Kaelyn Hunter — Jules Léger Library, Global Affairs Canada
Kaelyn Hunter was nominated for creating a co-op experience that combined strong preparation, clear support systems and meaningful responsibilities from the very beginning. Her student, Justin Munger, described the onboarding process as “extremely prepared,” with “detailed and organized onboarding resources,” pre-scheduled meet-and-greets and documentation that included “links to every resource I could need during my placement.” Hunter also ensured the placement aligned with Munger’s professional goals, offering responsibilities gradually while maintaining strong communication and support across the entire team. Munger emphasized how much trust and inclusion he felt throughout the placement, both professionally and socially.
“The types of work I have gotten to do in my first two months of my placement have far exceeded my expectations.… I feel like my value is appreciated and recognized, and I am given many responsibilities to show what I can do.… This placement isn’t even half over, and it has already gone above and beyond my expectations for my co-op session.” — Justin Munger, master’s, information studies (Faculty of Arts)
Kelly Cobey, PhD — University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Kelly Cobey was nominated for providing outstanding mentorship and a deeply rewarding first research experience. Her co-op student, Al Mamoune Alaoui, highlighted how she“regularly took time out of her busy schedule” to meet, review work and provide constructive feedback that directly shaped his learning and professional development. Alaoui also emphasized how Cobey supported his growth beyond day-to-day tasks by helping him build a professional network and connecting him with “eminent researchers in the field.” What stood out most was Alaoui’s level or responsibility and involvement in the full research process. That included opportunities to contribute to publications, an experience Alaoui described as far beyond expectations.
“My co-op placement was an incredibly positive and enriching experience.… I found most enriching the level of responsibility and the chance to participate fully in the research process.… I could not have asked for a better first research experience.” — Al Mamoune Alaoui, biopharmaceutical science (Faculty of Science)
Catherine Audet — Kruger Products
Catherine Audet was nominated for the strong support, guidance and positive work environment she provided for a co-op placement closely aligned with the software engineering studies of her student, Salma Sajid. Sajid described how, despite a busy schedule, Audet always took the time to offer support, explain concepts and answer questions. The pair’s often twice-weekly meetings led to regular follow-up and helpful feedback. The nomination also highlighted the quality of onboarding and team support, noting that the first week of the placement was set aside for training and welcoming Sajid to the workplace. Sajid worked on projects involving Power BI, API data retrieval and task automation tools. She emphasized how much the experience strengthened her skills and professional confidence.
“Our regular meetings, usually twice a week, allowed me to receive consistent follow-up and constructive feedback.… My onboarding was outstanding: the entire first week was dedicated to training, welcome activities and introductions to the tools.… This placement far exceeded my expectations.” — Salma Sajid, software engineering (Faculty of Engineering)
Mark Iezzi — Royal Canadian Mint
Mark Iezzi was nominated for creating a co-op experience rich in mentorship, variety and professional growth. Iezzi’s student, Alaysha Fancy, highlighted support from her manager, directors and colleagues, who encouraged her to network across the mint and shared advice to guide her career-planning. The work term included a variety of tasks, from archiving and reconciliation to accounts payable and data migration. This allowed Fancy to explore different aspects of the role and be fully immersed in the workplace. Returning for a second term, Fancy praised the mint’s supportive culture and opportunities to grow.
“My manager constantly reminded me to network with colleagues at the mint to hear about their work experiences, education, post-grad education and their personal achievements.… These varieties of tasks allowed me to see different aspects of my role as well as work with different co-workers to fully immerse myself at the mint.… I strongly believe it is an outstanding employer, and anyone would be lucky to work here.” — Alaysha Fancy, accounting (Telfer)