Learning and growing together: celebrating F&S’s team of co-op students 

Every year, thousands of U of T students across more than 100 academic disciplines kick off their careers as co-op students, gaining vital workplace experience and providing employers with unique skills and perspectives.  

F&S is proud to partner with many of these bright young minds, all of whom work on essential projects in support of the University’s mission. With National Intern Day just behind us on July 25, there’s no better time to celebrate a few members of our incredible co-op student team! 

Ethan Sum, process automation engineer (co-op) 

Having just finished his third year in computer science, Ethan works alongside the IT team, creating designs for a new application that will help streamline project design reviews and shutdown requests. “I’ve really enjoyed having the chance to learn new skills and tools—like Figma, C# and Entity Framework—while applying them to real projects,” he says. Ethan has found the F&S team supportive and welcoming: “Whether it comes to work setup, location or learning new skills, it feels great to be surrounded by highly capable individuals who want to help me in perform my best.” Upon graduation, Ethan plans to search for opportunities in the startup world, in finance “or even with F&S!” 

Salem Schewai, UI graphic designer 

After beginning her F&S journey through the Work Study Program, Salem was hired as an intern through OPEP’s Professional Experience Program. She works on a wide variety of print, data visualization and web design projects. Currently, she is spearheading a redesign of the F&S service request portal, used by all campus departments to report maintenance, project and other service needs. “Getting to use the knowledge and skills gained throughout my studies—while learning new ones from a business lens—has been extremely valuable,” she says. She enjoys seeing her impact across the University and connecting with users through research interviews. After completing her Master of Information program next spring, Salem looks forward to continuing her career journey and creating impactful designs everywhere she goes. 

Tamilore Ayeye, architectural summer student 

Tamilore joined F&S in June and is already making big moves with the team. While overseeing a staff relocation to the fourth floor of the newly acquired 33 Ursula Franklin Street property, he is conducting test fits for nearly 50 people across six teams, ensuring that existing furniture, storage and personnel can be accommodated in the new space. “I was surprised by how much detail goes into all the different operations across campus,” he says. “It’s been really fun to integrate the skills I learned at U of T back into the University.” After finishing his undergrad in architecture with the Daniels Faculty in June, Tamilore is excited to start his career. “I want to make an impact on the built environment in whatever way I can,” he says, “and to promote the ideas of architecture, urban design and spatial planning wherever I find myself in in the future.” 

Jalen Lindsey-Parker, preventative maintenance engineering (co-op) 

Since starting his Professional Experience Year (PEY) in May, Jalen has undertaken a major inventory and data-entry project for a wide array of mechanical equipment on campus, including HVAC and air purifiers. An engineering student with a love of design, he hopes to one day work in the automotive or gaming industry. “I look forward to coming to work because of how welcoming the environment at F&S is,” he says. While much of his time with F&S is spent working with schematics in AutoCAD, Jalen’s role also involves getting out and about to perform equipment inventory. “I enjoy the mix,” he says. “That work involves a lot of walking on campus and getting active, which is great.” Jalen credits his hobbies outside of the office with shaping his professional interests and career aspirations—from working on old cars with his grandfather to gaming and building computers. 

Shoshana Lebo, process engineer (co-op) 

As a co-op from the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering’s PEY, Shoshana is helping analyze, optimize and automate a wide variety of internal procedures with F&S—including a retooling of the central stores’ parts ordering process, a project that she hopes will eliminate the use of nearly 3,600 sheets of paper annually. “At F&S, everyone has unique backgrounds and specialties,” she says. “I have loved collaborating with others to think outside of the box and come up with solutions.” Since starting her yearlong role in May, Shoshana has been impressed with F&S’s emphasis on sustainability: “Our continuous improvement places environmental impact front and centre. Rather than simply focusing on saving money and materials, F&S prioritizes sustainability and what is best for stakeholders.” She knows this mindset will serve her well going forward; she hopes to obtain her P.Eng. license and apply her knowledge to making meaningful change in the world.