had a casino night, which had the greatest turnout of any event. This may just be because everyone loves to gamble 😉, but there is more to that. It was something that a wide variety of people are interested in and capable of doing. We need to have these types of events that a large population would enjoy!

3. There needs to be hype around it! By advertising the events and by giving people a reason to go, the hype will be there! If we can start the year with a bang, people will tell their friends to come to the next one, and the chain reaction will bring more people to the events!

More About Me

- I have a twin sister at Western and an older sister at U Ottawa

- I grew up playing AA hockey and A soccer.

- I've lived my whole life in Waterloo.

- I am an orange, green person for everyone who did the true colours personality quiz.

- I am a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

- I LOVE lego.

- I live off campus (but like a 3-minute walk away)

- I love to play games on my PlayStation

I’m a first-year Biotechnology student with a strong passion for both science and creating inclusive, welcoming environments. I believe that collaboration and diversity are essential to meaningful innovation, and I actively seek opportunities to contribute to spaces where everyone feels respected and valued. Additionally, I bring a dedicated and responsible approach to any task or feedback given to me. I take initiative, listen carefully, and always strive to fulfill what is required. Other than academics, I try to balance my life by playing sports such as badminton, and doing anything art related such as music, or general arts. On top of these hobbies, I was also build leader for robotics where we were able to go to Texas for Worlds. This experience allows me to bring a knowledgeable background in leadership, communication, and teamwork which I can apply to this position.

Platform

As a first year student, I'm very passionate on bringing a fresh and positive perspective that also reflects the views and values of other B.Tech students. My platform is composed of values such as inclusion, communication, and personal growth.

For Inclusion, I aim to make everyone feel a sense of inclusion and belonging at McMaster and within the MES. I aim to have events to bring the community together while also ensuring that it is a safe discussion space so that everyone feels that their opinions and voices matter and can be heard.

Similarly, for communication, I value the interests and voices of other students and would love to ensure that whatever is said is taken into account during meetings, or when events are being planned. It is also important for me to receive feedback from students on whether an event was enjoyable or not and why. This is crucial to ensure that everyone feels included and are having an enjoyable time at events.

I strive to have events that is not only fun also informative. I want to encourage more events and workshops that support students as I know it is challenging navigating the shift between high school and first year. As a first year, I believe that it is really useful to have workshops and events catered towards making friends and navigating the essentials of your program (ie. co-op).

I want to actively representing B.Tech students and raising awareness about our program as I believe it’s important to highlight the unique strengths and achievements that sets us apart from other programs in engineering. I hope to build a campus environment where students feel empowered, connected, and cared for.

More About Me

I would like to describe myself as a person that people can easily talk to. Whether it is on personal interests or whether they need help, I try to pay attention and help anyone who wants me to help.

I’m a first-year Biotechnology student with a strong passion for both science and creating inclusive, welcoming environments. I believe that collaboration and diversity are essential to meaningful innovation, and I actively seek opportunities to contribute to spaces where everyone feels respected and valued. Additionally, I bring a dedicated and responsible approach to any task or feedback given to me. I take initiative, listen carefully, and always strive to fulfill what is required. Other than academics, I try to balance my life by playing sports such as badminton, and doing anything art related such as music, or general arts. On top of these hobbies, I was also build leader for robotics where we were able to go to Texas for Worlds. This experience allows me to bring a knowledgeable background in leadership, communication, and teamwork which I can apply to this position.

Platform

As a first year student, I'm very passionate on bringing a fresh and positive perspective that also reflects the views and values of other B.Tech students. My platform is composed of values such as inclusion, communication, and personal growth.

For Inclusion, I aim to make everyone feel a sense of inclusion and belonging at McMaster and within the MES. I aim to have events to bring the community together while also ensuring that it is a safe discussion space so that everyone feels that their opinions and voices matter and can be heard.

Similarly, for communication, I value the interests and voices of other students and would love to ensure that whatever is said is taken into account during meetings, or when events are being planned. It is also important for me to receive feedback from students on whether an event was enjoyable or not and why. This is crucial to ensure that everyone feels included and are having an enjoyable time at events.

I strive to have events that is not only fun also informative. I want to encourage more events and workshops that support students as I know it is challenging navigating the shift between high school and first year. As a first year, I believe that it is really useful to have workshops and events catered towards making friends and navigating the essentials of your program (ie. co-op).

I want to actively representing B.Tech students and raising awareness about our program as I believe it’s important to highlight the unique strengths and achievements that sets us apart from other programs in engineering. I hope to build a campus environment where students feel empowered, connected, and cared for.

More About Me

I would like to describe myself as a person that people can easily talk to. Whether it is on personal interests or whether they need help, I try to pay attention and help anyone who wants me to help.

I AM THE MOST ACTIVE AND ENGAGED FIRST YEAR YOU COULD FIND!!! Yes, but seriously, I am always looking for ways to get myself involved and I believe I am the perfect candidate for the B Tech representitive. I am so passionate about rooting myself in my surrounding community and this is especially true since I’ve came to mac, and this is what allowed me to feel at home here. Even in these early weeks, I can confidently say that I have adjusted very quickly and found myself very comfortable dispite being in a completely new environment. It think my quick adaptability came from my eagerness to attend all the events possible and my willingness to talk with new people. With this mindset, I explored and talked to all the engineering club/association stands, participated in the B Tech scavenger hunt and bonfire, and connected with many peers at the mingo bingo. Also BUS PULL!! All this is to say that I am so greatful for these events which have greatly helped me adjust to the McMaster community. To show my gratitude, I would be overjoyed if I could be a part of the MES and help plan events that have made my transition so special!

