EMBER

Each course will include online modules featuring videos, quizzes and interactive activities & opportunity to interact with upper-year engineering students through live online tutorials.

The program consists of self-paced learning modules and daily, live, interactive tutorials led by upper year engineering students.  The tutorials will further explain concepts, work through problems and reinforce the concepts from the online modules.

Tutorials in math, physics and chemistry will be offered during six different time slots each day. During the 30 minute breaks, there will be presentations from faculty members, current students and our clubs and teams. 

EMBER CONNECT is offered during the third week. It gives students in each specific program (Engineering, Computer Science, Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, and Bachelor of Technology) the chance to participate in workshops and to connect directly with future classmates, professors, and upper-year students. Activities will include a hackathon or designathon, workshops, and social events. The workshops will be directly applicable to each program. Learn more below.

After registering for CONNECT through the EMBER registration portal, a separate form will be sent to students to register for the specific workshops they would like to attend.

Registration is now closed.

AJ Kourabi

Program/Year: Engineering Physics, Level 2

Hometown: Oakville, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Homely

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Always try to reach out to people who you think can help you! Talking to upper years and mentors who have gone through the same process as you have is always helpful. The McMaster Engineering Community is extremely supportive, encouraging, and accepting. You will be surprised when you find out how many people are more than willing to help you! 

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? I was lucky enough to have been the first-year rep for Engineering I under the McMaster Engineering Society (MES). This has allowed me to connect with many professors, students, and instructional assistants. My favourite aspect of being involved is definitely the friends I've made along the way - the MES is really my second family. I highly encourage you to join if you get the chance!  

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I'm a massive Formula 1 fan! Hit me up if you want to exchange hot takes on who is gonna win this year! 

Charlotte Neumann

Program/Year: Mechatronics Engineering and Society, Level 3

Hometown: Fenelon Falls, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Exciting

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Get involved with as many things as you can! Make friends with people you see in class all the time - it’s nice to work with other people that are learning and struggling with the same things you are.

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? Yes! We know Engineering is hard but that is all the more reason to find fun things to do outside of class. I joined MacDance just for a recreational class or two but it was great to have an hour or two each week to go and move and think about something that has nothing to do with school.

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I learned to sew and crochet over quarantine! 

Jack Holmes

Program/Year: BTech Automation Engineering Technology, Level 4

Hometown: London, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Rewarding

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Find something you're genuinely passionate about, and don't overwork yourself on things if you don't think they'll be valuable in your future. It's easy to get lost in large amounts of material. Aim for what you're happy with, and just make sure you meet your own expectations.

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? I've worked with competitive robotics teams for a few years and I've really enjoyed being able to help mentor and guide younger students in learning various aspects of it from programming, to building, to design.

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I play in and run a few D&D campaigns in my spare time,  so I'm at least partly a huge nerd.

Justin Tran

Program/Year: Chemical and Bioengineering, Level 2

Hometown: Ajax, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Community

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Become a part of the engineering community and make the most out of your time at McMaster. 

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? I have taken part in events held by the McMaster Engineering Society. My favourite part was getting to meet upper years and talk to other students in my cohort.

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I love playing tennis but I always hit the ball out of the court! My favourite tennis player is Canada's Bianca Andreescu. 

Julia Lisboa

Program/Year: Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering, Level 3

Hometown: Oakville, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Welcoming

What advice would you share to a prospective student?  First-year (and university in general) is such a unique experience and goes by so quickly. You've got more freedom than ever before and fewer "adult" responsibilities than there will be after graduating. My biggest piece of advice would be to slow down and enjoy all the fun and exciting moments that come your way. Academics are a huge part of the experience but it's most important to find the balance between them and other things such as getting involved, self-care, and making friendships! After all, they say upon graduation, you'll only remember some of the concepts learned in class but more so the memories made outside the classroom :)

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? This past year, my main involvement has been working part-time for Engineering recruitment as an office assistant. I've got to work on so many fun initiatives like leading the first-year committee, helping organize events, and doing all kinds of behind-the-scenes projects. It's been super exciting getting to interact with future students and share all the reasons I love MacEng. In addition to that, I have an appointed position in the MacEng Society as a Data Coordinator. It's been so rewarding getting to suggest MES improvements based on data and develop analytical skills at the same time.

What's something special and fun we should know about you? Despite having only a few years of dance experience, I worked part-time as a dance teacher throughout high school (and was pretty good at it). It showed me you can do anything you put your mind to and help form one of my life mottos: fake it 'til you make it :)

Katie DeMelo

Program/Year: Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 3

Hometown: Hamilton, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Caring

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Always be open minded, take as many opportunities as you can and don’t say no to things just because you don’t think you’ll like them. I met some of my best friends by putting myself out of my comfort zone!

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? In both my years at Mac, I have been involved in the Women in Engineering and Engineering Ambassador program. This past year, I joined McMasters Medical Design Team and when things were in person, I played varsity water polo! My favourite part of being involved is the people you meet and experiences you get.

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I can talk with my mouth closed!!

Kavya Sundaresan

Program/Year: Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering, Level 2 

Hometown: Mississauga, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Innovative

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Put yourself out there, get involved, and seek new opportunities.

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? I was a participant in the MacChangers program, the Google Solutions Incubator program and a high school ambassador for McMaster Women in Engineering. I also participated in many hackathons throughout the year and my favorite experience was competing in McMaster's CAD Designathon. The best part of getting involved at Mac is having the opportunity to make new friends and work with different people with unique perspectives.

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I'm a classical singer.

Nardine Abd Elmaseh

Program/Year: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Level 4

Hometown: Mississauga, ON

Describe McMaster Engineering in one word: Family

What advice would you share to a prospective student? Do not be scared to try new things and always try to take time for yourself! Engineering can be very difficult at times and you might feel as if you need to glue yourself to a desk and study all day. Taking breaks and doing things you enjoy are important and will help you enjoy your university experience. Try to immerse yourself into any activities/clubs that you're passionate about and don't be shy to talk to your professors and upper years. Mac Eng is a very supportive and collaborative community and we're all here to help and get through it together :)

How have you immersed yourself in the extra-curricular life and what has been your favourite aspect being involved? During my first year, I was very shy and barely participated in any events or clubs. During my second year, I was interested in trying to participate in technical clubs, so I joined the McMaster Medical Engineering Design Team which aims to create medical devices to tackle health problems. From there I also became an iBioMed Ambassador and an executive member of the Chem Eng Club. Participating in extracurriculars helped me meet so many new people and helped me crawl out of the tight social bubble I created for myself in first year. Getting involved may feel intimidating at first but it will reward you with unforgettable experiences, memories, and friends!

What's something special and fun we should know about you? I enjoy cooking and baking a lot (but it's become more of a stress habit haha). My favourite thing to bake is cheesecake brownies :)