lorem ipsum
10.04.2022
March 31 – April 2, 2023
0.1
Engineering Scholarships valued at $15,000 CAD. LEARN MORE.
0.2
0.3
McMaster University will be hosting one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school-aged students on March 31 – April 2, 2023.
More than 1,000 students, volunteers, parents and sponsors are expected to come to campus for a FIRST Robotics Canada ONT District Competition. The competition for high school students will pit the best young minds in a qualifying match to design and build robots to solve a problem.
The district competition is one of several in a series of successive events FIRST Robotics runs in Ontario. Teams must compete in at least two district events where they accumulate points. The top 80 teams in Ontario will be invited to compete at the Provincial Championship. The winners of that event go on to represent Ontario in a FIRST World Championship Event in Houston, Texas.
McMaster University offers 10 McMaster FIRST Engineering Scholarships each valued at $15,000 CAD to Grade 12 students planning to attend McMaster for any of the programs in the Faculty of Engineering (Bachelor of Technology; Computer Sciences; Engineering; Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences)
The deadline to apply is February 17th, 2023. For more information on our entrance scholarships and where to apply, click here!
The event will held at the David Braley Athletic Centre on campus. The main competition will be held in the Burridge Gym.
David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC)
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON
L8S 4E8
About #FIRSTATMAC
HOVER TO LEARN MORE
WHAT IT IS
Scholarships
ONE OF CANADA'S PREMIER STEM COMPETITIONS
VENUE
David Braley Athletic Centre on campus. main competition will be held in the Burridge Gym.
Please review the safety document with your team members prior to the event.
SAFETY
Click here for a list of nearby hardware and mechanic shops in case your robot needs a quick fix or addition.
HARDWARE STORES
FOOD
Learn more to see if you qualify for up to $10,000 in funding towards your travel expenses!
INDIGENOUS TRAVEL SUBSIDY
A guide containing all the information you’ll need. Scope out the competition, learn about McMaster and the surrounding area, know the layout of the venue before you arrive. For teachers and mentors get the most up to date details on loading, parking and everything else.
TEAM RESOURCES
There are many restaurants in and around McMaster that will accommodate for larger groups. Click to learn more.
Home
2023 schedule
venue
team resources
about mac eng
sponsor
01
02
03
04
ABOUT
TEAM
RESOURCES
PHOTOS
CONTACT
scrolL
The robots will be loaded on the East side of the David Braley Athletic Centre on Friday from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Click here to learn more.
Robot Loading Information
contact
For general enquiries please contact Katie Barker, Specialist, Events and Communications
0.3
For general enquiries please contact Katie Barker, Specialist, Events and Communications: barkek8@mcmaster.ca
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ciara McCann
Manager, Communications, Faculty of Engineering
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
mccanncjs@mcmaster.ca
www.eng.mcmaster.ca | @mcmastereng
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 11
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 12
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 09
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 10
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 07
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 08
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 05
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
project no 06
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 03
lorem ipsum/10.08.2022
project no 04
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
From April 6 - 7 2019, McMaster University hosted one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school students. The competition pits the best young minds in a qualifying match to design and build robots to solve a problem.
project no 01
lorem ipsum/20.12.2022
project no 02
lorem ipsum/10.12.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
From April 6 - 7 2019, McMaster University hosted one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school students. The competition pits the best young minds in a qualifying match to design and build robots to solve a problem.
about #firstatmac
2019 Event Recap
McMaster University will be hosting one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school-aged students on March 31 – April 2, 2023.
CONTACT
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui.
lorem ipsum
For general enquiries please contact Katie Barker, Specialist, Events and Communications: barkek8@mcmaster.ca
Ciara McCann
Manager, Communications, Faculty of Engineering
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
mccancjs@mcmaster.ca
www.eng.mcmaster.ca | @mcmastereng
MEDIA CONTACT
Contact Us
got questions?
CLICK TO CHARGE
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 11
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 12
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 09
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 10
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 07
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 08
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 05
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
project no 06
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 03
lorem ipsum/10.08.2022
project no 04
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
From April 6 - 7 2019, McMaster University hosted one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school students. The competition pits the best young minds in a qualifying match to design and build robots to solve a problem.
project no 01
lorem ipsum/20.12.2022
project no 02
lorem ipsum/10.12.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Here are some highlights from our 2019 FIRST Robotics event at McMaster!
Congratulations to the winners, Teams 2056, 1241 & 6070!
about #firstatmac
2019 PHOTO GALLERY
Tap each item TO RECHARGE BATTERY
Please click on the icon on the right to view McMaster University's competition schedule for this year.
2023 schedule
Schedule
TEAM SOCIAL
We will be hosting a Team Social on Friday night from 6:30-8:30 pm. Enjoy tons of free pizza and treats, meet McMaster Engineering club and team members, and learn how to take your team’s performance to the next level!
DEAN’S LIST LUNCH
Students nominated by their teams for the Dean’s List Award in 2022/2023 will be treated to lunch with Faculty of Engineering faculty and staff members on Saturday, April 1st. Complete this form to tell us you're coming.
2023 schedule
Events
SCHEDULE
EVENTS
PHOTOS
2023 schedule
2023
ROBOTS AT McMASTER
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 11
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 12
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 09
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 10
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 07
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
project no 08
lorem ipsum/04.06.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 05
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
project no 06
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
project no 03
lorem ipsum/10.08.2022
project no 04
lorem ipsum/30.04.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
From April 6 - 7 2019, McMaster University hosted one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school students. The competition pits the best young minds in a qualifying match to design and build robots to solve a problem.
project no 01
lorem ipsum/20.12.2022
project no 02
lorem ipsum/10.12.2022
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo.
Here are some highlights from our 2019 FIRST Robotics event at McMaster!
Congratulations to the winners, Teams 2056, 1241 & 6070!
about #firstatmac
2019 PHOTO GALLERY
SCHEDULE
EVENTS
PHOTOS
Home
2023 schedule
venue
team resources
about mac eng
sponsor
Meet the competing teams

Tap each item to charge battery
Does your team have at least 3 Indigenous team members and is located at least 350km from Hamilton? You could qualify for up to $10,000 in funding towards your travel expenses!
Apply for FIRST Robotics McMaster University District Competition Indigenous Travel Subsidy.
CLICK TO APPLY
01 section 01 header
Our service is pure and simple.
** Please note: There are no pre-orders for lunch on campus.
TEAM RESOURCES
FOOD
There are many restaurants near McMaster that will accommodate for larger groups, please phone ahead to make a reservation. For a complete list of restaurants in Hamilton, check out Tourism Hamilton’s Where to Eat.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS
Here is a list of nearby hardware and mechanic shops in case your robot needs a quick fix or addition. This map shows the location of both stores.
HARDWARE STORES
team resources
The robots will be loaded on the East side of the David Braley Athletic Centre on Friday from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Load-in will based on a assigned schedule given to teams. Only five team members are allowed to help unload and one must be an adult. There must be a driver in the vehicle at all times during unloading. Each team will have 15 minutes to complete loading in. Teams are expected to show up at least 20 minutes before, and up to 40 minutes before their alloted load-in timeslot.
Upon arrival, before the scheduled load in time, teams should report to parking lot D which can be found on this map. From parking lot D, teams will be guided to the loading area by FIRST volunteers.
After teams have loaded in, the cars can be parked in parking lot I.
Robot Loading Information
team resources
Please review the safety document below with your team members prior to the event. Refer to it for instructions on how to act during an emergency.
