Research Manitoba recently announced the recipients of our 2025 Studentships and Fellowship Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievements and potential in researchers from various disciplines.
Today, we are excited to share the perspectives of several award recipients as they reflect on the significance of this recognition. They have been asked, “What will this award mean for your project or your career?” Below, you’ll find their thoughtful responses, highlighting the impact of these awards on their future.
| Adiam Negash, University of Manitoba Masters Attention Resolution and Reading Fluency in Young Children: The Enlightening of Reading Skills through Catching Fireflies “I’m so grateful to receive this award. This support means more than I can say—it allows me to focus on the heart of my research: understanding how young children’s attention plays a role in how they learn to read. With the help of our “Firefly task,” I’m exploring how children track and shift their attention, and how that might predict their reading growth over time. I believe this work can help us support early readers in ways that are thoughtful, timely, and grounded in how kids actually see and process the world. Thank you to my supervisor for their encouragement, and to Research Manitoba for believing in this work. Your support helps light the path forward—not just for me, but for the children this research is ultimately for.” |
| Adline Fernando, University of Manitoba Masters Role of CLAUDIN1 and TROP2 in HER signaling in HER2+ Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis (BCBM) “Receiving the Research Manitoba award is both an encouragement and a responsibility. It validates the direction of my project and gives me the support to explore deeper, ask harder questions, and refine the science behind drug resistance in HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases. Beyond funding, it’s a reminder that this work matters not just in the lab, but in the bigger picture of helping patients facing some of the toughest forms of cancer. For my career, it builds confidence and momentum, showing that early-career research can make an impact and deserves to be seen.” |
| Allyson Paton, University of Manitoba Masters Children’s Socio-Emotional Understanding of Digital Technology Use “Receiving this award has been both meaningful validation of my work and an important source of support for its continuation. This award will help to alleviate some of the financial barriers I’ve faced as a self-funded student and will enable me to focus more fully on this project. This award will also strengthen my trajectory as a school psychologist in training, by reinforcing my commitment to evidence-based, socially responsive practice.” |
| Amir Bani Saeed, University of Manitoba Masters Designing a Naturalistic and Interactive VR Museum Environment with a Realistic Avatar as a Guide for Cognitive Treatment of the Elderly “Thank you so much for offering this award. It will provide crucial support for advancing my project on designing a naturalistic and interactive VR museum with a realistic avatar as a guide, enabling more focused development and research into cognitive treatment for the elderly. This recognition is also a meaningful milestone in my academic and professional journey, validating my efforts at the intersection of mental health, technology, and immersive design.” |
| Amir Barzegar Behrooz, University of Manitoba Postdoctoral Targeting HOX Gene Interactions for the Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia “The Research Manitoba Postdoctoral Fellow Award has become a pivotal force in shaping my journey as a translational cancer researcher. It not only fuels my scientific pursuit in leukemia biology, where I aim to disrupt disease pathways at their core, but also propels my professional development within Manitoba’s vibrant research ecosystem. With this award, I am empowered to explore bold therapeutic strategies that go beyond symptom control, targeting the very root of malignancy to develop highly tailored and precise treatments. This work is not just a scientific endeavor; it is a commitment to improving the lives of Manitobans and Canadians who await more hopeful options. The support has strengthened my role as both a scientist and a steward of patient-centered innovation. I am profoundly grateful to my postdoctoral mentor, Professor Ted M. Lakowski, whose mentorship has transformed my scientific mindset and enriched my capacity for empathy and purpose. Under his guidance, I have evolved into a more thoughtful and resilient researcher. I also extend heartfelt thanks to Professor Saeid Ghavami, my former mentor, whose teachings in critical thinking and perseverance laid the foundational pillars of my scientific identity. From him, I learned that setbacks are not defeats but invitations to deeper discovery. These two mentors have not only shaped my career trajectory but also instilled enduring values that will guide me throughout my life. Grounded in Manitoba’s collaborative research landscape and empowered by this award, I aspire to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s cancer research efforts, bringing transformative therapies from the lab bench to patients who need them most.” |
| Andrea Minutti-Simoni, University of Manitoba Masters Accelerating Discovery in Photocatalyst Design and Development “This award will allow me to continue my research in photocatalysis and work toward my long-term academic goals. It will also help me develop my scientific skills and capabilities as I progress through my career.” |
