Participants will have just three minutes to present the significance of their thesis work to a non-specialist audience—an invaluable experience that builds confidence, clarity, and academic presence.

The deadline to apply is January 19, 2026.

Why Participate?

The 3MT® competition is more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to:

• Refine Communication Skills: Learn to articulate complex ideas in a clear and easy to understand manner
• Build Confidence: Gain experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Enhance Career Development: Develop essential skills for both academic and non-academic careers.
• Win Prizes: Compete for cash awards and the chance to represent the University of Manitoba at the Western Regional 3MT® Competition.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to all graduate students currently enrolled in thesis-based programs (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Manitoba.

How to Apply

Interested students can access the application form via the UM 3MT® website and submit their application by January 19th, 2026 by 4:00pm. Challengers accepted to compete will be notified in early February.

About the 3MT® Competition

Originating at the University of Queensland, Australia, the 3MT® competition has grown into a global event that challenges students to present their research concisely, using just one static slide and no props. The University of Manitoba has proudly participated in this initiative, showcasing the outstanding research conducted by its graduate students since 2013. “This is an opportunity for students to step into the research spotlight and expand the audience for their work across the UM and beyond”, says Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The event will once again be hosted by Colleen Bready, CTV News Weather Specialist, returning as emcee for the fifth year in a row. Her energy, professionalism, and long-standing support of the competition continue to elevate the experience for participants and audience members alike.

For More Information

Visit umanitoba.ca/3mt for details on eligibility, application requirements, and key dates. Previous years recordings of the events can also be found on the website.

Don’t miss this chance to share your passion for research and make your mark in the 2026 3MT® Competition!

This two-day event celebrates the outstanding research of UM’s postdoctoral fellows and graduate students through oral and poster presentations, spotlight talks, networking sessions, and exhibitor booths, fostering collaboration across disciplines.

“Our goal is to highlight the incredible talent and dedication of UM’s research community,” says Dr. Nazanin Vafaei, President of the UM-PDFA and Postdoctoral Fellow in Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. “This event strengthens visibility and creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth.”

The UM-PDFA—established in 2025 to represent all postdoctoral fellows—works closely with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and campus partners to enhance the research environment and amplify postdoctoral impact.

The organizing committee gratefully acknowledges Research Manitoba as Gold Sponsor; the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) as Silver Sponsors; and the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (College of Medicine), and Labs4 RRC Polytech as Bronze Sponsors.
Special thanks to the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research (RCFTR) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as valued Supporting Partners.

All members of the UM community are warmly invited to attend, visit poster sessions, and connect with presenters. Registration is open now for attendees and exhibitors.

Dates: October 23–24, 2025
Venue: Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), UMSU University Centre
Registration: https://www.umgps.org/12305-2/

As Brain Cancer Awareness Day approaches on October 24, Martell’s research is a timely reminder of the urgent need for safer, more effective therapies.

We asked Emma about her research, her inspiration to choose this line of research and her future plans.

Can you briefly describe your dissertation research in plain language for readers who may not be experts in your field?

My dissertation, “Identifying Targetable Metabolic Vulnerabilities for Treating Brain Cancers”, focused on finding new treatment strategies for two highly aggressive types of brain tumours, glioblastoma in adults and medulloblastoma in children. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation harm healthy cells along with tumour cells, causing severe side effects, especially in children. I studied how brain tumour cells rewire their energy production to fuel growth and survival, and then tested drugs that block these altered pathways. In medulloblastoma, I found that disrupting mitochondrial metabolism caused the cancer-driving protein MYC to break down, slowing tumour growth without affecting healthy brain cells. In glioblastoma, I discovered that cells surviving standard therapy undergo a metabolic “rewiring” that drives relapse, and that blocking this shift prevented tumour regrowth in preclinical models. This work shows that targeting tumour metabolism could lead to more precise, less toxic therapies.

What inspired you to focus on this particular research topic?

