As Canada continues to advance energy technologies and strengthen its nuclear sector, the demand for highly skilled professionals remains strong. Through career-connected learning opportunities and industry partnerships, Ontario Tech University is helping prepare the next generation of researchers, engineers and innovators.

For the third year in a row, 15 master's and PhD students from across Ontario Tech’s graduate programs travelled to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River, Ontario, to participate in the Graduate Immersive Experience offered through CNL’s Academic Partnership Program.

Career-connected learning beyond the classroom

Ontario Tech and CNL share a commitment to developing the skilled workforce needed to support Canada's growing nuclear and low-carbon energy sectors. Through initiatives such as the Graduate Immersive Experience Program, students gain valuable exposure to leading-edge research, mentorship opportunities and potential career pathways.

Throughout the week, students explored world-class research facilities, connected with scientists and engineers, learned about emerging technologies, and networked with CNL experts and Ontario Tech alumni currently working in the sector.

Highlights of the visit included:

• Touring the Remote Tooling and Equipment, Inspection and Monitoring, and Tritium Analysis laboratories.
• Learning about the future of nuclear research through presentations on fusion energy, quantum technologies, advanced computing simulations, cybersecurity, science communication, and Indigenous engagement in the nuclear sector.
• Taking part in discussions on the future of nuclear research and its applications in low-carbon energy, health care, national security, and other areas that benefit society.

Throughout the experience, students learned directly from Ontario Tech alumni now working at CNL, demonstrating how classroom education can lead to rewarding careers advancing Canada's nuclear future.

While much of the visit focused on the future of nuclear innovation, a stop at the Nuclear Heritage Museum in Deep River highlighted the evolution of Canada's nuclear sector, showcasing the scientific discoveries, engineering advancements and communities that contributed to its development. The experience reinforced that understanding the past is essential to advancing the future of safe, responsible nuclear energy.

What Ontario Tech students are saying

"Learning directly from the professionals at CNL made me feel like I was part of the nuclear industry already. It made me feel that maybe these would be my co-workers in the future, people I might be collaborating with. I'm able to collaborate with other people that have gone through experiences that I've gone through, which was really encouraging to me."
- Ann Drakes, Master of Applied Science (Nuclear Engineering) student

“I've been studying nuclear engineering for just over a year now — the physics, the regulatory frameworks, the safety analysis methods. I thought I had a reasonable picture of what the field was. Then I stood on top of ZED-2. I don't think I can fully articulate what shifted in that moment. But nuclear stopped being a subject I was studying and started being something people have devoted their lives to — carefully, seriously, and with a lot of genuine care for what it means to get it right. That's a different thing to carry into a career than what I walked in with."
- Veoli Tround, Master of Engineering (Nuclear Engineering) student

"My biggest takeaway from the experience was realizing that in the nuclear sector, there's space for everyone. I realized that you only need courage and interest to put yourself out there. The path is not straight." 
- Viridiana Borjas Padilla, PhD (Nuclear Engineering) student

"I was surprised to see how many different disciplines had made it into working in the industry. It was very positive to see all these different backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and also non-STEM work that all happened to be contributing to the nuclear sector."
- Hanna Przybyla, PhD (Nuclear Engineering) student 

Alumni perspective

"Ontario Tech gave me a strong foundation in engineering and problem-solving, which I apply every day at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. It was exciting to show students the tools and technologies we use and help them see how engineering knowledge translates into practical solutions. Opportunities like this help bridge the gap between academia and industry while giving students a glimpse of the many career paths available to them after graduation."
- Noor Khabbaz, Mechanical Engineer, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; and Ontario Tech graduate (Mechatronics Engineering, class of 2022, and Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, class of 2024)

Quotes

"Graduate education plays a critical role in Canada’s ability to succeed with clean energy. Building and operating a world-class nuclear sector requires expertise across science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, policy, and many other fields. Through our graduate programs, Ontario Tech University is preparing the next generation of highly qualified talent, and partnerships with industry leaders like Canadian Nuclear Laboratories are essential to that mission. These collaborations create meaningful opportunities for our students to learn alongside industry and help ensure Canada has the skilled workforce needed to lead the future of clean energy."
- Dr. Pejman Mirza-Babaei, Dean, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Ontario Tech University

"Programs like this provide valuable opportunities to connect emerging talent with real-world research. We were inspired by the students' curiosity, professionalism and commitment to advancing the future of clean energy."
- Gina Strati, Director, Academic Partnership Program, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Learn more

• Ontario Tech's Nuclear Engineering programs and research
• Ontario Tech’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
• Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Media contacts

Patricia Pickett
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.809.1675
news@ontariotechu.ca

Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
1.866.886.2325
media@cnl.ca

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