| Angela Copete, University of Manitoba PhD The Silent Impact of Mycoplasma Genitalium, an Emergent Cause of Sexual Infections and Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance Profile “This award will provide the financial stability and resources needed to dedicate my full attention to my PhD research, which aims to reveal the silent impact of Mycoplasma genitalium, a neglected sexually transmitted bacterium, among people experiencing a syndemic that increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. This syndemic is driven by socio-economic marginalization, stigma, racism, and violence, as well as personal, community, and structural factors that intersect with sex at birth and gender. I aim to generate high-quality data and present my findings at national and international conferences. This recognition affirms the relevance of my research in both societal and scientific contexts. Beyond funding, the studentship will connect me to Research Manitoba’s network of researchers, fostering potential future collaborations that will enrich my career and broaden the impact of my research.” |
| Anne Manson, University of Manitoba Postdoctoral Characterization of Human Milk Oxylipins and their Association with Childhood Asthma Risk “Receiving the Research Manitoba Postdoctoral Fellowship is both an honour and a meaningful milestone in my academic journey. It represents recognition of the value and potential impact of my research, and it reinforces my commitment to pursuing a career in science. This support not only helps me advance my work but also enhances the feasibility of achieving my long-term goals, such as securing an independent research position and contributing to advancements in human nutrition and health. On a personal level, this funding allows me to provide more stability and care for my daughter and family. It supports a healthier work-life balance and improved quality of life, which is critical for sustaining long-term productivity and well-being. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I see it as an investment in both my professional development and personal growth.” |
| Ashraf Kadar Shahib, University of Manitoba PhD Investigating the Impact of MeCP2 Mutation on the Epigenetic Landscape of Brain Cells “Receiving this award is truly transformative—for both my research project and my future as a scientist. This award is more than just financial support; it is a powerful vote of confidence in my vision and potential to make a meaningful impact in my field. With this studentship, I am empowered to devote myself fully to my research, pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas that could lead to real-world solutions and advancements. It lifts the financial barriers that so often limit innovation, allowing me to focus on what matters most: discovery, creativity, and excellence. On a personal level, this recognition fuels my passion and determination. It inspires me to aim higher, knowing that the Manitoba research community believes in my work and my ability to contribute to our collective knowledge. The connections and opportunities that come with this award will help me grow as a scholar, leader and a collaborator, shaping me into the kind of researcher who can drive positive change. Ultimately, I am deeply grateful and excited to embark on this journey, knowing that I have the support and encouragement needed to make a lasting difference.” |
| Cara Follows, University of Manitoba Masters The Impact of Sex Hormones on T-Cell Activation and Inflammatory Response in HPV Natural Clearance “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. This support will allow me to fully dedicate myself to my thesis. By reducing financial pressures, the award enables me to focus on advancing my experiments and strengthening the impact of my findings. Beyond the research itself, this recognition affirms my commitment to building a career as a clinical scientist and contributes to my development as an independent researcher. The skills and opportunities fostered through this award will not only enhance the success of my project but also position me to contribute meaningfully to women’s health research and the broader scientific community in Manitoba. Thank you to Research Manitoba for this wonderful opportunity.” |
| Chantelle Chernick, University of Manitoba Masters Advancing Healthy Aging: Defining Cognitive Age-related Changes During Navigation by Men and Women “This award will provide me with much-needed financial support that will allow me to continue my classes and research project with more focus, rather than splitting my time and energy between school and work. This award will provide freedom to pursue the development of my research skills, including project management skills, and release me from the burden of worrying about how I am going to financially support myself and my studies. This will surely enhance the quality of my project. This increased focus and immersion will provide me with a higher quality educational experience that will strengthen my learning, which will better prepare me for my future career.” |
| Courtney Marshall, University of Manitoba PhD Sex as a Biological Variable in the Modulation of Airway Inflammation by Innate Defence Regulator (IDR) Peptides “I am so thankful to Research Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba for the funds to complete my PhD research. Often, students in their final year are left without funding, so as I enter my final stage, I feel so supported by this award. I can complete my research and defend my thesis in a timeline that isn’t rushed. This funding supports incredibly important research on sex differences in asthma, and the development of a novel therapeutic to help those in need. This acknowledgement will also help me achieve my long-term goal of becoming a faculty member at the University of Manitoba, where I can research my favourite topic!” |
