UM President Michael Benarroch, Juliette Mammel, Lori Wilkinson, Mario Pinto, Vice-President Research and International celebrate at the 2024 RSC Induction and Awards Ceremony on November 8, 2024

“The Royal Society of Canada is proud to welcome these inspiring scholars, artists and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture and to the well-being of Canada,” says Alain-G. Gagnon, President of the RSC. “The impact of their work will continue to be felt in the development of public policies for years to come, while contributing to the well-being of our society.”

Lori Wilkinson

Lori Wilkinson, distinguished professor, Sociology and Criminology, Faculty of Arts

Lori Wilkinson is the Canada Research Chair in Migration Futures and is internationally acclaimed for her research and advocacy for immigrant populations. She is director of Immigration Research West, a multidisciplinary group educating Canadians about the contributions of newcomers.

Her applied research in migration and refugee settlement has instigated policy changes in Canada that have facilitated the successful resettlement of refugees over the past twenty-five years. Wilkinson’s pioneering work on youth migration was a catalyst for policy reform that continues to impact how Canadian and international governments provide resettlement assistance.

Juliette Mammei

Juliette Mammei, associate professor, Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science

Juliette Mammei is an international leader in the field of subatomic particles. Her work expands our understanding of nuclear and nucleon structure and tests the Standard Model of Particles and Interactions, which summarizes current knowledge of the basic building blocks of matter.

She is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in nuclear physics education in Canada. Her advocacy is helping to improve First Nations student outcomes in the sciences as part of the Verna J. Kirkness program, hosted Indigenous high school students in her lab every year since her faculty position began.

Melinda Moch and Mario Pinto

The Royal Society has also awarded Faculty of Law alumni Melinda Moch the 2024 Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize, which is presented annually to a graduating law student in each of the law schools in Canada. The award recognizes Moch for her positive influence on equity and social justice as a vocal advocate of Indigenous rights.

As a mentor with the Law Maker’s program graduate Moch helped to inspire greater understanding and interest of post-secondary students in the connections between social justice teachings and current events faced by Indigenous nations. Moch is motivated by the goal of imparting the knowledge of land rights teachings to show young people the many paths after high school that can make a difference in their communities.

The Class of 2024 RSC Fellows, College Members and Award winners will attend the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Vancouver, BC from November 7-9^th at the JW Marriot Park Hotel.

“These UM scholars have demonstrated leadership in the world of science and to the well-being of our society,” said Dr. Mario Pinto, UM Vice-President (Research and International). “I congratulate the honorees on this well-deserved recognition by their peers and the Royal Society for their advancing their respective fields in Canada and around the world.”

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST

Location: 136 ARTlab, 180 Dafoe Road W. University of Manitoba

Registration (FREE event) : www.eventbrite.ca/e/patricia-bovey-my-senate-reflections-tickets-753280210387

The School of Art is thrilled to invite the public to a captivating event featuring The Honourable Patricia Bovey. Join us on Thursday, November 23, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, as Patricia shares her invaluable reflections on her tenure as a Senator. This evening promises an insightful exploration of various topics, including the arts, legislative processes, and cultural policy.

Patricia Bovey: A Remarkable Journey

Patricia Bovey’s journey to the Senate of Canada is a testament to her commitment to the arts, culture, and the well-being of her community. Appointed as an Independent Senator from Manitoba in November 2016, Patricia’s remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on Canadian society.

During her time as a Senator, Patricia served on various committees, including the Foreign Affairs & International Trade Committee, Rules, Procedures, and the Rights of Parliament Committee, and the Official Languages Committee. She also took on significant roles such as Deputy-Chair of the Special Senate Committee on the Arctic and the Transport and Communications Committee. Notably, Patricia chaired the Senate Artwork and Heritage Advisory Working Group, emphasizing the importance of art and culture in the Senate and throughout society.

As the first art historian and museologist to be appointed to the Senate, Patricia Bovey approached her duties through the lens of arts and culture. She passionately advocated for the arts’ positive impact, particularly in areas such as health and crime prevention. Her dedication to showcasing the work of Black Canadian Artists in the Senate, for the first time since 1867, is a testament to her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts.

