Babafemi S. Agboola
An international graduate student from Lagos, Nigeria
Program: PhD candidate, Material Science and Engineering
How have you established a community here as a graduate student?
I made a good number of friends with diverse cultures from my department and the university in general. The Black Student Success Centre at Mac has also been a great avenue for me to interact with people from similar backgrounds.
What do you wish you knew as an incoming graduate student?
I’d advise students to explore the Hamilton community because it has a rich heritage. You will find people from different parts of the world with unique experiences and outlooks. People are friendly and helpful.
What is a highlight of living in Hamilton?
One of the highlights of the city for me is Bayfront Park. I love the serenity and beauty of the waterfront. One surprising aspect of the city to me is how the urban life blends smoothly with nature.
What is one word to describe your McMaster experience so far?
Exciting.
Emelyn Kupinski
A graduate student who completed an Engineering undergrad degree at McMaster
Program: Master of Applied Science
What encouraged you to continue your studies at McMaster?
I worked with Dr. Quenneville on my engineering capstone project, which introduced me to biomechanics research and helped me develop my interest in pursuing graduate studies in her lab at McMaster.
How did you build a community at McMaster?
A lot of my community in undergrad stemmed from other students who are in my program. I’ve also become close with my lab group members, attending socials and bonding activities. I swam on McMaster’s synchronized swimming team during my undergrad, and I now volunteer as a coach with the team to remain involved in the synchro community. Extracurriculars are a great way to get connected with others.
What is a highlight of living in Hamilton?
The waterfalls! The area around McMaster like Cootes Paradise is beautiful. There’s lots to explore along the waterfront and places to bike. The area around the school isn’t too sprawling so you’re close to other students and amenities.
What do you wish you knew as an incoming student?
Make time to get involved. Since master’s programs are typically only two years, it may be helpful to get involved right from the beginning, even if it’s within your lab and developing community there early on.
What is one word to describe your McMaster experience so far?
Rewarding.
Carson Brewer
A graduate student who completed his undergrad at nearby Guelph University
Program: PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering
What encouraged you to pursue graduate studies at McMaster?
Mac is the only university with dedicated biomechanics faculty who look at injury biomechanics and not just walking. Its reputation as a research-intensive school and beautiful campus drew me here as well.
How did you build a community at McMaster?
My supervisor Dr. Cheryl Quenneville created a welcoming, friendly lab workspace. Within a week, I felt a sense of community and not like the new kid. Dr. Quenneville treats us like colleagues. I’ve also found there’s lots of networking and seminar opportunities so you can build connections.
What is a highlight of living in Hamilton?
The Mountain area is very nice. Hamilton has good karaoke spots and restaurants downtown. Check out Burgr and The Mule.
What’s surprised you about life as a graduate student?
Getting paid! I didn’t expect it to feel like a job in a good way. You can feel like a professional, working on what you want to work on and driving your research project forward.
What is one word to describe your McMaster experience so far?
Fulfilling.
Manish Rawat
A graduate student who completed his undergrad in computer science in India
Program: Master of Engineering, Computing and Software
What encouraged you to pursue graduate studies at McMaster?
McMaster is familiar among computer science students in India. My sister studied the same program in Mac Eng so I knew I’d have support navigating my situation here.
How did you build a community at McMaster?
I attend the Coffee House meetups to connect with other students, made good connections within the department and also play badminton in the campus athletic centre. My supervisor Dr. Christopher Anand organized hiking and outdoor sports for his lab.
What is a highlight of living in Hamilton?
I love Hamilton. The city is not too big and traffic is manageable, which was a welcome change coming from large cities in India. There are beautiful trails nearby campus. People are polite!
What advice would you give an incoming international student?
Plan ahead and stay organized. It can be challenging if you don’t manage expectations. Stay on track with coursework and take care of your health.
What is one word to describe your McMaster experience so far?
Opportunity.