McCall MacBain International Fellowship Recipients 2026

Aaron

Arts & Science, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Mandarin in Taiwan

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At McMaster, Aaron coordinated the Food Collective Centre’s Community Kitchen, organizing workshops on affordable, culturally informed cooking to promote student health. He also chaired the McMaster Students Union’s Governance & You Committee, where he collaborated with underrepresented groups to increase diversity in campus politics and improve the university’s support for student advocacy. As a research assistant with McMaster’s Office of Community Engagement, Aaron created new course resources on food insecurity and community gardening, drawing on local experiences and partnerships within Hamilton. The summer after his first year of university, he completed a legal internship with the Akwesasne Community Justice Program, supporting Indigenous clients through culturally informed justice initiatives and learning how to practice restorative justice.

Aline

Cognitive Science, McGill University

Fellowship year: Spanish in Spain

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Interested in mental health and human behavior, Aline is curious about how the mind shapes the way people connect and engage with their communities. She served as Vice-President Internal of McGill’s First Year Student Council, where she represented first-year students by improving access to campus resources and organizing community events. She also led the tour guide committee on the administrative council of the Sainte-Jeanne-de-Chantal Heritage Foundation, coordinating volunteers, fundraising initiatives, and youth engagement in the restoration of one of Quebec’s oldest heritage sites. Passionate about making the arts more accessible, Aline revitalized her CEGEP’s Arts and Crafts Club, and later volunteered with the Montreal Art Center and Museum, producing creative campaigns that showcased local artists.

Audréanne

Political Science & International Development, McGill University

Fellowship year: Portuguese in Brazil

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Audréanne is a Youth Delegate representing the McGill Youth Advisory Delegation at the 64th United Nations Commission for Social Development, where she advocates for Montreal youth with UN Permanent Missions and NGOs. She also served as an Outreach and Logistical Coordinator for McGill Nourish, helping build partnerships between sustainability-focused NGOs and the university’s social impact initiatives. At McGill’s Secondary Schools United Nations Symposium, Audréanne chaired the UN Tourism General Assembly, co-writing the committee background guide and facilitating debate and feedback sessions for high school delegates. She has also worked as a Camp Coordinator during her summers.

Bona

Health Sciences, McMaster University

Fellowship year: French in France

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Bona is a Commissioned Artist by the Festival of Recorded Movement, where her film is set to world premiere in Vancouver. Bona also served as a Co-President of ToThe9s McMaster, and the Founder/Editor-in-Chief of ONEUL ZINE, an international arts platform she built to connect creatives across countries through digital and print publications that reached over 1M views. Bona is also involved in research and advocacy by previously being a part of the McMaster Students Union DEI network and the McMaster Health Forum. With a background as a classically trained pianist, Bona earned an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and performed as a cellist with the McMaster Symphony Orchestra. Having spent several years in Indonesia in her youth, she developed an appreciation for navigating diverse cultural spaces and is excited to deepen her understanding of the French language and culture in France.

Cameron

Classics & Biology, McGill University

Fellowship year: Italian in Italy

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Cameron served as vice president of operations for both the McGill Sign Language Club and MUSTBUS, the student transport service. He volunteered at the Montreal General Hospital and the Royal Jubilee Hospital in his hometown of Victoria, British Columbia, providing company to patients. His passion for learning languages extends from French to Latin and American Sign Language. Cameron previously interned for three months at the Roman Baths, in Bath, United Kingdom, where he led historical tours and learned how ancient sites are preserved. Last summer, he worked in an embryology lab, where he researched spinal cord development. As a student studying classics, Cameron is excited to explore Italy’s rich history, culture, and language.

Cassiana

Bioresource Engineering, McGill University

Fellowship year: Mandarin in Taiwan

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Cassiana was an executive and trip leader at the McGill outdoors club where she organized and led McGill’s first surf trips to Maine and Nova Scotia, a role that recently led her to work as a surf instructor in Tofino. She was also captain of her CEGEP robotics team. Cassiana was a youth participant in the Wild Outside Program where she participated in community-based environmental conservation projects and shoreline cleanups. She also participated in a two weeklong arctic expedition to Kalaallit Nunaat with Students on Ice. She worked as an environmental awareness agent in Montreal and more recently was a research assistant for the Integrated Earth System Dynamics lab at McGill. She started learning the cello in 2022 and has since played in various orchestras and chamber music ensembles.

Danoya

Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law, McMaster University

Fellowship year: French in Mauritius

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Danoya is a Humanities Caucus Leader within the McMaster Students Union Student Representative Assembly, where she advocates for student needs, supports inclusive governance, and helped establish a faculty-wide scholarship. She re-founded Black Leaders on Campus, building collaboration among Black student groups and developing initiatives focused on leadership and equity. Through the Black Student Success Centre, Danoya supported student programming and culturally responsive resources while researching issues of Black student experiences in Canada. Her work with the Canadian Law Review and research in education and criminalization have shaped her interests in law, policy, and health equity.

