For the full interview, please visit The Globe and Mail.

The title is one of the University’s highest honours. Individuals are selected on their distinguished service to teaching, research, creative and scholarly works and service.

Each of the awardees contributed to the Faculty and UM throughout their accomplished research and academic careers. Their nominations read:

Harold Aukema, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences

A dedicated faculty member for 26 years, Dr. Harold Aukema has made transformative contributions to nutritional science, becoming a global leader in the study of diet and fatty acid metabolites, known as oxylipins.

His pioneering research has advanced understanding of dietary interventions for kidney health, directly shaping national and international dietary recommendations for polycystic kidney disease. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals of nutrition, lipid, and renal research. His widely cited review on oxylipins derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids is regarded as a foundational reference for researchers and graduate nutrition programs worldwide. His extensive collaborations, spanning Canada and abroad, have influenced research across a wide range of diseases.

An equally dedicated educator, Dr. Aukema has supervised over 35 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, health, government, and industry. He has served the Faculty of Human Ecology and the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in administrative leadership roles and has contributed to many university and national committees.

Dr. Aukema was also a founding member of CanU Canada, an initiative that has provided nutrition education to more than 2,000 youth while creating experiential learning opportunities for UM undergraduate students. For his achievements in research, teaching, and service, Dr. Aukema has received numerous awards from the Canadian Nutrition Society and the University of Manitoba.

Ying Chen, Biosystems Engineering

A dedicated educator, Dr. Chen developed and taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, while supervising 40 graduate students and mentoring numerous post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and summer students. Known for her dynamic, student-focused approach, she inspired excellence in her classroom and was honoured with the Faculty of Engineering Award for Excellence in Engineering Education. A strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, she also championed programs that encouraged and supported women in engineering.

Dr. Chen established the Machinery and Soil Dynamics Lab, pioneering research on soil-tillage interaction. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in agricultural machinery and soil dynamics, authoring 134 peer-reviewed scientific articles that are widely cited. Her extensive collaborations with industry advanced both theory and practice in biosystems engineering. Notably, she co-developed a machine for harvesting fiber crops generated worldwide interest.

Her leadership includes service as Graduate Chair and Associate Head in her department and as President of the Canadian Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CSABE). In recognition of her professional impact, she has been elected Fellow of the CSABE, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, and the Engineering Institute of Canada.

Qiang Zhang, Biosystems Engineering

A dedicated faculty member for 36 years, Dr. Qiang Zhang has advanced the field of biosystems engineering through his exceptional teaching, research, and leadership. In his storied career, he served the University of Manitoba as Professor, Department Head, Acting Associate Head, and Acting Associate Dean.

An innovative and adaptative educator, Dr. Zhang created nine new courses and taught 15 different courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. With a strong commitment to mentorship, he supervised 97 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and research associates, and supported many others through advisory roles. His teaching excellence was recognized with the Price Faculty of Engineering Graduating Class Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2022.

Dr. Zhang established three laboratory facilities and maintained a well-funded research program, securing more than $21 million in research funding as principal or co-investigator. Internationally renowned for his research in agricultural engineering, his recent work in smart vertical farming has had immense local impact, helping to increase food security in northern and Indigenous communities.

Highly regarded by his peers, he served as President of the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Bioengineering (CSABE) (formerly CSBE), was elected a CSABE Fellow, and received its greatest honour, the Maple Leaf Award, in recognition of his leadership and impact.

For the full article, please head to CTV News.

Each year up to three Certificates of Merit are presented to graduates of FAFS Degree programs, to graduates of the former Home Economics/Human Ecology Degree programs, and to graduates of the FAFS Diploma program.

Nominations are considered by the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Executive Committee and must be received no later than February 28, 2026.

Nominations should include a letter from the nominator describing the nominee’s leadership contributions and service to the community. Letters of support may also be included.

A list of previous recipients can be found at https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/certificate-merit.

