Convocation is more than a ceremony it's a celebration of perseverance, growth and achievement. Each year, family, friends and the University of Waterloo community come together to honour graduates as they cross the stage and step into the next chapter of their journeys.
For the second year, graduate students have been selected as valedictorians for fall convocation ceremonies. These exceptional scholars have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but have also made meaningful contributions to their communities through research, leadership and service.
These five valedictorians will receive their master's and doctoral degrees while reflecting on their journeys, sharing insights from their research and offering advice to future scholars showcasing how they have bridged knowledge and action to create real-world impact.
Faculty of Arts
Alexandrine Marie Gabriel (MDEI '25) graduates with a Master of Digital Experience Innovation.
Alexandrine Marie Gabriel (MDEI '25) completed a Master of Digital Experience Innovation, with a desire to bridge creativity, strategy and impact. Drawn to the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business for its emphasis on design thinking, user experience and cultural analysis, she saw the program not just as a degree, but also as a launchpad for leadership in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Her Waterloo experience began in an unconventional way during a three-month solo backpacking trip across Europe. Logging into classes from ferries, hostels and trains, she balanced travel with coursework, supported by a strong virtual community.
"Even while travelling solo, I always had the support of my team," Gabriel says. Despite the distance, she formed deep bonds with classmates, turning virtual collaboration into lasting friendships.
Being named valedictorian is a full-circle moment. Her father, a Waterloo alum who migrated to Canada, once walked the same halls. As a second-generation Waterloo graduate, Gabriel sees this honour as a tribute to both their journeys.
"For me, being chosen as valedictorian is not about recognition it is about responsibility," she says. "A steadfast commitment to lifelong learning, the intentional creation of spaces where everyone feels they belong, and, most importantly, the belief that success should be measured not by what we accomplish, but by the impact we have on others."
During her studies, Gabriel conducted deeply investigative work on BioSync Health, which envisioned a mobile platform that integrates biodigital convergence with user DNA to deliver personalized and effective preventative care. This concept was grounded in accessibility standards, user personas and forward-thinking design an embodiment of her belief that innovation lies in answering questions we have not yet asked.
Faculty of Engineering
Andrea Chakma (MASc '25) graduates with a Master of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering.
Andrea Chakma (MASc '25) completed a Master of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering, choosing Waterloo for its vibrant innovation ecosystem. Inspired by the abundance of opportunities from co-op and design teams to entrepreneurship she remained for her graduate studies, compelled by the supportive community and inspiring mentors.
"There is something special about the Waterloo community and the experience of Waterloo Engineering that people can connect with no matter what year you graduated," Chakma says.
Her master's research focused on embedding personality into social robots, developing a framework that simplifies creating customizable, likable robot personalities. Chakma explains how her work has meaningful applications in child education and elder care, enhancing user comfort and engagement.
One of her fondest memories is teaching, which deepened her passion for academia and affirmed her desire to pursue a PhD. Chakma's proudest achievements include, founding a STEM scholarship in Bangladesh while spreading her love for STEM, and being a finalist in both Waterloo's GradFlix and a Human-Robot Interaction Design challenge. She was also elected as the Incoming International Youth Representation for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
"I hope to continue making this world a better place by advocating for youth and volunteering with organizations that are helping create the strong leaders of today and tomorrow," Chakma says.
Faculty of Health
Kelly McManus (PhD '25) graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy in Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Kelly McManus (PhD '25) had been working at Waterloo for six years when she began pursuing a PhD in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Encouraged by a faculty member, she decided to pursue a long-held personal goal, finding the program to be a perfect fit for her professional work and her passion for community development.
Her doctoral research took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially frustrated, McManus reframed her focus to explore how events and communities could become more resilient in the face of future disruptions. Her work produced a multi-dimensional framework offering practical insights for strengthening community responses to crisis.
McManus shares that being chosen as valedictorian was a meaningful recognition of her unique journey "As a mature student, I have a different story to share about perseverance, and I know that my remarks will resonate with everyone in the room."
She also considers completing her PhD during a global pandemic while working full-time, volunteering and raising a family her greatest achievement to date. Looking ahead, she's celebrating with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand and remains committed to community development and lifelong learning.
As advice to other students, McManus emphasizes the importance of purpose and determination: "There are many times along the journey that you will doubt yourself or want to quit having a strong drive is what will keep you motivated when times get tough."
Faculty of Mathematics
Maliha Ahmed (PhD '25) graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics.
Maliha Ahmed (PhD '25) completed her PhD in Applied Mathematics, choosing to study at Waterloo for its renowned program that aligned with her academic interests and career goals.
Her doctoral research focused on developing mathematical models to better understand childhood absence epilepsy, with a particular emphasis on hormone-mediated effects. By exploring factors that influence disease trajectories, her work contributes to advancing knowledge in pediatric neurological disorders.
Being named valedictorian is a deeply meaningful honour for Ahmed.
"It offers me a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the journey I have taken so far," she says. "The hard work and perseverance inspired a deep sense of gratitude for the support and mentorship I received along the way," she says.
Among her proudest accomplishments are initiating a workshop series for graduate women+ in math through the Women in Mathematics committee, receiving the Faculty of Mathematics Equity and Inclusive Communities Award and the Women in Mathematics Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to advancing equity and fostering community within mathematics.
Ahmed recently began a postdoctoral associate position at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology, specifically at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. Looking ahead, she aspires to become a tenured mathematics professor and continue making meaningful contributions to research and education.
Faculty of Science
Alexandra Sinik (MSc '25) graduates with a Master of Science in Biology.
Alexandra Sinik (MSc '25) completed a Master of Science in Biology at Waterloo, drawn by the Faculty of Science's strong academics and hands-on research opportunities. She found a supportive community of passionate peers and mentors who helped her grow both academically and personally.
Her research journey began in Dr. Paul Craig's lab, where she started as a summer technician during her third undergraduate year. Inspired by the experience, she completed an honours thesis and continued in the lab for her master's. Her research focused on how rising temperatures affect the metabolic functioning of darter fish species from the Grand River a local watershed in Southern Ontario. The goal was to identify benchmark temperatures of concern for these aquatic organisms in light of climate change.
"Reflecting on this accomplishment has made me even more aware of the supportive community I have had along the way from my family to my teammates, lab mates and everyone who has guided and encouraged me throughout my journey," Sinik says, when asked what it means to be chosen as a valedictorian.
One of Sinik's fondest memories is competing on Waterloo Women's Varsity Volleyball team throughout her undergrad and graduate studies.
"The athletic community at Waterloo is so tight-knit, and being part of it gave me a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships and a chance to live out my passions for both research and sports," she adds.
Among her proudest achievements is co-founding Warrior Women of Waterloo, a community supporting women in athletics through mentorship, events and storytelling. Her leadership earned her the Ontario University Athletics Award of Merit for women's volleyball.
Sinik is currently in dental school at the University of Alberta, where she hopes to apply the leadership, research and community service skills she developed at Waterloo to make meaningful impact in dentistry through patient care, advocacy and research.
