Vote for the winner of the Where in the World?! photo contest

My co-op experience in Utah strengthened my ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams while adapting to new environments. I got the opportunity to explore different cultures and build friendships. 

At work, I brought data literacy skills that helped improve the team’s efficiency and dynamic workflow. 

This photo captures Bryce Canyon’s unique landscape and beauty at sunrise. When the sunrise glorifies the winter stone forest, it reminds me to pause and cherish the moments spent with loved ones. 

Moving to Germany alone was daunting, but it taught me to believe in myself and trust my independence. 

The challenges I faced strengthened my resilience and reminded me of how much I enjoyed working with people from diverse backgrounds. Being able to collaborate with a multicultural team opened my eyes to new perspectives and working styles. 

During my time there, I contributed to the development of sustainable hydrogen energy solutions for railways, vehicle charging and other applications in Germany. 

Mostar's Old Bridge, standing once again after a brutal war divided the city 30 years ago, symbolizes renewed peace. 

Living in Costa Rica and interacting with different cultures from around the world made me discover that I have the ability to teach and guide others. 

Through my passion and enthusiasm, I inspired others to enjoy and appreciate nature, science and the world around us. 

This photo symbolizes that appreciation. Locals I met would gather to watch sunsets daily and simply enjoy the view. 

Hawaii taught me resilience and perseverance despite setbacks and failures. I learned to have patience and take things one step at a time, knowing that I’m stronger than I think and can do anything I put my mind to. 

Along the way, I supported and uplifted friends, offering encouragement to others who were once in my position. 

I found beauty in this scenery because it reminded me that even though I was far from my family and friends, the memories I’ve made will stick with me forever. 

In Vermont, I developed my skills in building real-time, safety-critical embedded systems that push electric flight technology forward. 

I discovered that I thrive on solving engineering challenges that directly affect how aircraft fly and perform in the real world. 

My contribution to firmware for electric lift-engine inverters brings safe and sustainable eVTOL flight closer to reality.  

The photo I took captures the elegance of pure electric flight—clean, quiet and efficient—soaring above the natural landscape we aim to protect. 

My journey between Beijing and Waterloo taught me the art of adaptability.

Moving back and forth pushed me to stay calm and adjust quickly to any new environment. I realized that I do have the ability to move forward alone and that all beautiful things fade, so I just live fully in the moment.

I found meaning in sharing my photography, spreading the joy I feel and capturing moments that lift the mood of people around me, both at work and in life.

The sunset in this photo holds personal significance. It was taken in the same place where friends once saw me off before I left for Waterloo. When I came back for my co-op, I passed by after work and found the same light.

My time abroad helped me grow both technically and personally. I became more confident in teaching myself new skills while using the resources around me. I also discovered that I enjoy being alone as much as I enjoy time with friends. 

At work, I contributed meaningfully to projects while keeping a positive attitude towards new experiences. 

In this photo, the mountains are glorious and stand proud. The mountains reflected in the water mirror the growth I felt abroad. 

Spending time in Norway taught me to embrace uncertainty. Whether it was navigating the new country during chilly nights or debugging AI models in a new language, I learnt to adapt. 

I realized that I could find clarity when I couldn’t see ahead, and some of my best insights came in those unplanned moments. 

Through my co-op term, I shared fresh perspectives in AI research and built connections within Norwegian innovation communities. 

This photo fully captures my winter co-op experience: human warmth below, beautiful nature above, all reflected together in calm Arctic waters.

Facing a language barrier in Japan, I learnt that communication goes far beyond words. My experience taught me to find connection in gestures, patience and humanity. 

I came to understand that it’s okay to not know my ikigai – my reason for being. Japan opened my mind to understand that seeking your reason to live is a lifelong journey, and the search itself gives meaning. 

In my work, I helped bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating research opportunities for those who may not have access to funding 

This image captures how even overwhelming beauty becomes part of ordinary life. Just 10 km from Mount Fuji’s 3700 m height, the small town bustles on—a cyclist, open shops and everyday routine. 

While working in France, I found my voice. I became confident communicating in multiple languages and discovered that I am better at public speaking than I had thought. 

With each tour, I became natural and had better flow as I taught people about the cause and impacts of the First World War and kept the memories alive. 

The Vimy monument has the names of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who fought in France and have no known resting place. It stands as a reminder of sacrifice and remembrance.