| Dario Libero Lorenzoni, University of Manitoba PhD Testing Cosmic Inflation: The Case for the Running of the Spectral Index in Multifield Models “This studentship — which I am very grateful to have been awarded — will be essential to my research, fostering my scientific output and solidifying my career, and eventually helping me answer fundamental questions about our Universe. In particular, my research focuses on the beginning of the Universe: while we now know that space has been expanding for billions of years, understanding its primordial origins is challenging. Our most promising theory, cosmic inflation, proposes the existence of an early, brief epoch of rapid expansion of space which planted the seeds for the production of the matter and galaxies we observe today. Although we cannot test this phenomenon directly, we may be able to observe the effects it would have had on our cosmos. My collaborators and I are searching for ways to detect these observational signatures with next-generation telescopes.” |
| Elizabeth Patterson, University of Manitoba Masters Long-Term Welfare Assessment of Polar Bears in Human Care from a Genomics Approach “This award allows me to spend less time worrying about money and more time focused on my study. Being a graduate student is financially very difficult, but this award will relieve some of that pressure and allow me to dedicate my time and effort toward advancing my project. Professionally, I strive to contribute to wildlife conservation and advancing our understanding of animal well-being. My study’s focus allows me to advance my professional goals while contributing valuable research in animal well-being studies and to the field of epigenetics. This award is a huge source of financial support and will allow me to fully dedicate myself to advancing my professional skills while advancing important research.” |
| Emma Cowman, University of Manitoba Masters 2SLGBTQIA+ Experiences Accessing Abortion Care in Manitoba “This funding means everything for my project, and my career. This award allows me to spend more time on my MSW thesis, to ensure I am wholly engaging with my participants and data. It enables me to have the capacity to fully engage in knowledge mobilization and advocacy work next summer when I am finished the data analysis. This also propels me forward in my career as a future PhD student and an aspiring academic.” |
| Erin Sinclair, University of Manitoba PhD Evaluating the Effectiveness of Educational Interventions to Increase Support for Change about First Nations Water Rights “Receiving this award will allow me to continue pursuing my academic passions and goals. This funding will further advance our understanding of how to increase support for and solidarity with First Nations water rights.” |
| Farshid Ghiyamihoor, University of Manitoba PhD Fate-Mapping of α-Synuclein-Positive (SNCA+) Early Subset of the Cerebellar Nuclei Neurons in the Developing Mouse Cerebellum “This award will provide essential support for my doctoral research, allowing me to focus fully on my project without the added pressure of financial constraints. It will also create opportunities to share my work with the broader research community, collaborate more effectively, and gain valuable experience that will shape my future career as a scientist. Thank you again for supporting my research and contributing to its success.” |
| Hannah Zhang, University of Manitoba PhD Lipidomics Analysis of Cardiogenic Shock “It is such a privilege to be awarded the Research MB PhD Studentship! I am currently an MD/PhD student with the goal of becoming a clinician-scientist, and having the support of Research Manitoba will allow me to focus on integrating the translational nature of my work with my clinical learnings during this crucial year of my training. I’m really excited that Manitoba is supporting the cutting edge of -OMICS based research and precision medicine in cardiovascular diseases, as I think it’s the future of medicine in this field.” |
| Kasuni Abeykoonge, University of Manitoba Masters Investigating Confidence Intervals for Effect Sizes in One-Way ANOVA: A Comprehensive Analysis of Eta Squared, Omega Squared, and Epsilon Squared “I am deeply honoured to receive the Research Manitoba Masters Studentship for my research at the Quantitative and Applied Statistics (LIQAS) Lab under the supervision of Dr. Johnson Li at the University of Manitoba. As a master’s student in Quantitative Psychology, I am proud to contribute to a research environment dedicated to advancing our understanding of psychological, educational, and social phenomena through rigorous quantitative methods. This award is more than academic recognition; it is a meaningful investment in the future of my research and career. My study addresses a critical gap in how psychological studies report and interpret inferential tools such as effect sizes and confidence intervals. By developing clearer and more robust methods for evaluating the magnitude of research findings, I aim to provide practical tools that enhance the clarity, transparency, and real-world relevance of psychological research. The support from this studentship will allow me to expand the scope of my study, explore more complex statistical models, and collaborate across disciplines to increase the broader applicability of my research. On a personal level, this award significantly reduces the financial pressures often associated with graduate studies, enabling me to focus more fully on academic growth, skill development, and the dissemination of knowledge. Looking ahead, this support not only strengthens the immediate impact of my study but also lays a solid foundation for a future career in psychological research and applied statistics. I am sincerely grateful to Research Manitoba and especially to my supervisor, Dr. Johnson Li, for their support and belief in my potential. Thank you very much, Research Manitoba, for investing in the future of academic research and innovation for the betterment of all Manitobans and society as a whole” |
