iBioMed Ambassador Program
iBioMed Ambassadors act as the official representatives of the iBioMed Program at all recruitment events and will promote the program in an official capacity. They give prospective students a personal and informative connection with the iBioMed Program and the McMaster community at large.
They also display and learn leadership skills by meeting with potential students, giving guided tours, and attending various campus and program events.
Some events Ambassadors can expect to attend are:
May @ Mac
Fall Preview
Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF)
Engineering 1 & iBioMed Info Fair
iBioMed Info Night
And more!
Questions about joining the Program?
Melissa Weldon
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Melissa Weldon
Communications & Engagement Coordinator - MDCL 3300/DOur Ambassadors serve as liaisons to students, the faculties, and the McMaster community, and assist in the development and implementation of department-specific projects--they are an invaluable link to the iBioMed student body, as well as the larger Engineering & Health Sciences faculties. By establishing meaningful relationships with prospective and current students, faculty, and staff, student Ambassadors create a sense of belonging and connectedness to the iBioMed program.
As always, our Ambassadors will represent iBioMed at various events. Prospective students can come to any of our events and ask our Ambassadors any questions they may have about our program.
Official Representatives
iBioMed Ambassadors are student volunteers that will represent the student body and help share perspectives. They will be interacting with prospective students, parents, and current students. They will be called upon to represent the program in a wide variety of ways, from recruitment events, to guided tours, to welcome week activities. They will also be given access to the program's official social media platforms and be able to post newsworthy, student-oriented stories. They'll be able to share experiences about their time in the iBioMed program!
Recruitment
iBioMed Ambassadors will volunteer to attend recruitment events, like May @ Mac, the Ontario Universities Fair (OUF), March Break Open House, Fall Preview, and the like in order to meet with prospective students and their parents to tell them all about the iBioMed program. Ambassadors will also be able to post about these events on our official social media platforms.
Student Life
iBioMed Ambassadors will be speaking directly with prospective students, their parents, or current students about their first-hand student experiences in the iBioMed program. Whether it be via email, in-person meetings, tours, or over the phone, our Ambassadors will share their experience about the program in a professional and positive manner, outlining all of the current events, projects, or clubs and teams they are involved in.
Design Studio
An iBioMed Ambassador is expected to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and poise, and with that comes a level of responsibility above and beyond their peers. As such, upper-year iBioMed Ambassadors will also be responsible for ensuring safe and proper use of the Design Studio; including, but not limited to ensuring the door is locked at night, that equipment is being used in the correct manner, that the Design Studio is neat, tidy, and used appropriately.
*Please note that this is only available for upper-year iBioMed Ambassadors
2018/19 Ambassadors
Meet your 2018/19 iBioMed Ambassadors. These students are official representatives of the iBioMed program, and you can find them at various program and campus events.
Hosam Abdel Hafeez
Hosam is from Hamilton and in his spare time he enjoys volunteering within his community. Since joining iBioMed, Hosam has joined Scinapse. We asked our new Ambassadors, "So far, what’s the best thing about being an iBioMed student?" Hosam said:
"Having the opportunity to collaborate with peers to create solutions to health problems through an interdisciplinary approach."
Mosana Abraha
Mosana is from Toronto and enjoys playing soccer and running. She's joined intramural soccer and is a part of McMaster's Cancer Society.
"I love how invested the instructors in IP10 are in our learning. You can see how excited they are with their enthusiasm not only in their lectures but also with how accessible they are via email or during office hours."
Allen An
Allen is an international student, originally from Shanghai, China. He recently moved here and is living in Mississauga. Allen enjoys watching movies and shows. He has already joined the baja racing team, the badminton club and intramural table tennis.
"The best thing would definitely be learning about carpal tunnel syndrome and hip implant in our unique 1P10 course."
Anushree Chakravarty
Anushree takes pride in her problem-solving and leadership skills. In her spare time, she is a band member, knitting club member and mock trial member. She also enjoys working with kids, and credits this as helping develop her communication skills.
"Perseverance through adversity and working towards a goal are necessary traits. These were developed through continuous volunteering and academic achievements."
Mariam Dawood
Mariam is an award-winning student who has experience as a Branding Coordinator and Camp Counsellor. She has also served a co-op placement with Hamilton Health Sciences. When asked about being an iBioMed Ambassador, she says:
"Serving as an ambassador for the iBioMed program will allow me to apply my communication skills to develop an informative connection with students!"
