A note for future students. Don’t to be afraid to use university as an opportunity to find what you're interested in.

I chose McMaster because I was interested in studying Biology and knew that following first year in the Life Sciences Gateway, I would have the ability to specialize in a Biology program. Another thing that drew me to gateway was the diversity of courses I was able to take during my first year, which helped me to decide for certain what I was interested in.

After first year I wasn’t sure about what my interests in Biology were, I knew I really enjoyed the first-year Cellular & Molecular Biology course, so I chose the Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics program. It was during my second year, however, that I took Integrative Physiology of Animals. In taking this course, I realized my absolute love of physiology. I realized if I wanted to take the amount of physiology I was interested in, I would need to switch programs.

A note for future students. Don’t to be afraid to use university as an opportunity to find what you’re interested in. You have an opportunity to take such a wide variety of courses from different disciplines, so do it! Take different classes, find exactly what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to make changes to what you’re studying, and pursue that passion!

Part of the reason I chose Mac was because of how many options the Life Sciences Gateway gave me.

I chose McMaster because it felt right. I had heard great things about the Faculty of Science before visiting the school, but it was when I came to Mac and walked around campus, I started to envision myself there.

Part of the reason I chose Mac was because of how many options the Life Sciences Gateway gave me. When it came time to choose a specialization, I wanted to continue exploring my options as a science student. I applied to Honours Biology and PNB, to get the most out of two disciplines I love: Biology and Psychology. I also loved the idea of getting hands-on research experience through the PNB Department.

I’ve had the opportunity to try out a number of research positions and in-lab experiences through my program. While I’m still not sure what my next steps are, I’ve been able to learn about what kind of work I enjoy, apply my coursework to hands-on experience, and make valuable connections with faculty and other experts in the field.