About McMaster University

Terrence Sejnowski is a pioneering figure in computational neuroscience, dedicated to uncovering the principles that connect brain activity to behavior. His laboratory employs experimental and modeling techniques to investigate the biophysical properties of synapses and neurons, as well as the population dynamics within large neural networks. He has developed innovative computational models and analytical tools to explore how the brain represents information and how new representations emerge through learning algorithms that modify synaptic strengths.

Dr. Arshad Ahmad is a prominent professor at McMaster University, recognized for his significant contributions to education and leadership in global academia. He was recently honored as the Academy of International Business's International Educator of the Year, reflecting his impact in higher education. Ahmad's educational journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, followed by an MBA specializing in finance and international business, and culminated in a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. His career includes directing Harvard’s Undergraduate Teacher Education Program and leading alternative teacher recruitment initiatives for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. At McMaster, he has held key roles such as Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning and Director of the MacPherson Institute, where he has championed innovation in teaching and learning practices. Ahmad's multidisciplinary approach emphasizes collaboration across disciplines to address complex societal challenges, underscoring his belief that education is a lifelong pursuit.

Dr. Caitlin Mullarkey is an Assistant Professor in the Bachelor of Health Science Program at McMaster University, where she teaches courses in virology, immunology, cell biology, and biochemistry to undergraduate students. A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Mullarkey earned her doctorate from the University of Oxford and completed her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of renowned influenza virologist Dr. Peter Palese at the Icahn School of Medicine. Her teaching philosophy is shaped by her experiences in both a small liberal arts college and the Oxford tutorial system, emphasizing student-faculty interaction and collaboration. Dr. Mullarkey's research focuses on improving influenza virus vaccines, aiming to develop a universal vaccine that offers broader protection and eliminates the need for annual reformulation. Her scientific approach to teaching involves formulating essential questions about course material and tailoring delivery methods to suit her students' backgrounds, fostering deep engagement with the curriculum.

Dr. Felicia Vulcu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University, where she focuses on laboratory-based courses and curriculum design. She is dedicated to fostering safe and nurturing learning environments that promote lifelong education. Dr. Vulcu employs innovative teaching methods, including team think tanks, flipped-classroom case studies, and Labster virtual labs, to help students apply biochemistry techniques to real-world biomedical challenges such as drug discovery. Recently, she contributed to the design and implementation of the Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program, developing a full-year advanced laboratory course that emphasizes inquiry-based research and collaborative learning. Recognized for her excellence in teaching, Dr. Vulcu has received several awards, including the President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning. Her commitment to educational innovation and student engagement continues to shape the learning experiences of her students at McMaster University.

Kevin Dunn is a former Assistant Professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where he specialized in teaching the foundations of chemical engineering. He was deeply invested in teaching innovation, exploring the integration of software and novel techniques in engineering education. Beyond his academic role, Kevin provided consultancy services to companies on topics such as database management, optimization, and experimental methodologies. He is also the author of the textbook Process Improvement Using Data, contributing to the field with practical insights and educational resources. His commitment to enhancing engineering education and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges has made a significant impact on both his students and industry practices.

Orlando Trejo holds an M.Sc. in Electronics Engineering and is currently a PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the IEEE EDS/CAS/PELS Joint Chapter in Venezuela and has contributed as a reviewer for various IEEE conferences and journals. As the founder and CEO of Aprendemos Club, he aims to provide Spanish-speaking students with relevant information on digital education, MOOCs, book reviews, neuroscience, and lifelong learning. Previously, he taught senior courses in the Electronics and Circuits Department at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela. Currently, he instructs online courses at UC San Diego, McMaster University, and Coursera. His research interests include power electronics, energy conversion, solar energy, and topics related to neuroscience and cognitive behavior.

Dr. Martin Gibala is a professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and currently serves as the chair of the Department of Kinesiology. He earned his PhD from the University of Guelph and completed postdoctoral training at the Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre. An integrative physiologist, Dr. Gibala's research focuses on the mechanistic basis of exercise responses and their health impacts, particularly through his pioneering work on high-intensity interval training (HIIT). His studies have established the effectiveness of brief, intense exercise for enhancing physical fitness in both healthy individuals and those with chronic diseases. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Gibala has published over 125 scientific articles, co-authored the bestselling book The One-Minute Workout, and received multiple awards for teaching excellence at McMaster. His research has garnered funding from various public agencies, underscoring his influence in the field of exercise physiology and its applications to public health.

Dr. Stuart Phillips is a full Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and the School of Medicine at McMaster University, where he holds the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health in Aging. He is also the Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence. Dr. Phillips earned his PhD from the University of Guelph and has conducted extensive research on the interactions between exercise, nutrition, and skeletal muscle health, particularly focusing on how these factors influence body composition and health outcomes in aging populations. Recognized as a fellow of several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, he has authored over 220 scientific publications and delivered more than 350 presentations worldwide. His contributions to the field have significantly advanced understanding of exercise physiology and its implications for health, earning him a reputation as a leading expert in his area of research.