Law Plus Partner AWARD

Niagara Regional Police Services

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has been a valued partner of the Law Plus program since its inception in 2019.

This year, Constable Al Rivet has been instrumental in advancing our partnership with the NRPS, significantly elevating the quality of programming we offer our students. Through his collaboration with the program, the NRPS hosted two observational visits, including a tour of the Police Headquarters in Niagara Falls. During these visits, students toured the facility and networked with professionals from the Forensics and Dispatch units, who all volunteered their time to showcase various law-adjacent careers in policing and communications. On March 4th, students will visit the Niagara Regional Police Training Facility in St. Catharines, where they will interact with professionals from the K9 Unit, Emergency Task Unit, Marine & Underwater Search and Rescue, and Traffic Units.

These observational visits provide experiential learning outside of the classroom and allow our students to build relationships and connections with a variety of professionals in policing. In our focus groups, students expressed how much they enjoyed interacting with different professionals and learning how their roles support each other.

Al, representing the NRPS, also attended the Exploring Careers in Law, Security, and Government event as a panelist. After the event, he stayed for almost an hour to network one-on-one with each student and answer questions about his role. The mentorship and willingness to connect with our students extend beyond this event, as Al and his colleagues have made themselves available to support student success.

The NRPS has also extended their recruitment efforts to Law Plus students, offering employment opportunities. They recently invited Law Plus students to join Crime Stoppers, a volunteer placement opportunity where our students can engage with the Niagara community to raise awareness and support those in need. Through this opportunity, students can become part of a strong, supportive community that stands together against crime and injustice while building valuable skills.

We would like to recognize the NRPS for providing high-quality and meaningful experiences for students and for supporting the purpose and initiatives of the Law Plus program.

Med Plus Partner Award

Supporting Neurodiversity through Adaptive Programming (SNAP)

Brock-Niagara Centre of Excellence in Inclusive & Adaptive Activity and it’s Supporting Neurodiversity through Adaptive Programming (SNAP) has been a long-standing partner for the Med Plus program and making lasting contributions to the program’s success in a variety of ways.

SNAP has played a crucial role in fostering the development of our students, actively participating in our annual summer orientation to speak with students and recruit volunteers. Students gain practical, hands-on experience by completing their Med Plus placements within SNAP’s programs, where they receive high-quality training focused on supporting children and youth with disabilities in the Niagara Region. This collaboration not only enhances the educational experience for our students but also creates leadership opportunities, with many of our students advancing into roles as Program Coordinators.

For over 10 years, SNAP leaders have offered their time and expertise as guest speakers for Level 1 Med Plus. They plan and host an interactive Inclusivity and Adaptability workshop where students gain an understanding of fine and gross motor skill development and enhancing movement competency through play. This year, our students ranked this session as one of their favourites because it fostered hands-on learning and challenged them to think about ways they can help others.

The volunteer and workshop opportunities that SNAP provides our students allows them to build a range of competencies that enhances both personal and professional development. Skills such as cultural sensitivity, communication, adaptability, empathy, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and leadership—are critical in their journey to becoming compassionate and effective future healthcare providers. In addition, their deepened understanding of neurodiversity and the strategies needed to offer appropriate support and accommodation will continue to guide them throughout their careers.

25th Med Plus Anniversary

Dr. David Dec, B.Sc., M.D., C.C.F.P., F.C.F.P.

Dr. David Dec became involved in the Med Plus program nearly 25 years ago as a new practitioner in the Niagara Region. Over the years, he has provided students with the knowledge, exposure, and tools they need to explore different healthcare paths.

As a guest speaker, Dr. Dec introduces the practice of Family Medicine to our junior students. Then, as they progress to become seniors in the program, he facilitates another session focusing on Medical Ethics, often bringing his residents or colleagues to join him. In this interactive session, Dr. Dec presents different healthcare scenarios, where students collaborate and work through the principles of ethics.

Throughout their journey in Med Plus, students also have the opportunity to network and build relationships with Dr. Dec, as he has graciously hosted countless job-shadowing opportunities at his practice. Over the years, students have had the chance to experience a day in the life of a family physician, observing patient interactions and gaining first-hand insight into the profession.