Platform

For me, I have always been comfortable in a leadership type position because I always am able to understand the group as a whole. As a representitive, I want to connect with all the other students in B Tech so that they would feel comfortable bringing any of their concerns to me. In the past I have been a section leader of my school concert band, team captain of my basketball team and an expedition team leader.

My ultimate goal as the B Tech representitive would be to make sure all my fellow peers feel physiologically safe (I learnt that term in Gentech today, it means they are able to comfortably say what’s on their mind). I want to create a culture in the first year B Tech community that supports all students and makes them feel that they are not isolated.

More About Me

I go rock climbing almost everyday.

I AM THE MOST ACTIVE AND ENGAGED FIRST YEAR YOU COULD FIND!!! Yes, but seriously, I am always looking for ways to get myself involved and I believe I am the perfect candidate for the B Tech representitive. I am so passionate about rooting myself in my surrounding community and this is especially true since I’ve came to mac, and this is what allowed me to feel at home here. Even in these early weeks, I can confidently say that I have adjusted very quickly and found myself very comfortable dispite being in a completely new environment. It think my quick adaptability came from my eagerness to attend all the events possible and my willingness to talk with new people. With this mindset, I explored and talked to all the engineering club/association stands, participated in the B Tech scavenger hunt and bonfire, and connected with many peers at the mingo bingo. Also BUS PULL!! All this is to say that I am so greatful for these events which have greatly helped me adjust to the McMaster community. To show my gratitude, I would be overjoyed if I could be a part of the MES and help plan events that have made my transition so special!

Platform

For me, I have always been comfortable in a leadership type position because I always am able to understand the group as a whole. As a representitive, I want to connect with all the other students in B Tech so that they would feel comfortable bringing any of their concerns to me. In the past I have been a section leader of my school concert band, team captain of my basketball team and an expedition team leader.

My ultimate goal as the B Tech representitive would be to make sure all my fellow peers feel physiologically safe (I learnt that term in Gentech today, it means they are able to comfortably say what’s on their mind). I want to create a culture in the first year B Tech community that supports all students and makes them feel that they are not isolated.

More About Me

I go rock climbing almost everyday.

My name is Nicola Cunniffe, and I’m excited to be running for iBioMed representative on the McMaster Engineering First Year’s Council. Growing up in the small town of Perth, Ontario gave me a close-knit foundation, but it was at my boarding school in Lakefield where I discovered what community truly means. As a student council member and residence representative, I worked every day to improve the lives of my peers by organizing events that encouraged connection, mediating conflicts, and advocating directly to staff for what students needed. I became the bridge between groups, learning how to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and turn ideas into realistic solutions. Beyond these roles, I pushed myself in many ways, from competing in sports to joining TALK club, where I learned how to respect different perspectives. What ties everything together is my determination to see things through and my care for the people around me. I would bring that same advocacy, thoughtfulness, and determination to First Year Council, making sure every iBioMed student feels both represented and supported as we navigate this exciting first year together.

Platform

As your iBioMed representative, my goal is to make sure our voices are heard, our ideas are valued, and our unique identity as a program is reflected in First Year Council. iBioMed is unlike any other cohort at McMaster: we are engineers and health scientists, innovators and problem-solvers, people who are ambitious and driven but who also understand the importance of balance, creativity, and community. My platform is about representing that balance between academic ambition, creative energy, and connection.

Representation. I want to be a strong voice for our program, ensuring that iBioMed perspectives are brought forward in council discussions. That means listening closely to what you need, whether it’s academic support, access to resources, or clarity about future opportunities, and advocating for it at the table.

Connection. iBioMed often sits between two worlds, engineering and health sciences, and I see that as a strength. I want to create opportunities for us to connect across programs, whether through collaborative events, info sessions about research and grad school, or networking with innovators in health and technology. These bridges will give us a chance to learn from others while showcasing our own talents.

Community. I know that we are ambitious, but we also need balance. I want to help organize events that are engaging, creative, and meaningful for iBioMed students. Alongside academic workshops and wellness activities, I’d love to bring in social events that feel fresh and fun for our cohort, such as a themed escape room or a rapid-fire design competition where teams theorize creative solutions to everyday problems. From casual hangouts to bigger program-wide activities, I want to make sure we are not only learning together but also building friendships and memories that will define our first year.

Most importantly, I don’t want to assume what’s best for our program, I want to hear it from you. My platform is grounded in being approachable, collaborative, and solution-oriented. I will listen to your ideas, advocate for them, and work hard with First Year Council to make them happen. With thoughtfulness, determination, and a genuine care for our community, I am committed to ensuring that our iBioMed experience is as supportive, inspiring, and unforgettable as possible.

More About Me

I have a habit of impulsively picking up a new creative hobby whenever inspiration strikes. I’ve had phases of sewing, watercolour painting, playing guitar, gardening, latte art, and i once even stayed up all night to carve a bird out of a block of wood, just because I saw a video on duck carpentry competitions. The one creative outlet that has stayed with me all my life is baking, which I’ve loved since I learned to walk. As a kid, it was a way for me to connect with my mom and sister, learning tips and tricks passed down from generations and challenging myself to attempt new confections (even if they didn’t always turn out looking appetizing). Now, baking is a way for me to unwind and get lost doing something that I love. I work to perfect old recipes and adventure yet into new ones, my reward being both the peacefulness it brings me and the joy on my loved ones’ faces when they try my creation. Whether following a recipe or inventing my own, baking has shown me the value of curiosity, persistence, and finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.