| Katherine Jones, University of Manitoba PhD A Longitudinal Examination of Friendship Relationship Quality on the Transition to Romantic Couplehood “I am very grateful to Research Manitoba for the opportunity to continue studying what I am passionate about and for seeing the value in investing in and promoting relationship research in psychology. I do think my work examining friendships that turn romantic is both important and relevant to many people, not only in this province, but around the world. The reception of this award both encourages me to continue in the current direction of my research and alleviates a large financial burden that is often associated with graduate studies. I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Jessica Cameron for her support in the development of this project, and many thanks to the team at Research Manitoba for this honour!” |
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Kristine Doell, University of Manitoba “First and foremost, I want to say a huge “THANK YOU” to Research Manitoba for awarding me with this prestigious award. I will soon be defending my research proposal and then will finally embark on conducting my much-anticipated dissertation research! Receiving this studentship greatly reduces the financial burdens of pursuing a graduate degree while also juggling family and financial responsibilities. Having this support means that I will be able to dedicate more time conducting my graduate research, allowing me to get closer to achieving my PhD and starting my career as an educator and researcher in nursing. Being a recipient also confirms and acknowledges years of hard work and dedication to my studies and proposed research. This award has given me a boost of confidence as a junior researcher and validates the importance of my work. For these reasons and more, I am very grateful. I am truly honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of the Research Manitoba PhD Studentship Award. I am committed to conducting research and I am excited to generate results that will improve the lives of older adults here in Manitoba.” |
| Lilee Donahue, University of Winnipeg Masters Effects of Fall Roosting Habitat Enhancement on Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) Pre-Hibernation Fat Storage and Over-Winter Survival “Due to political and economic changes in the U.S. and Canada this spring, my supervisor found out that our lab would not be receiving the funds that were supposed to support my Master’s thesis project. Given the financial uncertainty, we met to discuss alternative project options for “best-case” and “worst-case” funding scenarios. Later that afternoon, I found out that I got the Research Manitoba Studentship Award, effectively eliminating my “worst-case” scenario. This award has provided me the funds to hire research assistants, purchase equipment, and conduct field research that would not have otherwise been possible. My project on the behavioural ecology of endangered little brown bats will contribute to our understanding of bat natural history as well as improved conservation strategies so that we can increase protections and support the recovery of this ecologically important species. Thanks to Research Manitoba for continuing to support high quality research and the positive changes that can come from it.” |
| Mahin Hasan, University of Manitoba PhD Pharmacogenomics of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor-Induced Behavioural Activation in Children and Adolescents (PGx-SImBA) “As an early-career researcher, receiving provincial recognition through this award is very special to me. I am honoured and greatly motivated to advance my PhD research and work towards my goal of becoming a scientist dedicated to improving mental health. The award provides valuable recognition and highlights the significance of my research, which focuses on genomics-informed, innovative medication therapy management for individuals struggling with mental health disorders. I believe that the outcome of my research will enable healthcare providers to make more informed treatment decisions and personalize antidepressant therapy for children and adolescents. I would like to thank my amazing supervisor and mentor, Dr. Abdullah Al Maruf, Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba College of Pharmacy. His constant guidance and unconditional support have made it possible for me to engage in such ground-breaking and impactful research for the first time in Manitoba.” |
