{"id":83013,"date":"2022-06-15T13:11:07","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T17:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/?post_type=cu_story&p=83013"},"modified":"2025-09-30T10:19:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T14:19:25","slug":"graduates-reflect-on-life-at-carleton","status":"publish","type":"cu_story","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/story\/graduates-reflect-on-life-at-carleton\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduates Reflect on Life at Carleton as They Receive Diplomas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Graduates Reflect on Life at Carleton as They Receive Diplomas\n <\/h1>\n \n <\/header>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/path>\n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

Convocation is a commemoration of each student\u2019s academic journey, co-curricular experiences and the countless opportunities to develop social, political or charitable interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we celebrate the return of in-person graduation ceremonies<\/a>, we’ve highlighted exceptional 2022 graduates from Carleton\u2019s six faculties, each of whom stepped outside of their comfort zones, got involved and developed strong community ties during their time on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shaylin Allison, Bachelor of Humanities, Humanities and Art History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shaylin Allison left her hometown of Garden River First Nation in Northwestern Ontario to study humanities<\/a> and art history<\/a> at Carleton and in doing so, found a community where she could embrace her heritage, culture and way of being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shaylin
Shaylin Allison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe most valuable thing I\u2019ve learned at Carleton is to be proud of who I am and where I come from,\u201d says Allison, who identifies as queer and Anishinaabe. \u201cI have always been shy, but through meeting so many different people who are proud of where they come from, I learned to embrace every part of myself and be proudly Indigenous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout her studies, Allison was actively involved in various aspects of university life. She worked for the Centre of Indigenous Initiatives<\/a> as the Indigenous student communications coordinator, was an undergraduate research assistant and participated in several committees, groups and programming within the Ojigkwanong Centre<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cMy most significant memory of my time at Carleton was making my own hand drum and having it awakened in ceremony with Elder Barbara Dumont-Hill at the Ojigkwanong Centre,\u201d says Allison.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Allison says she found a sense of community among Indigenous scholars, staff, and professors who contribute to their communities, decolonize academia and make sure Indigenous youth and students have a place to belong and thrive at the university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allison spent four months researching<\/a> Anishinaabe visual art history, culture, and methodology through a unique Ojibway lens under the supervision of Prof. Carmen Robertson<\/a>. Incorporating her family\u2019s ancestral and legal ties to the land as direct descendants of Chief Shingwauk, Allison\u2019s focus was on both contemporary and historical art and the visual culture of the area while emphasizing the importance of Anishinaabe worldview, storytelling and sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe success of Indigenous students like myself comes from strong community connection and support, which I have been incredibly lucky to find at Carleton,\u201d Allison says. \u201cI have learned that I am capable of so much more than I have ever thought and deserve to feel proud of my accomplishments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Ojigkwanong<\/figure>\n\n\n

Jaymie Barnabe, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Global Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jaymie Barnabe joined Carleton\u2019s Faculty of Science<\/a> in 2018 and has been actively involved in Carleton\u2019s science community ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jaymie
Jaymie Barnabe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Growing up in a small town in northern Canada, Barnabe had first-hand experience of rural infrastructure and health care, which motivated her to pursue her degree in Health Sciences<\/a> so that she can help address systematic barriers in the Canadian system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barnabe\u2019s work in the Spatial Determinates of Health Lab<\/a> revolved around investigating e-health development in rural communities in collaboration with stakeholders locally and abroad. Sticking to her roots, Barnabe hopes to continue to advocate for those living in rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of the lab, Barnabe was member of the Science Student Success Centre<\/a> and Health Sciences Society<\/a> as well as a volunteer with community organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society and CHEO\u2019s autism program \u2014 all experiences she says complemented and informed her studies.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cOne of the best things I learned is to never give up and to always look out for resources,\u201d says Barnabe. \u201cWhen I needed them, there were so many resources available to me to help me succeed academically and help achieve my goals.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Further reflecting on her four years at Carleton, Barnabe says her experience helped put things into focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt Carleton I had the opportunity to fully learn what I am truly passionate about and my values,\u201d Barnabe explains. \u201cSome are directly related to my degree, some learned through extracurricular activities and through experiences with friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Science<\/figure>\n\n\n