Outside of hobbies, I also love exploring new places and experiences. I was lucky enough to travel Scotland with a friend this summer, my first trip without adults planning, funding, or directing the experience. It was a challenge jumping through hoops to book accommodations, train rides, and figure out our route, but the year of careful planning gave life to a fun and memorable 10-day adventure. We explored busy cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow and hiked up the 1400m tall Ben Nevis, but my favourite part was staying on a tiny island with only 16 residents. With no internet, rolling farmland, and a single local restaurant, we had to figure things out on our own and adapt as we went, including getting a little lost along an off-trail hike (oops). By the end of the trip, I came home with more confidence, a better sense of independence, and a stronger appreciation for figuring things out in real time.

My name is Nicola Cunniffe, and I’m excited to be running for iBioMed representative on the McMaster Engineering First Year’s Council. Growing up in the small town of Perth, Ontario gave me a close-knit foundation, but it was at my boarding school in Lakefield where I discovered what community truly means. As a student council member and residence representative, I worked every day to improve the lives of my peers by organizing events that encouraged connection, mediating conflicts, and advocating directly to staff for what students needed. I became the bridge between groups, learning how to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and turn ideas into realistic solutions. Beyond these roles, I pushed myself in many ways, from competing in sports to joining TALK club, where I learned how to respect different perspectives. What ties everything together is my determination to see things through and my care for the people around me. I would bring that same advocacy, thoughtfulness, and determination to First Year Council, making sure every iBioMed student feels both represented and supported as we navigate this exciting first year together.

Platform

As your iBioMed representative, my goal is to make sure our voices are heard, our ideas are valued, and our unique identity as a program is reflected in First Year Council. iBioMed is unlike any other cohort at McMaster: we are engineers and health scientists, innovators and problem-solvers, people who are ambitious and driven but who also understand the importance of balance, creativity, and community. My platform is about representing that balance between academic ambition, creative energy, and connection.

Representation. I want to be a strong voice for our program, ensuring that iBioMed perspectives are brought forward in council discussions. That means listening closely to what you need, whether it’s academic support, access to resources, or clarity about future opportunities, and advocating for it at the table.

Connection. iBioMed often sits between two worlds, engineering and health sciences, and I see that as a strength. I want to create opportunities for us to connect across programs, whether through collaborative events, info sessions about research and grad school, or networking with innovators in health and technology. These bridges will give us a chance to learn from others while showcasing our own talents.

Community. I know that we are ambitious, but we also need balance. I want to help organize events that are engaging, creative, and meaningful for iBioMed students. Alongside academic workshops and wellness activities, I’d love to bring in social events that feel fresh and fun for our cohort, such as a themed escape room or a rapid-fire design competition where teams theorize creative solutions to everyday problems. From casual hangouts to bigger program-wide activities, I want to make sure we are not only learning together but also building friendships and memories that will define our first year.

Most importantly, I don’t want to assume what’s best for our program, I want to hear it from you. My platform is grounded in being approachable, collaborative, and solution-oriented. I will listen to your ideas, advocate for them, and work hard with First Year Council to make them happen. With thoughtfulness, determination, and a genuine care for our community, I am committed to ensuring that our iBioMed experience is as supportive, inspiring, and unforgettable as possible.

More About Me

I have a habit of impulsively picking up a new creative hobby whenever inspiration strikes. I’ve had phases of sewing, watercolour painting, playing guitar, gardening, latte art, and i once even stayed up all night to carve a bird out of a block of wood, just because I saw a video on duck carpentry competitions. The one creative outlet that has stayed with me all my life is baking, which I’ve loved since I learned to walk. As a kid, it was a way for me to connect with my mom and sister, learning tips and tricks passed down from generations and challenging myself to attempt new confections (even if they didn’t always turn out looking appetizing). Now, baking is a way for me to unwind and get lost doing something that I love. I work to perfect old recipes and adventure yet into new ones, my reward being both the peacefulness it brings me and the joy on my loved ones’ faces when they try my creation. Whether following a recipe or inventing my own, baking has shown me the value of curiosity, persistence, and finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.

Outside of hobbies, I also love exploring new places and experiences. I was lucky enough to travel Scotland with a friend this summer, my first trip without adults planning, funding, or directing the experience. It was a challenge jumping through hoops to book accommodations, train rides, and figure out our route, but the year of careful planning gave life to a fun and memorable 10-day adventure. We explored busy cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow and hiked up the 1400m tall Ben Nevis, but my favourite part was staying on a tiny island with only 16 residents. With no internet, rolling farmland, and a single local restaurant, we had to figure things out on our own and adapt as we went, including getting a little lost along an off-trail hike (oops). By the end of the trip, I came home with more confidence, a better sense of independence, and a stronger appreciation for figuring things out in real time.

Hey iBiobaddies! My name is Aanya, I’m from Oakville, ON, and I’m excited to run as your next iBio rep! If we haven’t met yet, I’d describe myself as outgoing, bubbly, and creative, but also very driven and organized.

Who am I? I’m approachable and easy to talk to, with strong communication and presentation skills. I also enjoy planning and organizing events, love niche humor and sarcasm, and value spending time having fun with friends and family. Most of all, I enjoy creating meaningful connections with people.

