HomeNews & EventsResearch News Exciting New Program: Research...

This Winter 2025 semester, we introduced a new initiative: Research and Study Internship (RSI) at the MLC, designed for selected students to focus on their own coursework, research, or writing projects. The program provides access to a dedicated workstation at the Centre and supports the interns’ academic pursuits.
Among the benefits of the RSI program are a certificate of completion, access to the open workspace, peer feedback, and priority consideration for future opportunities at the MLC. This program is particularly beneficial for students considering graduate school or exploring careers that value strong research and writing skills.
This year’s RSI recipients are:
- Shems Al-Ajealy – Creative Industries, Year 1
- Abigail Apalit – English and History Double Major, Year 3
- Alyssa Cadavona Chahal – English, Year 1
- Julia Deli – Media Production, Year 1
- Ektaa Dewan – English, Year 5
- Hana Elsabaa – Psychology, Year 1
- Alex Fahmi – English and History Double Major, Year 3
- Yasaman Farazmand – English, Year 3
- Yagiz Bekir Gunduz – English, Year 2
- Saif Christopher Hilal – Creative Industries, Year 3
- Omar Ilyas – English, Year 3
- Emily May Janossy – English, Year 2
- Victoria Kolesnikova – English, Year 2
- Shaniaya Lewis – English, Year 4
- Elora Lizana – English, Year 4
- Noelle Meyer – Creative Industries, Year 3
- Sarah Middleton – English, Year 4
- Katherine Simone Pedra – Professional Communication, Year 5
- Jessica Reinsma – English, Year 4
- Claudio Roman – English and History Double Major, Year 3
- Amy Tynan – Psychology, Year 2
- Vedaant Vyas – English, Year 3
What do the recipients say about the program?

“The MLC internship has been very helpful to me in organizing my ideas and getting myself on track for my course load as well. I feel this internship has allowed me to be much more efficient with my time, leading my studies to in turn be completed thoroughly and increasing the amount of work I’ve gotten done.”
– Shems Al-Ajealy, Creative Industries, Year 1

“I have really been enjoying my time at the MLC! The opportunity to interact and network with other students, whether we share classes or academic interests, has been incredibly valuable. Having a dedicated space on campus to conduct research and study has also been a huge benefit. This experience has given me a glimpse into research and graduate studies, making that path feel much more tangible. It has been instrumental in helping me consider my direction for graduate school, and I’m grateful for the insight it has provided.”
– Abigail Apalit, English and History Double Major, Year 3

“My time at the MLC for the Research and Study Internship has been immensely valuable, as I’ve been given the opportunity to focus on my academic studies within a professional setting, surrounded by like-minded peers. The MLC is a quiet and convenient space where I’ve been able to do course readings, as well as work on different assignments. Because my other peers are also focused on their own research projects and studies, it is very easy for me to put myself into the work mindset, increasing my productivity and helping me stay on task with all my classes.”
– Alyssa Cadavona Chahal, English, Year 1

“The Research and Study Internship at the MLC has been great for me by providing designated times each week to complete my school work and other related tasks. It keeps me productive and has allowed me to get ahead on many assignments. Members of the MLC are also very supportive and kind, making it a great study/work environment.”
– Julia Deli, Media Production, Year 1

“My experience with the Research and Study Internship has been incredibly enriching as a student. This internship has provided me the opportunity to collaborate with my peers to discuss coursework and future plans. My time in the MLC has also given me the chance to hone my skills and allot the time necessary to remain passionate about my work. The MLC is a motivating space that reminds me why I love to learn. Everyone in this space is so dedicated to their craft that it inspires the same energy within me.”
– Ektaa Dewan, English, Year 5

“I have been much more productive since the space is quiet and everyone is coming to work. I notice I get more work done and use my time efficiently.”
– Hana Elsabaa, Psychology, Year 1

“The Research and Study Internship program at the MLC has been very helpful for my studies and my independent research interests. I have enjoyed being able to use the workspace at the MLC and to have a chance to talk to some of my peers about our ideas and projects.”
– Alex Fahmi, English and History Double Major, Year 3

“The internship has increased my productivity very much since I’m able to get all my school work done while dedicating plenty of time to researching and learning about topics that interest me. The variety of books and resources available at the center are also very useful and have introduced me to new topics and ideas that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.”
– Yasaman Farazmand, English, Year 3

“Through the RSI program I have been able to complete a lot more school work than I had in the previous semesters. I have been able to get consistent marks on my classes, both of which require a lot of reading and just as much writing, and thanks to the internship I have been able to complete these readings and writings in a place that advocates for studying and it has allowed me to keep consistent and receive A+’s in these classes.”
– Yagiz Bekir Gunduz, English, Year 2

