Melissa Bailey, University of Manitoba

Melissa Bailey, a Bachelor of Science, Genetics Honours Co-operative Education student, successfully carried out research into the electrical properties of neurons as they respond to hormones regulating hunger, using cutting edge research techniques “so challenging few people have the dexterity and patience to be able to do”, according to her co-op supervisor Dr. Mark Fry.  “Along with her technical acumen, Melissa also demonstrated she has the potential to be an absolutely stellar scientist. She used her knowledge and scientific training to design and interpret complicated experiments as well as solve problems effectively and creatively.” 

Melissa uses the skills she developed as a co-op student, and her passion for science, to educate and mentor youth as a local coordinator for the national “Let’s Talk Science” program.  She also shares her enthusiasm for co-op with high school and university students, promoting the value of “hands-on / minds-on” learning.

Melissa finds time to teach and perform trapeze and aerial dance, including establishing an aerial dance program for disadvantaged youth. Volunteering as both coordinator and instructor, she is helping young people develop creativity, discipline, strength, and respect for themselves.

She was recently awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to complete graduate studies in Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience at the University of Oxford in England.  According to Melissa “The experience I have gained from co-op has been instrumental in my academic success.  I have thrived in the program, gaining valuable work experience doing cutting-edge research both home and abroad.  Co-op has helped me realize the full potential of my Science undergraduate degree and I have learned not just the skills I need to succeed, but how to apply these skills.”

Sven Hansen, Georgian College

Sven Hansen is a great co-op ambassador for Georgian College! Through his two co-op work terms he has really made a positive impact on the lives of International students coming to Canada for the first time and optimized his creative abilities to market college and community activities and events.
 
Sven made the decision to pursue secondary education after several years of work experience, and enrolled in the Business Administration – Marketing Co-op Diploma program at Georgian College.  Although he could have applied for prior learning assessment for his co-op work term, Sven recognized the valuable opportunity available through his program and was determined to make the most of co-operative education. 
 
He was the successful candidate (twice) for a Student Activities Assistant position with Georgian’s International Education and Training department and was told “this job is what you make it.” Taking that advice, he represented the importance of co-operative education and created a world of meaningful experiences that allowed international students to learn about real life in Canada.  One of the most significant being, the research, creation and implementation of a 360 degree virtual tour of the campus accessible to all who visit the Georgian website.
 
“Instead of the standard Niagara Falls and CN Tower trips, Sven had our students at hockey games, skiing and snowboarding, the Toronto Auto Show, the King Tut exhibition, celebrated Chinese New Year and Diwali and created personal connections with all our students,” said Lindsay Byers, International Co-op Consultant, who helped nominate him for the award.  Another nominator, Christine Munro, Student Development Co-op Consultant, praised him for his “strong sense of commitment and dedication … he  went beyond his co-op position responsibilities.”
 
Sven reported that his co-op work term helped him “gain vast amounts of experience dealing with diversity and cultural differences…these skills will prove to be a priceless asset throughout my career.”  Without co-op Sven knows his portfolio of related work experience would have been limited, and the skills he has developed would have been ‘unimaginable’.  His final remark sums it all up, “Co-op education was one of the best choices I have ever made in my life.”

The following nominees were awarded with an "Honourable Mention":

 Brie Ansell, Environmental Technology Diploma, Camosun College
Stephanie Matzos, Business Administration - Human Resources, Centennial College
Adrian Morun, Business and Mathematics Double Degree, University of Waterloo
Jean-Samuel Rancourt, Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo

Once again, we thank all of the co-op students, employers, and member institutions for their time and effort spent submitting a nomination.

For more information contact:

Harriet Chicoine, Simon Fraser University
Chair, CAFCE CSOTYA Selection Committee
778.782.2281

• CAFCE Co-op Students of the Year (2010)
• Create Your Own CSOTY