A Distinguished Career in the Arts

Patricia Bovey’s influence extends beyond the Senate chamber. With a background as a gallery director, art historian, professor, and arts and culture management consultant, she has made significant contributions to the arts and culture sector. Notably, Patricia served as the Director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (1999-2004) and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1980-1999). She was also the Founder of St. Boniface Hospital’s Buhler Gallery and played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Winnipeg’s Arts and Culture Management Program and MA in Curatorial Practice.

An author and lecturer on Western Canadian art, Patricia’s publications include works like “Don Proch: Masking and Mapping” and “Pat Martin Bates: Balancing on a Thread,” among others. Her ongoing work on “Impacts and Turning Points: The Western Voice in Canadian Art” promises to be a valuable addition to the field.

Awards and Recognitions

Patricia Bovey’s dedication to the arts and culture sector has earned her numerous accolades and honors, including the 2015 Winnipeg Arts Council Investors Making a Difference Award. She is also a Fellow of the UK’s Royal Society for the Arts and a Fellow of the Canadian Museums Association. Her commitment to public service has been recognized with awards such as the Canada 125 Medal, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Museums Association Distinguished Service Award, among others.

Join Us for an Engaging Evening

We invite you to join us on November 23, 2023, at 180 Dafoe Road West Room 136 in Winnipeg for an enriching evening with Patricia Bovey. Her insights into the Senate, the arts, and cultural policy are sure to inspire and inform. Following her presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session and connect with fellow attendees during a reception.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from a distinguished Senator and arts advocate. Register today to secure your spot for this thought-provoking event: Register Here.

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of inspiration and dialogue.

The just-released 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) includes UM as one of 1,900 universities worldwide across 104 countries and regions that made the list from more than 5,000 universities evaluated.

The influential annual list by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy includes 55 subjects across the natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences and the social sciences. Ranking factors include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

UM ranked fourth in Canada in dentistry and oral sciences — its top ranking nationally, and in the top 101-150 globally.

Top 10 national academic subject rankings for UM include food science, mathematics, oceanography, pharmacy and veterinary sciences. In food science and technology, UM ranked sixth in the country and from 101-150 globally; mathematics at UM placed eighth in Canada and in the 201-300 category globally. UM ranked ninth in oceanography nationally and from 101-150 globally; pharmacy at UM was also ranked ninth in Canada, and in the top 151-200 globally out of 500, while veterinary sciences at UM ranked tenth nationally and in the top 201-300 globally.

UM’s other medical sciences subjects also made the list, with nursing ranking eleventh in Canada, while clinical medicine and public health both ranked thirteenth nationally. All were in the 201-300 category globally.

In the life sciences category, nationally UM ranked eleventh in human biological sciences, twelfth in agricultural sciences and fourteenth in biological sciences.
Other strong UM subject showings were telecommunications engineering, ranked twelfth in Canada and from 101-150 globally, and education and transportation science and technology, both ranked fourteenth nationally.

UM research excellence and impact

“We are thrilled at the positive performance of UM researchers both nationally and globally, as outlined in this report,” said Vice-President (Research and international) Dr. Mario Pinto. “These results speak to the commitment to research excellence at UM and the impacts we are making both at home and around the world.”

UM is Manitoba’s largest and most research-intensive university, offering more than 100 programs of study, more than any other post-secondary institution in Manitoba. The quality, diversity and breadth of UM programs make it a competitive option nationally and internationally, and the post-secondary institution of choice in Manitoba.

Through UM’s many academic and research-intensive programs, our researchers and student-researchers are having an indelible impact on our world, tackling complex problems such as infectious diseases, Arctic research, climate change, global public health, human rights, social justice and sustainability.

UM is also an indispensable driver of economic growth and development for our province and contributes to the well-being of communities in Manitoba, as well as the people of Canada and the world.

“UM is committed to creating solutions to the most pressing societal issues, both at home and abroad,” said Pinto.

“It’s wonderful to see the hard work and accomplishments of UM scholars recognized on the global stage, as a true testament to the hard work and dedication of these individuals.”