Delina

Computer Engineering & Management, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Portuguese in Brazil

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Delina is the Treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers, McMaster Chapter, and the Co-VP of Finance and Social of the McMaster Women in Engineering Society. Passionate about the intersection of healthcare and tech, she was the only Canadian finalist at the SC24 Supercomputing Conference where she developed a machine learning model for early-stage ovarian cancer detection. She has also completed three software development internships through her co-op terms at the Royal Bank of Canada and CIBC. Drawing on her Eritrean heritage, Delina is committed to advancing STEM opportunities for Black students. She co-led a 170-person career conference connecting Black engineering students with key industry stakeholders at McMaster. Delina aspires to bridge the gap between technical innovation and cultural equity and is excited to explore this theme within the Brazilian context.

Francesca

Health Sciences, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Swedish in Sweden

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Francesca served as President of her high school Student Council, where she led student representatives, organized school events, and worked with school administration to represent the student body. She is also a mentor with the Bridge Builders Mentorship Program, providing academic, English-language, and post-secondary application support to international high school students. At McMaster, Francesca volunteers with Arts for Children, leading art activities for children at Good Shepherd Martha House Women’s Shelter. She has also volunteered with the Portage Medical Family Health Team and the Welland McMaster Agricultural Worker Clinic, supporting patients and clinic operations.

Gonzalo

Health Sciences, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Mandarin in China

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Gonzalo is the Founder and President of the Latinx Association at McMaster, where he established the first Latino student group within McMaster’s Bachelor of Health Sciences program to foster cultural connection, academic support, and representation. He also contributes to the Latin American Network at McMaster and mentors underrepresented students through McMaster’s Equitable Pathways to Learning University Sciences program, supporting greater access to postsecondary education. Gonzalo also pursued biomedical research through the Farncombe Research Institute, investigating probiotics and celiac disease, and through clinical research in Peru focused on HIV vaccines and genomic surveillance. His experiences growing up between Peruvian, Asian, and Canadian communities have shaped his interests in global health equity, research, and creating more inclusive healthcare systems.

Harrison

Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University

Fellowship year: Mandarin in China

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Harrison founded his high school STEM club with the goal of creating more STEM learning opportunities and networks for students in a rural educational setting. He continues to be passionate about STEM and community impact, completing two engineering internships with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works and the Jijiktu’kwejk Watershed Alliance, where he engaged with local landowners and Indigenous stakeholders to support long-term ecosystem infrastructure, health and rehabilitation. Harrison also volunteered with Engineering Brigades, where he helped design and install a clean water system in a rural community in Panama alongside local engineers and community leaders, improving access to safe water. This experience, along with his time working on an organic vegetable farm in rural Nova Scotia alongside people of multiple different cultures, sparked Harrison’s interest in travelling globally and learning new languages.

Jacob

Bioresource Engineering, McGill University

Fellowship year: Hindi in India

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Jacob founded the ReWild Mac club at McGill after being disappointed by the lack of native biodiversity on the MacDonald campus. Jacob worked as a sustainability and community coordinator for his CEGEP where he maintained the school’s green spaces, conducted field trips, and performed ecological experiments. He was also the captain of his school’s robotics team, competing annually at the Canadian Robotics Competition, and even placing first overall. Jacob is passionate about ecology and sustainability and hopes to be an ecological engineer in the future. He is excited to explore the rich biodiversity in India and experience learning outside his chosen field of study.

Jessica

Medical Radiation Science, McMaster University

Fellowship year: French in France

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Jessica pioneered the expansion of and served as President of her high school’s Female Empowerment Club, leading initiatives including a gender-based violence awareness campaign that engaged more than 100 students. She continues to advocate for women, children, and other vulnerable populations in her community through Student Open Circles at McMaster University, where she facilitates volunteer groups and leads crowdfunding efforts. She has also worked with MacChangers, where she is helping design a financial empowerment program for women at Inasmuch House, a Hamilton domestic violence shelter. Jessica also volunteered in the shelter’s childcare program, supporting children while their mothers accessed educational and therapeutic services. Alongside her community work, she completed a clinical placement at Hamilton Health Sciences’ Juravinski Cancer Centre, working closely with interdisciplinary oncology teams to deliver radiation therapy. In her free time, she enjoys writing and photography.