Alessia Di Nardo
Alessia is an energetic and active iBioMed student. When Alessia isn't out exploring her surroundings, she spends her time mentoring students of all ages, and assisting residents in long term care. In the summer of 2018 Alessia had the opportunity to work at the Atoms Laboratory, at the University of Toronto, to identify and create models of human aortic calcium deposits.
“The reason I wanted to become an iBioMed Ambassador is the chance to share the amazing experiences I had in first year with potential students.”
Lianna Genovese
Lianna is a highly motivated student who volunteers for the Hamilton Health Sciences and works as a lifeguard at the YMCA! Lianna is also a very active member of the Women in Engineering Society (WISE) and the cofounder of the charity Making a Dent, which provides oral care kits to cancer patients! After her first year Lianna and her teammates entered their design project into the Innovative Design for Accessibility (IDeA) competition and took first place for their accessibility painting tool!
“As an ambassador I want incoming students to realize that the work you do in class is a direct parallel to what you will be doing in the future!”
Yumna Irfan
Yumna is a Level II HESE student that enjoys programming! She dedicates time sharing her knowledge by traveling to schools teaching children about programming and helping them make the connection between mathematical thinking and programming. Yumna has been active in a few projects, including the Modern Construction Helmet, game design, and recently took part in MedHacks, at John Hopkins University, Baltimore. Yumna’s MedHacks group took first place for the phone app they designed! This app uses machine learning to identify cases of skin cancer.
“As an iBioMed ambassador I would share my experiences as well as talk about the multitude of opportunities that have been presented to me because of this program.”
Jessica Lim
Jessica is a forward-thinking Level I iBioMed student. Jessica has been a part of founding an engineering club at her local elementary school to help mentor kids and expose them to design projects. She has also had a hand in 1UP Urban Minds, an organization that strives to teach and empower youth to make improvements within their community environment.
“It is a unique privilege to be a part of the second iBioMed class, as we are not only students of a prestigious undergraduate program, but also the trailblazers. It is not often where one gets the opportunity to help build such a competitive program and share firsthand knowledge that can help and potentially inspire others, but as iBioMed ambassadors, we can to do just that.”
Amreen Mander
Amreen is an active Level I iBioMed student. Her interests include music and soccer! When Amreen isn’t performing a song or playing on the soccer field, she spends time volunteering with Homework Help as an after-school tutor and a member of the Stoney Creek Optimist Club!
“I believe with my dedication, passion and leadership skills I will thrive at promoting this innovative program that will produce trailblazers at the forefront of engineering and health sciences.”
Kierra McDougall
Kierra keeps herself very busy and is a student member of multiple societies. She is a Welcome Week Rep for the McMaster Engineering Society and volunteers as a McMaster Engineering Student Tour Guide. Kierra keeps active as a lifeguard/swim instructor and is a member of McMaster’s Varsity Lacrosse Team! During the summer of 2018 Kierra worked as a research student at the London Health Sciences Centre assisting in the Kidney Clinical Research Unit.
“I have personal experience with the extracurriculars that McMaster has to offer and can speak to possible future students about getting involved with the McMaster community!”
Griffin McLean
Griffin is a busy Level I iBioMed student and took part in many activities leading up to starting at McMaster. Griffin volunteers and is a member of many groups. He also worked for E-bots Robotics, the Ontario Education Leadership Centre and the Ontario Science Centre!
“I can proactively and enthusiastically engage prospective students, their parents, and visitors by exciting them about my program while arousing curiosity, stimulating thought, and provoking questions by drawing from my experiences.”
Arjun Raghavan
Arjun is from Winnipeg and is a great person to connect with if you want to know more about what moving to Ontario is like! Arjun spent the summer of 2018 as a Summer Research Assistant at McMaster University focusing on the characterization and evaluation of electrospun fibers. Before he started the iBioMed program Arjun volunteered for Victoria General Hospital, and Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg and the Special Olympics!
“After an amazing and memorable first year I am incredibly passionate about my program, and I would like to use this passion to help show others all the amazing opportunities the iBioMed has to offer!”
Amanda Tomkins
Amanda is an artistic and creative student who enjoys the design process of project development that the iBioMed program gives her. In Amanda’s first year of iBioMed her team won first place for Best Design on their Design Project 4, titled FreeHand, a wearable glove that functions as a computer mouse!
“I absolutely love this program and want the chance to connect with future students and get them just as excited about iBioMed as I am!”
Abdullh Mohmed
Abdullh is a Level I iBioMed student who has experience working and volunteering for the YMCA and the Islamic Society of St. Catharines. Abdullh has earned an DSBN First Generation Student Bursary, was a DECA Finalist, and was awarded the Air Cadet Proficiency Award!
