The full interview is available on CJOB.

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.

This year’s celebration honoured 10 exemplary individuals, including a Chancellor Emeritus and a Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Congratulations to all the 2025 honourees.

Chancellor Emeritus

Chancellor Dave Angus and President Michael Benarroch present Anne Mahon with certificate for Chancellor Emeritus.

Ms. Anne Mahon served with distinction as the University’s 14th Chancellor from 2019 to 2025, where she brought compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to community to her role. A bridge-builder and philanthropist, Ms. Mahon is known for connecting people and inspiring positive change. Her work at the intersection of storytelling, community-building, and education has amplified the voices of those marginalized and often unheard.

Ms. Mahon has dedicated herself to volunteerism and advocacy, including working closely with United Way Winnipeg, founding and facilitating the Bookmates Book Club at the Women’s Correctional Centre, and volunteering with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, Humankind International, and Palliative Manitoba. Her leadership and compassion have left an enduring mark on the University of Manitoba, thereby earning the title of Chancellor Emeritus.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Chancellor Dave Angus and President Michael Benarroch present Leslie Roos with certificate for Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

The University of Manitoba was honoured to confer upon Dr. Leslie Roos the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. An influential scholar and innovative leader in population health and health policy research, Dr. Roos joined the University of Manitoba in 1973. Over the course of his distinguished career in the Faculties of Administrative Studies (now the Asper School of Business) and Medicine, he helped establish the university as an international centre of excellence in health services research and data-informed policy.

As a founder of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Dr. Roos led the creation of its internationally respected population health database, enabling groundbreaking studies on the health and well-being of Manitobans. He has played a central role in training and inspiring a generation of researchers whose work continues to shape Canadian health systems and stands among the most influential contributors to health policy research globally.

Professor Emeriti:

• Dr. Harold Aukema
• Dr. Ying Chen
• Dr. Kevin Coombs
• Prof. Herbert Enns
• Dr. Elissavet Kardami
• Dr. Eberhard Renner
• Dr. Wayne Simpson
• Dr. Qiang Zhang

To learn more about the 2025 honourees, please visit the Emeritus/Emerita Titles webpage to read their individual citations.

Emeriti titles are one of several awards given annually by the university in celebrating and recognizing the success of colleagues and other distinguished individuals. Learn about the university awards nomination process.

To read the full article, please visit CTV News.

FOE’s work is guided by three core pillars: enhancing communication and networking within Manitoba’s engineering community to retain local talent; aligning academic learning with industry expectations to ensure students are job-ready; and enriching the student experience by assisting student-led design teams. This structure guides FOE’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between what students learn at school and what they’ll need to succeed in the real world.

At the forefront of these initiatives is the Board of Directors, a group of professionals from across Manitoba’s engineering and construction sectors. Together, they bring a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds and areas of expertise — reflecting the diversity of the engineering community they support. Leading the board in 2025 is Katie Moist, a Project Manager and Estimator at Bockstael Construction. Katie brings years of experience and a strong commitment to student engagement, having first founded Young Friends of Engineering (YFOE) in 2019. She emphasizes, “we need to ensure that we retain exceptional engineering talent in Manitoba so that we can continue to be leaders and develop our community to the best of our ability.” Under her leadership, the organization continues to increase its presence throughout Manitoba.

Working alongside Katie is Adam Kriegl, an EIT at Crosier Kilgour and the current Chair of YFOE. He leads Young Friends with a focus on enhancing student engagement and expanding opportunities for mentorship and connection. While FOE is made up of established professionals from across engineering fields, YFOE is a supporting branch made up of early-career engineers and recent graduates who are closer in experience to today’s students. This structure allows YFOE to offer relatable guidance and act as a bridge between students and the broader FOE network. As Adam puts it, “YFOE provides a stepping stone from student life to many titans of industry.” Adam, who once benefited from FOE-funded initiatives himself, was inspired to give back. Now in 2025, he continues to mentor aspiring engineers as they build confidence, form meaningful connections and prepare to launch their careers

With a shared vision, Katie, Adam, and the Board of Directors continue to guide FOE forward. The 2025 Board also includes Graham Fediuk from Price Industries Ltd. as Vice Chair, John Pacak from InnovoXL as Secretary/Treasurer, and Kiera Young from MacDon Industries Ltd. as Past Chair. A full list of Directors at Large can be found on the FOE website.

Having a group like FOE makes a real difference. By helping today’s students gain practical experience and a clearer understanding of the field before graduation, FOE helps ensure that the future of engineering in Manitoba is in capable hands. Being involved in FOE or YFOE is also just as rewarding for its members. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, it is a meaningful way to grow your network, strengthen your leadership skills and connect with emerging talent. Most of all, it is a chance to give back to the same community that helped shape your own journey.

“The URA provided me with the amazing opportunity to actually do engineering work and learn alongside the best,” says Hartry. “I was on the fence about whether I wanted to study electrical or mechanical engineering and this gave me the direction I needed… I now know I want to focus on mechanical engineering.”  

Hartry spent the summer working with researcher Dr. Phil Ferguson and the team at UM’s Space Technology and Advanced Researcher (STAR) Lab in the Price Faculty of Engineering on some very special projects that will have big impact for northern communities.  