I have long been fascinated by how cancer cells hijack normal cellular processes to grow uncontrollably. Unlike infectious diseases, where foreign pathogens can be targeted, cancer arises from our own cells, making each case unique and difficult to treat. Brain cancers like glioblastoma and medulloblastoma are especially devastating, with poor outcomes and treatments that have hardly changed in decades. Most patients still receive toxic radiation and chemotherapy that cause lasting damage, especially in children. I wanted to contribute to research that moves beyond this “one-size-fits-all” approach toward therapies that target vulnerabilities unique to tumour cells, with the goal of improving both survival and quality of life.

What was the most challenging aspect of your research?

The biggest challenge was narrowing down my research focus in such a broad and complex field. When I began my PhD, there were countless potential directions, and it was tempting to chase every new lead. With invaluable support and guidance from my supervisor, Dr. Tanveer Sharif, I learned to define clear goals and focus on the most impactful questions. This shift from “doing more” to “doing what matters most” was critical for completing cohesive studies and publishing strong findings. This balance between exploration and focus was one of the most important lessons I carried forward from my PhD.

Did you encounter any unexpected discoveries or surprises along the way?

Yes, in fact, some of my most exciting findings came from unexpected results. For example, when I blocked mitochondrial metabolism in medulloblastoma cells, I expected the MYC gene itself to be turned off, but it wasn’t. Yet, the protein disappeared despite ongoing gene activity. This led me to uncover a new chemical modification of the MYC protein that tagged it for destruction, revealing a new way to target this cancer driver. In glioblastoma, I found that after standard therapy, tumour cells increased their mitochondrial activity but paradoxically shut down key mitochondrial enzymes. I discovered that they were using an alternative metabolic pathway, which in turn reshaped gene regulation. Following these surprising results instead of dismissing them opened up entirely new insights into how brain tumours adapt and survive, highlighting the importance of following the data even when results don’t match expectations.

Why is your research important, and how could it impact your field or society at large?

Although brain tumors account for only about 2% of all cancer cases, they are among the most difficult to treat and account for the fourth-highest number of years of life lost to cancer. Unlike many other cancers, where survival rates have steadily improved, deaths from brain cancers have remained relatively unchanged over the past two decades. My research focuses on targeting the distinct energy demands of brain tumour cells, with the goal of developing therapies that are both more effective and less toxic. This could ultimately improve survival while also preserving the quality of life for brain cancer patients. More broadly, my findings add to a growing body of evidence that exploiting the unique metabolic vulnerabilities of tumours represents a promising therapeutic strategy across the cancer spectrum.

What are your next steps—do you plan to continue this research, move into a related area, or apply it in an industry setting?

I am continuing my research in brain cancer with a Postdoctoral Fellowship grant from the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. In this next phase, I am expanding beyond tumour metabolism to study how brain cancer cells interact with the healthy cells around them in the tumour microenvironment. These interactions help tumours grow, spread, and resist therapy. By uncovering the communication signals that drive these behaviors, I aim to identify new strategies to block them and weaken the tumour. In the long term, I hope to help translate these discoveries into more effective treatments for patients.

Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies congratulated Dr. Martell on the honour of being selected for this award: “Her research exemplifies the impact of graduate research at the University of Manitoba—advancing knowledge while addressing pressing health challenges. Dr. Martell’s work increases our understanding of brain cancer and also offers hope for new approaches to treatment that could change lives.”

Dr. Edwards’ field research focused on measuring mercury emissions from volcanoes and geothermal vents in Iceland. To do this, he conducted field studies over four seasons using various sampling methods. Although volcanoes are known to be the largest natural source of mercury to surface environments, their role in the global mercury cycle has been not well understood by the scientific community.

Dr. Edwards’ work is a significant step forward in the study of volcanic mercury emissions, which have an important impact on ecosystems and human health. The literature review portion of his dissertation shows that many volcanoes that emit large volumes of magmatic gases have not been studied for mercury emissions. ”These are our ‘known unknowns’,” Edwards said. “Once we have some measurements of these potentially important mercury sources, it will make things a lot clearer in terms of the total mercury release from Earth’s volcanism.”