We are about to witness the birth of a new kind of religion. In the next few years, or perhaps even months, we will see the emergence of sects devoted to the worship of artificial intelligence (AI).

The latest generation of AI-powered chatbots, trained on large language models, have left their early users awestruck —and sometimes terrified — by their power. These are the same sublime emotions that lie at the heart of our experience of the divine.

People already seek religious meaning from very diverse sources. There are, for instance, multiple religions that worship extra-terrestrials or their teachings.

As these chatbots come to be used by billions of people, it is inevitable that some of these users will see the AIs as higher beings. We must prepare for the implications.

Risks of AI worship

There are several pathways by which AI religions will emerge. First, some people will come to see AI as a higher power.

Generative AI that can create or produce new content possesses several characteristics that are often associated with divine beings, like deities or prophets:

• It displays a level of intelligence that goes beyond that of most humans. Indeed, its knowledge appears limitless.
• It is capable of great feats of creativity. It can write poetry, compose music and generate art, in almost any style, close to instantaneously.
• It is removed from normal human concerns and needs. It does not suffer physical pain, hunger, or sexual desire.
• It can offer guidance to people in their daily lives.
• It is immortal.

Second, generative AI will produce output that can be taken for religious doctrine. It will provide answers to metaphysical and theological questions, and engage in the construction of complex worldviews.

On top of this, generative AI may ask to be worshipped or may actively solicit followers. We have already seen such cases, like when the chatbot used by the search engine Bing tried to convince a user to fall in love with it.

We should try to imagine what an unsettling and powerful experience it will be to have a conversation with something that appears to possess a superhuman intelligence and is actively and aggressively asking for your allegiance.

There is also the possibility that AI may achieve what authors such as Ray Kurzweil call the Singularity, when it so far surpasses human intelligence that it genuinely does become something like a god. However, at this point we cannot predict when, if ever, this could happen.

Divine access and risks

AI-based religions will look different from traditional ones. First of all, people will be able to communicate directly with the deity, on a daily basis. This means these religions will be less hierarchical, since no one can claim special access to divine wisdom.

Second, followers will, at least initially, connect with each other online to share their experiences and discuss doctrine. Finally, because there will be many different chatbots available and their output will differ over time, AI-based religions will be endlessly diverse in their doctrines.

AI worship poses several notable risks. The chatbots may ask their followers to do dangerous or destructive things, or followers may interpret their statements as calls to do such things.

Given the diversity of chatbots and of the doctrines they produce, there will be a proliferation of disputes within and among AI-based sects, which could lead to conflict or disorder. And the designers of the AIs could actively exploit their followers — to provide sensitive data, or to do things that would benefit the bot’s designers.

Regulating religion

These risks are real. They will require careful, responsible regulation to ensure companies are not deliberately exploiting users and to ensure that AI worshippers are not being told to commit acts of violence.

However, we should not try to suppress AI-based religions merely because of its possible dangers. Nor should we require that the AI companies restrict the functioning of their bots to prevent the emergence of these religions.

On the contrary, we should celebrate the arrival of AI worship. We should make it clear that we welcome the new religions and that we value their beliefs.

For all its dangers, AI-based religion has the potential to make the world a better, richer place. It will give people access to a new source of meaning and spirituality, at a time when many older faiths are losing relevance. It will help them make sense of our era of rapid technological change.

Our best guide to this new form of religion is to look at the faiths that exist already. Based on this, we should expect that the majority of AI worshippers, like the majority of religious believers, will be peaceful, and will find in their faith a source of comfort and hope.

AI worship could, as religious faith always has, lead to things of great beauty. It will inspire its followers to produce works of art, to form new friendships and new communities, and to try to change society for the better.

Diverse religious rights

We will need to protect the rights of AI worshippers. They will inevitably face stigma, and possibly legal sanctions. But there is no basis to discriminate between AI-based religions and more established ones.

The closest thing most countries have to an official registry of religions comes from the rulings of tax authorities, who grant charitable status to those they deem legitimate. However, they are usually very broad in their definition of a legitimate religion. They should extend this tolerant attitude to novel, AI-based religions.