At heart, I’m a people person, and I want to bring my energy, ideas, and listening ear to this role. I’m here to make sure everyone feels connected, supported, and represented, while bringing a fun and positive influence to the iBio and MES communities!

Platform

Since joining the program, I’ve come to truly appreciate one thing: the diversity and talent within the iBio community. There’s so much to learn from the experiences of everyone around us, and that’s what makes this program so special. What excites me most about iBio is the people: our tight-knit community allows us to learn from and support one another.

My platform is built around six pillars that I am committed to focusing on. I’m here to represent all of you, and because our program is so diverse, I want to make sure everyone is accounted for!

✨ Let’s make iBioMed GOLDEN! ✨

G – Grounded: Helping students stay balanced under academic pressure, both socially and personally.

O – Opportunity: Providing more chances for involvement within the school and for career growth outside.

L – Leadership: Ensuring decisions are shaped by student voices and made collaboratively.

D – Diversity: Celebrating cultures, identities, and perspectives.

E – Engagement: Boosting morale and school spirit through creative events.

N – Nurture: Prioritizing wellness, balance, and mental health.

I also want to be honest, I know how overwhelming iBio can feel at times. Between classes, design projects, clubs, and life outside of school, burnout is something I’ve experienced firsthand. That’s why wellness and balance are such a central part of my platform. I want to ensure that we support each other not just academically, but as individuals.

So, what do I want to do?

- Host more stream selection information nights earlier in the school year

- Continue improving communication channels to keep everyone updated on important dates, deadlines, and events clearly and promptly.

- Organize an iBio culture showcase/night!

- Provide more information on co-op and career growth opportunities for iBio students in the biomedical engineering field.

Together, we’re glowing — gonna be, gonna be golden. Let’s make this year truly GOLDEN! ✨✨✨

More About Me

- I’m a classical Kathak dancer and have been learning for the past five years — I recently completed my graduation ceremony!

- You can find me jamming out to type of music on any type of dance floor :)

- I was a student council member in high school (shoutout White Oaks!) where I helped plan and fundraise for school-wide events.

- I've visited over 10+ countries!

- Some of my favorite artists are Laufey, The Marias, and Men I Trust.

- My go-to campus drink is a Centro iced matcha with oat milk!

Hey iBiobaddies! My name is Aanya, I’m from Oakville, ON, and I’m excited to run as your next iBio rep! If we haven’t met yet, I’d describe myself as outgoing, bubbly, and creative, but also very driven and organized.

Who am I? I’m approachable and easy to talk to, with strong communication and presentation skills. I also enjoy planning and organizing events, love niche humor and sarcasm, and value spending time having fun with friends and family. Most of all, I enjoy creating meaningful connections with people.

At heart, I’m a people person, and I want to bring my energy, ideas, and listening ear to this role. I’m here to make sure everyone feels connected, supported, and represented, while bringing a fun and positive influence to the iBio and MES communities!

Platform

Since joining the program, I’ve come to truly appreciate one thing: the diversity and talent within the iBio community. There’s so much to learn from the experiences of everyone around us, and that’s what makes this program so special. What excites me most about iBio is the people: our tight-knit community allows us to learn from and support one another.

My platform is built around six pillars that I am committed to focusing on. I’m here to represent all of you, and because our program is so diverse, I want to make sure everyone is accounted for!

✨ Let’s make iBioMed GOLDEN! ✨

G – Grounded: Helping students stay balanced under academic pressure, both socially and personally.

O – Opportunity: Providing more chances for involvement within the school and for career growth outside.

L – Leadership: Ensuring decisions are shaped by student voices and made collaboratively.

D – Diversity: Celebrating cultures, identities, and perspectives.

E – Engagement: Boosting morale and school spirit through creative events.

N – Nurture: Prioritizing wellness, balance, and mental health.

I also want to be honest, I know how overwhelming iBio can feel at times. Between classes, design projects, clubs, and life outside of school, burnout is something I’ve experienced firsthand. That’s why wellness and balance are such a central part of my platform. I want to ensure that we support each other not just academically, but as individuals.

So, what do I want to do?

- Host more stream selection information nights earlier in the school year

- Continue improving communication channels to keep everyone updated on important dates, deadlines, and events clearly and promptly.

- Organize an iBio culture showcase/night!

- Provide more information on co-op and career growth opportunities for iBio students in the biomedical engineering field.

Together, we’re glowing — gonna be, gonna be golden. Let’s make this year truly GOLDEN! ✨✨✨

More About Me

- I’m a classical Kathak dancer and have been learning for the past five years — I recently completed my graduation ceremony!

- You can find me jamming out to type of music on any type of dance floor :)

- I was a student council member in high school (shoutout White Oaks!) where I helped plan and fundraise for school-wide events.

- I've visited over 10+ countries!

- Some of my favorite artists are Laufey, The Marias, and Men I Trust.

- My go-to campus drink is a Centro iced matcha with oat milk!

My name is Jax, as you already know I’m a first year B.Tech student here and so far I’ve been loving it!

Beyond that, I’m a lifelong scout with a love for tinkering on vehicles. I have worked in high school to raise over $12,000 total for Good Shepherd food services and The Woodland Cultural Centre (formerly the Mohawk institute). My values include integrity, truth, and innovation. As a first year chair, my goal would be clear — to help other people find their place within McMaster Engineering.