The results of Dr. Edwards’ fieldwork show that while geothermal activity in Iceland can release high levels of mercury into the local air and soil, its contributions to the global atmospheric mercury pool are very small. Studies of air, soil, and water across Iceland also suggest that the country overall has low mercury levels, likely because the volcanic activity there comes from a mantle source that contains little mercury.

The University of Manitoba and Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies congratulate Brock on his outstanding achievement and looks forward to the lasting impact of his research in environmental science.

Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, expressed her congratulations to Brock “On behalf of the entire Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, I am thrilled to congratulate Brock Edwards on receiving the 2025 Distinguished Dissertation Award. His research on mercury emissions from Icelandic volcanism has significant global implications. His work exemplifies the excellence in research that we strive to support here at the UM.”

About the Distinguished Dissertation Award

The University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Dissertation Award is given annually to a graduate student who has made significant contributions to their field of study through innovative research. The award recognizes dissertations that advance knowledge and scholarship in meaningful ways.

We asked Dr. Qi about what this award means to him, and to learn more about his research journey:

Can you briefly describe your dissertation research in plain language for readers who may not be experts in your field?
My dissertation explores how climate change affects financial markets and how we can use advanced data techniques, like machine learning, to better understand and predict corporate bond returns. I also study how banks and investors respond to climate risks and how companies’ disclosure of these risks affects financial decisions.

What inspired you to focus on this particular research topic?
I was inspired by the increasing urgency of climate change and its economic impact, as well as the rapid development of AI in recent years. I wanted to understand how climate risks translate into financial risks, how better information and transparency can help markets make smarter decisions, and whether—and how—advanced machine learning tools can improve the predictability of asset returns.

What was the most challenging aspect of your research?
One of the biggest challenges was working with complex international financial data and integrating climate risk measures in a meaningful way. Ensuring that the models accurately captured both financial and climate-related factors required careful work and extensive validation. Another challenge was learning to use the advanced and often complex machine learning models effectively.

Did you encounter any unexpected discoveries or surprises along the way?
Yes. For example, I found that in the U.S., borrowing costs for high-risk firms decrease when companies voluntarily disclose more climate risk information and following SEC climate risk disclosure guidance, whereas non-climate-specific ESG requirements in other countries have little impact. This underscores the importance of targeted climate risk disclosure for financial decision-making and risk management. In addition, the predictive performance of machine learning models declined significantly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a structural shift in the informativeness of traditional bond characteristics.

Why is your research important, and how could it impact your field or society at large?
My research helps us better understand the financial risks posed by climate change and provides valuable insights for investors, banks, and policymakers. By enhancing risk assessment and transparency, it can contribute to more resilient financial systems and support decision-making that accounts for both economic and environmental factors. Additionally, my work on machine learning sheds light on how advanced models can improve return predictability, with important implications for investment strategies.

“I am truly honoured to receive the Distinguished Dissertation Award in Social Sciences from the University of Manitoba. I am grateful to the university for its support during my PhD and especially to Dr. Lei Lu for his invaluable guidance. My research explores how climate change affects financial markets and how machine learning can improve our understanding of financial risk. In my current role at Western University, I continue to study climate risk disclosures and corporate finance to provide actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and financial institutions worldwide.”stated Dr. Qi, when announced as one of this year’s UMDD awards.

Dr. Qi’s advisor, Dr. Lei Lu from the Department of Accounting and Finance at the Asper School of Business said “I am truly delighted to see Dr. Zhen Qi receive the Distinguished Dissertation Award in Social Sciences. Zhen’s curiosity, dedication, and integrity have always impressed me, alongside his outstanding research. His work on climate finance not only advances academic scholarship but also provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and society as a whole. “

“This is an outstanding example of research that is at the forefront of finance with the additional layer of climate science which broadens the impact of this work.” said the Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “Congratulations to Dr. Qi on this well-earned recognition for his important and timely research.”

The management of postdoctoral fellows was transferred from the Office of the Vice-President Research and International to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in December 2022 and the faculty name change was approved by Senate in June 2025.

