Who we are
We are a student run organization dedicated to supporting engineering graduate students in any way we can, including hosting fun events, running professional development workshops, and providing travel bursaries. As the most research intensive university in Canada, McMaster graduate students are experts in their field. The opportunities the EGS provides helps compliment that by giving students more opportunities to share their work, helping them to develop into well-rounded professionals, enabling strong peer relationships, and giving them the chance to let loose every once and awhile!
The Engineering Graduate Society (EGS) was founded in 2014 to represent Engineering Graduate Students at McMaster University. Since then, the EGS has grown to serve a wide variety of purposes and works together with multiple organizations on campus to make life better for engineering graduate students.
The EGS has three major mandates:
- To represent the interests of Engineering Graduate Students to the Faculty and other organizations, making sure your voice is heard.
- To help create an open and welcoming community of Engineering Graduate Students
- To advance Academic & Professional Development at McMaster Engineering.
Interested in Getting involved?
EGS Council meetings are open to anyone who wants to attend, and happen bi-weekly all year. Fell free to drop by and get to know us or hear about what we’re working on.
The EGS also has a number of committees that are always looking for volunteers! This includes:
- Events Committee: Brainstorm, organize, and run our various academic and social events. See what we run on our Events Page
- Online Content Committee: Engage with engineering graduate students though social media and help promote the EGS
- Student Issues Committee: Improve life for graduate students by providing resources, answering questions, and bringing issues forward to the Faculty when necessary
- METRIC Planning Committee: Plan and run our yearly engineering graduate student conference (active Summer to Fall).
- And a few others working towards big future projects!
If you’re interested, reach out to us at egs@mcmaster.ca or on our Contact Us Page
Our Executive Members
These members are elected each year from within the Council, helping to lead our committees and guide the EGS
Information Box Group
Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Hassan is a 3rd year PhD student who is developing acoustics as a smart sensor for live quality testing in pharmaceutical applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with friends/family, playing boardgames, and trying out new sports!
What drew you to EGS?
I started on the EGS and am now returning for the 3rd time because of the opportunity to network with people outside of my department, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work to make the grad student life better for everyone!

Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Gurpreet is a 2nd year MASc student whose research is focused on biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Her current research involves developing a polymer-based therapeutic drug to combat age-related macular degeneration.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, chasing waterfalls, rollerblading, makeup and trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to EGS?
I am excited to be part of EGS this year and hope to develop valuable initiatives for engineering graduate students. I’m most excited to connect with students in-person this year and advocate for them to ensure they have an enjoyable graduate school experience.

Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Michelle is a 1st year PhD student whose research is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture infrastructure.
What do you like to do for fun?
Growing indoor plants, and has been experimenting with different cuttings and propagation methods!
What drew you to EGS?
I am most excited to excited to build off last year’s projects and continue moving EGS forward. I am looking forward to creating new initiatives for graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and improving upon existing ones.

Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Annika is a 1st year masters student who is developing drug-loaded thin films that dissolve on your tongue, an alternative to pills and shots, addressing a variety of diseases.
What do you like to do for fun?
Volunteering with various McMaster clubs, volleyball intramurals, baking, biking, and running.
The opportunity to build great events that will facilitate the growth of friendships within the faculty.

Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Paramita is a 2nd year PhD student who is working with thin films mainly focusing on the photovoltaic applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel, explore new places, meet new people and definitely try new food.
What drew you to EGS?
I have been associated with EGS for quite some time and the sense of belonginng in a graduate engineering community is what draws me back all the time.

Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hiva is a 1st year MASc student who research is related to advanced machining procedures.
What do you like to do for fun?
For outdoor activities, I’m really into hiking, trailing, and playing board games with my friends, and for the times that I’m alone, I enjoy podcasts.
What drew you to EGS?
I enjoy knowing new people and helping them with their problems; when I saw the email from EGS that we’re looking for volunteers, I immediately filled out a form and fortunately got in!

Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Hassan is a 3rd year PhD student who is developing acoustics as a smart sensor for live quality testing in pharmaceutical applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with friends/family, playing boardgames, and trying out new sports!
What drew you to EGS?
I started on the EGS and am now returning for the 3rd time because of the opportunity to network with people outside of my department, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work to make the grad student life better for everyone!
Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Hassan is a 3rd year PhD student who is developing acoustics as a smart sensor for live quality testing in pharmaceutical applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with friends/family, playing boardgames, and trying out new sports!
What drew you to EGS?
I started on the EGS and am now returning for the 3rd time because of the opportunity to network with people outside of my department, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work to make the grad student life better for everyone!
Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Gurpreet is a 2nd year MASc student whose research is focused on biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Her current research involves developing a polymer-based therapeutic drug to combat age-related macular degeneration.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, chasing waterfalls, rollerblading, makeup and trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to EGS?
I am excited to be part of EGS this year and hope to develop valuable initiatives for engineering graduate students. I’m most excited to connect with students in-person this year and advocate for them to ensure they have an enjoyable graduate school experience.
Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Gurpreet is a 2nd year MASc student whose research is focused on biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Her current research involves developing a polymer-based therapeutic drug to combat age-related macular degeneration.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, chasing waterfalls, rollerblading, makeup and trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to EGS?
I am excited to be part of EGS this year and hope to develop valuable initiatives for engineering graduate students. I’m most excited to connect with students in-person this year and advocate for them to ensure they have an enjoyable graduate school experience.
Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Michelle is a 1st year PhD student whose research is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture infrastructure.
What do you like to do for fun?
Growing indoor plants, and has been experimenting with different cuttings and propagation methods!
What drew you to EGS?
I am most excited to excited to build off last year’s projects and continue moving EGS forward. I am looking forward to creating new initiatives for graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and improving upon existing ones.
Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Michelle is a 1st year PhD student whose research is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture infrastructure.
What do you like to do for fun?
Growing indoor plants, and has been experimenting with different cuttings and propagation methods!
What drew you to EGS?
I am most excited to excited to build off last year’s projects and continue moving EGS forward. I am looking forward to creating new initiatives for graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and improving upon existing ones.
Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Annika is a 1st year masters student who is developing drug-loaded thin films that dissolve on your tongue, an alternative to pills and shots, addressing a variety of diseases.
What do you like to do for fun?
Volunteering with various McMaster clubs, volleyball intramurals, baking, biking, and running.
The opportunity to build great events that will facilitate the growth of friendships within the faculty.
Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Annika is a 1st year masters student who is developing drug-loaded thin films that dissolve on your tongue, an alternative to pills and shots, addressing a variety of diseases.
What do you like to do for fun?
Volunteering with various McMaster clubs, volleyball intramurals, baking, biking, and running.
The opportunity to build great events that will facilitate the growth of friendships within the faculty.
Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Paramita is a 2nd year PhD student who is working with thin films mainly focusing on the photovoltaic applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel, explore new places, meet new people and definitely try new food.
What drew you to EGS?
I have been associated with EGS for quite some time and the sense of belonginng in a graduate engineering community is what draws me back all the time.
Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Paramita is a 2nd year PhD student who is working with thin films mainly focusing on the photovoltaic applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel, explore new places, meet new people and definitely try new food.
What drew you to EGS?
I have been associated with EGS for quite some time and the sense of belonginng in a graduate engineering community is what draws me back all the time.
Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hiva is a 1st year MASc student who research is related to advanced machining procedures.
What do you like to do for fun?
For outdoor activities, I’m really into hiking, trailing, and playing board games with my friends, and for the times that I’m alone, I enjoy podcasts.
What drew you to EGS?
I enjoy knowing new people and helping them with their problems; when I saw the email from EGS that we’re looking for volunteers, I immediately filled out a form and fortunately got in!
Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hiva is a 1st year MASc student who research is related to advanced machining procedures.
What do you like to do for fun?
For outdoor activities, I’m really into hiking, trailing, and playing board games with my friends, and for the times that I’m alone, I enjoy podcasts.
What drew you to EGS?
I enjoy knowing new people and helping them with their problems; when I saw the email from EGS that we’re looking for volunteers, I immediately filled out a form and fortunately got in!
Our Council Members
Each Department has three (3) elected representatives on the EGS Council. If you are interested in joining the EGS, keep scrolling to see if there are any current vacancies in your department or school! You can always contact us and get involved!
Meet the Team
Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Hassan is a 3rd year PhD student who is developing acoustics as a smart sensor for live quality testing in pharmaceutical applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with friends/family, playing boardgames, and trying out new sports!
What drew you to EGS?
I started on the EGS and am now returning for the 3rd time because of the opportunity to network with people outside of my department, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work to make the grad student life better for everyone!

Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Gurpreet is a 2nd year MASc student whose research is focused on biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Her current research involves developing a polymer-based therapeutic drug to combat age-related macular degeneration.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, chasing waterfalls, rollerblading, makeup and trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to EGS?
I am excited to be part of EGS this year and hope to develop valuable initiatives for engineering graduate students. I’m most excited to connect with students in-person this year and advocate for them to ensure they have an enjoyable graduate school experience.

Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Michelle is a 1st year PhD student whose research is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture infrastructure.
What do you like to do for fun?
Growing indoor plants, and has been experimenting with different cuttings and propagation methods!
What drew you to EGS?
I am most excited to excited to build off last year’s projects and continue moving EGS forward. I am looking forward to creating new initiatives for graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and improving upon existing ones.

Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Holly Koponen
Department of Computing and Software
Administrative Officer
Holly is a 1st year PhD student in Computing and Software engineering who is developing algorithms for approximate pattern matching with indeterminate strings
What do you like to do for fun?
Video Games and Draw/Paint
What drew you to EGS?
Connecting to like-minded Engineers in the Graduate level

Holly Koponen
Department of Computing and Software
Administrative Officer
Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Paramita is a 2nd year PhD student who is working with thin films mainly focusing on the photovoltaic applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel, explore new places, meet new people and definitely try new food.
What drew you to EGS?
I have been associated with EGS for quite some time and the sense of belonginng in a graduate engineering community is what draws me back all the time.

Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hiva is a 1st year MASc student who research is related to advanced machining procedures.
What do you like to do for fun?
For outdoor activities, I’m really into hiking, trailing, and playing board games with my friends, and for the times that I’m alone, I enjoy podcasts.
What drew you to EGS?
I enjoy knowing new people and helping them with their problems; when I saw the email from EGS that we’re looking for volunteers, I immediately filled out a form and fortunately got in!

Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Annika is a 1st year masters student who is developing drug-loaded thin films that dissolve on your tongue, an alternative to pills and shots, addressing a variety of diseases.
What do you like to do for fun?
Volunteering with various McMaster clubs, volleyball intramurals, baking, biking, and running.
The opportunity to build great events that will facilitate the growth of friendships within the faculty.

Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Oneeruddho Abir
W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Oneeruddho is a 1st year MEME student who research interests include machining and performance optimization of cutting tools. His true passions are in industrial applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Travelling. I have a dream to travel the whole world starting from the neighborhood I live. One of my strange interest is in exploring haunted places.
What drew you to EGS?
I am more into academic and social events organized by EGS. So to be an active member of organizing such events is one of the main reasons for me to join EGS. Another thing to mention is to make some new friends and work with them for the department of Engineering.

