We are delighted to announce that UBC Science Co-op student Thomas van der Sloot is the winner of the prestigious CEWIL (Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning) Canada and Emery-Dufault Student of the Year 2025 Award (University Co-op). Thomas, a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing Major in Neuroscience, is also recipient of the UBC Science Co-op Student of the Year 2025 award. Our warmest congratulations to Thomas on these remarkable accomplishments that are a testament to his outstanding commitment, dedication and hard work. Thomas’ incredible achievements exemplify integrating academic education and work-based learning.
For his first Co-op work term, as Strategic Research Lead at Satori Health Network, Thomas helped establish academic partnerships and designed remote patient monitoring initiatives to improve rural healthcare access. For subsequent work terms in Cembrowski Lab (Life Science Institute, UBC) he is working in a dual mode, leading an independent research project on Alzheimer's research as well as managing $500,000 annual operations.
Beyond the workplace, Thomas identified a critical gap in life sciences education and founded BioInnovate UBC and the non-profit Vancouver Biotechnology Innovation Foundation. These initiatives have connected hundreds of students with industry mentors and created sustainable infrastructure for future work-integrated learning opportunities. Thomas also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Brain Blast, UBC's neuroscience newsletter reaching 450+ students and faculty monthly.
“Thomas’ curiosity as an intelligent researcher, his deep commitment to give back to the student community and his exceptional ability to lead compassionately are among the many attributes he has demonstrated as part of his co-op journey,” said …… “It has indeed been a pleasure to witness his impressive success as one of UBC’s Science Co-op students and a model ambassador for the Co-operative Education program; a student whose tenure continues to inspire many prospective co-op students. Thomas exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, operational leadership, and community service and we are thrilled for him to receive this award.”
2025 CEWIL Canada & Emery-Dufault Student of the Year Award Winner