The staff of the Med Plus program frequently seek Dr. Dec’s input on curriculum and welcome his ideas and suggestions for new programming. He has been an “informal consultant” to the program, offering his expertise.

Here’s what students have to say:

“I expected to learn a lot on this job shadow, and I did! I was able to ask Dr. Dec questions on not just what he did in his career but also the ways he interacts with patients. I gained a lot of insight into Family medicine and it was interesting to see all the work that he does behind the scenes to support his patients.”

“I really liked how involved Dr. Dec allowed me to be with the entire process! He explained everything he was doing and answered the questions I had. Dr. Dec is a great model of a health care professional who has a lot of knowledge and takes the time to share it with students like us”

“This was a very informative session – I appreciate that he brough his resident with him to talk to us. I liked the varying perspectives they had. Also appreciated that he introduced the social determinants of health. We learn about them in class but it was great to hear from a professional who sees them every day.”

“I really enjoyed the medical ethics session! It was challenging to make decisions in the scenarios we were given and really nice to experience what it’s like to be in the profession. Dr. Dec encouraged us to think about things in ways I would have never got to myself!”

CHARLIE MARTIN

BA, Political Science

Law Plus Student of the Year Award

Charlie Martin is a fourth year Political Science student with a minor in History. He attributes Law Plus as pivotal in sharing his career trajectory by offering experiences that clarified his professional goals. Through job shadowing, he gained firsthand insights into legal practice which cemented his aspirations to pursue a career in Law. He also credits the program to connecting him with career opportunities. For example, his position as a Student Affairs Case Coordinator at Brock through networking with a guest speaker and the student conduct council. This role ahs allowed him to refine his ability to assess cases, mediate disputes and ensure the well-being of the University’s community.

As a mentor for the program, and selected as a panelist for presentations, he has guided students, advocated for the program and shared benefits with peers while encouraging them to grow within the program. Volunteering with Law Plus awakened his passion for student advocacy, leading him to represent BUSU as a delegate with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance and as the Vice-Chair of BUSU’s Board of Directors championing policies that address student issues and interests of his peers.

In his second year, he faced an unexpected and life-altering challenge when he was diagnosed to Myopericarditis. Despite hospitalization, he demonstrated Brock’s SURGITE! And completed his studies on time, earning high academic standing and testing his resilience and determination. His dedication to academics was recognized through receiving the prestigious Grant Dow Scholarship, awarded to a student in Political Science who demonstrates high academic achievement and a commitment to studying law.

“As I continue on my path to law school, I am grateful for the program’s influence on my career, personal, and academic development. The lessons I’ve learned and the resilience I’ve built through Law Plus will guide me as I strive to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession and the communities I serve.” – Charlie Martin

MILAINA WONG

BSc, MEDICAL SCIENCES

Med Plus Student of the Year Award

Milaina Wong, a fourth-year student in Brock University’s Medical Sciences Program, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with aspirations for a career in healthcare to improve patient experiences and outcomes. She was awarded the 2024 Niagara Health Knowledge Institute/Brock University Summer Student Award in recognition of her academic success and community involvement.

Milaina is an active member of the Brock and broader Niagara community. She volunteers with Vision Plus, assisting with vision assessments for children, supports marginalized populations with food insecurities at Project SHARE, and serves as a patient support volunteer at Niagara Health’s Oncology and Emergency departments.

As a third-year student, Milaina was selected as a mentor for the Med Plus program, typically reserved for only senior students, due to her strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. She helps mentees with goal-setting, offers guidance on achieving success, and promotes positive self-image.

Milaina’s career trajectory has been shaped by job shadowing, completing certifications, and skill development workshops through Med Plus. She is a passionate advocate for the program, which has played a significant role in her personal and professional growth. She looks forward to continuing as an ambassador for Med Plus and Brock University.