Not only that, but I really want to see the amazing teams and programs we offer here get their time in the spotlight. The options here are unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere, and having the chance to help and play my part in any way in that is really exciting.

I have been lucky enough in my brief time here to meet ten students that were willing to nominate me to help be their voice, and given the opportunity, I can’t wait to help and here from more of them.

Platform

In terms of a platform, while my personal accounts may be small, I helped create and grow the page @smcdundas for the Students Making Change initiative i helped start in high school. Thanks to the combined efforts of the group our page reached over 1000 followers all gathered together to make an impact via charity art auctions. All that is to say, I’m used to starting from scratch. With the MES resources and current following, I believe there’s a real chance to change the general outlook of our sphere towards one of collaboration and connection on top of the pre-existing engineering values.

I believe that as an idea MAC Engineering should embody our mascot, the fireball. A bold image begs for substance. That’s why one of many changes I’d advocate for is more school to school events on top of an increased social media presence. If we as McMaster can get not only our own students involved and engaged in the world of engineering, but can also invite collaboration from other engineering schools, we encourage not just a diverse academic learning experience, but also unique social connections that otherwise may never had come to fruition.

While a major focus of mine would be on the macro level, it is equally if not more important to additionally create a hub of inclusion within our own campus. From the outside (and as an incoming student) I’ll be the first to admit feeling “worthy” of my offer was something that I struggled with. Reading through online forums (r/mcmaster) it has become clear to me that this is not just a “me” problem. Especially in engineering, first year students have largely agreed with me when I’ve spoken about the process of finding a place within the program. Therefore I will advocate heavily for a more robust system for finding study groups, connecting students to students as well as TAs and professors. More events like B.Tech Bingo night can help introduce familiarity with campus living and learning.

I love the idea of having the MES webpage being a foothold in life as a student. To know that I have an entire society behind me has certainly helped in making me feel wanted and secure in my program. That’s why I think it’s imperative that the website be overhauled to further highlight not only the society’s news, but news of the teams, students, and faculty’s successes within engineering. Looking at it now, I see an empty calendar, and a few tabs. I would love to see the homepage become an embodiment of what change students can make by being in their program. Whether it be highlighting BAJA or the Mars River Team, those opportunities should be made as public as possible. This includes the opportunity to run and get your voice heard as a representative.

The best thing we can do as a society is to provide opportunity, and that is a sentiment that I believe I can help bring into practice.

More About Me

Top five fun facts about me!

1. I’m an Arts and Culture graduate from the Specialist High Skills Major program. I got this specialization by not only learning about the music and theatre scene, but by actually being IN it. Which leads me to…

2. I’ve been a drummer since I was 7. I love making and playing music, it’s a large part of my life outside of school, and some of my favourite experiences have been playing Christmas tunes in a gymnasium and watching my cymbals fall off their holdings.

3. I’m a mandatory mechanic. See on top of just loving machines and wanting to spend more of my life around them, I also own two vehicles. These are NOT luxury automobiles, as one of them is a *previously* rusted out 2003 Corolla, and the other is a 90s Kawasaki Ninja (a motorcycle for those of you who may not have the same scary obsession as me). Due to their age, I have adopted the term “born to modify, forced to maintain”, as so far the only modifications I have done have been when something either breaks or is on the verge of breaking. I’m not lazy, the car just speaks to me (makes bad sounds) when it needs help!

4. I’m very into fitness. As in I work out multiple times per week, did years of jiujitsu, and have dabbled in Krav Maga. If for whatever reason this position requires a bouncer, I could probably just use my words instead :)

5. Incase I couldn’t get any cooler, I have a current hyper-fixation on learning to code. I am not at ALL competent there yet, but the first year C++ course for B.Tech has scratched that itch immaculately. (When I used 8 lines of code for a calculator I truly felt like one of those old 2000s hackers with a sweater sitting at the back of a Starbucks doing truly top secret work).

Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to put my voice and name in the running, regardless of the outcome knowing that MES wants to hear from first years and have them involved has been huge in helping me feel comfortable here.

My name is Jax, as you already know I’m a first year B.Tech student here and so far I’ve been loving it!

Beyond that, I’m a lifelong scout with a love for tinkering on vehicles. I have worked in high school to raise over $12,000 total for Good Shepherd food services and The Woodland Cultural Centre (formerly the Mohawk institute). My values include integrity, truth, and innovation. As a first year chair, my goal would be clear — to help other people find their place within McMaster Engineering.

Not only that, but I really want to see the amazing teams and programs we offer here get their time in the spotlight. The options here are unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere, and having the chance to help and play my part in any way in that is really exciting.

I have been lucky enough in my brief time here to meet ten students that were willing to nominate me to help be their voice, and given the opportunity, I can’t wait to help and here from more of them.

Platform

In terms of a platform, while my personal accounts may be small, I helped create and grow the page @smcdundas for the Students Making Change initiative i helped start in high school. Thanks to the combined efforts of the group our page reached over 1000 followers all gathered together to make an impact via charity art auctions. All that is to say, I’m used to starting from scratch. With the MES resources and current following, I believe there’s a real chance to change the general outlook of our sphere towards one of collaboration and connection on top of the pre-existing engineering values.

I believe that as an idea MAC Engineering should embody our mascot, the fireball. A bold image begs for substance. That’s why one of many changes I’d advocate for is more school to school events on top of an increased social media presence. If we as McMaster can get not only our own students involved and engaged in the world of engineering, but can also invite collaboration from other engineering schools, we encourage not just a diverse academic learning experience, but also unique social connections that otherwise may never had come to fruition.

