Originally from India, Neel Shah discovered his passion for data science through an unexpected interest in ornithology, the study of birds. He got curious about how genetic data could uncover hidden patterns in bird species, a curiosity that soon grew beyond nature.
Shah began to see how data could help solve real-world problems in areas such as healthcare, finance, and even animation. This growing interest led him to Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Science, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science programme with a specialisation in Data Science. The university’s strong research culture and supportive environment made it the right place for him to learn and grow.
“Plus, the programme’s strong emphasis on research and innovation made it the perfect place to explore how technology can be used to make sense of the natural world,” he says.
Set in the eastern Greater Toronto Area, Ontario Tech University is a relatively young institution with an ambitious vision. Since its founding in 2002, it has built a strong reputation for hands-on learning and forward-thinking education. Today, it ranks #2 among Canada’s top young universities and 144th globally, according to Times Higher Education. With over 12,000 students and 91 undergraduate and graduate programmes, Ontario Tech continues to attract those who want to push boundaries and solve real-world problems.
Ontario Tech University’s Science programmes take an interdisciplinary approach, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in diverse 21st century careers. Source: Ontario Tech University
Innovative, interdisciplinary science programmes
The Faculty of Science at Ontario Tech offers a wide range of programmes for students with varied interests. The Computer Science undergraduate programme, for example, equips students with practical coding skills and the ability to design innovative technological solutions. It includes co-op placements and specialisations in fast-growing areas such as Data Science and Digital Media, giving students the flexibility to customise their academic journey.
For Shah, two courses left a lasting impact: computer vision and machine learning. Computer vision was where his interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning truly took off. He enjoyed the creativity the course demanded, as there was never just one solution to a problem. “Each assignment required combining multiple concepts and thinking creatively to find a unique solution,” he says. “Through machine learning, I learned how its architectures actually function at the neuron level, which gave me a stronger theoretical foundation and reinforced my passion for research in this area,” Shah adds.
For those drawn to numbers and logic, Ontario Tech offers Mathematics for Science and Industry, a programme designed to bridge theory and practice. It focuses on modelling, algorithms, and industry-relevant software skills. Current fourth-year co-op mathematics student Brianna Menzie says her perspective on mathematics has transformed since her first year. “I used to see mathematics as just numbers, but it’s almost like an art form. The way you can develop all of these different skills, combine them all, and solve some of the world’s most complex problems is really amazing,” she says.
For students interested in both mathematics and computer science, the Integrated Mathematics and Computer Science programme is the best of both worlds. It provides a strong foundation in computer programming, mathematical analysis, and statistics, preparing students to solve complex and socially relevant problems in an immersive learning environment.
Ontario Tech University’s hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and small class sizes help 89% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation. Source: Ontario Tech University
Science success stories ready to solve 21st century challenges
Every programme at Ontario Tech is guided by the university’s “Tech with a Conscience” philosophy. The goal is to prepare students for the future of computing, data science, and AI while keeping the human impact of technology at the centre. Shah experienced this philosophy firsthand when he received the STAR Award and had the chance to work on a joint project with Toronto General Hospital and several partner universities.
“The project helped me see technology as more than a tool for innovation; it’s also a medium through which we can make ethical, meaningful contributions to people’s lives,” he says.
Practical experience is central to the Ontario Tech experience. Co-op placements enable students to apply classroom concepts in professional settings, build confidence, and establish valuable industry connections.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work at CIBC in two different roles — soon to be three in January,” Menzie says. “Co-op has been so valuable because it gives real meaning to what I learn in class, while teaching me far more through hands-on experience.”
By talking to industry professionals, Menzie has gained a deeper perspective on her goals and how to approach them. “I’ve learned that networking is about building genuine, lasting relationships. That approach has opened doors for me, including my upcoming return to CIBC in a new role that I was recruited for by someone I had developed a strong professional connection with,” she adds.
Menzie plans to pursue a master’s degree in Quantitative Finance and ultimately work as a quantitative analyst. Shah, as one of the top graduates of the Computer Science bachelor’s programme in spring 2025, stayed on to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science with a focus on 3D human motion generation at Ontario Tech. “With my supervisor’s support and the resources available at Ontario Tech, I feel well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the AI research community after graduation,” Shah says.
Learn more about Ontario Tech University.
Follow Ontario Tech University on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