Madison Cohen-McFarlane, PhD, Biomedical Engineering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Seven years ago, Madison Cohen-McFarlane began her journey at Carleton by first completing a Masters of Applied Science, and now her PhD in Biomedical Engineering<\/a>. Throughout that time, she not only made headlines<\/a> with her innovative research on cough types and COVID-19, but she also was active as an advocate and teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Madison
Madison Cohen-McFarlane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cohen-McFarlane served as vice-chair for CUWiSE<\/a>, Carleton\u2019s Women in Science and Engineering chapter, helped to establish the Faculty of Engineering and Design<\/a>\u2019s Women in Engineering and IT<\/a> (WiE&IT) program as well as worked as an educational development facilitator with Teaching and Learning Services<\/a> to support teaching assistants and their transition to online and hybrid instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cThrough my experiences as a teaching assistant, research-related student supervision, and my work with the EDC [Education Development Centre], I discovered that I am not only passionate about research but also passionate about teaching and learning,\u201d she explains. \u201cSupporting undergraduate students in their goals and seeing their \u2018light bulb\u2019 moments was very motivating for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Cohen-McFarlane successfully defended her thesis entitled, Human Respiratory Sound Classification for Remote Health Monitoring Applications<\/em>, which investigated remote monitoring applications of audio in order to track respiratory conditions, including an investigation of cough sound characteristics and how they are related to various diseases, including COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project was part of Ingenious Talks<\/a> and the recording is one of the most watched videos on Carleton\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>. The experience led her to begin her career with Koneksa Health, an American digital biomarker company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cohen-McFarlane credits her supervisors for the support they provide throughout her studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe continuous guidance from my supervisors, Dr. Rafik Goubran and Dr. Frank Knoefel, and their positive feedback allowed me to thrive in my research and provided me with some amazing opportunities that would not have been available otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Josh Gray, Bachelor of International Business, Global Financial Management and Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two-time entrepreneur Josh Gray is not only leaving Carleton with a degree in hand, but a new company to run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bachelor of International Business<\/a> graduate first dipped his toes in the entrepreneurial world during the COVID-19 shutdown by co-founding GuelphBox<\/a>, a contactless delivery service that offered a range of products from local businesses in his hometown of Guelph, Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Josh
Josh Gray<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After this experience, Gray became involved in Carleton\u2019s Innovation Hub<\/a>, through which he developed his current venture, Artemis, a data infrastructure firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarleton is a place where I could continuously try and experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries on what I thought myself and others were capable of,\u201d he says. \u201cThe environment and the resources Carleton offered provided the opportunity to learn that I can fail successfully. I do not need to know all the answers to try something. This lesson was incredibly freeing and is something I try to put into practice every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout his studies, Gray was actively involved in student societies and groups serving on the executive for the Sprott Business Students\u2019 Society<\/a> and Sprott DECA<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gray encourages future and current students to also take advantage of the variety of offerings Carleton provides outside of the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cThe difference you can have between you and your classmates is you can get involved and dive in. Try different clubs and groups, put in the extra time and you will see the rewards.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Sash Mahara, Bachelor of Industrial Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Born in Nepal and raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Sash Mahara took an interest in drawing, painting, building and general creativity at a young age. This passion eventually led him to Carleton\u2019s Industrial Design program<\/a> in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sash Mahara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe program was a perfect fit for me as it allowed me to use my creative talents while remaining practical and rooted in science,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mahara took his experience at Carleton that extra step by integrating himself into campus life. Throughout his four years, Mahara was a Residence Fellow<\/a>, served on the Rideau River Residence Association<\/a> and volunteered in many school events.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cThese experiences allowed me to meet so many wonderful people from all different backgrounds and areas of study,\u201d he says. \u201cMy time in student politics was particularly eye opening for me as I had never pushed myself to pursue a position like that before. I made so many great connections and learned so much throughout that journey.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Mahara marked the end of his degree through the Industrial Design Grad Show<\/a> where he showcased his innovative social connectedness design called Memorycache, a collaborative digital memory box that stores memories and recreates them into a hologram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After completing a program where ideas are constantly tested and critiqued, Mahara says the experience has left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe most valuable thing I have learned is the ability to step outside of your comfort zone and not be afraid to fail,\u201d he says. \u201cUnderstanding that failure is simply part of the process is a powerful thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\"School<\/figure>\n\n\n

Alex Zelenski, Bachelor of Economics, Natural Resources, Environment and Economy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Alex Zelenski, graduation isn\u2019t the end of his Carleton journey. The Bachelor of Economics<\/a> grad will be starting his master\u2019s in Sustainable Energy and Policy<\/a> this fall in his pursuit of creating a sustainable future for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alex
Alex Zelenski<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’ve been travelling the world for the majority of my life, living in six different countries across four different continents,\u201d he says. \u201cThis diversity of experience has driven my interest in the natural world and is ultimately what led me to study Natural Resource and Environmental Economics<\/a> here at Carleton.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelenski put his goal into practice as a lead member of Climate Action Carleton<\/a>. His most significant memory of his undergraduate experience is when Carleton announced updated responsible investment policies<\/a> in March 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cUniversity is perhaps the biggest opportunity to create real change at the ground level, and more students need to be taking advantage of this,\u201d he says. \u201cAll the resources for success exist but it’s up to you to find them and maximize them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Zelenski\u2019s passion for engaging with faculties on campus with the aim of establishing a culture of sustainability and innovation was taken a step further through his work as the Changemaker Program<\/a> co-ordinator with Carleton\u2019s Innovation Hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEngaging with students, faculty and organizations focused on youth empowerment has been a passion of mine at Carleton,\u201d he says. \u201cThrough my involvement with clubs and societies, I have had the opportunity to see the diversity of challenges we face as well as the passion that students have to solve these challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014
\nMore Stories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Convocation is a commemoration of each student\u2019s academic journey, co-curricular experiences and the countless opportunities to develop social, political or charitable interests. As we celebrate the return of in-person graduation ceremonies, we’ve highlighted exceptional 2022 graduates from Carleton\u2019s six faculties, each of whom stepped outside of their comfort zones, got involved and developed strong community […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":83085,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_story_type":[25],"cu_story_tag":[1920,1918,1919],"class_list":["post-83013","cu_story","type-cu_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","cu_story_type-student-experience","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-arts-and-social-sciences","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-engineering-and-design","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-science"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":"blueprint"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/83013","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/410"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/83013\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97268,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/83013\/revisions\/97268"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83013"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_story_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_type?post=83013"},{"taxonomy":"cu_story_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_tag?post=83013"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}