“Over the past four years, I have experienced tremendous growth and development, and being a member of Med Plus has played an enormous role in this progression. My rewarding experience has made me a huge advocate for the program, and I take every opportunity to share the benefits of being a member with others. I look forward to continuing to act as an ambassador for the Med Plus program and Brock University, for many years to come.” – Milaina Wong

MICHELLE YANG

Bachelor of Business Administration

Undergraduate Co-op Student of the Year Award

Starting as a marketing major, Michelle discovered the power of storytelling through data, leading her to pivot into finance and analytics. During her 2024 co-op work term at Equinix, she thrived in an innovation-driven environment, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and expanding her expertise in data analytics, cloud computing, and automation tools like Power BI, Power Automate, and SQL.

Beyond the workplace, Michelle has made a lasting impact at Brock. As a Career Development Assistant, VP of Marketing for Women in Business, and Lead Account Director for Canada’s largest marketing case competition, she has mentored over 500 students, inspiring future leaders. Whether speaking at Microsoft’s Coast-to-Coast panel, winning hackathons, or continuously expanding her skill set, she embraces every challenge with passion and determination.

Michelle’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment—a testament to the incredible impact of co-op education.

SHADAÉ BROWN

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Undergraduate Co-op Student of the Year Award

Shadaé Brown is a dedicated fourth – year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Women and Gender Studies.

With a strong passion for social justice she works as a Relief Counsellor at Gillian’s Place, building on her previous co-op experience as a Counselling Intern with this organization.

Shadaé is also a research assistant within the Inclusive Education Lab and the Youth Development lab.

Her deep involvement in advocacy is demonstrated in her role as a committee board member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization (PACHRED), specifically focusing on anti-Black racism, anti-ableism, and mental health.

Her leadership extends to her former roles as a Mental Health Team Lead and Peer Health Educator at Brock, supporting student well-being for two years.

Shadaé’s commitment to social change is evident in her work advocating for vulnerable populations and dismantling oppressive systems. Shadaé is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion.

MANNAT SINGH

Master of Business Administration

Graduate Co-op Student of the Year Award

Mannat Singh is a MBA student currently completing her final work term with Hydro One. During her co-op, she embraced challenges and grew immensely. Joining the Capital Delivery Model – Centre of Excellence team, she quickly adapted to working within the Stage Gate team, independently managing responsibilities such as scheduling stage gates and reviews, supporting project managers and training a new team member. She later transitioned to business cases with Technical Writers, gaining valuable insights into project approvals. Beyond her core work, she created an Excel dashboard that streamlined workload management, supported dynamic Power BI dashboards, and took on innovative tasks like building SharePoint pages. Mannat has joined the co-op committee, organizing social and informational events, with attendance doubling over time. She has also volunteered with other ERGs for their events, which further enriched her experience.

This journey has reinforced her adaptability, curiosity, and commitment to excellence.

Mannat received Honorable Mention for the 2024 Experiential and Work Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO Co-op Student of the Year, in the University category. The EWO Co-op Student of the Year Award recognizes Ontario students who have showcased exceptional job achievement, extra-curricular involvement, and a strong contribution to Co-op Education and Work Integrated Learning.

TEAM EUROPE

Carlos Kley, Jakob Kräutle, Kathryn Daly, Laurenz Kuna, and Luisa Neidhart

Experiential Education Student of the Year Award

Team Europe, a group of 5 students brought together by their shared international backgrounds, connected through a service-learning project in a Business Ethics course at Brock’s Goodman School of Business. Carlos, Jakob, Laurenz, and Kathryn are students in the BBA Co-op Double Degree program from Germany and Ireland, and Luisa is a German exchange student. These students bridged borders and applied their diverse perspectives to create impact through experiential education. 

Team Europe exemplified the thoughtfulness and high-quality work we strive for in service-learning projects at Brock, and particularly in the Goodman School of Business. This group collaborated with Jessica Grabell, founder of Remember MEdia, a start-up that uses technology to connect people with dementia to their memories and loved ones, and helped bring Jessica’s vision to life. They developed Mission, Vision, and Value statements, grounding their recommendations in core values of compassion, community collaboration, dignity, integrity, and “People before Profit” – ensuring Remember MEdia remains purpose-driven as it grows. Their dedication, professionalism, and insight showcase the power of service-learning, and experiential education more generally, to create strong, mutually beneficial community relationships. 

Team Europe has also won Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO)’s Experiential Learning Student of the Year Award for the University Category!