Lucas Prestes’ Educational Journey: Winner of the 2023 Graduation Giveaway

Lucas Prestes, a recent Data Analytics graduate, joyfully joined his fellow graduates in the McMaster Continuing Education virtual graduation ceremony on November 9, 2023. Little did he anticipate that the pinnacle of his academic journey would be marked by an unexpected surprise.

Lucas emerged as the fortunate winner of the McMaster Continuing Education Graduation Giveaway, securing a pair of Apple AirPods. His success in the giveaway was made possible by following simple steps: he connected with @McMasterContEd on Instagram and Threads, liked all the graduation giveaway posts, and tagged someone in the comments to share the joy of his graduation milestone.

Congratulations to Lucas and thank you to all the graduates who participated!

Lucas’ educational journey was already remarkable, with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s in biomedical engineering, both obtained from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, and a current pursuit of a PhD in education technologies from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Alongside his academic pursuits, he holds certificates in both education technologies and health system management. With over a decade of experience as a university professor, researcher, manager, and project developer, Lucas is a seasoned professional in the areas of technology, health, education, and engineering.

Being a newcomer from Brazil to Canada, Lucas sought ways to enhance his skills and contribute to his ongoing PhD research in neuroeducation. McMaster’s status as one of the top universities in Canada, coupled with its international recognition, made it the perfect choice for his continuing education journey.

Selecting the Data Analytics program at McMaster Continuing Education proved to be a pivotal decision for Lucas. The flexibility of the program and its high-quality curriculum allowed him to seamlessly integrate coursework into his busy schedule. Consequently, the data analysis skills acquired during the program significantly contributed to his neuroeducation research, paving the way for the development of new articles that delve into the examination of neural signals to assess students’ behaviour in real time during the learning process. The primary goal is to evaluate the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of educational instruments, aiming to enhance educational practices. The Data Analytics program from McMaster Continuing Education was crucial for mastering big data analysis techniques and interpreting results.

For Lucas, continuing education and lifelong learning are not just means of career development but also pathways to personal growth. He believes that education and knowledge are fundamental for both personal and professional development in life. As he stands on the cusp of a new chapter in his career, Lucas recognizes the role McMaster Continuing Education played in his journey and takes pride in learning at one of the top-rated universities in Canada and the world.