OUR Path To Research

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!

Dr. Daniel Cameron joins from the LIVELab to discuss the value in volunteering in research and attending seminar sessions. He shares insight on his research, from infants responding to different rhythms to live motion capture and music.

Learn more about McMaster's new 1-unit courses coming this Spring 2025! Our guests this week are Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser, the director of the OUR, and Dr. Rosa da Silva, associate Dean of the faculty of Science. They explain the benefit of taking the new courses, which include allowing students to gain course credit for volunteering in a lab or attending research seminars.

Maya Mahmood, an undergraduate student in the Integrated Science program, and Kevina Chavda, a graduate student in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program, are working together in Dr. James Inkster’s lab at McMaster University. Their research focuses on the development of novel imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and exploring innovative radiopharmaceutical applications. In this week’s episode of OUR Path to Research, Maya and Kevina share their unique mentorship journey, highlighting the dynamic collaboration between undergraduate and graduate researchers. They discuss their individual paths to Dr. Inkster’s lab, the skills that set them apart in research, and the importance of teamwork in achieving research goals. Maya and Kevina also offer actionable advice for students on finding research opportunities, maintaining motivation, and balancing responsibilities. Whether you are a first-year student or further along in your academic journey, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for aspiring researchers!

Maya Mammon is an undergraduate student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour - Mental Health Specialization program at McMaster University. She has been a research assistant in the McMaster Baby Lab under the supervision of Dr. Gabriel (Naiqi) Xiao since 2023 and now serves as the lab manager. Maya’s research question is two-pronged: whether children prefer to help emotionally consistent others; and whether they are more likely to seek help from emotionally consistent others. In this week’s episode of OUR Path to Research, Maya shares her journey from gaining her first research experience to receiving an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award. She offers actionable advice for students on finding research opportunities, dealing with rejection, and building the skills that make an excellent research candidate. Maya also discusses the most fulfilling aspects of her work, how to sustain long-term motivation, and tips for connecting with professors to kickstart a successful research journey.

Matt Renwick is a PhD student at the Human Performance Lab under the supervision of Dr. Martin Gibala. His work examines cardiorespiratory responses following Sprint-interval training. Matt also aims to improve the quality and rigour of his work by implementing strategies to reduce bias and enhance reporting quality. In this week’s episode of OUR Path to Research, Matt will talk about his journey from undergraduate to PhD and provide strategies and advice students can use to find the research position successfully. He will also discuss the factors that make an excellent undergraduate research candidate. 

In this week's episode of OUR Path to Research, Mahsa Gholiof shares her research journey. Mahsa completed her Bachelors of Science in the Life Sciences program at McMaster and is currently completing her graduate studies in medical science, where she continues to conduct clinical research related to womens health. Mahsa shares the challenges she has faced as a researcher and the tips she has for undegraduate students interested in health research.

In this week’s episode of "OUR Path To Research," Dr. Alexander Hall, a science communication expert in the School of Interdisciplinary Science at McMaster University, delves into his journey towards researching the history of science in popular media, alongside his contributions at the Science and Society Lab. Dr. Hall highlights the significance of effective science communication and offers insights on how students can enhance this skill to succeed in their research careers.

In this week's episode of OUR Path to Research, Aileen Shanzeela, an undergraduate student in Medical & Biological Physics shares how getting involved in the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories experience at Chalk River helped direct her towards the field of research she currently specializes in. She also speaks about her experience as a thesis student and some of the tips she has for students looking to get involved in research.

What is it like to be an undergraduate researcher? In this week's episode, Parth Arora shares how he got his first research position, his experience as a researcher and the opportunities it has opened up for him. He also shares some of his biggest tips for students who are looking to get involved in research but do not know where to begin.

Dr. Jim Lyons is a professor of Kinesiology and the Director of the Faculty of Science’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) here at McMaster University. In this episode Dr. Lyons shares his  path to research, the history of the OUR and how they are cultivating equity, awareness, and accessibility within research opportunities for undergraduate students.

Welcome to OUR Path to Research, an Office of Undergraduate Research podcast where we explore the vast field of research available to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science at McMaster University. Stay tuned as we follow the paths of different undergraduate students to learn more about their research, how they got to these positions, and the biggest tips they have for students looking to get involved in research!