Oneeruddho Abir
W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Hassan is a 3rd year PhD student who is developing acoustics as a smart sensor for live quality testing in pharmaceutical applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with friends/family, playing boardgames, and trying out new sports!
What drew you to EGS?
I started on the EGS and am now returning for the 3rd time because of the opportunity to network with people outside of my department, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work to make the grad student life better for everyone!
Hassan Abdulhussain
Department of Chemical Engineering
President
Hassan is a 3rd year PhD student who is developing acoustics as a smart sensor for live quality testing in pharmaceutical applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with friends/family, playing boardgames, and trying out new sports!
What drew you to EGS?
I started on the EGS and am now returning for the 3rd time because of the opportunity to network with people outside of my department, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work to make the grad student life better for everyone!
Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Gurpreet is a 2nd year MASc student whose research is focused on biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Her current research involves developing a polymer-based therapeutic drug to combat age-related macular degeneration.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, chasing waterfalls, rollerblading, makeup and trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to EGS?
I am excited to be part of EGS this year and hope to develop valuable initiatives for engineering graduate students. I’m most excited to connect with students in-person this year and advocate for them to ensure they have an enjoyable graduate school experience.
Gurpreet Randhawa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Vice President External
Gurpreet is a 2nd year MASc student whose research is focused on biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Her current research involves developing a polymer-based therapeutic drug to combat age-related macular degeneration.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, chasing waterfalls, rollerblading, makeup and trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to EGS?
I am excited to be part of EGS this year and hope to develop valuable initiatives for engineering graduate students. I’m most excited to connect with students in-person this year and advocate for them to ensure they have an enjoyable graduate school experience.
Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Michelle is a 1st year PhD student whose research is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture infrastructure.
What do you like to do for fun?
Growing indoor plants, and has been experimenting with different cuttings and propagation methods!
What drew you to EGS?
I am most excited to excited to build off last year’s projects and continue moving EGS forward. I am looking forward to creating new initiatives for graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and improving upon existing ones.
Michelle Ragany
Department of Civil Engineering
Vice President Internal
Michelle is a 1st year PhD student whose research is focused on improving the efficiency of agriculture infrastructure.
What do you like to do for fun?
Growing indoor plants, and has been experimenting with different cuttings and propagation methods!
What drew you to EGS?
I am most excited to excited to build off last year’s projects and continue moving EGS forward. I am looking forward to creating new initiatives for graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering and improving upon existing ones.
Holly Koponen
Department of Computing and Software
Administrative Officer
Holly is a 1st year PhD student in Computing and Software engineering who is developing algorithms for approximate pattern matching with indeterminate strings
What do you like to do for fun?
Video Games and Draw/Paint
What drew you to EGS?
Connecting to like-minded Engineers in the Graduate level
Holly Koponen
Department of Computing and Software
Administrative Officer
Holly is a 1st year PhD student in Computing and Software engineering who is developing algorithms for approximate pattern matching with indeterminate strings
What do you like to do for fun?
Video Games and Draw/Paint
What drew you to EGS?
Connecting to like-minded Engineers in the Graduate level
Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Paramita is a 2nd year PhD student who is working with thin films mainly focusing on the photovoltaic applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel, explore new places, meet new people and definitely try new food.
What drew you to EGS?
I have been associated with EGS for quite some time and the sense of belonginng in a graduate engineering community is what draws me back all the time.
Paramita Bhattacharyya
Department of Engineering Physics
Graduate Student Life Officer
Paramita is a 2nd year PhD student who is working with thin films mainly focusing on the photovoltaic applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel, explore new places, meet new people and definitely try new food.
What drew you to EGS?
I have been associated with EGS for quite some time and the sense of belonginng in a graduate engineering community is what draws me back all the time.
Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hiva is a 1st year MASc student who research is related to advanced machining procedures.
What do you like to do for fun?
For outdoor activities, I’m really into hiking, trailing, and playing board games with my friends, and for the times that I’m alone, I enjoy podcasts.
What drew you to EGS?
I enjoy knowing new people and helping them with their problems; when I saw the email from EGS that we’re looking for volunteers, I immediately filled out a form and fortunately got in!
Hiva Hedayati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Ambassador
Hiva is a 1st year MASc student who research is related to advanced machining procedures.
What do you like to do for fun?
For outdoor activities, I’m really into hiking, trailing, and playing board games with my friends, and for the times that I’m alone, I enjoy podcasts.
What drew you to EGS?
I enjoy knowing new people and helping them with their problems; when I saw the email from EGS that we’re looking for volunteers, I immediately filled out a form and fortunately got in!
Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Annika is a 1st year masters student who is developing drug-loaded thin films that dissolve on your tongue, an alternative to pills and shots, addressing a variety of diseases.
What do you like to do for fun?
Volunteering with various McMaster clubs, volleyball intramurals, baking, biking, and running.
The opportunity to build great events that will facilitate the growth of friendships within the faculty.
Annika Yardy
McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
Events Officer
Annika is a 1st year masters student who is developing drug-loaded thin films that dissolve on your tongue, an alternative to pills and shots, addressing a variety of diseases.
What do you like to do for fun?
Volunteering with various McMaster clubs, volleyball intramurals, baking, biking, and running.
The opportunity to build great events that will facilitate the growth of friendships within the faculty.
Oneeruddho Abir
W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Oneeruddho is a 1st year MEME student who research interests include machining and performance optimization of cutting tools. His true passions are in industrial applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Travelling. I have a dream to travel the whole world starting from the neighborhood I live. One of my strange interest is in exploring haunted places.
What drew you to EGS?
I am more into academic and social events organized by EGS. So to be an active member of organizing such events is one of the main reasons for me to join EGS. Another thing to mention is to make some new friends and work with them for the department of Engineering.
Oneeruddho Abir
W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Oneeruddho is a 1st year MEME student who research interests include machining and performance optimization of cutting tools. His true passions are in industrial applications.
What do you like to do for fun?
Travelling. I have a dream to travel the whole world starting from the neighborhood I live. One of my strange interest is in exploring haunted places.
What drew you to EGS?
I am more into academic and social events organized by EGS. So to be an active member of organizing such events is one of the main reasons for me to join EGS. Another thing to mention is to make some new friends and work with them for the department of Engineering.
Current Vacancies:
1 Opening for the Department of Chemical Engineering
2 Openings for the Department of Civil Engineering
2 Openings for the Department of Computing and Software
3 Openings for the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
1 Openings for the Departments of Engineering Physics
3 Openings for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering
2 Openings for the Departments of Mechanical Engineering
1 Opening for the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering
2 Openings for the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Former EGS Presidents
Recognizing the past Presidents who have contributed to the development and advancement of the EGS
Information Box Group
Katie White
Civil Engineering
President 2021-2022
Co-President 2020-2021

