University of Waterloo celebrates standout co-op students in first virtual ceremony

Faculty of Environment Co-op Student of the Year Brad Bruder was recognized for his outstanding work term at Habitat for Humanity, where he helped families move into affordable housing amid COVID-19.

WATCH NOW! Hear what the winners have to say about their co-op experience, and accepting their awards.

“Winning the award feels pretty great, I’m really honoured to have received it, and to be honest, I think says more about the employer than it says about me.” says Bruder, a Planning student. “I think it says my employer gave me the tools and empowered me to make a real difference during my co-op, and I couldn’t be more grateful to Habitat for Humanity for that.”

Rupa Vemulapalli, a Computer Engineering student, was named the Faculty of Engineering’s award winner for her exemplary performance at Rushby Energy Inc.

Vemulapalli played a role in the development of an iOS app that will help electric vehicle suppliers quantify long-term gains in establishing charging stations in designating locations.

“it goes without saying the quality of our co-op program is thanks to our fantastic students,” says Ross Johnston, executive director of Co-operative Education. “And the student voice is so important to us as we think about how to continue to improve our programming to provide meaningful work-integrated learning experiences that help students prepare for their future careers.”

2020 CSOTY winners:

2020 Problem Lab Winners: