OUR Path To Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research at McMaster University
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Welcome to OUR Path to Research, an Office of Undergraduate Research podcast where we explore the vast field of research available to undergraduate students at McMaster University. From quantum computing to ecological field work and new medical advances, we are going to follow the paths of different undergraduate students to learn more about their research, how they got to these positions, and the biggest tips they have for students looking to get involved in research. So stay tuned as your hosts, Isaac Begun and Shanessa Furtado explore all research has to offer.

  1. JAN 11

    Field Research Course | Path To Research

    In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne welcome undergraduate students Easton and Riya, to learn more about their experience conducting research in Alberta through SCIENCE 2RP3S. Easton, a second-year student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program, and Riya, a third-year Honours Life Science student, discuss the transferable skills they developed over the course. Together, they showcase how SCIENCE 2RP3S provided them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build practical research skills, find new interests and explore Canada with their peers. Whether you want to learn more about OUR courses, or are curious about what research out in the field looks like, this episode is for you!

    21 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Pursuing Global Opportunities: In Conversation with Mike Lafleur and Erin Pease

    In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne welcome Mike Lafleur and Erin Pease from the International and Exchange Student Experience Team within the Student Success Center to share more about the importance of pursing global experiences. Together, they highlight global opportunities and funding avenues available to students, as well as their own insights from working abroad. Whether you are passionate about expanding your worldview through a global experience or are curious as to what that may look like, this episode is for you!  For more information about Global Opportunities through the SSC: https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/global/

    38 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    The Neuroscience of Rhythm: Dr. Jonathan Cannon on Research Skills & Scientific Thinking | OUR Path to Research

    In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne sit down with Dr. Jonathan Cannon: assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and head of McMaster’s METRE Lab. Together they dig into the intersection of mathematics, psychology, and neuroscience, and the influence of rhythm perception in our lives. Dr. Cannon reflects on his academic journey to offer insight into how research ideas can grow out of everyday experiences and explains what makes a student stand out as a strong candidate for a lab. Whether you’re curious about getting involved in research or simply interested in neuroscience, this episode is for you!

    36 min

  4. 11/07/2025

    Early Exposure to Research: One and Three Unit Summer Courses

    In this episode, co-hosts Andy and Cianne sit down with undergraduate students Andro and Zaynab, to explore how early research experiences can shape academic paths, personal insight, and even career direction. Andro, a second-year student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program, shares his hands-on work with EEG caps, motion capture, and data modelling. Zaynab, a third-year Honours Life Science student, recounts her experience leading biodiversity tours, using mobile eye-tracking, and exploring plant–bacteria interactions in the greenhouse. Together, they highlight how the 1-UNIT experiential courses made research feel accessible, giving students early access to real experimental environments. Whether you're an incoming student or just curious about what research actually looks like, this episode is for you!

    17 min

  5. 08/05/2025

    OUR Path to Research: Dr. Pat Clancy on the McMaster–CNL Undergraduate Summer Research Experience

    In this episode, co-hosts Hussain and Daisy sit down with Dr. Pat Clancy, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University, to explore the fascinating world of quantum materials, neutron scattering, and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Undergraduate Research Experience. Dr. Clancy shares insights on the importance of interdisciplinary research in nuclear science and how students can get involved, even without prior experience. Together, they discuss McMaster’s unique partnership with CNL along with the launch of the new Nuclear Minor. Whether you're a physics major or just curious about research, this episode is for you!

    26 min

  6. 03/20/2025

    Graduate Student Shadowing

    Ranim Saleem, a PhD student, and her shadowee, Milla Paniza, join us today to discuss their experiences in the graduate shadowing program. Ranim is a PhD student in the Scott Lab who mentored Milla, an undergrad student in Biology research. We'll be discussing the benefits to graduate shadowing and how you can join in!

    12 min

  7. 02/24/2025

    Exploring Volunteering and Seminars with Dr. Daniel Cameron

    Dr. Daniel Cameron joins from the LIVELab to discuss the value in volunteering in research and attending seminar sessions. He shares insight on his research, from infants responding to different rhythms to live motion capture and music.

    20 min

  8. 01/28/2025

    Launching One Unit Research Courses

    Learn more about McMaster's new 1-unit courses coming this Spring 2025! Our guests this week are Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser, the director of the OUR, and Dr. Rosa da Silva, associate Dean of the faculty of Science. They explain the benefit of taking the new courses, which include allowing students to gain course credit for volunteering in a lab or attending research seminars.

    18 min
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About

Welcome to OUR Path to Research, an Office of Undergraduate Research podcast where we explore the vast field of research available to undergraduate students at McMaster University. From quantum computing to ecological field work and new medical advances, we are going to follow the paths of different undergraduate students to learn more about their research, how they got to these positions, and the biggest tips they have for students looking to get involved in research. So stay tuned as your hosts, Isaac Begun and Shanessa Furtado explore all research has to offer.

Information

  • Creator
    The Office of Undergraduate Research at McMaster University
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Office of Undergraduate Research at McMaster University
  • Show Website
    OUR Path To Research