The change highlights the faculty’s commitment to recognizing the important role postdoctoral fellows play in UM’s research community. By including postdoctoral studies in its name, the faculty underscores its dedication to supporting scholars at every stage of advanced research and training.

“This new name better reflects the scope of the faculty’s work,” said Dr. Stephen Kirkland, Associate Dean and Postdoctoral Lead of FGPS, “Postdoctoral fellows are essential contributors to innovation and discovery, and this change ensures they are visible and valued as part of our academic community.”

The faculty oversees graduate education, supports research excellence, and now emphasizes its role in advancing opportunities for postdoctoral researchers.

Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of FGPS, stated “The change strengthens our commitment to fostering success at every stage of advanced study and research training. The new title ensures both graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are recognized as integral to the faculty’s mission.”

Dr. Xiao’s doctoral thesis, titled “Study on Piezoelectric Energy Generation under High Frequency Excitation,” presents the research development of a piezoelectric energy generator (PEG), also known as an energy harvester, that captures and converts high-frequency vibrations from vehicle brake rotors into electricity.

This research introduces an innovative approach to harnessing friction-induced vibrations (FIV), the natural byproduct of braking systems, by turning what is typically considered waste energy into a sustainable power source. This advancement has broad implications for the future of self-powered autonomous and intelligent sensor platforms. Potential applications include the real-time monitoring of industrial machines, vehicles and transportation systems, civil infrastructure, and even wearable electronics.

Inspired by the growing demand for wireless sensors and small electronics that can run for a long time without battery changes, he set out to explore alternative power sources. Since batteries wear out and can be costly to replace-especially in hard-to-reach places, he wanted to explore ways to harvest “free” energy that is already present in the environment, like vibrations from machines or vehicles. Dr. Xiao tested ways to improve energy generation by using new techniques like adding magnetic springs and using different vibration methods. These changes helped expand the range of speeds and frequencies at which the PEGs can operate, making them more useful in real-world conditions.

An unexpected discovery was finding that friction-induced vibrations—something usually seen as a problem in mechanical systems—could actually produce very strong and useful energy outputs. By designing the system to take advantage of this effect, better results than expected were achieved.

This award-winning research helps move closer to a future where wasted energy can be captured from everyday actions, like when braking while driving a car for example, to power smart systems that reduce our need for frequent battery replacement, making devices more sustainable and reducing maintenance costs. It could be especially useful for sensors in vehicles, factories, and remote monitoring systems, where replacing batteries is difficult or expensive. Dr. Xiao provided “ I plan to continue to develop and improve energy harvesters, exploring new designs that can work in even more challenging environments, and working with industry partners to bring this technology into real-world applications, such as smart transportation systems and self-powered monitoring devices.”

Fittingly, on National Energy Efficiency Day, October 2, this achievement underscores the role of innovative research in building a more sustainable future.

The UM Distinguished Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding doctoral research that contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge in applied sciences. Dr. Xiao’s innovative, interdisciplinary work exemplifies this mission and positions the University of Manitoba at the forefront of smart energy system development.

Awarded First Place was Dr. Michael Saley, a postdoctoral fellow in Chemistry, whose work creates new tools and techniques to uncover how cells communicate with one another—conversations that shape health and disease in ways often hidden from view.

Second Place in the competition was awarded to Dr. Olabisi (Bisi) Akinlabi, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Her presentation highlighted research examining how vaginal bacterial load and microbiota influence the clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the progression of cervical cancer in Kenyan women. By advancing understanding of the microbiome’s role in HPV persistence and clearance, her work offers potential insights into improved strategies for preventing cervical cancer and related health outcomes.

Third Place in the went to Dr. Asim Joshi, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Dr. Joshi’s research focuses on understanding why lung tumors often develop resistance to treatment and how this resistance can be overcome. By developing laboratory models and studying the underlying mechanisms, his work aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.

The People’s Choice Award went to Dr. Mariela Rodríguez, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Human Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Rodríguez’s research is advancing green technologies for extracting and improving plant proteins—particularly from pulses. Her work focuses on enhancing digestibility, taste, and functionality, with the goal of creating sustainable, high-value food ingredients that can strengthen Manitoba’s agri-food sector.

