In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne welcome undergraduate students Easton and Riya, to learn more about their experience conducting research in Alberta through SCIENCE 2RP3S. Easton, a second-year student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program, and Riya, a third-year Honours Life Science student, discuss the transferable skills they developed over the course. Together, they showcase how SCIENCE 2RP3S provided them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build practical research skills, find new interests and explore Canada with their peers. Whether you want to learn more about OUR courses, or are curious about what research out in the field looks like, this episode is for you!

In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne welcome Mike Lafleur and Erin Pease from the International and Exchange Student Experience Team within the Student Success Center to share more about the importance of pursing global experiences. Together, they highlight global opportunities and funding avenues available to students, as well as their own insights from working abroad. Whether you are passionate about expanding your worldview through a global experience or are curious as to what that may look like, this episode is for you! 

For more information about Global Opportunities through the SSC: https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/global/

In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne sit down with Dr. Jonathan Cannon: assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and head of McMaster’s METRE Lab. Together they dig into the intersection of mathematics, psychology, and neuroscience, and the influence of rhythm perception in our lives. Dr. Cannon reflects on his academic journey to offer insight into how research ideas can grow out of everyday experiences and explains what makes a student stand out as a strong candidate for a lab. Whether you’re curious about getting involved in research or simply interested in neuroscience, this episode is for you!

In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne sit down with undergraduate students Andro and Zaynab, to explore how early research experiences can shape academic paths, personal insight, and even career direction. Andro, a second-year student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program, shares his hands-on work with EEG caps, motion capture, and data modelling. Zaynab, a third-year Honours Life Science student, recounts her experience leading biodiversity tours, using mobile eye-tracking, and exploring plant–bacteria interactions in the greenhouse. Together, they highlight how the 1-UNIT experiential courses made research feel accessible, giving students early access to real experimental environments. Whether you're an incoming student or just curious about what research actually looks like, this episode is for you!

In this episode, co-hosts Hussain and Daisy sit down with Dr. Pat Clancy, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University, to explore the fascinating world of quantum materials, neutron scattering, and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Undergraduate Research Experience. Dr. Clancy shares insights on the importance of interdisciplinary research in nuclear science and how students can get involved, even without prior experience. Together, they discuss McMaster’s unique partnership with CNL along with the launch of the new Nuclear Minor. Whether you're a physics major or just curious about research, this episode is for you!

Ranim Saleem, a PhD student, and her shadowee, Milla Paniza, join us today to discuss their experiences in the graduate shadowing program. Ranim is a PhD student in the Scott Lab who mentored Milla, an undergrad student in Biology research. We'll be discussing the benefits to graduate shadowing and how you can join in!

Dr. Daniel Cameron joins from the LIVELab to discuss the value in volunteering in research and attending seminar sessions. He shares insight on his research, from infants responding to different rhythms to live motion capture and music.

Learn more about McMaster's new 1-unit courses coming this Spring 2025! Our guests this week are Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser, the director of the OUR, and Dr. Rosa da Silva, associate Dean of the faculty of Science. They explain the benefit of taking the new courses, which include allowing students to gain course credit for volunteering in a lab or attending research seminars.

Maya Mahmood, an undergraduate student in the Integrated Science program, and Kevina Chavda, a graduate student in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program, are working together in Dr. James Inkster’s lab at McMaster University. Their research focuses on the development of novel imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and exploring innovative radiopharmaceutical applications.

In this week’s episode of OUR Path to Research, Maya and Kevina share their unique mentorship journey, highlighting the dynamic collaboration between undergraduate and graduate researchers. They discuss their individual paths to Dr. Inkster’s lab, the skills that set them apart in research, and the importance of teamwork in achieving research goals. Maya and Kevina also offer actionable advice for students on finding research opportunities, maintaining motivation, and balancing responsibilities. Whether you are a first-year student or further along in your academic journey, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for aspiring researchers!

Maya Mammon is an undergraduate student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour - Mental Health Specialization program at McMaster University. She has been a research assistant in the McMaster Baby Lab under the supervision of Dr. Gabriel (Naiqi) Xiao since 2023 and now serves as the lab manager. Maya’s research question is two-pronged: whether children prefer to help emotionally consistent others; and whether they are more likely to seek help from emotionally consistent others.

In this week’s episode of OUR Path to Research, Maya shares her journey from gaining her first research experience to receiving an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award. She offers actionable advice for students on finding research opportunities, dealing with rejection, and building the skills that make an excellent research candidate. Maya also discusses the most fulfilling aspects of her work, how to sustain long-term motivation, and tips for connecting with professors to kickstart a successful research journey.