“I love the idea of joining the faculties of Health Sciences and Engineering to solve real-life health problems. I want to give back the same enthusiasm and helpfulness that I was given at May@Mac and events like the Ontario Universities Fair!”
Akansha Prasad
Akansha is from Markham and one of her favourite hobbies is cooking. She's already joined McMaster's Women in Engineering Society. When we asked her "What's the best thing about being an iBioMed student so far?" Akansha said,
"I love the Design Projects because I enjoy applying what we learn in lectures!"
2019/20 Ambassadors
Meet our Ambassadors
Yumna Irfan
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I had always been interested in healthcare, and I love math and engineering. I was looking for something which I could pursue both of my passions, and iBioMed was the perfect mix for me!
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I'm from Pakistan and I speak three different languages
Amanda Tomkins
Electrical & Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I really liked the idea of being exposed to both engineering and health science courses. iBioMed gave me the best of both worlds!
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I enjoy baking and cake decorating. I like making 3D cakes that look realistic. I think I like the challenge of trying to have them defy gravity. I also love listening to vinyl. Lastly, I'm working with my group from first year to further develop our project from 1P10 (Design Project 4).
Hosam Abdel Hafeez
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I was interested in both engineering and healthcare. Seeing a program at an amazing university that combines both passions of mine was a very choice
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I've recently taken up camping and I love it. I'm looking for new places to explore!
Arjun Raghavan
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
Engineering has always been a part of my life. In high school I developed a passion for health and biology. iBioMed provided an opportunity to combine these two passions
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I am from Winnipeg and love playing the violin
Griffin McLean
Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering, Level 2
What made you choose iBioMed?
I chose iBioMed for the biomedical technical electives and design based projects. I look forward to classes like systems and medical imaging.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I love working with heavy machinery!
Mosana Abraha
Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I wasn't quite sure whether I wanted to pursue pure sciences or engineering. I was impressed by how diverse and interdisiciplinary the curriculum was and gave students exposure to both faculties
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I love running and playing soccer, and spending time with my family and friends
Isabelle Ragany
IBEHS, Level 1
What made you choose iBioMed?
I was drawn to the diversity of courses, the hands on learning approach of iBioMed. As well, I really enjoyed seeing the Ambassadors showcase their projects during the Fall Preview
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I have my pilot's license and glider pilot's license. I got it through the Air Cadet program!
Brendan Tao
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I wanted adventure, a tight community and an environment where I know I could take risks and develop my abilities to the fullest. Naturally then, iBioMed was the natural choice!
Tell us a fun fact about you.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing guitar with my friends as well as learning about random facts!
Neetu John
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
My love for applied sciences, hence engineering and the health field. iBioMed allows me to apply gained engineering and heealth related knowledge to solve real life design problems
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I sing! I am trained in Indian Classical Music and always open to jam sessions!
Danny Al-Sammak
IBEHS, Level 1
What made you choose iBioMed?
I have a passion for innovation and using technology towards our advantage to solve real world issues.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I'm a DJ!
Sarah Sohn
Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed allowed me to pursue both of my interests and offered a new perspective on them. I would have never been able to discover my passion for design without it.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I really enjoy finding cute coffee shops to hang out with friends and study at.
Mariam Dawood
Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed allowed me to combine my love for medicine with my passion for innovation to ultimately tailor my learning exactly to my interests
Tell us a fun fact about you.
In my freetime I can be found at HSL with many cups of coffee
Akansha Prasad
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
The general first year and the flexibility to choose either Engineering or Health Sciences were a major selling point for me! I love the emphasis of applying what we learn in lecture.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I took my first ever flight when I was two months old and even took my first steps at an airport
John Milkovich
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
The combination of Health Sciences and Engineering made me feel that this program is tailored to my needs and aspirations. The design projects foster collabration and resourceful environment to take real world health problems and extend you learning and personal growth
Tell us a fun fact about you.
During the summer, I interned at a school in India for 3 months.
Zifeng Allen An
Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
From the very beginning I always wanted to try something that is challenging and unique, something that never existed before. This program is a perfect combination of both.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I love playing tennis and board games
Luka Zivkovic
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 2
What made you choose iBioMed?
The mix of engineering and health sciences as well as the broad range of opportunities presented in terms of careers, co-op that came from the program being integrated deeply interested me
Tell us a fun fact about you.
My absolute favorite thing to do is skiing in the winter.