Safety
team resources
01
02
03
04
05
01
02
03
04
05
scrolL
TEAM RESOURCES
A GUIDE CONTAINING ALL THE INFORMATION YOU’LL NEED. SCOPE OUT THE COMPETITION, LEARN ABOUT McMASTER AND THE SURROUNDING AREA, KNOW THE LAYOUT OF THE VENUE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. FOR TEACHERS AND MENTORS, GET THE MOST UP TO DATE DETAILS ON LOADING, PARKING AND EVERYTHING ELSE
LOGO
INDIGENOUS TRAVEL SUBSIDY
team resources
FIRST at McMaster Safety Protocols
click here to view
This map shows the location of each place listed below and more
Booster Juice
Tim Horton’s
Grab n’ Go sandwiches and snacks
Friday 8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday 7:30am – 8:30pm
Sunday 7:30am – 7:00pm
Mediterranean Delights
Gourmet Burgers
Centre Stage Grill
Home-Made Pizza
Bamboo Asian Fusion
Salad Bar and Sushi
Deli
Pasta & Noodles
Friday 7:00am – 11:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 11:00pm
Phoenix Bar & Grill (make a reservation)
McMaster University, Refectory Building, 1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8
Phone: (905) 525-9140
phoenixmcmaster.com
Friday 11:00am – 12:00am
On Campus
FOOD
Pinks Burgers
1335 Main St West
Hamilton, ON L8S 1C6
Phone: (905) 317-4657
pinksburgers.com
Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 3:00am
Sunday 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Subway
1018 King Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 1L4
Phone: (905) 308-9378
subway.com
Friday 7:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 10:00pm
Pita Pit
1056 King Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 1L7
Phone: (905) 529-7482
pitapit.com
Friday – Sunday 9:00am – 11:00pm
Burrito Bandidos
1028 King St West
Hamilton, ON L8S 1L5
Phone: (905) 972-9999
burritobandidos.com
Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 12:00am
Sunday 11:00am – 9:00pm
Lava Pizza & Wings
876 King St West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4S6
Phone: (905) 525-6606
lavapizza.ca
Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 4:00am
Sunday 11:00am – 2:00am
Nearby Shops
Great places to hit for a quick and yummy meal.
BYMAC (David Braley Athletic Centre, 1st Floor)
CENTRO (Commons Building, 2nd Floor)
University Home Hardware
101 Osler Dr., Unit 96A, University Plaza, Dundas, ON
Phone: (905) 628 – 4508
Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Active Green + Ross Tire & Automotive Centre
1289 Main St W, Hamilton, ON
Phone: 905-523-4323
Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday CLOSED
Please refer to this document for further information on size restriction and routes on driving large vehicles through campus to the load in area.
Home
2023 schedule
venue
team resources
about mac eng
sponsor
click to charge battery
McMaster Engineering has innovative programs, cutting-edge research, leading faculty, and aspiring students. It has earned a strong reputation as a centre for academic excellence and innovation. The Faculty has approximately 180 faculty members, along with over 6,000 undergraduate and over 1,000 graduate students.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
01 section 01 header
Our service is pure and simple.
McMaster Engineering has welcomed hundreds of students who are FIRST alumni. Meet a few of these students as they share their experiences from FIRST to Mac, as well as advice for you.
Mac’s FIRST Alumni
More FIRST SpotlighTS
01
02
03
04
05
01
02
03
04
05
ABOUT MAC ENG
RANKED AMONG THE TOP ENGINEERING SCHOOLS IN CANADA AND WORLDWIDE, THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN HELPING McMASTER UNIVERSITY EARN ITS WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION AS ONE OF CANADA’S MOST INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITIES IN LEARNING AND RESEARCH.
Home
2023 schedule
venue
team resources
about mac eng
sponsor
ABOUT YOUR HOST
mac eng
An integral part of our innovative culture is the focus on experiential learning and problem based learning that enables students to gain hands-on experience through co-op work terms, internships and assignments that stimulate learning, lead to personal development and discovery, and enhance their ability to function effectively very quickly after moving into their career paths.
The Faculty attracts over $42 million in annual research funding. Engineering faculty, staff and students at McMaster pursue research and learning in more than 22 research centres, institutes and networks whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross departmental and Faculty boundaries.
Outside the University, we collaborate regularly on research projects with partners in universities, government and more than 100 companies in Canada and abroad. Our partnerships with global engineering companies are key to the success of our learning and discovery programs.
Our mission is purposeful and clear: To think globally and act locally to solve the grand challenges facing our communities. At McMaster, we believe in excellence and innovation and inspiring engaged citizen scholars who will transform the world.
mac eng
Learn more about our undergraduate programs
In partnership with FIRST, McMaster University offers ten McMaster FIRST Engineering Scholarships each valued at $15,000 CAD to Grade 12 students planning to attend McMaster for any of the programs in the Faculty of Engineering (Bachelor of Technology; Computer Sciences; Engineering; Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences)
For more information on our entrance scholarships, click here!
