Mentorship and peer support are not just buzzwords at Brock University; they are the keystones of a thriving research community, particularly within the Department of Computer Science. It’s a compelling narrative of collaboration, creativity, and academic excellence that recently garnered international acclaim.
A Legacy of Achievement
Fourth-year Computer Science students Tyler McDonald and Sangmitra Madhusudan, alongside master’s student Robert Morabito, have set a new standard in undergraduate research. Their award-winning paper at the prestigious 2025 International Conference on Computational Linguistics (COLING) highlights the remarkable achievements possible through mentorship and teamwork.
These students’ story took a pivotal turn when McDonald received the Best Dataset Paper prize for his collaboration with Angel Loredo Lopez, showcasing the powerful impact of cross-border academic initiatives, as seen at Brock University.
Cultivating Potential Through Mentorship
Assistant Professor Ali Emami at Brock understands the nuanced art of mentorship. His approach is not simply about overseeing research; it’s about fostering an environment where students are encouraged to discover and own their potential. His philosophy and dedication haven’t just aided students in producing cutting-edge research; they’ve inspired confidence and self-efficacy among them.
“Throughout the process, I stay attuned to their emotions and challenges, and help them recognize their capability,” Emami shares. This level of engagement is indicative of the nurturing culture at Brock, where faculty and students mutually benefit from shared insights and feedback.
Building Bridges with Collaborative Efforts
An exemplary case of this collaborative spirit is the research initiated by Robert Morabito in natural language processing. Despite initial challenges, Morabito’s partnership with Madhusudan and McDonald—each bringing unique skills to the table—culminated in the highly commended “STOP! Benchmarking Large Language Models with Sensitivity Testing on Offensive Progressions” project.
Their findings illuminate inconsistencies in how language models detect biases, a study important not just for its technical acumen but for its social and ethical implications. This work exemplifies how Brock’s supportive environment directly translates into impactful research outcomes.
Empowering the Next Generation
The accolades received by McDonald, Madhusudan, and Morabito are a testament to the Computer Sciences Department’s commitment to research excellence. Department Chair Beatrice Ombuki-Berman highlights, “We’re building a community where students don’t just study computer science—they actively advance it,” emphasizing a holistic approach to education that prioritizes creativity and application over mere academic pursuit.
In essence, Brock University is leading the way in redefining success through mentorship and peer support, producing graduates well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the global academic and professional landscapes.