Please submit nominations to:
Chair
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Executive Committee
256 Agriculture Building – 66 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
agdean@umanitoba.ca

Canada seems to have entered a new paradigm of energy consciousness.

While we want to become more energy independent and provide local markets for Canadian oil, gas and electricity, we are also well aware of the problems that arise from climate change. As we rethink our policies, we need to consider all options and look for solutions in “unconventional” places.

Much has been written about energy use for transportation, building heating and cooling, artificial intelligence, et cetera, but consider agriculture, an industry based on a renewable energy model.

To read the whole article, please visit the Western Producer.

Early results from a multi-year University of Manitoba study suggest it might be possible to shave nitrogen fertilizer rates by 10 per cent or more when paired with the right products.

To read the whole article, please visit Manitoba Co-operator.

An international team, including UM’s Dr.Harmeet Chawla from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, have recently succeeded in creating an oat pangenome that maps the plant’s entire genome, as published in Nature.

“Understanding this blueprint could have direct implications for breeding oats that are healthier and oat crops that remain high yielding, even in the face of climate change,” says Chawla.  

Mapping the oat pangenome

The study marks the first time the oat genome has been successfully mapped. This process is particularly complex because the plant has six sets of chromosomes, known as a hexaploid. The team used state-of-the-art gene sequencing technologies to examine the genomes from 33 oat plant lines from both wild and cultivated varieties.

“I led the genome assembly of two Western Canadian cultivars—AC Morgan and Leggett—that were key to this study,” says Chawla. “These varieties were strategically selected due to their genetic resistance to fungal diseases like rust and covered smut, along with their desirable milling qualities.” 

By incorporating these Manitoba-grown cultivars into the international pangenome analysis, the research ensures that genome-driven breeding can now directly target traits vital to Canadian farmers: disease resistance, stable yields and quality characteristics important to processors and consumers.

Encouraging prospects for agricultural genomic research

Although oats occupy a smaller market share than global staples like rice and wheat, their nutritional profile and role in diversified crop systems make them an important crop for sustainable food systems.

“This new approach to mapping plant genomes is a promising start that could also help decode other grains with complex genomes,” says Chawla.

Oats are widely produced in Manitoba. In 2024, provincial oat production increased 43%, with record setting yields. As producers continue to adapt to climate change, this research could play a key role in future oat production and helping keep Manitoba a leader in high-quality oat production.

While it seems plausible the Canadian Prairie winters would solve the insect problem, the cold is not as effective as one might think. Researchers at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Biosystems Engineering – led by Fuji Jian, associate professor at the university – have been looking into what temperatures are needed to keep insect populations under control, how quickly they reproduce and how these insects move and behave within stored grain.

To read the complete article, visit Top Crop Manager.

Established in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Manitoba, the Alumni of Influence Awards celebrate graduates who have made significant impacts in their fields.

“Our alumni have been influencers and change-makers in the various spheres within which they work and live,” says Dr. Danny Mann, Head of the Department of Biosystems Engineering. “These awards give us the opportunity to honour their achievements and inspire future generations of engineers.”

Recipients are selected by the Department’s Alumni Awards Committee, with separate categories for graduates prior to 1995 from the former Department of Agricultural Engineering and those after 1995 from the current Department of Biosystems Engineering.

Recipients for 2025

Undergraduate (pre-1995): Dennis Hodgkinson

Dennis graduated from the Agricultural Engineering program in 1976. Following a 12-year career in Manitoba’s public service as a waste management specialist and livestock building design specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Dennis successfully combined his engineering and entrepreneurial skills to found and operate DGH Engineering in 1989. The business grew from a one-man practice to an engineering firm with more than 70 employees. DGH Engineering provides engineering, design, and construction management to agricultural, industrial, institutional and commercial building projects. Specific to the agricultural engineering sector, DGH Engineering specializes in livestock barns, animal research facilities, meat harvesting & processing facilities, grain & feed milling, and crop handling, processing & storage facilities. Overall, Dennis worked for over 45 years in the agricultural and industrial building design sector until his retirement in January 2024.