Scholarships
mac eng
Areeba Aziz
Program: Computer Engineering III
Angela Tollis
Program: Engineering I
Adam Tosti
Program: Electrical Engineering & Society V
Check out what other high school students have to say about McMaster Engineering in our FIRST Robotics Championship Detroit recap video.
My Mac Eng Experience has really made me who I am today! Through the co-op program and other opportunities, I've been able to gain practical experience with three different research teams at McMaster, and have also had the pleasure of gaining teaching experience as a TA.
Kenzie Lewis
Engineering Physics and Society
My time in Mac Eng has taught me so much about myself and provided me with so many skills and opportunities to learn. The excitement I get working in teams is so energizing and the thrill when you produce a functioning prototype is like nothing else!
Mary England
Materials and Biomedical Engineering
I've been at McMaster for less than a year, but so far I'm really enjoying my time here. I've learned a lot, in my extra-curriculars and my courses. In January I secured a 4 month co-op at MMRI, and I'm really looking forward to working there this summer.
Santiago Barrera-Thirlwall
Engineering 1 (Planning to enter mechanical next year)
First year for me was mainly beneficial for the social aspect. Both in the engineering and outside, I met many close friends. I truly believe that the people around you play a large role in who you end up becoming and I'm proud to say that I've met some amazing people in Mac Eng.
Shaan Suthar
Mechatronics Engineering
I joined the McMaster Baja Racing team in October and have since helped build the 2023 car and attended the Épreuve du Nord competition in Quebec City. I have learned the importance of finding a group of friends to study with and support you.
Michelle Adams
Engineering
A large part of my engineering experience at McMaster has been developing my technical skills as part of the McMaster Mars Rover team. The team has allowed me to continue developing skills picked up through FIRST in high school, as well as in the first year 1P13 class.
Tyler Smith
Engineering 1
I'm in a small program so we have such a supportive and tight-knit community. The Mac Eng community assisted in my successes, especially during exam time!
Melina Vassallo
Computer Science
From getting involved in the above clubs and teams, utilizing my Dean's Research Scholarship for my first co-op in my first year, getting to go on many different internships in the field, and helping the first years coming in every year, it has been an absolute blast.
Angela Tollis
Mechanical Engineering & Society
McMaster Engineering Musical
McMaster Energy Association
McMaster Engineering Welcome Week
Engineering Students' Society Council of Ontario
Ontario Society of Professional Engineers
Kenzie Lewis
Engineering Physics and Society
- McMaster Materials Society
- Covenant House Volunteer
- Engineering/iBioMed ambassador
- Intramurals
Mary England
Materials and Biomedical Engineering
At McMaster:
McMaster Formula Electric:
Currently a manufacturing shift lead
Manufactured a custom carbon fiber chassis
Worked with JHE machine shop staff to manufacture suspension parts on the new Haas CNC mill
McMaster Sumo-Bot:
Designed and prototyped a small custom robot for the sumo bot competition
Have yet to finish the final robot (competition date has not been announced)
Outside McMaster:
Mentor for FRC teams 9062 and 6135
Designed and am currently building a 3 lb combat robot (battlebot)
Santiago Barrera-Thirlwall
Engineering 1 (Planning to enter mechanical next year)
MAC Formula Electric
3 Hackathons (Deltahacks IX, Hack the North 2022, Hack Western 2022)
Google Developer Student Club
Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, and Innertube Waterpolo Intramurals
Shaan Suthar
Mechatronics Engineering
McMaster Baja Racing Team
Michelle Adams
Engineering
McMaster Mars Rover Team
Various Intramurals
Chem Eng Club UN Sustainable Development Goals Design Competition
Tyler Smith
Engineering 1
In first year I really just wanted to focus on adjusting the my new environment but I plan on joining the CSS next year!
Melina Vassallo
Computer Science
McMaster NEUDOSE
McMaster Mars Rover Team
McMaster Engineering Welcome Week Representative
McMaster Engineering Welcome Week Committee Member
McMaster Engineering & Society Student Association
McMaster Women in Engineering Society
McMaster Engineering Mentorship
McMaster Engineering Student Wellness
McMaster Engineering Social Committee
Angela Tollis
Mechanical Engineering & Society
Mac Eng Experience
Advice for pursuing engineering
extracurriculars
FIRST Experience
McMaster's Charged Up Researchers
mac eng
Clean Energy
Jim Cotton
professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a clean energy expert
Engineering professor Jim Cotton, an expert on sustainable energy, is at the forefront of sustainable energy research and advocacy, advising governments on ways to reduce emissions and researching the latest clean energy technology.
