A precision antibiotic for bowel disease

How do you know when moving across the world is the right choice?  
 
For Mohanad Ismail, it meant knowing he’d have a community of support after making the move from Egypt to study at McMaster.
 
That support started before he even landed in Canada, when he connected with Ryan Ahmed.
 
McMaster would “unlock a world of possibilities,” the @mech.mcmaster assistant professor told him.
 
Ahmed spoke from experience. He had also moved from Egypt to study at McMaster.
 
Ismail’s big move paid off. His time at McMaster led to hands-on research, publications, industry experience and lasting connections with his lab colleagues.
 
The recent grad shares more about his journey and what’s next for him at the link in bio.

Thank you to @arkellsmusic frontman and McMaster grad Max Kerman for sharing your inspiring message of curiosity, enthusiasm and community-building  
 
The award-winning musician and author was back on campus for the @wilsoncollege.mcmaster’s inaugural Wilson Commentaries annual public event  
 
Kerman shared memories of his time on our campus “there is a sense of joy and wonder around McMaster” 
 
And he shared lessons learned from his many creative pursuits: Be bold, be open to new experiences, share your gifts with others, and above all, approach everything with a sense of fun ✨  
 
Learn more about Kerman’s visit — which included an impromptu musical performance — at the link in bio 🔗

While Santee Smith’s time in the role of Chancellor of McMaster University is coming to a close, her impact on our community will be felt for years to come.  

The celebrated dancer, choreographer and cultural interpreter has inspired community members with her artistry and leadership, including students like Alexis Hachey-Brown. 

The @macindigenous_studies student shares the deep impact Chancellor Smith’s leadership has had on her and what it has meant for advancing Indigenous knowledge on our campus.  

Learn more about Smith’s enduring impact on the McMaster community at the link in bio.

Our Fall 2025 graduates marked a major milestone this week — crossing the Convocation stage and receiving their degrees.

Grads, it was an honour to celebrate your incredible achievements, and the impact you will make in your next chapters.

When Kelsy Chan crosses the stage at Convocation this week, she will be the first graduate of McMaster University’s Master of Indigenous Studies program.
 
She says her time in the program has been transformative, and her research on the Haida Nation’s Rising Tide Agreement has taken her on a deeply personal journey.
 
As she begins her next chapter (she’s already begun her PhD), she reflects on the mentorship she found in the Indigenous Studies Department (@macindigenous_studies), and how her academic journey has been rooted in the strength and power of community.
 
“It’s a moment for everyone who’s been a part of this journey, not just myself.”  
 
Link in bio

Meet our inspiring Fall 2025 valedictorians!

🎓 Melissa Cortez is a Master of Social Work graduand who has devoted her research to second-generation diasporic experiences, critical feminism in care work and critical self-reflexivity tied to identity and grief. She has spent her time at McMaster serving in several community organizing and leadership roles, including as a Team Lead for McMaster’s Research Shop. 

🎓 Ritika Khetarpal is an award-winning Master of Science in Global Health graduand who has contributed to several research projects with community health partners during her time at McMaster. She also served as a TA and tutor, and co-founded the McMaster Medical Innovation & Global Health Association. Since September, Ritika has been pursuing her MBA at the DeGroote School of Business. 

🎓 Kay McCallum, an EDI and student well-being advocate, has spent their time at McMaster creating lasting initiatives that address community needs. An award-winning science communicator, McCallum will be graduating with their PhD in Chemistry. Their next adventure is working alongside PhD supervisor Sarah Styler as a postdoctoral fellow to commercialize their art conservation research.

Congratulations to Melissa, Ritika and Kay and all the Fall 2025 graduates who will cross the stage at Convocation this week!

Learn more at the link in bio | #MacGrad2025

The ‘ghoul spirit’ is strong on campus 🧟
 
Wishing you a safe & happy Halloween, Marauders! 🎃