Katherine

Cognitive Science, McGill University

Fellowship year: French in Belgium

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Katherine is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Alpha Phi International Fraternity at McGill. She is responsible for all DEI aspects of the chapter, organizes volunteer events, and sits on various councils. She is also a member of the McGill Ultimate Frisbee team and has volunteered with the Saint Michael’s mission in Montreal to combat food insecurity. Katherine was the Editor-in-Chief of her high school newspaper and a student assistant at the Seattle Public Library, where she grew up. Katherine is passionate about cognitive science and international development and wants to explore the intersection of AI and neuroscience. She looks forward to expanding her perspective by studying human behaviour across cultural contexts in Belgium.

Kaytlan

New Media, Toronto Metropolitan University

Fellowship year: Korean in South Korea

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Kaytlan is the President of TMU Valorant and a member of TMU Esports, where she leads team operations and coordinates competitive activities. She supported students through Makerspace initiatives by helping others develop skills in 3D printing and creative technology. She also served as a Romanian translator for incoming students navigating language and academic transitions. Her experience as a content creator, cosplay craftsman, and New Media student, has shaped her passion for interactive storytelling, digital design, and creative innovation. Through her work in esports, mentorship, and cultural connection, Kaytlan hopes to explore the intersection of technology, art, and community while studying Korean in South Korea.

Lian

Conflict Studies and Human Rights, University of Ottawa

Fellowship year: French in France

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Lian is the co-president of Simply Speak, an initiative connecting university students in providing free English language lessons within the Ottawa community. She is also the co-president of Jack.org U Ottawa where she helps promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention with youth on campus. Lian also volunteers with the Canadian Ski Patrol and is on the university ski team at the University of Ottawa. She previously worked with the Huron County municipal government in the economic development department where she helped newcomers practice English and adapt to living in the Huron community. Growing up in an international family in a rural county, Lian is excited to experience the cultural diversity of urban France.

Lindsay

Health Sciences, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Mandarin in China

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Lindsay spent nearly a decade competing as a high-performance swimmer before becoming a competitive swim coach and swim instructor. She currently serves as Sponsorship Executive for the Bachelor of Health Sciences Society, securing partnerships with local businesses to increase affordable opportunities for McMaster students. Lindsay has completed clinical placements in both the Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Inpatient Unit and the Neurosurgery Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital. She has also volunteered with Global Youth Leaders, performing music in retirement homes and tutoring English to newcomers in the Toronto community. Lindsay looks forward to learning Mandarin while exploring a new healthcare system and culture.

Maya

Biology & Latin American and Caribbean Studies, McGill University

Fellowship year: Spanish in Costa Rica

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Maya helped organize her CEGEP’s Multicultural Week, where she helped represent Filipino culture through performances, food, and activities. Her experience as a competitive cheerleader led her to become a coach, further strengthening her passion for being involved in and contributing to this community. Academically, she is interested in biology, particularly ecology and conservation. Her participation in McGill’s Coffee & Spanish events inspired her to further develop her Spanish while exploring the diverse cultures and communities of Costa Rica.

Mehtab

Economics, McGill University

Fellowship year: German in Germany

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Mehtab is interested in the intersection of law and politics and hopes to one day represent the diverse voices of Canada through government. Mehtab was the president of Vanier College’s student association and served as a Board Member of Vanier College, where he navigated challenging debates within the student and the administrative body, which led to his interest in legal and political affairs. He completed summer internships in banking and law during his time at McGill. Mehtab has also volunteered for the Motion Ball Special Olympics annual events.

Merin

Applied Psychology & Human Behaviour, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Spanish in Colombia

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Having grown up in India before moving to Canada, Merin brings a global perspective shaped by life across cultures. She built on this during a four-month International Youth Internship Program in Liberia, where she co-led 52 stakeholder interviews, developed research tools, and worked alongside local organizations to evaluate mental health and substance use programs. At McMaster, she serves as a Science Peer Career Advisor, offering students one-on-one career planning support. Through McMaster Open Circle, she has led student volunteer groups at the Welcome Inn Community Centre Food Bank and the YMCA Youth Newcomer Centre, guiding reflection sessions after each visit. An avid traveler, hiker, and backpacker, Merin is excited to explore Colombia’s landscapes while learning Spanish and connecting with local communities.

Mieko

Psychology & Philosophy, McGill University

Fellowship year: Arabic in Egypt

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Mieko served as a McGill Outdoors Club Frosh Leader where she co-led a 3-day camping orientation, assisting with logistics, safety, and outdoors community-building for a group of incoming students. Passionate about hiking and the outdoors, she also planned an 800km hiking fundraiser for cancer research and took part in the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge where she helped design community projects that supported environmental awareness and sustainability in Houston, Texas, where she grew up. Mieko also completed a land conservation internship at the Hermann Park Conservancy, where she led groups of volunteers to plant native prairie grasses aiming to restore the native ecosystem lost to urbanization. She is excited to begin learning Arabic in Egypt.

