Co-operative Education at the University of Guelph Announces the Recipients and Nominees of the 2024 Co-op Awards

Stryker, a leading organization in medical technology, hires multiple University of Guelph co-op students each semester, providing enriching work terms. Michael Mikhael, Vidhi Tushar Patel, and Jane Wright were so impressed by their transformative experiences at Stryker that they co-nominated the company for the prestigious National Co-op Employer of the Year award.

Michael Mikhael, a Quality Engineering Co-op student, emphasized the diversity of projects he undertook, from designing and coding a medical data collection device to observing surgeries and troubleshooting medical equipment. “Stryker’s unwavering support and guidance provided hands-on learning I never imagined possible in a co-op term,” he shared.

Vidhi Patel described being trained and certified on the Neptune Waste Management System, a pivotal medical device. She praised her supervisors’ focus on mentorship and the company’s “unwavering focus on student development.” “Stryker empowered me with specialized expertise and inspired me to aim higher,” she said.

Jane Wright highlighted the impact of Stryker’s mission, mentorship, and culture, noting opportunities to get involved in initiatives like the Stryker Women’s Network and Stryker Wellness Council. She was able to lead a professional development seminar and organize wellness events and training. “The company fosters a culture where personal and professional growth is a priority.” “My experience has affirmed my dedication to making a meaningful impact in this field.”

Stryker’s dedication to student success makes it a shining example of co-op employer excellence.

Nominated by co-op student Matthew MacKenzie (Business Development Support Specialist), The Wellington Group of Companies is recognized not only for their business success but also for their commitment to community involvement and providing supportive, enriching, and impactful co-op work terms. During his summer work term, MacKenzie received comprehensive training, resources, and an environment that welcomed questions and provided feedback. This experience equipped him with the skills to engage in various facets of the business, from operations and sales to customer service and data analysis. This level of involvement was both empowering and motivating, demonstrating The Wellington Group's trust in his abilities and their dedication to professional development and offering a meaningful co-op experience. MacKenzie also credits the open-door policy of the leadership team providing personalized mentorship and support, “The company’s leadership team…, took the time to discuss industry trends, share their invaluable experience, and guide me in understanding the logistics industry as a whole”.

Katherine, in her 2^nd year of the Associate Diploma in Horticulture, was nominated by her employer Ross’ Nurserymen. Katherine exceeded all production expectations with her greenhouse work, propagation, and even landscaping. Her proactive mindset stood out, as did her botanical knowledge and ability to manage the welfare of diverse crops. Katherine worked on everything from tropicals to annuals, taking the lead on this year’s production of mums.

Katherine’s nominator, Leanne Decaire, emphasized what a rarity it is to find someone with Katherine’s combination of skills. “She has proven her extensive value over and over again through her diligence and hard work. Her independent and thoughtful approach to work has inspired fellow employees, helping them “to be more organized and to consider more efficient ways to complete tasks.”

Enthusiastic about applying her learning, Katherine took the initiative to bring in her own resource books. “Anytime she comes across an un-labelled plant she will look it up in the books. She actively applies the knowledge she learned in school in the horticulture program to her daily work activities.” Katherine has been offered a permanent position by Ross’ Nurserymen when she completes her studies.

Bortolussi, a 4^th year Accounting student was nominated by her supervisors for her work on the PwC on the Sustainability Reporting & Assurance team, where she was instrumental in several key sustainability related projects including ISSB Gap Assessments Roadmaps, an ISSB Materiality Assessment, OSFI B-15 Reporting Compliance, and Limited Assurance and Assurance Readiness engagements. Her clients ranged across multiple industries, including a Canadian grocery retailer, North American REITs, an insurance company, and a Cat Dealer company.

In addition to her significant contributions to projects, employer and nominator Carmen Lalonde noted that Ava’s work ethic, and ability to exceed expectations have set a high standard for future hires, “Ava's ability to quickly understand complex ESG standards, produce high-quality work with minimal supervision, and positively impact team morale demonstrates her exceptional skill and dedication. Her proactive attitude and continuous learning have made her an indispensable member of our team."

This award, established in 2018 by Tulip in honour and remembrance of exemplary co-op student Ian Pavlinic, recognizes a co-op student in the School of Computer Science who has demonstrated innovation and collaboration, and made a positive impact during their work term. 

Sadaqat, a fifth-year Bachelor of Computing, Computer Science co-op student was nominated by his supervisor at Deloitte, for his exceptional 8-month work term with the Tax Gi3 Team. 

