Earlier this year, Shimco announced the latest recipient of its annual scholarship program.
Vraj Shah, currently enrolled in his third year of the Honours Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University, was Shimco’s 2018 scholarship recipient.
Peter Voss, President and CEO of Shimco welcomed Vraj Shah and Kris Gadjanski, Senior Development Officer of McMaster University to Shimco’s headquarters in Cambridge, Ontario for a company introduction and tour of the manufacturing facility.
Vraj made a very positive impression.
Stellar academic performance
The unique program Vraj is enrolled in at McMaster University combines perspectives of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences with the Commercial aspect to expose students to the realm of biotechnology, and the drug discovery process.
With an outstanding cumulative grade point average of 3.99 out of 4, Vraj also works in the Yu Lu Lab in Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute at McMaster University as an undergraduate researcher.
“I appreciate Peter’s dedication of helping students in higher education,” said Vraj. “His generosity means a lot to me, as the scholarship has helped me worry a little less financially and focus more on my academics.”
Passion for community
Outside of his academics, Vraj is VP of Marketing and Communications for the McMaster Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Society, and a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton.
With aspirations to be a physician, Vraj demonstrates compassion and leadership through several years of community involvement and extra-curricular activities of interest.
He continues to prove his ability to problem solve, and manage time effectively even under pressure. Vraj hopes to gain relevant experiences to develop his clinical skills in healthcare settings.
As a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, the world’s largest invitation-only collegiate society that recognizes high-achieving students for their commitment to academics, Vraj is surrounded and motivated by dedicated and responsible individuals.
“I really enjoyed meeting Vraj, who is clearly a driven individual with his exceptional academics, involvement as an undergraduate researcher, and a volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House,” reflects Peter. “It is truly a pleasure supporting these inspirational students with the Shimco scholarship program.”
About the Shimco Scholarship
Awarded annually to a student in the Faculty of Science or Engineering at McMaster University since 2015, the Shimco Scholarship recognizes a student demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, and who emulates the core values of Shimco: honesty, integrity, respect and cooperation.
Carmen Bracho, a Mechanical Engineering and Management student was the 2015 and 2016 beneficiary of the Shimco Scholarship. Katie Chiasson, a Mathematics and Statistics student was the 2017 recipient.