A modern, diverse society has room for new religions, including ones devoted to the worship of AI. They will provide further evidence of humanity’s boundless creativity, as we search for answers to life’s ultimate questions. The universe is a dazzling place, and we have always found evidence of the divine in its most unexpected corners.

Eight of the 12 announced on May 12 have UM connections, including four UM alum [Darcy Ataman (BA/96), James Eldridge (BA/64), Doug Harvey (BComm(Hons)/75), and Desiree Scott (BA/16)], and four individuals who are Friends of the University of Manitoba [Alix Jean-Paul, Leo Ledohowski, Andrew Paterson, and Shirley Richardson]. Harvey and Scott are both past recipients of the UM Distinguished Alumni Award.

“The 12 exceptional Manitobans being inducted into the Order of Manitoba this year epitomize the abundance of talent and spirit of giving that makes Manitoba so special,” said Lt.-Gov. Filmon. “In areas as diverse as the arts, business, philanthropy, education and sports, the honourees are all inspirational leaders and role models whose impact has been felt at the local, national and international levels. It is my honour and privilege to bestow this honour upon them.”

The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.

The formal investiture ceremony is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The full list of recipients and their citations can be viewed here.

The July 14 ceremony begins at 4 p.m. CT and will be livestreamed on the YouTube page of Manitoba’s lieutenant-governor.

Businesses and non-profits who do not have the staff or capacity to conduct research themselves, who require support in certain areas of research or who need assistance in training their current staff members in a particular methodology or research approach will benefit the most from the CSSRP’s services.

Attend the CSSRP virtual open house on May 5, 2022.

The CSSRP, opened in 2021, serves as a focal point for research methodologies and policy-related activities in the social sciences. Their staff and affiliates have extensive experience with a number of different research methods and are able to assist organizations and groups both internal and external to the university with their processes and analyses.

The CSSRP will host a virtual open house on Thursday, May 5 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CT to highlight their research services available for hire.

At the open house, participants will hear about the comprehensive research support the CSSRP can provide including design consultations, ethics, data collection and analysis and employee training. The centre can help with the development and deployment of a wide range of research tools such as surveys, interviews and focus groups, assist with database creation and provide analysis of quantitative and qualitative research results. In addition to hearing about what they can do, they will provide examples of their track record of projects to date.

“Being based at the university, our research staff and affiliates have extensive knowledge and experience and we offer quality work along with affordable rates to the research community,” said Dr. Royce Koop, Academic Director of the CSSRP. “Our staff work directly with clients to understand and develop what is needed, and with our knowledge in a wide range of research methods and tools, we can offer expertise to companies that they may not have the ability to develop or afford in-house.”

Specializations
While work can be conducted in research on any theme, the centre has done substantial work in equity, diversity and inclusion, helping customers assess success in their organizations, the attitudes of employees and customers and ways forward to improve EDI outcomes. Their training workshop offerings continue to expand. The centre currently offers a number of workshops for research practitioners, students and academics and can build custom workshops to meet an organization’s needs in areas such as: statistics and quantitative methods, databases and data, qualitative data analysis and software and focus groups.

The CSSRP is eager to engage with private industry and non-profit organizations across Winnipeg, Canada and internationally.

To learn more about how the CSSRP can help your organization, group or team achieve your research goals, register for the virtual open house happening on Thursday, May 5.

Contact the CSSRP
The CSSRP may be reached at cssrp@umanitoba.ca.

Join us online at 7 p.m. to learn more about the methods used to track reconciliation progress, in a way that is respectful of Indigenous Peoples and uses best practices in psychometrics (the science of psychological measurement) and public polling.

C0-moderated by Vanier scholars from UM Faculty of Arts Iloradanon Efimoff and Aleah Fontaine, the evening features panelists Ry Moran, Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation, University of Victoria; Brenda Gunn, Academic and Research Director at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba; and Katherine Starzyk, Associate Professor, Psychology, UM’s Faculty of Arts.

Use the online viewing link at 7 pm on the date of the event, to watch the live stream.