| Manpreet Kaur, University of Manitoba Postdoctoral Utilizing Modified Protein Complexes from Manitoba Crops as Green Emulsifiers for Sustainable Emulsion Stabilization, Prevent Oxidation, and Extended Shelf Life “Recipient of the Postdoctoral Fellowship from Research Manitoba is a career-defining and project-changing distinction. My work focuses on using reconstituted protein complexes from Manitoba crops as new green emulsifiers. These new-generation biomolecules have the potential to stabilize emulsions more sustainably, reduce rates of oxidative deterioration, and enhance the shelf life of products, all for healthier food production in the environment and improved consumer health. This fellowship provides the resources and recognition needed to push this work to achieve greater velocity, precision, and scalability. Professionally, this award confirms my role as a research scientist committed to developing meaningful, lasting solutions for the agri-food sector. As a young scientist, I have worked throughout my career to move beyond the ordinary work and bring its value onto the global platform. Not only does this fellowship enhance my capacity for delivering world-class, outstanding research, but it also enables greater collaboration, greater sharing, and practical realization of my research. Ultimately, this support by Research Manitoba ensures that it is essential to link local agricultural potential with cutting-edge science innovation. It motivates me to contribute positively both to the provincial research community and the global dialogue on sustainability, food security, and next-generation protein science.” |
| Manpreet Kaur, University of Winnipeg Masters An Efficient and Robust KPGNN Framework for Predicting Material Properties in Support of the Green Economy “I am honoured to receive this award in support of my project. This recognition is both humbling and motivating. The award will enable me to further investigate graph-based deep learning strategies for material property prediction—an area crucial to accelerating Manitoba’s clean energy transition. With a focus on computational efficiency and scientific robustness, my proposed knock-off enhanced KP-GNN framework aims to guide the discovery of advanced materials for applications such as hydrogen production, battery technology, and organic photovoltaics. I am sincerely grateful to Research Manitoba for supporting this vision and empowering young researchers to contribute meaningfully to the province’s sustainable future.” |
| Mansoor Hayat, University of Manitoba Postdoctoral Computer Vision for Continuous Data Extraction and Digitization in Health Care “Thank you for the opportunity to share what this award means for my work and my career. This support will allow me to accelerate critical healthcare research, developing data-driven tools and methodologies that can enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline clinical workflows, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. I’m energized by the chance to translate innovative ideas into real-world impact and to collaborate across disciplines to drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery.” |
| Melina Jobbins, University of Manitoba Postdoctoral The Influence of Environments on the Evolutionary Origin of Teeth and Scales “I am excited to be awarded one of the Research Manitoba 2025 Postdoctoral Fellowships. Funding opportunities at this level are scarce and receiving this award allows me to stay on track and prepare further for securing a research position in the future. I look forward to using this year to learn about geochemistry and apply it in novel ways to my field of study. It also brings me joy to know that others are interested in my work and I am eager to see the significance of the findings expand to fields beyond paleontology.” |
| Nicolas Leclerc, University of Manitoba Masters Generating Polar Bear Stem Cells to Study Brain Development and Conservation “I am incredibly grateful to be awarded this Master’s Studentship. It is an honour to have my work recognized by the province, especially as my project is related to the health and future of the animals that reside here. This support will not only help me focus more fully on my research, but it also reinforces my commitment to continuing down this career path and contributing meaningful science here in Manitoba.” |
| Ramiza Nausheen Zaman, University of Manitoba Masters Influence of Post-Translational Modifications in Neutrophil Proteases in Rheumatoid Arthritis “Receiving the Research Manitoba Studentship is a meaningful honour and a pivotal moment in my academic journey. This recognition acknowledges my dedication and inspires me with confidence to pursue impactful research that can contribute to science and human health. The financial support allows me to dedicate more time and energy to my research, helping me generate more meaningful data and strengthen my scientific skills. But most importantly, it also reinforces my belief that the work I’m doing can make a real difference. This award opens the door to connect with a vibrant community of scientists and mentors, offering opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow. Ultimately, this stepping stone brings me closer to my goal of being a professor and training the next generation of scientists, and leading translational research. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I am inspired to make the most of it by pursuing innovative research, sharing my insights, and making a positive impact in Manitoba and beyond.” |
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Raya Turner, Brandon University
Ruppagawa Gedara Thilini Nuwandhara Dissanayake, University of Manitoba “Receiving this award is not just about financial support; it is a recognition of the quality and potential impact of the research we are conducting. As a student, I deeply appreciate the motivation this award provides; it encourages me to further dedicate myself to research work. At the same time, it gives me a sense of responsibility to give back to society through my research and future career, as I believe that is the best way to show appreciation for the support and recognition I am receiving through the Research Manitoba Award.”