This competition shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of our postdoctoral fellows,” said Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “Their research is advancing knowledge in ways that will have a direct impact on our communities. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the vital role they play in shaping the future”.

This year’s challengers included:

• Dr. Asim Joshi – Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dr. Mariela Rodriguez – Human Nutritional Sciences
• Dr. Masoomeh Gomroki – Food Science
• Dr. Michael Saley – Chemistry
• Dr. Monire Nobahar Ahari – Occupational Therapy
• Dr. Olabisi Akinlabi – Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Dr. Ruchira Nandasiri– Human Nutritional Sciences
• Dr. Taalia Khan – Art and Architectural History

The competition highlighted the important contributions of 8 postdoctoral researchers across varied disciplines, showing how their work is creating real-world impact in Manitoba and beyond.

He completed his undergraduate degree in biological science from the University of Manitoba before entering the PharmD program. 

Kavosh is the president of the UM chapter of the Network for Collaborative Oncology Development & Advancement (NCODA) — an international pharmacist-led organization that focuses on cancer care and treatment. 

This summer, Kavosh took part in the undergraduate summer research program at associate professor Dr. Sherif Eltonsy’s lab, where he explored inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments during pregnancy and ways to improve pharmacist support for patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

We sat down with Kavosh to learn more about his journey at the College of Pharmacy and his research. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in health care, and what drew you specifically to pharmacy? 

I’ve always had a fascination with health studies, learning about physiology and human anatomy. I like how pharmacy has a heavy emphasis on treatment and how pharmacists can impact the outcome of someone’s health.  

Pursuing pharmacy also offers versatility. Pharmacists can work in diverse settings: hospitals, communities through local pharmacies, primary care and industry — which includes research and development. 

There’s been a shift from when pharmacists were primarily focused on dispensing and assessing medications to now interacting, treating and diagnosing patients. 

Pharmacists are the first point of contact for many Manitobans. We have a big primary care issue, and a lot of people here are struggling to see health-care providers. Having a pharmacist who’s more accessible helps ease those challenges. 

Can you tell us all about your research exploring IBD medications during pregnancy? 

Kavosh working in Eltonsy’s lab at UM’s Apotex Centre.

The research focuses on determining the safety of vedolizumab and ustekinumab — two antibody treatment medications for IBD — during pregnancy. People with IBD may stop treatment during pregnancy due to uncertainty around medication safety. 

The problem with stopping medication is that it increases the risk of flares and other complications. IBD is an autoimmune condition, and inflammation can increase risk for both mother and baby. Discontinuing treatment may not be the best option if there’s no real risk.  

We hope this study will provide additional insight into the safety of these medications.

Can you tell us more about your project on how community pharmacists can better serve those with UTIs? 

I’ve taken on this second project independently, with supervision from Dr. Eltonsy. I designed the study to examine how pharmacists treat uncomplicated cystitis — a common bladder infection — and explore opportunities to support patients with more complex UTIs.  

During my rotation at a local pharmacy, I found the restrictions limiting in how much I could help patients with UTIs. There’s a lot more that could be done if the restrictions weren’t so tight. Criteria such as being male, under 16, or having recurring infections must be referred to a physician, even when an appropriate assessment and potential treatment could be provided more readily. 

My goal is to assess whether policy changes could improve access to care. The project is currently under review and will move on to data collection if approved.

Who has mentored you in your research and what impact have they had on you? 

I work alongside Dr. Eltonsy, PhD and master’s students in our lab. All of them inspire me. They guide me in areas I’m still learning, and their support inspires me to mentor others.

How is the PharmD program helping shape you into the pharmacist you’d like to be? 

It’s a comprehensive program — a lot of schooling goes into becoming a pharmacist. Students complete extensive chemistry courses before entering, and once you’re in, we’re exposed to so much pharmacological and clinical knowledge.  

For someone like me — who’s interested in chemistry, is passionate about helping patients get better, and enjoys both treatment and research — pursuing the PharmD program is a very rewarding path. 
 

