Here's what some of our Alumni are doing now!
- Chemical analyst within the Environmental Laboratories at SGS Canada
- Analytical Development Analyst at Piramal Pharma Solutions
- Stability Specialist at Canopy Growth Corporation
- Assistant Head of Laboratory for Dow Testing Services; a Health Canada accredited 3rd party cannabis testing lab
- Supervisor, Operational Quality Management System at Hexo
- Laboratory Technician at Air Boss of America
- Laboratory Technician at Eurofins Environment Testing Canada
- Research Technician at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
- Sales & Service Technician at Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Chemist at Health Canada
- Hardware Verification Specialist at SCIEX
- Water Quality Analyst at Toronto Water
- Quality Assurance Coordinator at BioVectra
- Chemist at Canada Border Services Agency
- Environmental Consultant
- Forensic Technologist at Dynacare
Hana Sidhu, class of 2023-24
I completed the M.ICA program in 2024 and did my placement with the Food Research Division at Health Canada. After this placement term was complete, I started working for a company that does ingredient and finished product authenticity testing. In this role, I perform routine testing on these samples using NMR. I also conduct DNA extraction and PCR testing for probiotic samples. I really utilized the sample preparation skills I gained in the M.ICA program for this role and the knowledge I gained while learning about different analytical methods. I'm also applying what I learned in the Accreditation and Quality Management Systems course when logging sample information and creating technical records.
Mitchell Bourdash, class of 2018-19
I completed my practicum portion of the MICA program at the National Research Council Canada where I worked as a product developer in the cannabis and medical device industry. I was hired with Canopy Growth Corporation to plan and execute the shelf-life testing of a wide range of cannabis products, including finished goods and intermediate bulk products. My knowledge on instrumentation and experimental design proved extremely valuable in my role as I was able to communicate with our lab staff, order testing and interpret data.
Although I enjoyed my time as a scientist, I have been rehired at the National Research Council Canada with the same team I completed my practicum with. I am utilizing many skills learned in the MICA program to perform chemical analysis on metals and semiconductors using glow discharge mass spectrometry and it's been great reconnecting with the team I met while a student 5 years a go!
Muhammad Faizan Yousaf, class of 2022-23
I completed the MICA program in 2023 at Trent University and did my placement with SGS Lakefield. After graduating, I worked as a Laboratory Technician with GFL, where I tested recycled and recovered Refrigerants. My knowledge of SOPs, HSE policies, and instrumentation helped me succeed in this role while ensuring strict safety and environmental compliance.
Although I enjoyed my time as a Lab Technician, I was later hired as Scientist I at Thermo Fisher Scientific. In this role, I perform advanced sample preparation and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical compounds. I operate and maintain analytical instruments in accordance with SOPs, GLPs, and regulatory guidelines. I also analyze data and troubleshoot extraction and instrumentation issues. My work focuses on data integrity, precise documentation, and delivering reliable results across a wide range of formulations and biological matrices.
The technical training and strong analytical foundation I developed through the MICA program continue to support my growth in pharmaceutical analysis and quality-driven laboratory science.
Mitchell Lausen, class of 2023-24
I completed my practicum at Thermo Fisher Scientific as a Field Service Representative supporting the current LC-MS product line. In this role, I service HPLC, Nano-LC, Triple Quadrupole MS, and Orbitrap MS instruments across the Greater Toronto Area and other regions of Canada. These systems are traditionally used for applications ranging from small- to large-molecule analyses (e.g. metabolomics - proteomics).
During my time at Thermo Fisher Scientific, I have gained valuable insight into the analytical instrumentation industry and different areas of research. The M.ICA program prepared me for my practicum/current position, as I developed important technical skills through courses such as Instrument Maintenance and Repair, Principles of Mass Spectrometry, and Advanced Analytical Separation Techniques. I look back on my time in the M.ICA program fondly, as it provided the foundation that enabled me to pursue a career I truly enjoy.
Nandan Chavda, class of 2024-25
My placement was with Dr. Dirk Wallschläger at Wilfrid Laurier University, where I worked on method development for microwave digestion and trace elemental analysis using ICP-MS . The project focused on biological samples, and I gained valuable experience in both technical lab skills and data analysis. Currently, I’m continuing to build on those skills while exploring opportunities in analytical chemistry and environmental testing. The placement was a great experience, and I feel it really prepared me for the next steps in my career.
Banfsheh Nilforoushan, class of 2024-25
I completed my practicum at Eurofin Environment Testing Canada, located in Nepean, Ottawa. I am still working in the same position where I began my co-op, as an Organic Laboratory Technician, and I am continuing my role with Eurofins at present.
Alex Grant, class of 2021-22
After graduating, I worked as a Quality Control Analyst at Trillium Health Care Products, where I gained valuable hands-on experience in pharmaceutical testing and documentation. It was an excellent opportunity to apply many of the skills I developed during my studies.