Sheridan announces its Co-op Students of the Year

Sheridan recently held a special event to honour its Co-op students of the year, representing each of the five faculties:

Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies:  Sara Lemay, Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership

Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (Engineering):  Hargurdeep Singh, Mechanical Engineering - Design and Drafting Technology

Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design:  Melissa Lyn, Bachelor of Animation

Faculty of Business:  Kelly Nelson, Business Administration – Marketing

Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (Computing): Kristen Metz, Computer Science Technology – Software Development

Each of the winners was presented with a certificate in honour of their achievement.  From the five, two were chosen to represent Sheridan in the competitions run by Education at Work Ontario (EWO), and the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), respectively.  The two candidates who will represent Sheridan are:

Kristen Metz, Computer Science Technology – Software Development

Kristen carried out her co-op work terms at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), a crown corporation.  Despite being visually impaired, Kristen has maintained a 3.99 GPA throughout her college career and received several academic awards.  Her drive and tenacity were in full evidence during her co-op placement, where she designed and developed several tools, and provided valuable advice on the development of the new corporate website.  “Without the co-op program,” Kristen says, “I would never have gained the added confidence to transition my skills into a workplace setting.”

Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (Engineering):  Hargurdeep Singh, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Hargurdeep fulfilled his co-op placements with the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT) at Sheridan College.  Here, his assignments progressed from working with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to re-design products for rapid prototyping, to becoming a spokesperson on the subject of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.  He contributed to the college attaining membership in the worldwide CDIO initiative, by creating a detailed manual of all of the college’s lab equipment.  He was also instrumental in creating the Sheridan Engineering Association, and grew the membership to over 200 students.  He later built a relationship with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which resulted in Sheridan being the first college in Canada to have a student chapter.  “The knowledge, skills and experience gained from my co-op experiences is now the energy behind my route to education, career achievement and professional development,” says Hargurdeep, who is the first person in his family to pursue post-secondary education.

The award winners will be announced during National Co-operative Education Week, March 17-21, 2014.