Sadaqat worked on the scientific research and development reports, which played a crucial role in securing credit claims for Fortune 100 corporations across various sectors, including TMT, manufacturing, and structures. His innovative use of AI to enhance efficiency and reduce costs demonstrated his forward-thinking approach and technical acumen. In addition to his research, Talha managed projects, complied reports and meticulously reviewed reports. Beyond his technical skills, Talha played a pivotal role enhancing the Deloitte culture, according to his supervisor Zakiuddin Dandoti, “He actively organized events that boosted staff morale, such as creating group chats and facilitating peer learning opportunities. Talha's proactive approach also extended to community engagement. He was instrumental in preparing a business proposal for Deloitte sponsorship to support various events across Canada and represented Deloitte at the Microsoft AI Summit in Toronto. His work with Re-defined, a non-profit organization empowering students globally, further exemplified his commitment to making a positive impact”.

Putos is a 5^th year Biomedical Engineering student who was nominated by his employer for his exceptional work at the R. S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Center. Over his 8-month work term, Putos developed software to improve the efficiency of quality control checks in cancer treatments, which required significant self-learning and adaptation to new programming tools. "Considering a steep learning curve, Vincent has produced an outstanding quality of work which exceeded our expectations.” - Syed Bilal Ahmad, PhD, MCCPM, DABR, Medical Physicist, Lakeridge Health Oshawa.

Beyond demonstrating his initiative and technical abilities, his efforts are making a difference in the time and resources medical physics teams can dedicate to investigating other errors, ultimately increasing the quality of radiotherapy plans and reducing potential harms to patients. "Vincent's contributions have led to a 40-50% improvement in efficiency, freeing up resources for other critical tasks in the clinic.”

Putos' success led to an invitation to extend his work term for an additional semester, and to return after he completes his studies. Additionally, he was recognized as the recipient of the Harold E. Johns Studentship. His nominator emphasized how Putos’ impact speaks to how much “the profession of medical physics can benefit from him.”

Leonard, a 4^th year Environmental Science student was nominated by her employers at the “The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)”. The IAAC is federal body accountable to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change responsible for high-quality impact assessments that contribute to informed decision-making on major projects like mines, roads, and power-generating facilities in support of sustainable development. 

During her summer work term at the IAAC Toronto office, Leonard led the comprehensive assessment of a proposed mine's impacts on fish and fish habitat, analyzing various pathways such as groundwater-surface water interactions and habitat alteration. She managed the entire process, from reviewing extensive technical documents to delivering clear briefings to senior management. Her work will inform recommendations to regulate the project's impacts on fish habitats and Indigenous land use.

“Bridget Leonard exceeds even this exceptional standard performing all aforementioned tasks, requiring a high caliber of critical thinking. Bridget shows initiative and leadership in her technical analysis including recommendations for recognizing gaps in information to understand impacts, identifying relevant provincial regulatory tools to manage effects in federal jurisdiction, and ensure that biophysical pathways of effects to Indigenous Peoples are accounted for. - Claudette Bois, A/ Team Leader, Ontario Region, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada / Government of Canada

The Collin Cureatz Memorial award recognizes a co-op student who has contributed to the betterment of the University of Guelph co-op program or to co-op student life during 2024. Established in 1999, the award was renamed in 2008 in honour and remembrance of exemplary co-op student Collin Cureatz. During his years at Guelph, Collin achieved excellent marks, was an outstanding co-op student, an enthusiastic Peer Helper and dedicated volunteer within the U of G community. This year’s award winner is Izehi Eigbobo, a 4^th year Computer Science student who mirrors the outstanding qualities and talents that Collin possessed. 

For the past four semesters, Eigbobo has been an exemplary Career Peer Helper in the Experiential Learning Hub, significantly contributing to the co-op student community at U of G. Her dedication to engaging and supporting students truly embodies the spirit of this award. She empowers students to make informed decisions, provides empathetic support, and offers practical next steps in their job search. Her mentorship has inspired many students to join the PrePAIR program and give back as mentors themselves. Additionally, Eigbobo has exceeded expectations by participating in optional team activities, such as interviewing prospective Peer Helpers, promoting on social media, and facilitating job search workshops and participating on a panel for new co-op students. 

Nominated Brittney Ogilvie, Coordinator of Student Programs, Eigbobo’s positive influence and passion for uplifting others have greatly benefited the department. “Izehi is an excellent candidate for this award on account of her commitment to helping students succeed in their job search and for her strengths in supporting co-op students. She is a positive role model for co-op students and our department has benefited tremendously from her dedication and passion for uplifting others.”