Four outstanding incoming undergrad students are joining the Cheriton School of Computer Science as Schulich Leaders, through the Schulich Leader Scholarships program, Canada’s most coveted undergraduate scholarship program for students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
This year’s cohort includes Business and Computer Science student Angela Ho, and Computer Science students Jerry Li, Bill Xu and Sophia Xu.
Chosen from a national pool of more than 350,000 graduating high school students, the 100 recipients were selected from more than 1,300 nominees put forward by their schools.
Recipients pursuing an engineering degree will receive $120,000, while those studying science, technology or mathematics will receive $100,000 to attend one of 20 partner universities across the nation.
Angela Ho | Business and Computer Science
Angela Ho is driven by a simple idea: technology should empower people. That philosophy has guided her work as a full-stack developer, STEM instructor and founder of initiatives that expand access to learning.
During a hackathon, Angela developed AutiSpark, a literacy platform designed for individuals with autism, applying user-centred design to reduce cognitive and sensory barriers. She also founded her school’s first Women in STEM club, helping peers transform ideas into working applications and fostering an inclusive environment for innovation.
“To me, design is not decoration — it is how technology communicates with people,” she says. What I love about technology is not only that it solves problems, but that it shapes experiences.”
Her work consistently connects design and functionality, ensuring that technology feels intuitive and accessible.
Angela hopes to become a start-up founder building scalable digital tools that expand educational opportunities. While at Waterloo, she plans to continue bridging design and technology to create systems that help users move from confusion to confidence.
Jerry Li | Computer Science
Jerry Li is already building systems that connect people across the world. As founder of TopsOJ, a global competitive mathematics platform, he has reached users in more than 90 countries with more than 2,500 registered users, transforming what is often an isolating pursuit into a collaborative community.
A top-tier programmer and USACO Platinum competitor, Jerry combines technical excellence with bold vision. His work extends beyond algorithms to space innovation: as part of the Conrad Challenge, he helped develop a system to optimize the circadian rhythms of astronauts, earning recognition from industry leaders.
Jerry’s interests lie at the intersection of physics, software and space exploration. “I aspire to commercialize space exploration technology by founding a start-up that provides AI-powered health intelligence for spacesuits,” he says.
He plans to leverage Waterloo’s strengths in innovation and entrepreneurship to scale his technical expertise and the impact of his ideas. In 10 years, he aims to build technology that brings people together while expanding the boundaries of what’s possible.
Bill Xu | Computer Science
Bill Xu is redefining what it means to be a student entrepreneur. As the grand prize winner of the Diamond Challenge, he developed a startup focused on recycling 3D printing waste.
He has also built platforms for others, co-founding PinataPitch, Montreal’s largest student-run tech competition, which connects young innovators with mentorship and funding.
Alongside entrepreneurship, Bill conducts research in machine learning, developing models in environmental science and quantum computing. He also presented at the international science and engineering fair with a solution that can map soil carbon across Canada to support environmental conservation.
Motivated by firsthand experiences, Bill is determined to use technology to advance these fields.
“In 10 years, I want to be leading a deep-tech start-up that pioneers research while deploying commercial solutions,” he says.
During his time at Waterloo, Bill aims to integrate research and entrepreneurship in everything he pursues.
Sophia Xu | Computer Science
Sophia Xu brings together design, technology and leadership to create meaningful change. Her passion for user interface and user experience design has led her to work with startups and major organizations, including redesigning a content management system at the Royal Bank of Canada now used by more than 5,000 employees.
“That experience enabled me to meet with real users and translate their feedback into prototypes,” she says. “I saw how efficient UI/UX design could save time, reduce frustration and it genuinely excites me because it humanizes technology.”
Sophia is also a national leader in student innovation. As co-director of Hack Canada, she led a 50-person team to organize a large-scale hackathon that brought together hundreds of participants and secured major sponsorships. Her commitment to accessibility and education is reflected in initiatives like the Cents and Sense Project, which has reached thousands of students with financial literacy resources.
While at Waterloo, she plans to continue building technology that empowers people, combining empathy, design and engineering to create systems that make a real difference.
Learn more about the 10 Schulich Leaders joining Waterloo in Fall 2026.