Undergraduate student Krista Abdel Sater gains hands-on research experience through Outstanding Scholars, shaping resources for future business students. (SUBMITTED BY KRISTA ABDEL SATER/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
When Krista Abdel Sater walked into her first-year classes at the University of Windsor, she never imagined her business degree would lead her into academic research — or to a high-impact co-op role at one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
Abdel Sater, now a fourth-year bachelor of commerce student specializing in finance and international business, is part of the university’s Outstanding Scholars program, an initiative that gives undergraduates paid research experience and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on projects that shape real-world learning.
Her journey began modestly.
“In my first year, I was just a candidate,” she said, recalling how she shadowed an upper-year student before taking on research responsibilities of her own.
By her second year, Abdel Sater was contributing to a study on moral courage and ethical decision-making among business students, assisting with literature reviews and survey design.
The turning point came in her third and fourth years.
Working alongside a supervisor, Abdel Sater developed a series of business case studies focused on human resources and organizational behaviour. The experience sharpened her writing, research and critical-thinking skills — tools she plans to carry forward into her career and potential graduate studies.
Those skills proved valuable during her co-op placement last summer at KPMG’s Toronto office, where she worked as a risk consultant.
In that role, Abdel Sater conducted sample control testing and process walkthroughs for public-sector organizations, including health-care and infrastructure agencies, as well as government ministries. She collaborated with clients to identify key risk factors and operational inefficiencies, evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls.
Her responsibilities also included conducting risk assessments and internal audit reviews to identify gaps in risk controls and recommending improvements aligned with clients’ strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
“Research isn’t just for science majors,” Abdel Sater said. “It benefits business students, too.”
Programs like Outstanding Scholars challenge the idea that research belongs only in laboratories, opening doors for students across disciplines while strengthening collaboration between faculty and undergraduates.
For Abdel Sater, the program also offered a new perspective on education — one that values curiosity alongside credentials.
As she looks ahead, she hopes other students will consider taking the same leap.
“Don’t limit yourself to your own field,” she said. “This program gives you skills and connections that last far beyond graduation.”
This article is part of a series celebrating Outstanding Scholars—exceptional students making an impact through research and creative work across campus.