Katie White
Civil Engineering
President 2021-2022
Co-President 2020-2021
Evan Wright
Chemical Engineering
Co-President 2020-2021

Evan Wright
Chemical Engineering
Co-President 2020-2021
Maryam Badv
Biomedical Engineering
President 2016-2018

Maryam Badv
Biomedical Engineering
President 2016-2018
Donal Anthony Finnerty
Mechanical Engineering
President 2015-2016

Donal Anthony Finnerty
Mechanical Engineering
President 2015-2016
Adhithya Ravichandran
Electrical and Computer Engineering
President 2014-2015

Adhithya Ravichandran
Electrical and Computer Engineering
President 2014-2015
Katie White
Civil Engineering
President 2021-2022
Co-President 2020-2021
Katie White
Civil Engineering
President 2021-2022
Co-President 2020-2021
Evan Wright
Chemical Engineering
Co-President 2020-2021
Evan Wright
Chemical Engineering
Co-President 2020-2021
Maryam Badv
Biomedical Engineering
President 2016-2018
Maryam Badv
Biomedical Engineering
President 2016-2018
Donal Anthony Finnerty
Mechanical Engineering
President 2015-2016
Donal Anthony Finnerty
Mechanical Engineering
President 2015-2016
Adhithya Ravichandran
Electrical and Computer Engineering
President 2014-2015
Adhithya Ravichandran
Electrical and Computer Engineering
President 2014-2015
Governing Documents
Our EGS Constitution outlines our commitment to the graduate students of the Faculty of Engineering.
Our Bylaws outline our activities allowing us to best support the community.