Student Success - The Nano Experience

What Grads are Saying

“I chose Nanoscience at the University of Guelph because of the program’s interdisciplinary structure that exposes students to current nanoscale-research topics and techniques, yet still provides a strong foundation in the traditional science courses.”
Grant Walters, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto; currently Research Strategy Development Specialist, University of Toronto

“The Nanoscience program in Guelph is very interdisciplinary and gave me a lot of hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and equipment that most people don’t see until grad school. The professors and teaching assistants were motivated, fun and patient teachers who went out of their way to make sure students really understood the course material. Altogether, this not only made for engaging semesters, but it also gave me an edge when applying for work positions during my undergrad, allowing me to obtain research positions at some well-known institutions such as the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Xerox and MIT. After this, I was readily accepted into a Master of Engineering program at McGill University where I continue to do research to this day as a research assistant.”
Sara Matthews, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; MEng in Chemical Engineering, McGill University; currently Research Assistant, McGill University

“The Nanoscience program offered me the opportunity to pursue a multidisciplinary program of study with cutting edge scientific understanding. My multidisciplinary interests have continued throughout my career. With the broad knowledge gained during my undergrad degree, I have been able to easily explore varied research areas after graduation.”
Robin White, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; PhD in Mechatronic Engineering, Simon Fraser University; Senior Applications Development Scientist - Energy Materials, Zeiss Group; currently Senior Technical Product Manager at TELUS

“The Nanoscience program at Guelph offered a high degree of flexibility, rigour, and exposure to modern lab techniques. I also wanted to study a field that was relatively new and crossed the boundaries of various academic disciplines.”
Edward Kim, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; PhD in Materials Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Senior Data Scientist, Citrine Informatics; Principal Applied Scientist, Machine Learning Products, Xero; currently Manager of Machine Learning at Cohere

“Through the Nanoscience Co-op program at the University of Guelph, I explored a variety of career options and contributed to cutting-edge research both locally and abroad. The close-knit student community, dedicated faculty, and my outstanding co-op supervisors enabled me to develop the unique skills necessary to cross the boundaries of various academic disciplines. “
Amy Frederick, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; PhD in Radiation Oncology Physics, University of Calgary; currently Medical Physics Resident, BC Cancer

“I loved my experience in the Nanoscience program. The core curriculum provided a strong and well-rounded foundation in the physical sciences that I continue to use on a daily basis. The electives allowed me the flexibility to explore my interests in biology and provided many opportunities to get involved in research both at Guelph and abroad. The close-knit student community and dedicated faculty created a stimulating learning environment and helped build lifelong relationships with others excited about nanoscience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Isdin Oke, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; MD, Harvard Medical School; currently Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital & Instructor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School

“The Nanoscience program at the University of Guelph allowed me to explore many areas of science and current research, while gaining experience applicable to many different industries. I thoroughly enjoyed the program and have found the skills I studied through it incredibly valuable.”
Carley Miki, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; MSc in Physics, McMaster University; Staff Scientist, Mirexus Biotechnologies; currently PhD student, University of Guelph

“The Nanoscience program offers students a diverse, multidisciplinary scientific background with a focus on small scale matter. Many students have stated that working in the nanoscience lab was the best part of their degree and I have been fortunate to witness the growth of their knowledge, lab and scientific writing skills and confidence making them a desirable hire for countless academic, commercial, and industrial careers after graduation.” 
Jay Leitch, Founding Nanoscience Technician and Laboratory Instructor, University of Guelph

“I was introduced to the nanoscience program during an academic open house back in high school. The nanoscience program was not something that I knew existed before this experience and I am very glad I chose to apply. The nanoscience program is taught by some of the best in the Physics and Chemistry departments with an interdisciplinary approach that is truly distinctive to the University. The unique synthetic and characterization techniques that I learned prepared me perfectly for the material science field and is the direct reason for my continuation into a graduate degree. The laboratory and communication skills that were taught in the program have been vital to me as a graduate student.”
Josh van der Zalm, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; currently PhD student in Chemistry, University of Guelph

