(BRAMPTON, SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – February 6, 2026): Algoma University students earned multiple top finishes on the national stage at the 21st annual Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare (CUCOH), held recently at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. One Algoma U delegate was awarded first place in the national research poster competition. 

CUCOH is the largest student-run undergraduate healthcare conference in Canada, bringing together students from across the country to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare through keynote addresses, workshops, case challenges, and research presentations.

This marked Algoma University’s first time attending the national conference. 21 students from the Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton campuses participated, gaining exposure to a wide range of healthcare professions and interdisciplinary perspectives. The conference theme, “Many Paths, One Purpose: Exploring Contrasts in Healthcare,” highlighted the diversity of healthcare delivery across populations and environments while emphasizing shared commitments to patient health and well-being.

“Opportunities like CUCOH are incredibly valuable for undergraduate students, particularly those exploring health-related careers from diverse academic pathways,” said Dr. Nikki Shaw, Algoma University Biology Professor and Faculty Advisor. “The conference allowed our students to engage with complex healthcare issues, build confidence as emerging scholars, and represent Algoma University within a national academic community. I was proud to support their participation and see the impact this experience had on their learning and professional growth.”

Algoma University delegate and fourth-year Environmental Science student, Jacob Kajnar, earned first place in the “Urban Capacity vs Rural Constraints: A Comparative Systems Analysis of ED Wait Times in Canada” case challenge. Shrishti Gupta secured second place, while Navdeep Kaur and Tanvi Malik earned third place in the “Cultural Safety vs Service Delivery: A Co-Developed Reintegration and Wellness Program for Indigenous Youth” case.

In addition to competing in the case challenges, Algoma University students were selected to present their research posters in CUCOH’s national research competition, which featured more than 40 undergraduate researchers from institutions across Canada. Jacob Kajnar was awarded first place in this segment. 

“Bringing a group of Algoma University students to the Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare was an incredible experience,” said Emilie Vezina, President of the Algoma University Health Science Club and a fourth-year Biology student specializing in Health Science. “As Algoma U’s first time attending the conference, we were proud to bring a northern perspective to the conversation. Conferences like these are important for fostering collaboration across regions, which is essential to addressing today’s most pressing healthcare challenges and bridging the gap in health outcomes between northern and southern regions.”

Algoma University’s participation reflects the institution’s commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting students as they explore pathways in healthcare, research, leadership, and community impact.

View photos from the event here.

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Additional Student Reflections and Quotes:

“I was surprised and grateful to present my thesis at CUCOH, particularly since my research focuses on aquatic toxicology. Winning first place in both the rural versus urban healthcare case study and the poster presentation was unexpected. The conference was engaging and rewarding, even for someone not planning to enter healthcare directly.” – Jacob A. Kajnar, Environmental Science, Year 4

“The CUCOH conference fostered an environment of learning, curiosity, and meaningful connection. Interacting with students and professionals from diverse healthcare disciplines deepened my understanding of interdisciplinary care and highlighted the value of collaboration.” – Tanvi Malik, Psychology, Year 3

“CUCOH provided a great space to network, connect with new people, and engage with diverse perspectives. The hands-on workshop was particularly impactful, allowing for practical learning and active participation. The case challenges offered real-world exposure and strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.” – Shrishti Gupta, Psychology, Year 4

Click here to view more quotes and reflections.

Photo:

Jerritt Infanti, Harmeet Singh Sehra, Cameron Coccimiglio, Vara Vicirca, Shrishti Gupta, Monisha Das, Serena Collins, Emilie Vezina, Kumar Pokharel, BiddyMae Broughton, Jade Roberts, Prastab Koirala, Vaidehi Patel, Diyaben Prajabati, Carly Coccimiglio, Jacob Kajnar

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