While a major focus of mine would be on the macro level, it is equally if not more important to additionally create a hub of inclusion within our own campus. From the outside (and as an incoming student) I’ll be the first to admit feeling “worthy” of my offer was something that I struggled with. Reading through online forums (r/mcmaster) it has become clear to me that this is not just a “me” problem. Especially in engineering, first year students have largely agreed with me when I’ve spoken about the process of finding a place within the program. Therefore I will advocate heavily for a more robust system for finding study groups, connecting students to students as well as TAs and professors. More events like B.Tech Bingo night can help introduce familiarity with campus living and learning.

I love the idea of having the MES webpage being a foothold in life as a student. To know that I have an entire society behind me has certainly helped in making me feel wanted and secure in my program. That’s why I think it’s imperative that the website be overhauled to further highlight not only the society’s news, but news of the teams, students, and faculty’s successes within engineering. Looking at it now, I see an empty calendar, and a few tabs. I would love to see the homepage become an embodiment of what change students can make by being in their program. Whether it be highlighting BAJA or the Mars River Team, those opportunities should be made as public as possible. This includes the opportunity to run and get your voice heard as a representative.

The best thing we can do as a society is to provide opportunity, and that is a sentiment that I believe I can help bring into practice.

More About Me

Top five fun facts about me!

1. I’m an Arts and Culture graduate from the Specialist High Skills Major program. I got this specialization by not only learning about the music and theatre scene, but by actually being IN it. Which leads me to…

2. I’ve been a drummer since I was 7. I love making and playing music, it’s a large part of my life outside of school, and some of my favourite experiences have been playing Christmas tunes in a gymnasium and watching my cymbals fall off their holdings.

3. I’m a mandatory mechanic. See on top of just loving machines and wanting to spend more of my life around them, I also own two vehicles. These are NOT luxury automobiles, as one of them is a *previously* rusted out 2003 Corolla, and the other is a 90s Kawasaki Ninja (a motorcycle for those of you who may not have the same scary obsession as me). Due to their age, I have adopted the term “born to modify, forced to maintain”, as so far the only modifications I have done have been when something either breaks or is on the verge of breaking. I’m not lazy, the car just speaks to me (makes bad sounds) when it needs help!

4. I’m very into fitness. As in I work out multiple times per week, did years of jiujitsu, and have dabbled in Krav Maga. If for whatever reason this position requires a bouncer, I could probably just use my words instead :)

5. Incase I couldn’t get any cooler, I have a current hyper-fixation on learning to code. I am not at ALL competent there yet, but the first year C++ course for B.Tech has scratched that itch immaculately. (When I used 8 lines of code for a calculator I truly felt like one of those old 2000s hackers with a sweater sitting at the back of a Starbucks doing truly top secret work).

Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to put my voice and name in the running, regardless of the outcome knowing that MES wants to hear from first years and have them involved has been huge in helping me feel comfortable here.

Hey, my name is Krishiv, a first-year iBioMed student excited to make change in my community. Over the past few years, I've served as the President of Mathletes and Desi Student Association and as the Vice-President of my school's Student Government and DECA chapter, where I led various groups to achieve our shared goals and successfully run events. But leadership isn’t about the titles it comes with. These experiences have allowed me to develop strong organizational skills, an understanding of servant leadership, and a commitment to community-building.

Working as a Team Leader with the Durham Regional Police Service Youth in Policing program further solidified my belief in and dedication to these principles. As I led a team of 10 to organize a food drive that raised over 3500 items and to raise $11,000 for local charities, I realized something: people feel a sense of responsibility to contribute when they feel ownership instead of just being told what to do.

My goal as First Year Council Chair is to bring that same mindset to the McMaster Engineering Society. I will ensure everyone feels included and driven to achieve our goal of making first-year as amazing as possible for all students.

Platform

My platform is built through a holistic approach that ensures all aspects of a student’s life are supported. My vision for students can be split into four pillars which are academic, social, personal, and professional life. As First Year Council Chair, I see it as my responsibility to strengthen all these aspects for students, sort of like being the Avatar, who balances all four “elements” to maintain harmony.

First of all, there is the element of Earth, which represents the rock-solid academic foundation that one seeks when choosing to come to McMaster. Through additional promotion of peer tutoring, study groups, and course-specific resources, students will be able to build a base that keeps them grounded throughout the time at McMaster. Social media, posters, and asking professors to spread the word about these MES resources would extend our outreach. My goal for this pillar is to make sure no first-year has to feel that they have to figure out this new journey by themselves, since just like the ground beneath us, the community is what keeps us steady.

Next is the element of Water, demonstrating the ever-changing interactions that will connect all student. This will be accomplished through events that engage and nurture a sense of community amongst all members of the Faculty of Engineering, whether they are from Eng 1, iBioMed, Computer Science, or BTech. Speaking with various groups will help students discover new things about themselves and reestablish their sense of purpose for future years. Furthermore, mentorship from upper year students, industry professionals, and McMaster alumni will allow students to explore possible future pathways.