Designing airships to provide connectivity in the North 

One of Hartry’s tasks was helping to design a unmanned helium airship capable of carrying communication equipment to help connect remote communities. This technology will replace the patchwork of telecommunications systems that currently underserve communities in the North.  

Creating the reaction wheel in the lab

Using computer-aided design, Hartry learned how to account for all the factors that would affect the loft, speed and the ability of the blimp to work in arctic conditions. Through trial and error, and many iterations of the design, Hartry learned how to improve and alter the blimp to make it fit design constraints.  

His mantra for the summer was ‘Learn New Things’, because every day was filled with so many new questions and challenges.  

“It was a steep learning curve, but everyone in the lab collaborates to solve the smallest design issues,” says Hartry. “I was able to learn through an iterative process of trial and error where failure meant I just had something to build on to make it work.”  

As part of another project, Hartry worked to design a new kind of reaction wheel for satellites. With this reaction wheel, magnetic liquid could be used to spin the satellite instead of using a larger, heavier motor to spin a solid disk. This mechanism could be used for small satellite projects, such as those run by universities.   

Black magnetic liquid rotating inside the reaction wheel designed by Aidan Hartry

The cage specifications included having enough copper wiring to run a strong electrical current and enough space for the reaction wheel. With one design leading to another, the cage design continues to get smaller with a stronger magnetic field. He plans to continue this work as a volunteer in Ferguson’s lab throughout the academic year.  

Whale blubber and the tracker tag

A particularly fun and intriguing challenge for Hartry was working on the Aerial Tagging System for Beluga Whales project. Learning alongside Ferguson and the team, his challenge was to determine what velocity a dart would need to tag a whale with a tracker.  

While researchers currently tag belugas from boats in the water, this is stressful for both the researchers and whales, who are spooked by the chaos of boat noise and human interaction.   

The team is designing a system where aerial drones can be used to locate whale pods and shoot a tracker dart with enough velocity to penetrate the whale’s thick skin without causing harm or simply bouncing off.  

“I never pictured myself learning about the ballistic properties of whale blubber, but we needed to determine the surface resistance in order to create a strong enough delivery mechanism from a drone to the whale,” says Hartry. “It was a really fun and unique problem and opened my eyes to how engineering is key to pretty much every human activity” 

About Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) 

The URAs are funded through the Office of Vice-President (Research & International) and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), along with support from faculties. These awards provide undergraduate students with access to exciting research opportunities. 

The application period for Summer 2026 starts in mid-January.  Find more information here. 

Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2024 Merit Awards.

Category: Social Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts

Combination:

• Sean Carleton, Department of History and Department of Indigenous Studies, Faculty of Arts
• Lucy Delgado, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Psychology, Faculty of Education
• Karin James, Department of German and Slavic Studies, Faculty of Arts
• Katherine Starzyk, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

Research, Scholarly Work and Creative Activities:

• Andrew Hatala, College of Community and Global Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Corey Mackenzie, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
• Dominique Rey, School of Art
• Ee-Seul Yoon, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Psychology, Faculty of Education

Service:

• Mark Hudson, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts
• Jamie Paris, Department of English, Theatre, Film, and Media, Faculty of Arts
• Michelle Porter, Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management

Teaching:

• Cameron Hauseman, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Psychology, Faculty of Education
• Alexandra Heberger, Department of German and Slavic Studies, Faculty of Arts
• Shannon Moore, Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Faculty of Education
• Wei Wang, Department of Business Administration, I.H. Asper School of Business

Category: Life Sciences, Natural Sciences and Engineering

Combination:

• Inoka Amarakoon, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural & Food Science
• Philip Ferguson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering
• David Herbert, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
• Ricardo Silva, Department of Earth Sciences, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Research, Scholarly Work and Creative Activities:

• Meghan Azad, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Xihui Liang, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Peter Pelka, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science
• Jill Stobart, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Service:

• Jessica Hartley, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Shakerah Jones Hall, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Sachin Katyal, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Teaching:

• Chyngyz Erkinbaev, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Sabine Kuss, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
• Vladan Protudjer, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Trisha Scribbans, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Category: Promoting Indigenous Achievement

• Réal Carrière, Department of Political Studies, Faculty of Arts

Gerullis said she hopes the extracurricular activity will be a catalyst for students to consider pursuing science, technology and engineering careers.

NASA gave students instructions on size constraints and what materials were allowed as part of its 2025 ZGI design challenge.

To read the entire article, please follow the link to The Free Press.

In partnership with the Free Press, UM offers free digital access to all students, faculty and staff.

This initiative helps support an informed and engaged campus community. Learn more.

This summer, engineering students from every department in the Price Faculty of Engineering put their skills to work in a variety of professional settings. Many were part of the faculty’s Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program (Co-op/IIP), while others found summer positions independently through networking, career fairs or direct applications. From aerospace facilities to construction sites, from energy systems to medical technology, these future engineers didn’t just shadow professionals, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Across Winnipeg and beyond, students tackled complex challenges, collaborated with industry experts and introduced new perspectives that shaped the work around them. What they gained wasn’t just practical experience — it was clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of where their careers can go.

