Science Co-op recognizes co-recipients of the Science Co-op Student of the Year Award: Deborah Owoyemi and Rudra Patel.
March is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) month in Canada. It is an opportunity to celebrate the impact and continued advancement of co-operative education and work-integrated learning across the country. WIL month is a time to spotlight the successes, partnerships and innovation, which strengthen experiential education in Canada.
At Science Co-op, WIL month allows us to celebrate the co-op students, their successes, learning and career growth. The Science Co-op Student of the Year Award recognizes co-op student success during their participation in the Science Co-op program. This includes achievements during their Co-op Work Terms, academic performance, contributions to the University of Manitoba community and the general community at-large, involvement in extra-curricular activities and their support of the Science Co-op Program and/or co-operative education.
For 2025, Science Co-op is pleased to recognize co-recipients of the Science Co-op Student of the Year Award: Deborah Owoyemi (Psychology) and Rudra Patel (Genetics).
Deborah Owoyemi is a first-generation Black female researcher, scientist, and student who believes that equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are essential to meaningful learning. She is an undergraduate Science Co-op student at the University of Manitoba, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences.
Deborah is passionate about understanding how scientific research translates into real-world impact, particularly in areas related to neuroscience, cancer and human health. Through work-integrated learning experiences, she has contributed to research on neurodevelopmental disorders, breast-to-brain metastasis and Alzheimer’s disease, working across multiple academic laboratories in Canada.
In addition to her research experience, Deborah has developed strong communication and mentorship skills through client-focused roles in Career Services, where she supported students navigating career and research pathways. She values learning beyond the classroom and is deeply committed to equity, mentorship and making science more accessible and engaging for others
Science Co-op played a pivotal role in helping Deborah explore her interests, providing invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship and hands-on learning, along with a supportive community she later contributed to as a mentor. These experiences have shaped her growth and reinforced her passion for research, preparing her for the next stage of her academic journey. Deborah will begin a Master’s program later this year at McGill University in Montreal, where she will continue to explore and contribute to scientific discovery.
Rudra “Rudy” Patel is a first-generation international student with a deep desire to learn. Joining the Science Co-op Program became a catalyst that transformed learning into real-world experience, launching a journey of self-discovery, professional growth, and community impact; igniting a passion for science in Canada.
Rudy is an undergraduate Science Co-op student at the University of Manitoba, majoring in Genetics. Through co-op, Rudy has explored diverse areas of science, from urban forestry—supporting the preservation of one of the largest urban forest canopies in Canada—to cancer research focused on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. In this work, Rudy draws daily inspiration from the strength and resilience of cancer patients.
Outside of co-op, Rudy is deeply committed to giving back to the University of Manitoba community and enriching the undergraduate experience for life sciences students, particularly those in Genetics. Rudy founded UM SynBio, a student-led club dedicated to supporting students’ academic and professional development with a focus on synthetic biology. The club connects students with industry, academic, and research opportunities.
In addition, Rudy serves as the Industry Liaison for the Youth Enrichment Network (YEN) through the Bioscience Association of Manitoba. In this role, Rudy collaborates with partners across the province to connect students from multiple post-secondary institutions with opportunities in Manitoba’s growing biotechnology sector. Rudy also facilitated the YEN mentorship program, pairing students with experienced professionals in the biotech industry to provide mentorship, perspective, and guidance that helps students shape their journeys and make confident, informed career decisions.
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Rudy notes that graduating from Science Co-op is not the end of an academic journey.
Science Co-op would also like to recognize Kelvin Joseph (Biological Sciences) with an Honourable Mention.
WIL Month also offers an opportunity for Science Co-op to recognize our valued employer partners. The program would not be possible without their ongoing support. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to support Science Co-op and provide meaningful work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for the students.
Recipients of the Supervisor Excellence Award are nominated by Science Co-op students in recognition of an outstanding co-op experience, as well as their supervisor’s strong commitment to mentoring, student learning, and career development.
The 2025 Science Co-op Supervisor Excellence Award recipients are: Dr. Sachin Katya (CancerCare Manitoba), Dr. Sabine Hombach-Klonisch (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences), Dr. Xinhui Wu (Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba), Russell Ketcheson (Manitoba Hydro), Rezan Almojuela (Wawanesa), Dr. Alicia Berard (Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba), Nick Hurrie (Clearco), Xiben Wang (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Dr. Ayesha Saleem (Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba), Dr. Steve Whyard (University of Manitoba Faculty of Science), Kimi Lim (Government of Manitoba), Dr. Deanna Santer (Max Rady College of Medicine).
The Science Co-op Employer Recognition Award honours employers who demonstrate exceptional support for Science Co-op and its students through work-integrated learning. Recipients are recognized for providing high-quality co-op work term experiences, offering meaningful mentorship, actively supporting the program, and engaging in co-op activities.
Recipients of the 2025 Science Co-op Employer Recognition Award are: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Duracan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), G3, Payworks, Priceline, Shared Health/Soins Communs Manitoba, Turning Leaf Support Services.
At UM, we encourage life-long curiosity while providing tools – inside and outside the classroom – to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Empowering learners is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
New funding for accessible tools announced earlier this year.
The Dean's Prize recognizes exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service.
