“I was deciding between two graduate programs: one included an internship, the other didn’t. But my future supervisor informed me that it was still possible through Mitacs Accelerate. That sealed the deal for me: with Mitacs in the picture, I would be able to do exactly what I wanted—stay in Toronto, do research in computational aerodynamics at the University of Toronto’s Institute for Aerospace Studies under the supervision of Dr. David W. Zingg, and finish my program with an internship.”
Nimeesha eventually undertook an internship with Bombardier Aerospace’s Advanced Aerodynamics department in Montreal. Her expertise and dedication left a positive impression on her supervisors, who knew she would be an asset to the company.
“Upon completion of my internship, I was offered a permanent position in the department. Accelerate enabled me to get my foot in the door and prove myself. I packed up and moved to Montreal to start my new job, which has since given me several more opportunities on a variety of projects. I’ve since moved onto Aircraft Performance in the Flight Sciences department.”
Nimeesha’s impact on Quebec’s aerospace industry isn’t just limited to her job at Bombardier. In 2012, she was approached to join the provincial branch of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI).
“As the CASI Education Chair, I helped establish links at universities in the Montreal area and increase awareness of CASI within my industry. I’m now in my second year as the Branch Chair and it has been a great leadership opportunity for me.”
Now an established aerospace professional, Nimeesha credits her Accelerate internship with helping her jump-start her career and broaden her professional network.
“Without Mitacs Accelerate, none of this would have been possible. The opportunity to be a part of the program has opened numerous doors for me and enabled me to take on roles and responsibilities I might not have otherwise dreamt of taking on.”
Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for their support of the Accelerate research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Accelerate program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan and Research Manitoba.
Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca
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Mitacs empowers Canadian innovation through effective partnerships that deliver solutions to our most pressing problems. By driving economic growth and productivity, we create meaningful change to improve quality of life for all Canadians.
