In this episode of OUR Path to Research, we sit down with Dr. Martin Gibala at the Human Performance Lab at McMaster University to explore the science behind exercise, health, and human potential.

From molecular mechanisms in skeletal muscle to real-world applications in athletic performance and chronic disease, Dr. Gibala shares how research in exercise physiology translates into meaningful impact.

We also dive into what makes the Human Performance Lab unique, what a typical day in the lab looks like, and how undergraduate students can get involved in research. Whether you're interested in kinesiology, health sciences, or just want to better understand how exercise affects the body, this episode offers valuable insight into both the science and the pathway into research.

Exciting. Fast-paced. Innovative. Jeremie Alexander and Stewart McLellan, PhD students at the Stokes Laboratory, are part of a team of researchers targeting one of the most pressing problems in modern medicine. They are leveraging AI tools to fight antimicrobial resistance.

In today’s podcast episode, we learn how AI is used for drug discovery and how this computational work is translated to experimental trials that have the potential to save millions of lives. We also discuss which skills students should aim to develop to be part of such interesting research projects.

Thank you to Jeremie and Stewart for joining us on the podcast and sharing your knowledge and insights!

In this episode of the OUR Path to Research Podcast, we speak with Dr. Rakesh Sahu and Daniel Sim about research at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and alternative proteins. They discuss how nanomaterials and biomaterials contribute to innovations in sustainable food systems, what research in this field looks like in practice, and what students can learn from interdisciplinary work. This conversation also offers insight into joining a research lab, developing transferable skills, and navigating research as a student.

Are you considering doing an undergraduate thesis? Today, in our conversation with Thomas Rasmussen (current thesis student in Environmental Science), and Jonathan Goberdhan (master student in Biology) we explore how curiosity, community, and resilience are all essential parts of this journey. Join us to learn how to reach out to supervisors, find a topic you are passionate about, plan for your graduate studies, and even stay motivated when results don’t turn out the way you expected. 

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!