Saeid Maghsoudi, University of Manitoba “Receiving this award from Research Manitoba holds deep personal and professional meaning for me. When I began my graduate studies at the University of Manitoba during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many research labs were shut down, and uncertainty loomed large. At that critical time, I was fortunate to receive my first Research Manitoba studentship. It was not just financial support—it was a source of motivation and reassurance that I was on the right path. Now, receiving this award for the third time is both humbling and affirming. It reflects the continued impact of my research and strengthens my commitment to advancing knowledge in my field. Research Manitoba has played a foundational role in supporting my academic journey, and I am truly grateful. This recognition not only fuels the momentum of my current project but also reinforces my dedication to a long-term career in research and scientific contribution.” |
| Xingying Zhang, University of Manitoba PhD Injectable and Adhesive Triboelectric Nanogenerator-based Cardiac Patch for Myocardial Infarction Repair and Spatiotemporal Monitoring “I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the Research Manitoba’s 2025 PhD Studentship Awards. This honour holds tremendous significance for my academic journey. First, this award provides essential financial support that allows me to dedicate myself fully to my research project. Second, being selected for this prestigious award has reinforced my confidence in my research. It affirms my work has potential impact and motivates me to persist in my long-term career goal of becoming a tenure-track faculty member.” |
| Yimeng Han, University of Manitoba Masters Harnessing Secondary Control to Sustain Pro-Environmental Behaviours: Mitigating Disappointment in Climate Change Action “Receiving this award is both an honour and a pivotal support for my academic journey. This award will allow me to fully dedicate my time and energy to advancing my thesis research on the psychology of climate change, particularly how people cope with hopelessness and sustain motivation for pro-environmental action. It also affirms the relevance of my work and motivates me to pursue a research career where I can contribute to evidence-based solutions for climate-related challenges. In the long term, this support strengthens my path toward doctoral studies and a future in climate psychology research.” |
| Youssef Ekladuce, University of Manitoba PhD Navigating a World in Motion: Exploring How Perception and Action Interact in Anticipating the Direction of Moving Objects “I am sincerely grateful to have received this award. This award will allow me to focus more fully on my research and maintain steady progress in my work. It is encouraging to receive this kind of recognition from Manitoba’s research community at this stage in my academic training. The award will support my development as a scientist by helping me strengthen the skills and experience needed to carry out thoughtful, rigorous research and contribute to our understanding of vision neuroscience.” |
| Zainab Husain, University of Manitoba Masters Sustainable and Novel Technologies for Protein Extraction from Sunflower Meal with Improved Performance and Protein Functionality “I am deeply honoured and grateful to be awarded this studentship. This support represents not only an investment in my academic journey, but also a recognition of the dedication and effort I have poured into my research. It also inspires me to continue advancing my research career with renewed motivation and commitment. This award will provide me with the resources to contribute to strengthening our food systems and developing sustainable protein sources for the future of Manitoba and across Canada. I am sincerely thankful for the support of my supervisor, Dr. Nandika Bandara, and to Research Manitoba for fostering young scientists in building a better future.” |