“The interdisciplinary emphasis and flexibility in the nanoscience program was critical to the success of my M.Sc. project and research in the field of Biophysics. From having to utilize microbiological techniques in sterile environments, to working with state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers, the programs balance between theoretical understanding and hands-on experience has been invaluable as preparation for interdisciplinary research. 
Raoul Vaz, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; currently MSc student in Physics, University of Guelph

“The BSc Nanoscience program at the University of Guelph was a great experience, full of fascinating (and fun!) hands-on lab experiments that solidified my passion for science and nanotechnology. The program provided me with a unique and diverse set of knowledge, skills, and experiences that prepared me very well for a wide variety of industry and academic careers in the sciences. It was truly an experience for which I will always be grateful!”
Aidan Maxwell, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; currently PhD student in Materials Science & Engineering, University of Toronto

“The expertise that I gained through the multidisciplinary approach used in the BSc Nanoscience program across chemistry, physics, and biology has been instrumental in helping me in my career. Learning how to view a problem through several different lenses is the core of nanoscience and is essential for me working in a fast-paced battery start-up company. This program left me confident that I could solve any scientific problem that came my way.”
Joseph Cirone, BSc in Nanoscience, MSc in Chemistry, University of Guelph; Battery Test & Development Scientist, e-Zinc

“The Nanoscience program was instrumental in developing my hands-on skills in the lab and my critical thinking skills in the classroom. Now, as a graduate student and full-time researcher, my experiences from undergrad ensure that I’m best prepared for the challenges I face today and the ones I will face in the future.”
Nicholas van Heijst, BSc in Nanoscience, University of Guelph; currently PhD student in Physics, University of Guelph

“I attended Guelph’s Nanoscience program because of its unique interdisciplinary approach that equipped me with fundamental scientific concepts as well as in-demand characterization and lithography techniques. Coupled with the option of various specializations and access to cutting-edge instrumentations, the program allowed me to focus and excel in my undergraduate studies which translated to an exciting career in the energy sector.” 
Farnood Pakravan, BSc in Nanoscience, MSc in Chemistry, University of Guelph; R&D Scientist, e-Zinc

What Employers are Saying 

“Many BSc Nanoscience students have worked in my lab as undergraduate research assistants and graduate students. They have demonstrated excellent communication, critical thinking, and lab skills. The Nanoscience program at the University of Guelph is unique, and the quality of the program is excellent.” 
Aicheng Chen, Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph; Tier I Canada Research Chair in Electrochemistry and Nanoscience; Director of the Electrochemical Technology Centre 

“I have hired many BSc Nanoscience students as undergraduate research assistants and graduate students. They have excellent lab skills and an enthusiasm for multidisciplinary science that makes them exceptional researchers at this early stage of their careers.”
John Dutcher, Professor, Department of Physics, University of Guelph; College of Engineering and Physical Science Research Chair in Novel Sustainable Nanomaterials; Director, BSc Nanoscience program

“I've had the privilege of hiring numerous B.Sc. Nano students over the years, both as fourth year research students and as graduate students to work in my lab. I have found them to be resourceful, dedicated, industrious and well-prepared for careers in research in the physical sciences. Their work has always been instrumental in advancing our lab's objectives and they have brought an excellent perspective from nanoscience to our research activities.”
Dan Thomas, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Guelph; Co-chair of BSc Nanoscience Curriculum Committee

“I have advised many BSc Nanoscience co-op students and course project students and have had the pleasure of supervising and accelerating their success in their careers. In my research lab, the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), these students work in an interdisciplinary environment that investigates and commercializes bionanomaterials. BSc Nanoscience students connect with industry partners and organizations that enhances their experience and provides them with new perspectives in their research. Many of my BSc Nanoscience co-ops later joined me for their MASc and PhD studies and have done exceptionally well in their careers.”
Manju Misra, Professor of Engineering, University of Guelph; Tier I Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Biocomposites