Meet Luke
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) had always been something that Luke, a graduate of Mohawk College’s Biotechnology - Advanced program, was passionate about. However, the university engineering program that he was previously enrolled in just wasn’t the right fit for him.
Luke knew that he still wanted to continue his education and pursue a career in the STEM field, while also staying close to home in Hamilton.
“I had a love for biotechnology and chemistry,” Luke says. “So, when I found the biotechnology program here at Mohawk, it was a really great fit.”
While taking a tour of Mohawk College’s various labs, Luke found out about the Mohawk to McMaster Biotechnology Pathways transfer opportunity. He says that learning about Pathways was a “game-changer” and ended up solidifying his decision to come to Mohawk.
“I chose to pursue the diploma to degree pathway because I really feel that being a lifelong learner is important,” Luke states. “I always want to be challenged.”
Mohawk College Biotechnology-Advanced to McMaster University Bachelor of Technology-Biotechnology
The Mohawk to McMaster Biotechnology Pathways transfer opportunity sees students complete the three-year Biotechnology advanced diploma program at Mohawk College before applying to the Bachelor of Technology-Biotechnology program at McMaster University.
Once they have been accepted into the program, students will begin as third-year students in the four-year university program. While they will be starting as third-year students, Pathways students may have to take a few first and second-year courses as well.
“Get really friendly with your academic advisor,” Luke suggests. “They can help you look at what your prerequisites are and what you have coming out of Mohawk.”
“Lab-ready" learning
The Mohawk College Biotechnology program emphasizes getting students “lab-ready” by focusing on training them in various lab procedures and protocols while utilizing the same equipment that is used in professional labs.
“They are preparing you to move to workforce,” Luke comments. “So, all those skills about setting up a lab notebook properly, proper techniques of handling equipment and materials, is all detail work that is desperately needed and loved by employers.”
Students in the Biotechnology program constantly practice their lab skills throughout their various microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and pharmacology labs, and become familiar with the nuances of each one.
Excelling in academics
Not only are biotech students prepared for their later careers once they graduate from Mohawk College, but they are also equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in university.
By the time he was attending McMaster for his Bachelor of Technology, Luke says he was already familiar with much of the concepts and course material covered in the program.
“I have had courses that I have walked into and seen above 95% of the same content that was presented in the Mohawk course as at McMaster,” Luke comments. “To be like ‘okay, this is at the level that I was working at Mohawk’ was a huge confidence boost.”
Prepared for placements
The Biotechnology program integrates experiential learning into its curriculum beyond both the classroom and laboratory.
“Mohawk has an integrated 12-month co-op in their Advanced Biotechnology program, which is really great,” Luke says.
The 12-month biotechnology co-op is broken up into multiple work terms over the three-year program. Students must complete two work terms at minimum but can complete up to four.
Currently, Luke is completing his co-op in the R&D (research and development) department at a company in Burlington, focusing on developing several types of coatings and sealants for construction materials.
“I take my skills from Mohawk and apply them every day there,” Luke says. “Whether that's setting up my lab notebook, reporting experimental data and making sure that they have the breadth of that. I'm the eyes and ears for my management staff. They're making decisions based on my lab work and giving them all that information is really important.”
“B-Tech” and beyond
Luke says that Mohawk College’s Biotechnology Advanced Diploma program and the Pathways transfer process “opens a lot of doors” toward future educational and career opportunities.
Whether graduates are looking to get into the lab and start their careers, earn specialist certification or pursue further education such as a Masters or PhD, they will excel because of their time at Mohawk.
“Mohawk helps students who want to earn their Bachelor of Technology by arming them with the confidence both in an academic setting and in a laboratory setting to trust in their skills to succeed,” Luke says to students who plan on continuing their education.
Luke recommends Mohawk College and the Mohawk Biotechnology to McMaster Bachelor of Technology-Biotechnology to anyone looking to pursue a career in biotechnology and STEM. He also recommends taking advantage of the resources Mohawk has to offer and to make connections with program faculty
“I would say to soak up as much as you can while you're here at Mohawk,” Luke advises. “There are a lot of great professors that are really passionate about not only the programs they're crafting and the knowledge they're imparting, but also in you as a person. They want you to succeed when you leave here.”
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