UPEI Co-operative Education program announces award winners for 2025
Each year, the UPEI Co-operative Education Program recognizes its exceptional students and employers with the UPEI Co-op Awards. The winners of the 2025 awards were Jehaan Cooper, Science Co-op Student of the Year; Feyisayo Adediran, Arts Co-op Student of the Year; and Darshanaa Madoo, Business Co-op Student of the Year.
The awards were presented on March 25, 2026, at Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, with Co-op employers, fellow students, deans, staff, faculty, and other supporters in attendance. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the partnerships and collaboration that enable valuable co-operative education opportunities.
Environmental Studies student Jehaan Cooper was nominated by Raena Parent, coordinator of the Winter River-Tracadie Bay Watershed Association (WRTBWA), who recognized that he was capable of more significant tasks that could benefit their organization and provide further skill development opportunities after his first summer as a watershed technician.
Cooper added, “As I grew more confident and capable, I was given opportunities to lead field teams, coordinate volunteer events, and eventually independently design and implement a pilot bat acoustic monitoring program for the association—something that had never been done at WRTBWA before. Identifying that conservation gap, reaching out to contacts, sourcing equipment, designing protocols, and successfully bringing bat population monitoring to the organization taught me more about initiative, leadership, and perseverance than any course ever could.”
Feyisayo Adediran, an Economics and Statistics student, was nominated by the Provincial Credit Union. Her manager, Johanna Jorgensen, highlighted Adediran’s eagerness to learn and her desire to make sure each member she assisted was taken care of to the best of her ability. She noted that Adediran is an excellent team player who has made connections with several colleagues throughout the organization.
“This work term strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and professional mindset. Interacting with colleagues and learning from experienced professionals allowed me to grow both personally and professionally,” said Adediran. “It reinforced my interest in the financial sector and strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I can contribute to financial empowerment and economic development. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with an organization that not only values professional excellence but also remains deeply committed to supporting the community it serves.”
Business Administration student Darshanaa Madoo was nominated by Janette Gallant, a manager with the PEI Field Unit of Parks Canada. Madoo worked as an administrative assistant at Green Gables Heritage Place in 2025, a record-breaking year for visits.
“Darshanaa demonstrated tremendous growth over the course of her two work terms and became a valued and well-integrated member of our team. She brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong willingness to learn, which allowed her to quickly develop confidence and independence in her work. Key strengths she demonstrated throughout her placement were versatility and adaptability. She supported a wide range of responsibilities and consistently adjusted to changing priorities and operational needs,” said Gallant.
Madoo said this experience strengthened her adaptability and independence.
“Navigating a new professional environment required initiative, problem-solving, and the ability to manage responsibilities with confidence. Through this process, I developed stronger self-discipline and resilience. The supportive environment at Parks Canada also reinforced my commitment to community and environmental service. Seeing how employees contribute to protecting natural heritage inspired me to continue engaging in initiatives that promote sustainability and social responsibility.”
Project ART, represented by Ayo MacDonald-Ogunleye and Jane Mallard, received the Co-op Employer of the Year award for 2025. Business Co-op student Gia Han Truong spoke about the support she received from Project ART as she navigated her responsibilities, the opportunities to develop various business skills and make new connections, and the positive work environment. Project ART (Addressing Red Tape) is part of the PEI Government’s Department of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence.
Co-op scholarship recipients were also recognized at the event. Saniya Mary Jojo received the Wayne Cutcliffe Computer Science Co-operative Education Award, and Gia Han Truong the UPEI Administration and Finance Award in Business Administration.
The Co-op Program is grateful to work with many outstanding students and employers. For more information about the program, visit upei.ca/co-op or upei.ca/hire-co-op.