Molly

Computer Science & Biology, McGill University

Fellowship year: Japanese in Japan

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Molly is a Pediatric Healthcare Volunteer and Care Innovation Project Lead, where she translated frontline insights into a youth-centered VR project improving chemotherapy understanding for children. She is also an undergraduate researcher with the First-Generation STEM Research Leadership, where she mentors younger students, guides early-stage researchers, and teaches high school girls coding. Molly also co-founded an early-stage creative production initiative with her sisters, where she works on game development, music production, and narrative design projects. Molly completed a backpacking trip through North America and Europe last year and is excited to keep exploring new cultures and communities during her Fellowship year in Japan.

Rihana

Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Fellowship year: Portuguese in Brazil

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Rihana is the Editor-in-Chief of the Dalhousie Science Scholars & Leaders Program newsletter, where she leads accessible science communication for students. She also previously served as the Assistant Coach for the Citadel High School Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball team and served as Co-President of Citadel High School Student Council. In her free time, Rihana enjoys exploring new opportunities, hobbies, and activities with a passion for human connection. She previously played viola with the Waterloo Collegiate Institute Intermediate Orchestra. Through her leadership in science, athletics, and student communities, Rihana has developed an interest in healthcare, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is excited to study Portuguese in Brazil while exploring connections between science, innovation, and human connection.

Salina

Interdisciplinary Health, University of Manitoba

Fellowship year: Japanese in Japan

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Salina is a swim instructor, lifeguard, and Red Cross course instructor committed to leadership, service and community engagement. She teaches swimmers of all ages and backgrounds, instilling resilience, confidence and lifelong safety skills. She also volunteers with St. Amant, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries through inclusive programming. A former competitive swimmer, Salina competed at provincial and Western Canadian championships. Her involvement with Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur, and her experiences within Francophone and Indian communities have shaped her passion for healthcare, cultural exchange, and service. She looks forward to fostering connections and learning from diverse communities across Japan.

Sam

Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba

Fellowship year: Italian in Italy

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Sam is the Treasurer of the Canadian Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering student group, where he supports student engagement, helps organize events, and contributes to creating an inclusive community for engineering students. He is also a member of the Concrete Canoe Team, collaborating on sustainable design projects and developing technical skills through competition-based engineering. Beyond campus, Sam has supported children with disabilities through Swimmingly and gained experience in environmental stewardship through his work with sustainable community organizations. His research internship at the University of Manitoba has further shaped his interest in applying engineering solutions to environmental challenges and sustainable land management. He is excited to study Italian in Italy while exploring connections between sustainability, innovation, and approaches to environmental design.

Shareen

Psychology & Philosophy, University of Manitoba

Fellowship year: Portuguese in Portugal

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Shareen is a member of the El Salvador Association of Manitoba, where she supports cultural preservation through dance, event planning, and community engagement. She also volunteers with the Konnect Canadian Society, creating social media content and supporting initiatives assisting newcomers adapting to Canada, and those facing employment barriers. Through her work as a physiotherapy and front desk assistant, Shareen has gained experience supporting diverse healthcare environments. Her experiences within Latin American communities and immigrant communities have shaped her interest in psychology, law, and understanding how culture influences people’s experiences, which she is excited to further explore in Portugal.

Ted

Mathematics & Statistics, Dalhousie University

Fellowship year: Korean in South Korea

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Ted co-founded and served as Co-President of his high school Math and Chemistry Clubs, with the goal of creating opportunities for students to explore STEM beyond the classroom. He has also been involved with Scouts Canada for nearly a decade, supporting community initiatives through food drives and fundraising. Ted has pursued a range of community and extracurricular activities, including playing cello with the HRA Symphony Orchestra and maintaining community garden spaces with the Peninsula Urban Garden Society. He has also worked as a ski instructor at Ski Martock and as a longshoreman at the Port of Halifax.

Vince Angelo

Mechatronics Engineering, McMaster University

Fellowship year: Japanese in Japan

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Angelo is the Founder and President of Filipinos Forward, a non-profit organization that leads and runs initiatives including feeding programs for children in the Philippines and meals for healthcare workers in Canada. In high school, Angelo led Spark4STEM, delivering free hands-on engineering workshops to more than 200 elementary students across three schools. He has completed software engineering internships with Cognizant and Agile Creative Labs, where he helped develop cloud-based software and a mobile application supporting learners with severe autism. At McMaster, he contributed to the Solar Car design team as an operations software developer, building tools to support the team’s race operations.

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