“This internship has been helpful in many ways, such as providing valuable information and resources for my own personal development and growth in the artistic field. The space encouraged concentration and work while also providing a way to connect with other like-minded individuals with similar interests.”
– Saif Christopher Hilal, Creative Industries, Year 3

“The Research and Study Internship has been very useful in aiding me to pursue my hobbies and passions, including and excluding just university work. I was also able to connect to peers and have meaningful conversations in relation to our respective studies and research. Finally, this internship helped me in growing my YouTube channel thanks to the time and workplace provided”
– Omar Ilyas, English, Year 3

“I love it here! The MLC has given me resources to help with my studies and grow my knowledge. I’ve always had poor time management skills and this gives me certain times to work on what I need to with no distractions and with the support I need. Everyone involved is extremely kind and caring. I have nothing but wonderful things to say.”
– Emily May Janossy, English, Year 2

“My experience with the Research and Study Internship (RSI) program at the MLC has been incredibly fulfilling. I especially appreciate the opportunity to connect with the students at the MLC Research Centre, gaining insight into their areas of study and developing a friendly and collaborative academic environment. Additionally, the workspaces at the MLC Research Centre offer a comfortable, distraction-free setting that enables me to focus and work with maximum efficiency.”
– Victoria Kolesnikova, English, Year 2

“It’s been helpful in having a quiet space to work. I have gotten a lot of work done due to how quiet the environment is because I get distracted very easily. I get work done faster than before, I get boosts of motivation and I just have a more dedicated headspace whenever I’m there.”
– Shaniaya Lewis, English, Year 4

“MLC provides a balanced and comfortable atmosphere where you are surrounded by like-minded academics, have various workspaces to choose from depending on what is most suitable, and encouragement and support to pursue your academic goals and tasks. It takes away the intimidation of strictly academic spaces. As well, I’ve gotten to know quite a few students here, so being able to network with others from my program or other creative programs is helpful. I’ve found that everyone here (from students, to professors, to research assistants) have always been very kind and welcoming, and that really helped me transition into it.”
– Elora Lizana, English, Year 4

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the Research and Study Internship! To have a place that is meant for me to solely foster my work, especially as a commuter who struggles to find the time to expand my academics, has been a pleasure.”
– Noelle Meyer, Creative Industries, Year 3

“The internship has been helpful to my studies as it has improved my self-discipline. The internship has been extremely beneficial in organizing my time, as I can truly immerse myself in my work during my assigned hours. Staying on campus also helps to keep up my energy, as I often struggle with getting work done when I get home after class due to exhaustion from my commute. Having a designated time and space to work serves as a major source of motivation.”
– Sarah Middleton, English, Year 4

“I have had a wonderful experience with the MLC Research and Study Internship so far. This internship has been incredibly beneficial to my studies because it has provided me with dedicated time to use a quiet workspace where I can focus on my coursework. I always find the work environment motivating because of the welcoming atmosphere. It makes it much easier to focus and get tasks done while in a quiet area where everyone is also being productive. Having this set time to complete my coursework and a dedicated workspace to do so has allowed me to put my best effort into my studies. It has truly added such a positive experience to my time in university.”
– Katherine Pedra, Professional Communication, Year 5

“The RSI program at the MLC has been nothing short of amazing. It has provided me with a quiet, calm, and positive environment that has helped me focus on my studies. With a heavy course load, I have been able to catch up -- but also get ahead on assignments, which takes a lot of stress off my shoulders. The MLC staff is kind, supportive, and makes the experience extremely welcoming. I would recommend the RSI to anyone who wants to dedicate time into their studies, it was the best decision I made!”
– Jessica Reinsma, English, Year 4

“My experience with the Research and Study Internship (RSI) program at the MLC has been great. It has given me an opportunity to further develop my skills within the academic field. By providing a safe space to focus on my current projects, I have been able to stay organized and efficient. Although the space is used for work, I have met many new people. It has been an amazing experience. The RSI program has supported me and continues to support others.”
– Claudio Roman, English and History Double Major, Year 3

“I have had nothing but a great experience at the MLC so far. I take a lot of comfort knowing I have a dedicated space to study for a set amount of hours each week and has made keeping up with schoolwork and readings a smoother and significantly less stressful experience. My quality of work and study habits have improved immensely. I also use half my time here to work on my personal project of my novel and since starting the internship I have made the most strides I have all year, writing 3 chapters since the semester started.”
– Amy Tynan, Psychology, Year 2

“Discipline begets creativity. Being a part of MLC’s RCI has allowed me to build that discipline. When I come to the MLC, I make an effort to not work on any school projects, but instead allot my time only to projects that extend beyond the scope of my scheduled academic life. Spending 5 hours every week on this eclectic pursuit of knowledge has enabled me to maintain, and indeed strengthen my sense of curiosity. The peace and quiet here stops me from getting distracted from not only technology but also the stress that comes from only worrying about school work.”
– Vedaant Vyas, English, Year 3