McMaster students Kieran D'Sena and Julia Naccarato have been selected as national finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill.
Julia Naccarato, left, and Kieran D'Sena are national finalists for the McCall MacBain scholarships.
Established with a landmark $200-million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada's largest leadership-based scholarships for master's and professional studies.
More than 700 Canadians applied, and 151 advanced to a first round of interviews in November. The top 53 Canadians will attend the final round of interviews in Montreal, joined by 38 finalists from other countries.
"I'm thrilled to dive into Montreal's incredible food scene and sample everything the city has to offer," D'Sena said.
"The constant buzz of art, music, and culture makes it feel like a place that's always alive and ready to be explored."
Naccarato said she's looking forward to learning about the art scene in Montreal through local craft markets, dance studios, festivals or theatres.
"I also want to visit green spaces, like Parc Mont-Royal, so I can go birding and bike around the city," Naccarato said.
McCall MacBain Scholars receive substantial funding to pursue an eligible degree at McGill University, including full tuition coverage, a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms, and summer funding options.
Scholars are paired with mentors and coaches, participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program.
Applicants are endorsed by their universities of origin and assessed by volunteer leaders based on evidence of character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
"We aim to support emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage," said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill.
"These students have already shown remarkable promise in their communities, and we're grateful to the universities that encouraged and supported them in pursuing this opportunity."
Scholarship finalists
Kieran D'Sena | Faculty of Engineering
D'Sena, now in his final year of studies in Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering, co-founded the McMaster Quantum Club and organized HardHaQ, North America's first undergraduate quantum hardware hackathon.
He also held leadership roles within both the McMaster Engineering Competition and the Ontario Engineering Competition, including leading provincial-level challenge design and managing a five-figure budget.
In addition, he served as president of the McMaster Design League, co-designed a prosthetic device for individuals with impaired mobility, and conducted research in quantum transduction.
Keen to pursue research and development in quantum hardware design, D'Sena is applying for master's programs in engineering and physics at McGill.
"I vividly remember the moment I got the news," he said about learning he would be a finalist. "I was sitting in the school library when I got notified I had advanced to the next stage. I felt an instant rush of every emotion all at once, and it's a moment I still feel deeply thankful for today."
Julia Naccarato | Faculty of Science
Naccarato, in her final year of the Honours Life Sciences Co-op program, is working on a drug discovery innovation for neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopment disorders, for which she and her fellow co-inventors have earned a provisional patent.
Seeking to create inclusive spaces, Naccarato has been volunteering with motionball McMaster since 2021. She serves as the chapter's co-event director, building partnerships and planning an annual flagship event, which raises thousands of dollars in support of the Special Olympics.
Naccarato also contributes to a climate justice group, volunteers as an environmental science ambassador, and serves on the Science Co-op student advisory committee.
To make life science more accessible, she co-produced six talk show episodes for fellow students at McMaster. She has worked during her studies, most recently as a teaching assistant.
Naccarato is applying for master's programs in neuroscience and experimental medicine at McGill.
"Engaging in campus and community initiatives allowed my creativity and passions to flourish. This built my confidence and broadened my worldview," Naccarato said.
"My motivation to apply to McCall MacBain comes from my learned understanding that being a strong researcher and valued community member go hand-in-hand."
What's next
In Montreal, D'Sena and Naccarato will interview with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector.
Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Canadian finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 towards their studies at McGill.
"We are also deeply thankful to the more than 300 leaders who lend their time to help us select these exceptional students and graduates," added Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. "The interviews provide candidates with a space for meaningful reflection, and we hope they leave with a stronger sense of their leadership potential and the impact they can have in strengthening communities."
Regional awards
D'Sena and Naccarato were among five candidates from McMaster recognized this year. Aditya Karmaker, Jada Gibson, and Breanna Khameraj each earned a $5,000 McCall MacBain Regional Award for being among the top candidates in Ontario.
Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 cohort. Click here for more information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships.