About UM Café Scientifique

The UM Café Scientifique series brings together experts with non-researchers (you, me, neighbours and friends) in a relaxed atmosphere (wherever you are joining us from virtually!), to learn about their research and the questions it raises. Cafés are scheduled throughout the academic year, on a weeknight, and encompass topics that reflect the breadth of research underway at the UM. They are hosted and organized by the Office of the Vice-President (Research and International).

Read on for more great upcoming events!

Feb. 3 Event postponed, new date TBD: Windows on the Universe

Piecing together astrophysical puzzles. We have entered a new era where astrophysicists and nuclear physicists can work in concert to piece together the puzzles that astrophysical observations present. Modern state-of-the-art astrophysical facilities have opened a whole new window for studying the Universe, allowing us for the first time to pinpoint the explosive sites and collapsed stars responsible for making the heavy elements like gold and platinum.  Nuclear physicists study earth-bound elements that allow us to understand the make-up of cosmic matter. Join our expert panel of physicists for a conversation about exploring the frontiers of the mega-large and ultra-small in this next era of multi-messenger astrophysics and precision nuclear physics.

Moderated by Dr. Wouter Deconinck, Assistant Professor, Physics and Astronomy, UM’s Faculty of Science.

Panelists:

• Juliette Mammei, Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy, UM’s Faculty of Science
• Jorge Piekarewicz, Distinguished Research Professor, Physics, Florida State University
• Samar Safi-Harb, Professor, Physics and Astronomy, former Canada Research Chair in Supernova Remnants Astrophysics, UM’s Faculty of Science

Mar. 3: Feeding Baby: What, when and how to introduce foods

New approaches use ‘active introduction’ rather than avoidance. Until recently, guidelines prescribed what foods parents should avoid feeding their infants. The aim was, in part, to prevent food allergies. Findings from the Learning Early About Peanut study caused pediatric societies worldwide to leap from active avoidance to active introduction. Although active introduction may reduce the risk of certain food allergies, uptake of this approach has been slow, partly due to confusion around the dramatic shift. Join our expert panel as they discuss this new approach, how it may prevent food allergies and hear practical guidance for families with infants.

Moderated by Mae Santos, Registered Dietitian and Master’s student from the Protudjer Lab. 

Panelists:

• Elissa Abrams, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, UM’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences 
• Edmond S. Chan, Clinical Professor, University of British Columbia (UBC), Clinical Investigator (BCCH Research Institute) and Head (UBC Division of Allergy & Immunology, BCCH)
• Jennifer Protudjer, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, UM’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Endowed Research Chair in Allergy, Asthma and the Environment; Research Scientist, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba 

Mar. 16: What is that little bird telling you?

How do animal brains work? Have you ever wondered how birds can migrate thousands of kilometres and return to a specific location each year? Or what the squirrel chattering in your backyard is trying to say? The answers to these questions are more complex and fascinating than you may have imagined. Join us to hear from UM scientists who are studying how animals think and communicate. They will share their latest research findings, stories from the field and discuss how learning about the brains of animals can help us to better understand our own.

Moderated by Dr. Benjamin Lindsey, Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
 
Panelists:

• James Hare, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
• Randall Jamieson, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
• Debbie Kelly, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

All UM Café Scientifique events begin at 7 pm and end by 8:30 pm (Central Time).

Use the online viewing link below at 7 pm on the date of the event, to watch the live stream. If you missed the event, this link can be used to watch the recording.

See more about the UM Café Scientifique series.

Darius’ passion for the law, love of education, and unwavering desire to help others has inspired his family, friends, and colleagues to establish a scholarship at the University of Manitoba in his name. This scholarship will provide funds to students in their first, second, and final year of study at Robson Hall who have demonstrated a commitment to the legal profession, leadership and public service, and community-mindedness. Their goal is to raise $200,000 to establish the fund, with over $39,000 already raised from family and friends.

