Studentship Opportunities
W21C Summer Studentships
Application Process
W21C offers a limited number of interdisciplinary summer studentships each year (based on available funding) to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to rigorous research practices and an interest in improving public health and health systems outcomes. Students who are currently enrolled in post-secondary programs are eligible to apply.
Applications are currently closed for Summer 2025 and will open in December 2024.
Meet past Summer Students!
2024 Summer Students
- Amanda Chen, Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Specialization in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Calgary and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Alberta. She completed her undergraduate thesis exploring crutch length effects on upper limb kinematics. She has also been involved in multiple biomedical device design projects, including a summer research placement at the Technical University of Berlin and participating in the Innovation 4 Health hackathon. Amanda enjoys playing board games, kickboxing, and volunteering at the University of Alberta Hospital as a piano player.
- Kaleab Cherkos, Kaleab completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology and is currently pursuing a Master of Biomedical Technology degree, both from the University of Calgary. Professionally, Kaleab is passionate about researching ways to enhance healthcare outcomes of low and middle income communities. In his leisure time, Kaleab is an avid taekwondo practitioner and instructor. He also enjoys exercising and playing soccer.
- Maira Machhiwala, Maira completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and is currently enrolled in the Master of Biomedical Technology program, both at the University of Calgary. Passionate about exploring the possibilities of digital technology and its role in future innovation, Maira has worked with several different research teams to learn more. This included a project that allowed her to use molecular dynamics simulations to gain knowledge on membrane regulation for pharmaceutical application in treating individuals with long QT syndrome and cardiac arrhythmia. Maira is currently the Calgary Zone Ambassador for Start2Finish Canada, where she promotes literacy and physical activity in at-risk communities. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities and is a ski coach with Calgary Alpine Racing Club and Canadian Adaptive Snowsports, an association catered to people living with disabilities. Maira enjoys seeing athletes overcome fear and develop a love for the sport.
2023 Summer Students
- Claire Ali, Claire is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering at the University of Calgary.
- Maggie Hui, Maggie is a healthcare professional with a deep commitment to patient care. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Biology from the University of Toronto. After completing her undergraduate studies, Maggie pursued her interest in Medical Radiation Technology, gaining clinical experience and a strong understanding of healthcare systems at Windsor Regional Hospital, Humber River Hospital, and Scarborough General Hospital.
- Salomé Saunders, Salomé completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and is currently enrolled in the Master of Biomedical Technology program, both at the University of Calgary.
2022 Summer Students
- Tessa Carrels, Tessa is a graduate from the University of Lethbridge with a BSc. (Honours) in Neuroscience & Psychology, and was completing a Master of Biomedical Technology at the University of Calgary.
- Negar Dehghan Noudeh, Negar completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in Honours Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences. Following her time as a summer student, Negar joined the W21C team as a Research Assistant.
- Ariet Okuori, Ariet was entering her last year of a combined Biology/Sociology degree at the University of Calgary.
- Ajay Sidhu, Ajay was completing his Master of Biomedical Technology Degree at the University of Calgary. He previously obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta, majoring in psychology and minoring in biological sciences.
2021 Summer Students
- Jillian Alexander, Jillian was entering her third year of Information Design at Mount Royal University.
- Anna Bradford, Anna completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Alberta, during which she completed her undergrad thesis at the Cross Cancer Institute focusing on the disease Fanconi Anemia. Anna completed her graduate studies in the Master of Biomedical Technology (MBT) program at the University of Calgary. Following her time as a summer student, Anna joined the W21C team as a Research Assistant.
- Duaa Fatima, Duaa was entering her third year of Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Health and Society at the University of Calgary.
- Dr. Cindy Hutchison, Cindy completed her undergraduate degree, a double major in Microbiology and Human Biology and minor in English, her medical degree, and residency training in anesthesiology at the University of Toronto. Cindy was completing a Communications degree, majoring in Information Design, at Mount Royal University.
- Richard Lushai, Richard is going into his third year of Bachelor of Science in Integrated Engineering at UBC Vancouver, with a combination of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering as well as a minor in Physics. He previously completed a diploma in mechanical engineering technology with a specialization in robotics and automation.
- Maya Pajevic, Maya is entering her third year of Information Design with a minor in Social Innovation at Mount Royal University.
2020 Summer Students
- Kumel Amjad, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology and was completing his master’s degree in Biomedical Technology, both being at the University of Calgary.
- Tuba Bukhari, Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a focus in biology and was completing her graduate studies in the Master of Biomedical Technology (MBT) program at the University of Calgary.
- Nour Hassan, was completing her final year of Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Health and Society at the University of Calgary.
- Jenny Lee, was entering her third year in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary.
- Kathy Liu, completed her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (HSP) at Western University and was completing her master’s degree in Biomedical Technology at the University of Calgary.
- Madeleine McKenzie, was completing her undergraduate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology at Concordia University in Montreal.
- Syed Rizvi, was completing his undergraduate degree of Health Sciences, majoring in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Calgary.