Meet the team

Professor, Director (MMRI) and Braley-Orlick Chair in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering More information

Shelby is a third year McMaster Biotechnology student currently working in Outreach at Venture Academy for her co-op. It is through this experience she hopes to enhance her interpersonal skills as well as through this position engaging youth in STEM based fields. She has a passion for working with proteins and enzymes and hopes to obtain a masters in both biochemistry and organic chemistry.

Julee is a 4th year Biotechnology student at McMaster and Co-Director at Venture Academy. Julee decided to study Biotechnology because she is passionate about how biology and new emerging technologies can interact to benefit human health and our society as a whole. Julee knew that she loved problem solving at an early age and became passionate about Biology in high school which led to her current field of study. Upon graduation, Julee hopes to apply her knowledge in a pharmacology setting. Outside of school, Julee enjoys dancing and walking her dog. Julee can’t wait to meet you in the grades 3-8 groups!

Sophie just completed her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at McMaster and is  Co-Director at Venture Academy. This fall Sophie is continuing education at McMaster University by beginning the Masters of Engineering and Public Policy program. Sophie has chosen to learn more about applying engineering practices to the triple bottom line, known as the economy, environment and society. Sophie is passionate about evidence based action and hopes to apply engineering knowledge in public policy proposals in the future. Outside of school, Sophie likes to spend time outdoors, playing hockey and baking. This summer Sophie is eager to see you all in the grade 3 to 8 classes.

Laura is a 4th year student in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at McMaster and Assistant Director at Venture Academy. Laura chose this program as it combines engineering and health sciences together, as she is interested in both those fields. Laura likes STEM because it allows her to create solutions that will help others. Some things Laura likes to do outside of school include camping, going to the beach, and biking. This summer Laura will be teaching the grade nine to twelve stream!  

Bri is a 5th year student in Engineering Physics & Society at McMaster and Curriculum Coordinator at Venture Academy. Bri loves EngPhys because it covers the foundation needed to work on and understand today’s most complex engineering technologies. In this program Bri gets to learn about all kinds of physics, and how they can be applied to build electronics, nuclear reactors, lasers, and more. Bri is also studying Engineering and Society because Bri is passionate about sustainability and working on projects that help both people and the environment. After University Bri hopes to pursue a career in clean power generation. Outside of school, Bri likes to play hockey, do puzzles and go on hikes. This summer you’ll be seeing Bri in the grades 9-12 stream.

Nick is a 4th year Software Engineering and Management student at McMaster and Software Project Developer at Venture Academy. Nick is super passionate about coding since it allows you to design and make cool programs while exercising creativity and problem solving skills at the same time. This passion led Nick to study here at McMaster where he gets to learn about machine learning, databases, parallel computing, and a bunch of other fun and interesting software engineering topics as well! On the management side of Nick’s degree, Nick is learning about project management and improving his leadership skills to help manage software projects in the future. Outside of school, Nick enjoys cooking, ultimate frisbee, and playing video games! Nick is looking forward to seeing you in our grades 3 to 8 camps this summer!

Matt is a 4th year Computer Engineering student at McMaster and Electronics Project Developer at Venture Academy. Matt absolutely loves all things computers, specifically computer hardware, and embedded systems. Matt loves coming up with interesting and unique solutions to problems through circuitry and programming. Something cool about engineering is that EVERYONE has a different set of ideas and solutions for every problem. Matt has always loved tinkering with computers and video games from a young age, and decided in high school that engineering was the way to go. Outside of school, competitive Super Smash Bros, cooking and canoe trips are what takes up Matt’s time! Matt can’t wait to see you in the grades 3-8 streams this summer!

Lauryn is a 4th year student in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at McMaster and Chemistry/Biology Project Developer at Venture Academy.  Lauryn has always been passionate about health and helping people, as well as building and creating new things, so that is why she chose Engineering at McMaster. Lauryn has been passionate about STEM for as long as she can remember! Lauryn chose to pursue Engineering at the very end of high school, and didn’t even know what it was until then! When she’s not busy with STEM, Lauryn might be figure skating, zoom calling friends or walking her dog. This summer Lauryn will be learning with all of our camps from grades 3 to 8!