Program: Honours Materials and Nanosciences
Year: 3
Stream of study: Co-op
Pronouns: She/Her
Career goal: I would like to pursue a career in academia, combining research and teaching. At this stage, my focus would likely be on sustainable materials and energy, exploring ways to advance technologies in these areas. Beyond that, my ideal scenario would involve collaborating with industry, working on real-world projects that bridge fundamental research and practical applications, while also continuing to contributing to the next generation through teaching.
How I get involved: I have been serving as the President of the Materials and Nanosciences Society (MNS Soc) since May 2024, after previously holding roles as Events Coordinator in my first term and Vice President Internal the following term. As the President, I lead our executive team in organizing a wide range of events, including social gatherings, networking opportunities, and lab event. As President, I also work closely with our academic advisor, Rick Marta, to plan and run MNS 10, a weekly seminar series designed to connect students with research, industry, and academic pathways.In addition to my role with MNS, I represent my peers as one of the Undergraduate Student Representatives for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where I advocate for student needs and contribute to departmental discussions. I also serve as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (In Residence) for CHEM 120/121, supporting first-year students in building a strong foundation in chemistry. Beyond my academic involvement, I am part of two research groups: the Maheshwari Lab (Department of Chemistry, Dr. Vivek Maheshwari) and the Functional Nanomaterials Group (Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Dr. Kevin Musselman). My research focuses on solar cells, photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems, and nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications.
Why I love my program
I love the Materials and Nanosciences (MNS) program because of the diversity of content it offers. It brings together the core principles of chemistry and physics while also introducing perspectives from engineering and materials science. This balance allows me to build a strong understanding of fundamental concepts while also seeing how they can be applied to real-world technologies. The program’s interdisciplinary structure has been especially rewarding, as it encourages us to think across traditional boundaries. For example, in my research on solar cells and photoelectrochemical systems, I’ve been able to draw on knowledge from both physics and chemistry to better understand how materials behave and how they can be optimized for energy applications. What makes MNS stand out to me is how it provides both a broad scientific foundation and the flexibility to pursue specialized interests equipping us with the skills to explore diverse opportunities in research and beyond.
Why University of Waterloo?
After receiving multiple offers from a few universities, the first campus I visited was the University of Waterloo. I immediately felt like I could see myself here; the environment felt like the right fit, both academically and personally. It felt like the right choice for me, so I never ended up visiting any of the other campuses. Another key factor in my decision was the co-op program, which offers an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience while studying. The chance to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world challenges, while also exploring different career paths, was a major part of my decision. Beyond that, I was drawn to Waterloo’s strong reputation for innovation and research, especially in science and engineering, which aligned perfectly with my own academic interests. Ultimately, I wanted a university that would challenge me, give me space to grow, and provide the tools to pursue research and experiential learning. Waterloo stood out as the place that could offer all of these opportunities and more.