Andrew D'Elia
Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Level 2
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed gave me the freedom to explore health sciences and engineering to see where my passions lie. The challenging and interdisiciplinary experience it provides has really allowed me to grow both professionally and as an individual
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I am a 4th degree black belt in Taekwon-do and an instructor for 10 years
Lianna Genovese
Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
Ability to truly experience both the world of health sciences and engineering before you make a final decision
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I have started my business with medical device invented in my 1st year Health Soltuions and Design class
Amreen Mander
Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 2
What made you choose iBioMed?
The exciting interdisiciplinary projects and learning style this program offers
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I am an air hockey champion
Sarah Bissola
Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I couldn't decide between engineering and health sciences, but when I learned about biomedical engineering and the iBioMed program, I became interested in it. I loved the upper year courses that we are able to take and all the projects that we get to design and collabrate on
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I really enjoy volunteering in the Hamilton community. I've had the opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton and it was a very rewarding experience.
Minha Amir
Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I really liked the integration of engineering and health sciences, as well as the problem based learning. I have always been interested in technology as well as healthcare and I think iBioMed is a really great integration of both
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I really enjoy making jewellery out of beads
Alessia DiNardo
Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
I couldn't decide if I wanted to go into Engineering or Health Sciences so I decided to do both
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I really enjoy skiing in the winter
Anushree Chakravarty
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed is an innovative program that focuses on holistic knowledge and developing the individual through non-academic features
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I heavily enjoy puns. Like a tonne of them
Vivek Kannan
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 2
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed offers the most unique opportunities and it also offered aspects of engineering and health sciences, which I am passionate about
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I can play the Indian Drums (Tabla)!
Helena Mojsoska
IBEHS, Level 1
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed integrates the 2 fields I enjoy the most health sciences and engineering. I was very excited to be able to explore both fields while working on cool design projects
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I put hot sauce on any food I can!
Cecilia Tran
Health Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE), Level 1
What made you choose iBioMed?
I've always had a passion for healthcare but I also had an interest in applied sciences, as I loved math and physics; iBioMed intertwined everything I loved
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I love about every type of food, eating is the best part of my day
Jessica Lim
Software and Biomedical Engineering, Level 2
What made you choose iBioMed?
iBioMed is really special because there are so many opportunities, and each one of them is really unique and innovative. As someone with many interests, it seemed like a perfect fit
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I play Field Hockey on McMaster's Varsity Team.
Fatima Gafoor
IBEHS, Level 1
What made you choose iBioMed?
I chose iBioMed because of how unique the program is. I think it is really interesting how engineering meets health sciences to some problems and create solutions for the medical community
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I lived in Doha, Qatar for 13 years where I was immersed into the rich culture and traditions.
Why Become an Ambassador?
There are many benefits and rewards to becoming an iBioMed Ambassador.
Benefits & Skill Development
As an iBioMed Ambassador, you will learn several transferrable skills that can be used as a student, or in your future careers.
Leadership
Teamwork
Networking
Communication
Marketing
Project/Event Management
Public Speaking
Responsiblity
Rewards
Of course, there is always a perk to being an iBioMed Ambassador!
Certificate of Completion
Official Letter from the Co-Directors of the Program
A Great Resume-Booster!
Apply Now!
Looking for a chance to network, attend cool events, boost your resume and connect with prospective students? If so, then becoming an iBioMed Ambassador is for you! Check out the time commitment involved, requirements and application process below. If you think you've got what it takes, we want to hear from you!
Time Commitment
How much time is this actually going to take? You'll be asked to help at various times throughout the year. Below, you'll find some common examples and the timing of the events.
Fall
Welcome Events
OUF
Fall Preview
Design Studio (upper years only)
Winter
Level 2 Fair
Information Nights
March Break
Design Studio (upper years only)
End of Year Fun
Spring
May @ Mac
Tours
Photos & Videos
Email Inquiries
Summer
Ambassador Application
Email Inquiries
Prep for Next Year
Special Projects
Have fun!
Application Process
Note for current Ambassadors: If you want to be an Ambassador again for the 2019 / 2020 academic term, you only need to submit a letter of intent to ibiomed@mcmaster.ca.
ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE DUE BY: Sunday July 28, 2019 at 11:59 PM
1 |
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You must be a registered student in the iBioMed program. |
2 |
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Apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and 30-second video explaining what you like most about the iBioMed program to ibiomed@mcmaster.ca. |
3 |
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We'll do a background check on you--in other words, we'll be checking your grades! |
4 |
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All successful Ambassadors will be required to sign an Ambassador Code of Conduct |