Here’s how a group of standout engineering students took on the real world and proved they are ready for it.

Building Communities and Shaping Infrastructure

Two students found themselves in the field this summer, working directly on infrastructure and construction projects.

Keegan Sum, a third-year Civil Engineering student, joined Stantec, one of North America’s leading engineering and design firms, as a Water/Wastewater Intern. Working primarily in the field, he assisted with lot grading, drainage assessments and rod and level surveys on a variety of project sites across Manitoba. “This opportunity has allowed me to apply knowledge from the courses I’ve taken and build on those skills,” he said. “I have also learned a lot about water infrastructure that I haven’t been taught yet at UM, which will help accelerate my learning when the time comes later in my degree.”

Messe Geddert, entering her fifth year in Biosystems Engineering, spent the summer as a Project Supervisor with JR Cousin Consultants Ltd., a Manitoba-based engineering firm known for its work in municipal infrastructure and environmental projects. Based out of Winnipeg, she visited construction sites, documented work progress and conducted field inspections. “No days are exactly the same — it really depends on the site and what kind of work is happening,” she said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of projects that go from plans on paper to something real you can walk through. There’s a sense of pride that comes with seeing the progress and knowing you had a hand in it.”

Designing Systems and Exploring Aerospace

Samantha O’Shea, a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student, worked as a Junior Electrical Designer at Smith and Andersen, a nationally respected consulting engineering firm specializing in building systems. She reviewed floor plans, helped prepare drawing sets and contributed to lighting and power layouts for commercial, residential and community buildings. “Becoming familiar with AutoCAD and understanding the reasoning behind electrical design decisions has been extremely beneficial,” she said. “It’s given me more clarity on where I want to take my career and which areas I want to specialize in.”

Brandon Dreger, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, took on a summer role at StandardAero, a global leader in aircraft engine maintenance and aerospace solutions. There, he supported jet engine service engineers in their inspections and problem-solving. His work included automating tasks and developing software tools to streamline operations. “This experience has shown me how engineers often do not have a clear path to getting something done,” he said. “Instead, they find smaller solutions to the larger picture along the way, which is a side of engineering you don’t always see in textbooks.”

Programming Solutions and Powering Systems

Sydney Povey, a third-year Computer Engineering student, held a position as a Business Systems Analyst at Manitoba Hydro, the province’s largest and most influential energy utility. Her work combined programming, graphic design and communications to build data-driven tools for operational teams. From developing dynamic Power BI dashboards to optimizing physical office spaces using lean process improvement methods, Sydney explored how technology can drive efficiency in a large-scale organization. “I like to think of co-op positions like trial subscriptions,” she said. “They let you figure out what you like before you graduate and help you find the type of work and workplace you enjoy most.”

Olumide Ayeni, a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student, worked as a Simulation Intern at RTDS Technologies, a world leader in real-time power system simulation and testing. He developed and tested control systems in RSCAD, supported debugging efforts and modeled system controllers for the company’s simulation platform. “The co-op experience has been beneficial in connecting classroom and lab knowledge to real-life projects,” he said. “It has given me insight into industry expectations and has shown me how the skills I gain here are transferable to my academics and future career.”

Engineering in Medicine and Sport

Abigail Harris, a fifth-year Biosystems Engineering student with a biomedical specialization, spent the summer as a Research Assistant at the Pan Am Clinic Foundation, a leading institution in sports medicine research and innovation. She led experiments for a hockey puck impact study aimed at improving athlete safety, combining sensors, coding and data analysis to better understand injury risks in high-impact sports. “My confidence and research skills have improved through opportunities to assist in experiments, literature reviews and technical writing,” she said. “Industry experience allows you to connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications and learning is always a good idea.”

Advice for Future Students

When asked what they would say to students just starting out, the message was clear: stay open-minded, be proactive and embrace every opportunity as a chance to grow. For many of this year’s participants, success wasn’t just about landing the “perfect” placement, it was about showing up with curiosity and making the most of wherever they landed.

“Some of the best jobs come from simply being curious and starting a conversation,” said Messe. “Go to events, introduce yourself and follow up — you never know who might be looking for a student or who might remember your name later.” Her own summer placement started with a spontaneous chat at a mentorship event, proof that building connections can open unexpected doors.

Keegan agreed that mindset matters just as much as the job title. “Be open to any opportunities, especially for your first placement,” he said. “Longer work terms can give you more time to learn and build your skills and every experience helps you grow.”

Their advice reflects a shared truth among students: industry placements aren’t just about ticking boxes, it is about discovery. From building confidence and communication skills to finding the kind of work you enjoy, every placement offers something unique and valuable. Often, the lessons you did not expect are the ones that shape you the most.

To learn more about the Price Faculty of Engineering’s Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program or to explore how you can get involved and make use of their resources — visit the Co-op/IIP webpage or stop by their office on the third floor of the Stanley Pauley Engineering Building. 

CBC’s Up to Speed spoke with University of Manitoba professor, Philip Ferguson about what it’ll take to make it happen. 

To listen the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.