Welcome to Student Group Spotlight! Every month, we will feature a different student group to demonstrate the many diverse groups we have at MacEwan and how they all contribute to a vibrant, thriving community on our campus.
Meet the MacEwan Science Club! We sat down with their President, Muhammad Faizan, to discuss their work building connections, creating networking opportunities and helping students make their own paths.
SAMU: Thank you for joining us! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Muhammad: My name is Muhammad Faizan. I’m a 5th-year student majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Business Studies, and the President of the MacEwan Science Club. I’m excited to be here!
SAMU: What is the MacEwan Science Club, and what do you do?
Muhammad: We’re a student group that seeks to connect Science students at MacEwan with professionals and each other. We find that the BSc is a common degree. Many see it as a stepping stone to other professional careers (like medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and academia). Still, they must figure out what it takes to get into those positions. To build these connections, we hold a variety of panels, minglers and other events to bring in experienced professionals and have them share their knowledge with students.
We also do a lot of community initiatives. Just this summer, we conducted a bottle drive where we collected nearly half a ton of recyclable bottles, using the proceeds to provide a donation to the Edmonton Food Bank!
SAMU: It’s great that you’re building connections for students! Tell us more about these panels.
Muhammad: We host several panels throughout the year for different disciplines. At each event, we welcome speakers who’ve built their careers in these areas to talk about their experiences and provide tips for the students. The students who attend are encouraged to network and learn more about how to get started in their chosen fields. It also shows students that, despite what they may think, not all people follow the same path, and there are many different ways to find success in the sciences. I hope they realize that if others can do it, so can they!
SAMU: We hear you’re also hosting a Gala!
Muhammad: That’s right! We’re hosting a Gala on September 22, 2023, so it will have happened by the time this comes out. It’s a dinner and networking event for all students interested in careers in the sciences. Like the panels, we’re excited to invite professionals from science fields like medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy and others. Students are encouraged to attend and mingle with professionals and each other! Plus, it’s an excuse to dress up and eat delicious food, and who doesn’t love that!
SAMU: Why did you decide to join the Science Club?
Muhammad: I was one of the first five members of the club, along with our founder, Jasmine, in 2019. I wanted to join because I noticed that, while I’ve been fortunate to meet professionals in many areas and make connections that have helped me figure out my own path, many students didn’t get the same opportunities or didn’t know where to look for them. They may know what they want to do, but they are still determining how to get there or what their other options are. By hosting the events we do and creating these opportunities for students, we’re helping to set our peers up for success.
SAMU: What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting or joining a Student Group?
Muhammad: Just do it! As a member of the Science Club, I meet new people all the time and learn new things every day. It’s a great way to make friends and talk to people you might see in class every day but don’t always speak with.
If you’re starting a group, reading up on SAMU processes is important so you know what it takes. Make sure you surround yourself with the right people who are equally passionate about providing the same type of value to students. Perhaps most importantly, make sure to stay active! Be part of the MacEwan community and get out there. Host mixers, charity drives or other events that you believe create a positive impact for your fellow students, and the rest should follow.
SAMU: Fantastic advice. Thank you so much for joining us today to talk about your group and your work! Anything you’d like to plug for students?
Muhammad: Likewise! Thank you for having me. We’re looking forward to an exciting year. The MacEwan Science Club will host more member panels, minglers, bake sales and community events all year. We’re even planning a sports tournament; more details to come soon! Keep an eye out for us!
You can connect with the MacEwan Science Club on Instagram (@macewanscienceclub) or by searching for them on Student Groups Connect.
Follow SAMU on social media through Instagram (@sa_macewan), X, formerly known as Twitter (@SAMacEwan), and Facebook (Students’ Association of MacEwan University) to stay up to date on the latest events, programs, and services from your students’ association.