The PhD students at UM are among the 166 scholars in the 2025 cohort. They conduct world-leading research in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, receiving $150,000 each, over three years, to continue their research.

“We are incredibly proud of our four Vanier scholars, who represent the best of research leadership in Canada,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International). “UM is pleased to provide the research infrastructure and mentorship to help these promising graduate students to achieve their goals and work to solve the world’s most pressing problems.”

UM’s 2025 Vanier Scholars   

Md. Abdul Aziz, photo credit Mahin Hasan

Md. Abdul Aziz is a PhD student in the College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Trends in antidepressant use for mental health disorders in Manitoba

Aziz’s research aims to understand real-world patterns of antidepressant use over a long time period. Millions of people take antidepressants to help them with mood and anxiety disorders, but many discontinue their medications early. Aziz is using Manitoba population health data to determine what factors force someone to discontinue their medications. He is also examining how often specific antidepressants are used, especially when a person’s genes might influence how they respond to these medications. 

“This is a dream come true and fills me with immense gratitude,” says Aziz. “It is an honour to be recognized for my research and provides me with invaluable freedom to devote my time to bridging the gap between health-care professionals and patients to optimize drug therapies.”

His work is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. 

Barret Monchka

Barret Monchka is a PhD student in the College of Community and Global Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Improving data linkage techniques to enhance research reliability, efficiency and privacy protection

Monchka’s research will enhance the accuracy of patient-oriented research by improving how researchers link data from diverse sources, such as health, education and income. Weaving together these siloed data sets allows researchers to improve their understanding of the non-medical factors that impact health outcomes. His work will strengthen the foundations of public health research and will lay the groundwork for developing future AI models to be more equitable.

“Receiving this highly competitive award is an incredible honour,” says Monchka. “It allows me to continue advancing research at the intersection of population health, computer science and statistics and showcases the importance of using quality data to improve health outcomes.”

His work is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Chamali Kodikara

Chamali Kodikara is a PhD student in the Faulty of Agriculture and Food Science in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences.

Enhancing wheat safety through new strategies for better detection and management of Ergot contamination

Kodikara’s research focuses on protecting the quality and sustainability of Canada’s world-renowned wheat by detecting and reducing naturally occurring toxins called ergot alkaloids. These compounds are produced by fungi and can pose human health risks if they enter the food supply. Her work uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and cold-plasma processing as innovative tools to improve grain safety.

“The Vanier Scholarship affirms the value of my work and the role I can play in advancing food safety, sustainability, and public well-being. This support allows me to expand knowledge, build partnerships, and be a force for positive change that benefits people in Canada and around the world.”

Her work is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

Deanne Nixie Miao

Deanne Nixie Miao is a PhD student in the department of biochemistry and medical genetics in the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Understanding the genetics of hearing loss caused by cisplatin

Miao’s research focuses on cisplatin, a widely used cancer drug that can cause hearing loss in up to 80 per cent of patients. It especially affects children, who are at a three-fold higher risk of developing cisplatin-induced hearing loss compared to adults. Despite its prevalence, there is a knowledge gap regarding how genes, pathways and specific ear cells are affected by cisplatin. Miao will use cutting-edge single-cell technologies to identify specific genes, pathways and ear cells to help predict and prevent hearing loss.

“Receiving the Vanier Scholarship reinforces that my work and my voice belong in research,” says Miao. “As a Filipino-Canadian PhD student, I don’t often see people in my field who look like me. This honour gives me the confidence to grow as an independent researcher and inspires me to contribute to solutions that can improve the lives of people affected by drug toxicities.”

Her work is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Vanier Scholars are chosen for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts.   

“While this is the last year of the Vanier competition, UM’s Vanier scholars continue to be recognized for their groundbreaking research and academic excellence. This funding allows them to continue their journey to transform our world through their research, leadership and desire to make a difference,” says Dr. Kelley Main, Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “Congratulations to all of them on this outstanding achievement.” 

A total of 59 UM graduate students have been named Vanier Scholars over the past 17 years.