The second last element is Air, which reinforces the idea that students should prioritize their mental health. Engineering students can often get overwhelmed with their workload so it is of utmost importance that they have access to resources that allow them to efficiently manage their stressors. A healthy work-life balance ensures that students are able to thrive in their first year, not just barely survive. By advocating for wellness events such as walks, picnics, therapy dogs, bracelet making, and defining clear pathways to mental health resources, I will make sure every student can feel like they are floating on cloud nine, regardless of their workload.

The final element is Fire, representing the spark which I hope to ignite within every student. Every student comes to McMaster with a drive to achieve something, and I hope that as FYC Chair, I can foster each student's professional development so that every wall they face is broken down. This will be accomplished through Toastmasters public-speaking workshops, transferable skill development, and pathways into leadership roles around campus.

In the end, as Avatar showed us, when all of the elements come together and are balanced, harmony and prosperity is achieved. This is the vision I have here at McMaster as First Year Council Chair; strengthening and uniting each of my four pillars so that each student feels steady, connected, supported, and inspired.

More About Me

I’ve been playing guitar for over 5 years (my favorite is Hotel California by The Eagles).

I can play blindfolded chess!

I can say “hi” in 25 different languages.

I’m red-green colorblind, which stopped me from fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.

I can dunk on a 10 foot rim.

I was in a MrBeast video.

I met Logan Paul when I went to California in 2017.

Hey, my name is Krishiv, a first-year iBioMed student excited to make change in my community. Over the past few years, I've served as the President of Mathletes and Desi Student Association and as the Vice-President of my school's Student Government and DECA chapter, where I led various groups to achieve our shared goals and successfully run events. But leadership isn’t about the titles it comes with. These experiences have allowed me to develop strong organizational skills, an understanding of servant leadership, and a commitment to community-building.

Working as a Team Leader with the Durham Regional Police Service Youth in Policing program further solidified my belief in and dedication to these principles. As I led a team of 10 to organize a food drive that raised over 3500 items and to raise $11,000 for local charities, I realized something: people feel a sense of responsibility to contribute when they feel ownership instead of just being told what to do.

My goal as First Year Council Chair is to bring that same mindset to the McMaster Engineering Society. I will ensure everyone feels included and driven to achieve our goal of making first-year as amazing as possible for all students.

Platform

My platform is built through a holistic approach that ensures all aspects of a student’s life are supported. My vision for students can be split into four pillars which are academic, social, personal, and professional life. As First Year Council Chair, I see it as my responsibility to strengthen all these aspects for students, sort of like being the Avatar, who balances all four “elements” to maintain harmony.

First of all, there is the element of Earth, which represents the rock-solid academic foundation that one seeks when choosing to come to McMaster. Through additional promotion of peer tutoring, study groups, and course-specific resources, students will be able to build a base that keeps them grounded throughout the time at McMaster. Social media, posters, and asking professors to spread the word about these MES resources would extend our outreach. My goal for this pillar is to make sure no first-year has to feel that they have to figure out this new journey by themselves, since just like the ground beneath us, the community is what keeps us steady.

Next is the element of Water, demonstrating the ever-changing interactions that will connect all student. This will be accomplished through events that engage and nurture a sense of community amongst all members of the Faculty of Engineering, whether they are from Eng 1, iBioMed, Computer Science, or BTech. Speaking with various groups will help students discover new things about themselves and reestablish their sense of purpose for future years. Furthermore, mentorship from upper year students, industry professionals, and McMaster alumni will allow students to explore possible future pathways.

The second last element is Air, which reinforces the idea that students should prioritize their mental health. Engineering students can often get overwhelmed with their workload so it is of utmost importance that they have access to resources that allow them to efficiently manage their stressors. A healthy work-life balance ensures that students are able to thrive in their first year, not just barely survive. By advocating for wellness events such as walks, picnics, therapy dogs, bracelet making, and defining clear pathways to mental health resources, I will make sure every student can feel like they are floating on cloud nine, regardless of their workload.

The final element is Fire, representing the spark which I hope to ignite within every student. Every student comes to McMaster with a drive to achieve something, and I hope that as FYC Chair, I can foster each student's professional development so that every wall they face is broken down. This will be accomplished through Toastmasters public-speaking workshops, transferable skill development, and pathways into leadership roles around campus.

In the end, as Avatar showed us, when all of the elements come together and are balanced, harmony and prosperity is achieved. This is the vision I have here at McMaster as First Year Council Chair; strengthening and uniting each of my four pillars so that each student feels steady, connected, supported, and inspired.

More About Me

I’ve been playing guitar for over 5 years (my favorite is Hotel California by The Eagles).

I can play blindfolded chess!

I can say “hi” in 25 different languages.

I’m red-green colorblind, which stopped me from fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.

I can dunk on a 10 foot rim.

I was in a MrBeast video.

I met Logan Paul when I went to California in 2017.

My name is Mer Espe and with me, I bring a strong record of leadership, organization, and teamwork. In my years in high school, I served as Chairperson and Secretary of my school’s Student Council, co-leading a team of 20 people, as well as holding executive roles in two other clubs. As a student council executive, I had the opportunity to co-chair and organize my school’s most popular events, including two school carnivals with 300+ attendees, and two Semi-Formal events with 400+ attendees. With my effort and dedication, I was able to make an impact in my school community, and I hope to do the same here at Mac.

