In a remarkable celebration of talent and impact, the University of Waterloo recently held its 20th annual Co-op Student of the Year awards. These awards commend the exceptional contributions of co-op students who demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication in their workplaces. This year, the award winners are pushing boundaries and driving change in various fields, from artificial intelligence to environmental sustainability.

Dr. Norah McRae, the associate provost of Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), praised the students, remarking, "Waterloo’s co-op students continue to make significant contributions during their work terms. These incredible individuals inspire us all with their creativity and commitment to addressing real-world challenges."

Meet the Inspiring 2024 Co-op Students of the Year:

1. Jarett Dewbury, Biomedical Engineering Jarett Dewbury's groundbreaking research at MIT tackled antimicrobial resistance using AI-driven diagnostics focused on low-resource settings. His innovative work on classification models for pathogens has potential implications for global health and community welfare. Notably, he presented a first-author paper at a prestigious AI conference, boosting both his confidence and the visibility of his research.

2. Hoang Do, Environment and Business Passionate about sustainability, Hoang Do played a key role as a corporate sustainability coordinator at Purolator, where he created a customer analysis tool to enhance emission reduction efforts. His proactive approach included applying for the Government of Canada's Net Zero Challenge, showcasing his dedication to corporate responsibility and environmental health.

3. Michelle Kao, Physics and Astronomy At the National Research Council, Michelle Kao developed tools that nearly doubled the efficiency of the CASTOR space telescope observing programs, resulting in potential savings of $6 million. Her ability to present complex technological advancements to an international audience highlighted her expertise and preparedness for a career in aerospace engineering.

4. Sarah Larochelle, Kinesiology Sarah Larochelle’s work at PhysioMira Physiotherapy enabled her to create over 1,000 personalized exercise programs, greatly improving patient care and clinic efficiency. Her hands-on experience in developing rehabilitation strategies exemplified her commitment to improving health services in her community.

5. Kennedy Taylor, Legal Studies As a business analyst at Coeus Health, Kennedy Taylor spearheaded initiatives that enhanced patient engagement through innovative health technology. Her ability to connect healthcare providers with patients showcased the transformative power of collaboration in the medical field.

6. Linda Wang, Computer Science In a pioneering move, Linda Wang created "heyHR," a generative AI solution for RBC Financial Group’s HR department. This technology streamlined employee inquiries, saving time and improving productivity for over 90,000 employees, demonstrating the critical role of technology in enhancing workplace efficiency.

The awards ceremony on March 25 also recognized honourable mentions and recipients of the Velocity Co-op Problem award, celebrating students who provided exemplary analysis of relevant challenges faced by employers.

These remarkable students represent the innovative spirit of Waterloo, serving as inspirations not only for their peers but also for future generations. With their contributions, they are shaping a brighter future across various sectors, ensuring that their impact reaches far beyond the university walls.

For further insights into these students' groundbreaking projects and achievements, continue following the extraordinary journey of Waterloo's co-op talent as they take on the world!