MNS Society: Fall 2025 in Review
By Nayla Qureshi
The Fall 2025 term was a vibrant and community-driven term for the MNS Society. With a diverse lineup of events that blended science, creativity, and connection, the term brought together students from across all years and programs with something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at the events that defined our term.
The Ultimate Science Clubs Bondfire
The term kicked off with the highly anticipated return of the Ultimate Science Clubs Bondfire. Originally launched in Spring 2024 by MNS, the event made its third appearance this fall and has quickly become a signature gathering for the science community.
Set against the warmth of a crackling fire, with food and s’mores, students from across science came together for an evening of conversation and connection. First-year students made up a large portion of the attendees, many experiencing their first opportunity to meet peers outside their programs and truly feel part of the wider science community. The atmosphere made it clear that the Bondfire remains a cornerstone event of the term.
Waterloo Nanotechnology Conference
This term marked an exciting milestone for the MNS Society through a new sponsorship partnership with the Waterloo Nanotechnology Conference (WNC). WNC is a student-led, full-day conference that brings together researchers, industry professionals, and students to explore advances in nanotechnology and materials science.
The MNS Society has been actively invited to the conference since 2017, and for this year’s “Quantum Meets Nano”-themed conference, the MNS Society was proud to be one of the sponsors.
Games Night with Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
One of the most anticipated social events of the term, Games Night delivered exactly what students were looking for. The event drew an impressive turnout, tables were filled with board games, card games, and friendly competitions that sparked laughter, debate, and dramatic victory celebrations.
The standout moment of the night was the liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration. Students gathered to watch as swirling clouds of vapor filled the room and ice cream froze in seconds. The experience added a fun chemistry twist to the evening—because at MNS events, even dessert is an experiment. The combination of games, chaos, and science made the night a perfect midterm break.
MNS 10
Over the past year, the MNS 10 Seminar has undergone a major transformation. Once a biweekly departmental seminar, it has evolved into a weekly series that brings together MNS students, faculty, and alumni. This shift was driven by the collaborative efforts of MNS Society President Nayla Qureshi and program advisor Rick Marta to create a more engaging and connected experience.
Fall 2025 marked a new era of collaboration between the MNS 10 Seminar Series and the MNS Society’s Student Seminar Series: a beloved event organized by the MNS Society. This joint effort created a platform for upper-year MNS students to shareinsights from co-op, research, and academic pathways, offering younger students insight into the opportunities available within and outside their program.
Holiday Themed Lab Event: Silver Mirrors Lab
The term concluded with the festive Silver Mirrors Lab, a hands-on, holiday-themed chemistry event. As exams approached, students stepped away from studying to create their own silvered glass mirrors, watching the transformation unfold in real time.
The excitement in the room was unmatched, with students comparing their creations, learning the science behind the reaction, and enjoying the rare chance to take home a shiny, handmade keepsake. The event was a perfect blend of learning, creativity, and seasonal spirit, making it one of the standout experiences of the term.
Fall 2025 was shaped by community, curiosity, and collaboration. These events not only brought students together but also strengthened the foundation of the MNS Society as a place where science, connection, and student leadership thrive. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, or supported our work throughout the term.
With the momentum we’ve built, we’re excited to step into Winter 2026 with even more engaging events, opportunities, and ways for students to get involved.