Three Brock University graduands are among those already making their mark on Canadian communities.

Their paths — shaped by intensive research, mentorship and experiential learning at Brock — have taken them from the classroom to influential roles involving nuclear research, federal advising and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovation.

But science is more than a career for Jeremy Dion (BSc ’18). It’s the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

In his new role as an Applied Physicist at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Dion contributes to research spanning from national security to environmental management.

A lifelong Niagara resident, he chose to do his undergraduate Physics degree at Brock because of the welcoming department, research opportunities and supportive faculty.

“By my second year, I was already working with superconductors using cryogenics like liquid helium,” said Dion. His opportunities led him to being awarded a prestigious Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) research award for his work.

He went on to do his master’s for a year and applied to fast-track into Brock’s PhD in Physics program, from which he will graduate on Thursday, June 12.

Dion’s doctoral work focused on the complex and exotic electronic properties of layered quantum materials, a study that produced multiple publications and involved collaboration across Brock’s physics and chemistry departments.

“I don’t think I would’ve had that kind of hands-on access at a larger school,” he said. “From fabricating measurement equipment to presenting at international conferences, Brock gave me the chance to grow as both a scientist and a communicator.”

That experience now guides his work at CNL, where every day brings a new challenge.

“Some days I’m designing equipment. Other days, I’m collaborating on environmental and nuclear safety projects. But it’s always about solving real problems that impact Canadians,” he said.

For Cole Walsh (BA ‘21), tackling problems through politics wasn’t always part of the plan.

After returning to school at Brock in 2018, he rediscovered his passion for the public sector and turned it into a career.

Walsh graduates on Wednesday, June 11 with a Master of Arts in Political Science.

Recently, he secured a role as a Strategic Operations and Communications Advisor in a federal minister’s office. He credits his professors with helping him carve his path and sharpen the skills he now uses to support ministers and policy teams.

“They really pushed our writing and critical thinking,” said Walsh, who worked for a local Member of Parliament’s office while completing both his undergraduate and master’s degrees. “That focus on persuasive, clear communication is something I rely on every day.”

His path was shaped by pivotal moments at Brock, including attending a town hall hosted on campus by then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and volunteering during a federal campaign.

“I was ready to move on from politics,” he said. “But that experience reignited something. Brock gave me the space to explore that.”

Now based in Ottawa, Walsh helps craft communication strategies that reflect regional needs and support Canada’s AI and innovation goals.

“I want to bring everyday experience to policy,” he said. “It’s about making sure communities around Ontario, like Barrie, where I grew up, are heard at the table.”

Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics graduand Nathaniel Apadu is also helping to shape the future through AI as a technical writer in a private AI tech company, where he helps diverse teams translate complex ideas into actionable documents.

Apadu arrived at Brock from Ghana in 2023 with years of teaching experience and a deep desire to grow professionally in Canada.

“I wanted a program that would sharpen my skills and broaden my career options,” said Apadu. “Brock’s program offered both.”

His final research project, on English learners using non-finite verbs to structure ideas, sparked a deeper interest in clarity and communication, skills he now applies in his daily role.

“Being a teaching assistant also helped me understand Canadian work culture,” he said. “From presentations to team projects, the experience built my confidence.”

Apadu says his advice to future students is to “stay focused, manage your time well and trust that your degree will open doors.”