Apart from his responsibilities with DGH Engineering, Dennis was active in the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CSABE). He served various roles on Council including President (2009) and Vice-President (Industry). He was a recipient of the Young Engineer of the Year Award in 1984, the John Turnbull Award in 1997 in recognition of outstanding contributions to the structural field of agricultural engineering and the Fellow Award in 2018. Dennis was awarded the title of “Fellow of Engineers Canada” in recognition of outstanding support to the Engineering Profession in 2011.

Undergraduate (1995-present): Michael Gregoire

Michael graduated from the Biosystems Co-op Program in 2002, having previously completed an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Architecture. After graduating from Biosystems Engineering, he worked in consulting engineering for FWS Construction and then with Crosier Kilgour and Partners. His area of practice during his consulting years was in structural and building envelope remediation for existing buildings.

In 2008, Michael moved into regulatory work at Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba. By 2014, he moved into a leadership role as the Director of Professional Standards. In that role, Michael was responsible for managing: legislation changes; standards (guidelines and practice notes); reporting of professional development activities by engineers; investigations of complaints made against engineers; and enforcement actions against persons illegally practicing engineering. In his time at Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Michael has overseen the following initiatives: i) Implementation of the ProDev Program, ii) Changes to The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act (2015 & 2022), iii) A project to re-write the entirety of the Association’s By-laws (2017-2019), iv) Re-structuring of the policies and resources for the disciplinary process; and v) Implementation of e-learning modules to proactively address standards issues.

In 2023, Michael was chosen by the Council of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba to take on the role of Interim CEO, Registrar and Secretary of the Association, eventually moving from the interim to a permanent position after a national search. Michael values his education in Biosystems Engineering and talks about his very positive experiences in the Department at public platforms. He is a great ambassador for Biosystems.

Graduate (1995-present): Jitendra Paliwal

Jitendra graduated from the MSc program in Biosystems Engineering in 1997 and again from the PhD program in Biosystems Engineering in 2002. He joined the Department of Biosystems Engineering as an Assistant Professor in 2002 where he founded the Imaging and Spectroscopy Laboratory to focus on non-invasive grain quality monitoring, leading the development of cutting-edge technologies for post-harvest processing of grains, pulses, and oilseeds. His work has led to the creation of cost-effective near-infrared (NIR) analyzers, advanced bin monitoring systems, and imaging techniques that detect spoilage precursors, significantly improving food safety and storage efficiency. His innovative adaptation of a cancer imaging modality to grain storage monitoring has achieved notable commercial success, underscoring his impact on industry and technology transfer in Manitoba.

Dr. Paliwal’s prolific research record includes over 175 peer-reviewed publications, three patents, six book chapters, and more than $12 million in competitive and contract research funding. He has mentored an impressive cadre of students and research staff, guiding 105 student theses and supervising 21 post-doctoral fellows and 7 research associates. Internationally, Dr. Paliwal holds honorary professorships at top institutions such as South China University of Technology and Amity University, and leads collaborations spanning North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. As a founding member of the International Society for Biological Shape Analysis, he bridges engineering with medicine and biological sciences.

Dr. Paliwal’s professional service includes extensive involvement with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM), where he served as President during its centennial year, and Engineers Canada, where he currently represents Manitoba. He is a Fellow of Engineers Canada and has received multiple accolades for technical excellence, service, and mentorship, including the CSBE John Clark Award and the University of Manitoba’s Merit Award for teaching, research, and service, and the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Outstanding Administrator Award.

Dr. Jitendra Paliwal is a globally recognized leader in engineering research and academic administration. With over two decades of distinguished service at the University of Manitoba and now at the University of Winnipeg, Dr. Paliwal has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing research and innovation in the fields of agricultural and biosystems engineering.