Nuclear
David Novog, professor of engineering physics and a University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) Research Chair, is paving the way for small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear research at McMaster.
David Novog
engineering physics and a University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) Research Chair,
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Climate Change
Civil Engineer Zoe Li is studying simulation models to offer predictions on water quantity and quality to help combat climate change.
Zoe Li
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Accessible renewable energy
Clean hydrogen production researcher Keena Trowell firmly believes cheap, large scale energy storage is needed. Her goal is ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy .
Keena Trowell
assistant professor in mechanical engineering
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
WATCH KEENA'S VIDEO
Sustainable Transportation
McMaster researcher Ali Emadi, a global expert on vehicle electrification and smart mobility, is determined to build a more inclusive transportation system that is safer, more equitable, more reliable and more sustainable.
Ali Emadi
Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Hybrid Powertrain
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
McMaster NEUDOSE satellite team
Adam Tosti
Mechanical Engineering
McMaster Engineering Welcome Week Representative Team
McMaster Engineering Welcome Week Orientation Committee
McMaster Engineering Rugby Team
McMaster Engineering Concrete Toboggan Team
McMaster Civil Engineering Society
Kelly de Chastelain Finnigan
Civil Engineering
McMaster Engineering Society - First Year iBioMed Representative
iBioMed Society - MES First Year Rep Liaison
McMaster SynBio - Synthetic Biology Research Team Researcher (iGEM)
McMaster ChemE (Chemically Engineered) Car - Lab Team Member
McMaster Engineering Competition - Junior Vice President
McMaster Engineering Culture Committee
McMaster Delegate - Conference on Sustainability in Engineering @ UBC
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Design Competition (Participant/Finalist) - Chem Eng Club
Health Innovation Bootcamp - The Clinic Innovation Hub
Provincial Youth Helpline Peer Support Volunteer
McMaster Novice Rowing Team
Jordan Classen
Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed)
I can truly say that the people, atmosphere, and spirit of McMaster Engineering come together to form a genuine sense of community and care for others that is intertwined throughout the fabric of the faculty. This warmth and support has empowered me to recognize that I do have a place in engineering circles.
Jordan Classen
Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed)
My experience at Mac Eng has been great! I have been involved with designing and building the schools first satellite.
I have worked in many different industries from R&D to energy consulting.
Adam Tosti
Mechanical Engineering
I was hesitant to get involved with my school’s FRC team in grade 9, as it was a world I knew nothing about. However, when I stepped outside of my comfort zone, took a chance and joined, I discovered a worldwide community that embraces everyone and fosters exploration, risk-taking, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Jordan Classen
Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed)
FIRST in highschool was a big reason why I chose to go into engineering. It was a great experience to learn how to work on a fast paced project and meet great friends!
Adam Tosti
Mechanical Engineering
My FIRST Robotics experience was a big part of why I came to McMaster. In my grade 12 year, I joined my high school's team (Team 6881), where I learned a lot about the hardware aspect of robotics, as well as a bit about mechanical design and safety considerations.
Kenzie Lewis
Engineering Physics and Society
It was a great experience to not only meet new people, but also to enhance your engineering, leadership and team working skills. The amount of valuable skills I gained are being used in my everyday life here at Mac.
Mary England
Materials and Biomedical Engineering
FIRST has shown me that students can amaze you if you give them the opportunity, so I make it a point to pass on what I learned to allow the next students to accomplish even greater things and push the envelope even further. All in all, FIRST Robotics completely changed the course of my life by helping me build my skills and passion for engineering.
Shaan Suthar
Mechatronics Engineering
One thing I did related to FIRST was creating a free event called Buildathon. It is a way to expose youth to STEM and robotics in a fun and accessible way without large commitments from participants. I shared the opportunity with our community, local schools and groups such as Girl Guides and cadets to reach a wide range of youth. The event was so successful that a second event was requested and 45 students were reached.
