By Elizabeth Kleisath
Communications Officer, Advancement
When students from the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science finish their degree, they are faced with significant career decisions. The Externship and Career Experiential Learning (ExCEL) initiative, the newest initiative from the Faculty of Science, aims to guide and empower students by providing them with valuable real-world experiences that foster confidence and highlight career pathways they may not have considered.
The ExCEL initiative was launched this term with a series of externships, bringing students on tours of science-focused companies in the community. These trips provide unique opportunities for students to connect with Waterloo alumni and industry professionals, while gaining a first-hand look at how their degrees can be used in real-world settings.
The ExCEL initiative also provides new and exciting opportunities for alumni to give back to Waterloo Science. Through mentorship opportunities like these externships, Science alumni, donors, and industry leaders have shared their journey to professional successes.
Having the students visit the Elastochem facility was an incredible experience. The externship program that Waterloo Science has developed is impressive—it gives students exposure to career opportunities they might not have otherwise considered. I wish my own university had offered something like this when I was a student!
Connecting biology to industry
The first externship, held in January 2025, brought biology students to two companies—Ceragen and Metagenom Bio Life Science—both which have origins as startups in the University of Waterloo’s biology ecosystem. At Ceragen, students met Dr. Ashley Stegelmeier, BSc ’15 (Honours Biology) and MSc ’17 (Biology), and recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Science Early Alumni Excellence Award. Stegelmeier and Danielle Rose, CEO and Co-Founder of Ceragen, led students on a tour of their new greenhouse space, where they will test crop yields and sustainability efforts using their microbes and hydroponic systems.
"As a Velocity startup, Ceragen was excited to be part of the first externship tour. It was a great opportunity to meet the next generation of scientists and discuss the importance of hydroponic greenhouse research,” says Stegelmeier, Director of Product Development at Ceragen. “Our team looks forward to any opportunity to give back to the Waterloo ecosystem and help support Waterloo students."
Founded by Dr. Trevor Charles, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Biology, Metagenom Bio Life Science offered students the chance to learn how the company provides DNA sequencing services for environmental landscapes at the startup company’s lab. “We just learned about laminar flow in class, and now we’re seeing it being used at Metagenome Bio, a real-life lab. This trip exposed us to opportunities we wouldn’t have known about otherwise,” said Adelaide Bray, a 4th year Science and business student.
Chemistry beyond the benchtop
Building on the success of the first externship, in February, chemistry students visited Elastochem and Apotex Pharmachem Inc. where they saw a wide range of career avenues, from benchtop research chemists to full scall production and manufacturing roles, and engaged with alumni and industry professionals.
“It was exciting to see the student’s enthusiasm and curiosity about our industry,” said Cosper. “They asked insightful questions, and we really enjoyed the opportunity to teach and show them polyurethane and polyurea in action.”
At Elastochem, alumni shared insights into how organic mechanisms scaled into successful spray foam insulation products. They saw demonstrations of the spray foams and coatings in action, and Sydney Hoang, a 4th year medicinal chemistry student was given the opportunity to spray a layer of waterproofing membrane. “It was fun to put the suit on and be the one doing the demo, instead of just watching.”
From hands-on experiences and seeing applications the chemistry they learn from lectures and laboratory courses, the externship helped students draw connections between their studies and their future, inspiring many to think about their future careers. “I wish I could have had this experience in my first or second year, and seen what’s possible earlier,” said Patricia, a 4th year science and business student. “I’ve gotten so much great advice that I can now take forward into my career.”
Sydney Hoang, a 4th year medicinal chemistry student, spraying the Elastochem waterproofing membrane
For those inspired to contribute to the opportunities for students currently being pursued in the Faculty of Science, we invite you to connect with the Director of Science Advancement to learn how your generosity can make a meaningful impact. Philanthropic support is transformative in supporting undergraduate and graduate students with scholarships, so they can become research leaders of the future in industry and academia.