Beyond school, I also have experience speaking in public, as a Speaker for OSAID (an Impaired Driving Prevention Non-Profit) at the “Arrive Alive, Drive Sober” Conference last fall, and have experience as a committed volunteer with over 440 hours of community service. The depth of my various commitments is evidence of my ability to manage my time and priorities. While I do expect First year to be an adjustment, I am confident I will be able to appropriately prioritize deadlines and meet expectations. :)

Platform

Wherever I go, I seek out community. In just my first couple of weeks here at McMaster, I have already felt welcomed by MES at all the events I’ve attended and have witnessed first-hand how much a strong council can make possible. That is why I feel so drawn to serve as First Year Council Chair. As candidate for Council Chair, I would be thrilled to be part of a dedicated team tasked with building the foundation of what the Faculty of Engineering’s Class of 2029(-31s) student community will be.

I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the Mac Eng community. Through my experience in the roles I shared in the previous question, I learned how quiet, behind-the-scenes work drove the success of the events we organized that brought our community together. Through a variety of social events and team-building initiatives, I will make sure to make students feel represented and to take their feedback not as suggestions, but as a path to supporting our community however it needs to be supported. I also hope to guide the First-Year team to come up with events that reflect the interests of our peers and the kinds of opportunities they look for to create a more tight-knit engineering community.

To add to that, I know first-hand that members of council will require help and motivation from my part and that of our peers. With my experience hosting team socials and offering a hand to team members who need it, I look forward to the possibility of leading the First-Year Rep team during the 2025-26 year.

More About Me

Fun fact! My favourite food is iceberg lettuce... I love it so much my friends could see me get visibly upset when I realized I couldn’t make it last Friday to the Lettuce-Eating Competition :(

My name is Mer Espe and with me, I bring a strong record of leadership, organization, and teamwork. In my years in high school, I served as Chairperson and Secretary of my school’s Student Council, co-leading a team of 20 people, as well as holding executive roles in two other clubs. As a student council executive, I had the opportunity to co-chair and organize my school’s most popular events, including two school carnivals with 300+ attendees, and two Semi-Formal events with 400+ attendees. With my effort and dedication, I was able to make an impact in my school community, and I hope to do the same here at Mac.

Beyond school, I also have experience speaking in public, as a Speaker for OSAID (an Impaired Driving Prevention Non-Profit) at the “Arrive Alive, Drive Sober” Conference last fall, and have experience as a committed volunteer with over 440 hours of community service. The depth of my various commitments is evidence of my ability to manage my time and priorities. While I do expect First year to be an adjustment, I am confident I will be able to appropriately prioritize deadlines and meet expectations. :)

Platform

Wherever I go, I seek out community. In just my first couple of weeks here at McMaster, I have already felt welcomed by MES at all the events I’ve attended and have witnessed first-hand how much a strong council can make possible. That is why I feel so drawn to serve as First Year Council Chair. As candidate for Council Chair, I would be thrilled to be part of a dedicated team tasked with building the foundation of what the Faculty of Engineering’s Class of 2029(-31s) student community will be.

I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the Mac Eng community. Through my experience in the roles I shared in the previous question, I learned how quiet, behind-the-scenes work drove the success of the events we organized that brought our community together. Through a variety of social events and team-building initiatives, I will make sure to make students feel represented and to take their feedback not as suggestions, but as a path to supporting our community however it needs to be supported. I also hope to guide the First-Year team to come up with events that reflect the interests of our peers and the kinds of opportunities they look for to create a more tight-knit engineering community.

To add to that, I know first-hand that members of council will require help and motivation from my part and that of our peers. With my experience hosting team socials and offering a hand to team members who need it, I look forward to the possibility of leading the First-Year Rep team during the 2025-26 year.

More About Me

Fun fact! My favourite food is iceberg lettuce... I love it so much my friends could see me get visibly upset when I realized I couldn’t make it last Friday to the Lettuce-Eating Competition :(

Madeline Berardi

Engineering, Level 1

Running for Engineering 1 Representative

Madeline Berardi

Engineering, Level 1

Running for Engineering 1 Representative

Ines El-Hajjami

Engineering, Level 1

Running for Engineering 1 Representative

Ines El-Hajjami

Engineering, Level 1

Running for Engineering 1 Representative

Jude Matthew Hawthorn

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for B.Tech Representative

Jude Matthew Hawthorn

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for B.Tech Representative

Yumi Truong

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for B.Tech Representative

Yumi Truong

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for B.Tech Representative

Michael Wang

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for B.Tech Representative

Michael Wang

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for B.Tech Representative

Nicola Cunniffe

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Nicola Cunniffe

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Aanya Vegad

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Aanya Vegad

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Jaxsen Sebastiaan Dumitru Quist

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for First Year Council Chair

Jaxsen Sebastiaan Dumitru Quist

B.Tech, Level 1

Running for First Year Council Chair

Krishiv Shah

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for First Year Council Chair

Krishiv Shah

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for First Year Council Chair

Mer Espe Marchant

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for First Year Council Chair

Mer Espe Marchant

iBioMed, Level 1

Running for First Year Council Chair

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Running for
Engineering 1 Representative

Running for
Engineering 1 Representative

Running for
Engineering 1 Representative

Running for
Engineering 1 Representative

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B.Tech Representative

Running for
B.Tech Representative

Running for
B.Tech Representative

Running for
B.Tech Representative

Running for
B.Tech Representative

Running for
B.Tech Representative

Running for
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Running for
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Running for
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Running for
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences Representative

Running for
First Year Council Chair

Running for
First Year Council Chair

Running for
First Year Council Chair

Running for
First Year Council Chair

Running for
First Year Council Chair

Running for
First Year Council Chair