Michelle Adams
Engineering
Over the pandemic, I developed a series of FTC programming tutorials in java for use in teaching younger students in my school how to code. I was also able to bring our team's robot home during school shutdowns, and setup a field in my garage so that we were able to continue competing. These efforts were heavily rewarded as I was named an FTC Dean's List Finalist for that season, while also enjoying competition success with my team including a provincial control award.
Tyler Smith
Engineering 1
I was the Technical Lead of my high school’s all-girls FIRST Robotics team in grade 11 but I was a member for all 4 years. I was lucky enough to attend in person competitions like Ra Cha Cha Ruckus, which was always my favourite. My team also put on community events such as Drop-In Coding lessons and virtual summer camps! I’ll always cherish my time on Team 7659.
Melina Vassallo
Computer Science
All four years that I was in high school, I took part on team 4039, MakeShift Robotics. The welcoming environment helped me to try new things and ultimately find my passion for mechanical design and fabrication. It was also here that I found my passion for telling a story, as I became one of the chief presenters for the team.
Angela Tollis
Mechanical Engineering & Society
I joined my high school's FIRST robotics team in September 2015 and by June 2019 when I graduated I was a Dean's List Finalist, won my team a creativity award for my data analytics systems, graduated high school as the captain of the team and was set to go to McMaster University with a $15 000 scholarship from FIRST McMaster. I would elaborate more but I fear I am running out of time to submit this application.
Kelly de Chastelain Finnigan
Civil Engineering
Studying engineering is like riding a rollercoaster. Full of ups and downs, it is definitely difficult at times, but also has many exhilarating moments. Just like FIRST says about its programs, it's the hardest fun you’ll ever have!
Jordan Classen
Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed)
My biggest piece of advice is that university, engineering in particular, is not a straight path. I scoffed at the idea of taking 4-7 years to graduate, I am now at the end of my fourth year prepared to take at least two more years to graduate, and that is OK. Mental health, physical health and a school life balance needs to be a priority.
Kelly de Chastelain Finnigan
Civil Engineering
I would encourage everyone to join a club or team at their school. They are a great way to gain practical experience and meet people with the same interests.
Adam Tosti
Mechanical Engineering
Chat with mentors, university volunteers during competitions, student tour guides, and anyone else that might be able to give you a firsthand account of some of the engineering programs that are available to you.
Kenzie Lewis
Engineering Physics and Society
Have fun with it! FIRST Robotics is an opportunity to enhance your technical and soft skills, while meeting new people! You will use the skills you gain in FIRST every day in an engineering program. Engineering at Mac is awesome because of its emphasis on teamwork and design. You will get a first hand feel of what this is like on the FIRST Robotics team.
Mary England
Materials and Biomedical Engineering
Keep doing extracurriculars and don't forget where you came from.
Shaan Suthar
Mechatronics Engineering
Take on leadership roles within your team. Get to know the older students on your team and keep in touch with them after they graduate, they will be good resources while you go through the university application process. Apply to all the scholarships; you never know what might happen, even if you don't think you will get it.
Michelle Adams
Engineering
Enjoy the time you spend competing, and be proud of the skills you develop. There are many excellent students who compete in FIRST and it is easy to compare yourself to the others around you. By competing in FIRST you develop skills (both technical and not) that will leave you well suited for success, especially in STEM fields such as engineering.
Tyler Smith
Engineering 1
If you enjoy FIRST, you’ll enjoy engineering. No matter which aspect of robotics you love there is a program that aligns with your passions.
Melina Vassallo
Computer Science
Continue to follow your passion, give back to the community around you, and challenge yourself with new opportunities.
Angela Tollis
Mechanical Engineering & Society
I think its important for students to evaluate which parts of FRC they enjoyed most. If it was building the robots, they may be a better fit for McMasters BTech program. If it was the math and design portions of the team, then I can't recommend engineering highly enough!
Santiago Barrera-Thirlwall
Engineering 1 (Planning to enter mechanical next year)
In keeping with this year's Charged Up theme, we've compiled a list of Mac Eng researchers who are leading the charge towards cleaner, safer, and more innovative energy sources and sustainable solutions. Meet them now.