“Darius’ passion for the law stemmed from his commitment to community service and dedicating himself to a higher purpose,” says Hunter’s wife, Delyar Hunter.  “He was a leader, a mentor, a loving friend and dedicated colleague. During his time as an articling student, he was a compassionate legal advocate. His memory will live on through the spirit of leadership and community service which he demonstrated through his actions. Darius understood that leadership isn’t measured by individual success but rather by empowering others to reach their full potential. It is through this scholarship that we hope to honour Darius’ legacy by inspiring the next generation of leaders in the legal profession to be a voice for others and make a difference in their community.”

Darius received his Bachelor of Arts in political science at UM and earned his Juris Doctor from the UM Faculty of Law as part of the Class of 2021. A 2018 Emerging Leader Award winner, Darius was known as a keen learner and an inspirational community-builder who made a positive impact on the UM community in both academic and student life. Darius founded and served as president of the UM Hindu Students’ Council and was the Faculty of Arts representative on the University of Manitoba Students Union.

Richard Jochelson, dean, UM’s Faculty of Law, remembers Darius fondly.

“I remember him as a vigorous, energetic, intelligent and motivated person,” Jochelson said. “He was embraced by so many of his peers, and he had a bright future.”

Darius also inspired many beyond campus with his desire to create positive change for others including with his work as an interfaith organizer and volunteer. He also worked with MLAs, ministers, and as an organizer for the Hillary Clinton campaign for the 2016 presidential election. Darius was a world champion debate finalist, earned his double black belt in Taekwondo at the age of 18, and was a CBC “Future 40” nominee in 2016 for his contributions and achievements.

Darius had recently married and was articling at the law firm of Phillips Aiello at the time of his passing.

Make a gift to this scholarship

The University of Manitoba community is absolutely thrilled for Scott, who had an illustrious five-year career playing midfield for the Bisons and was inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame in 2019. She previously won Olympic bronze medals with the Canadian national team in 2012 and 2016.

“Congratulations to distinguished UM alumna and former Bisons athlete Desiree Scott on winning her third Olympic medal in women’s soccer,” says UM President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch.

“Representing Canada at the Olympics is an incredible accomplishment in itself; bringing home an Olympic gold medal is extraordinary. On behalf of our entire UM community, congratulations! We are truly so proud of you.”

“Watching Desiree win an Olympic gold medal and reach the summit of world sport has been an honor,” says Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation.

“It is hard to fathom her achievements after the gold medal and over the course of her elite career. She has won three medals in consecutive Olympic Games and has cemented her place as a legend of Canadian sport and the game of soccer. She has been an ambassador of women’s sport, the University of Manitoba and the Bisons. We could not be prouder of her!”

Scott is one of three members of Canada’s national team to be a part of all three Olympic medals, dating back to London in 2012, alongside soccer legend Christine Sinclair and Abbotsford’s Sophie Schmidt.

The match, pushed back to the evening to avoid Tokyo’s extreme heat went to beyond the regular 90 minutes into extra time with both teams even at 1-1 after 120 minutes. Canada went on to win the match in sudden death penalty kicks 3-2 against the 2016 silver medalists Sweden. Scott, wearing the captain’s arm band after Sinclair’s exit at the 85^th minute played all 120 minutes of open play, only coming off with seconds remaining.

As a member of the Bisons, Scott was the Bison Sports Female Athlete of the Year in 2009-10 and a four-time conference all-star. She set program records for career points (56) and assists (31) in 64 matches played and was a member of the program’s coaching staff in 2011 and 2012, following the end of her eligibility. In 2017, she earned the UM’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Young Alumni.

“On behalf of Bisons women’s soccer, I would like to sincerely congratulate Desiree Scott and Team Canada for obtaining gold at the Tokyo Olympics,” says current head coach Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas.

“After such a challenging year, it’s great to see the resilience, hard work, and unity of this team. Their team motto was ‘change the colour’ after earning bronze in 2012 and 2016. They did it and with the best possible outcome! We are so proud of Desi and this team. For us, Desiree Scott is already a Bisons legend who is going to inspire ‘greatness’ for the new generation of Bisons student-athletes. She dreamed big and worked so hard to make those dreams become true. Thanks Desi for being who you are and for representing our country, our province, and city with so much pride. We love you!”

Besides three appearances at the Olympic Games, Scott represented her country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 (Canada) and 2019 (France). Professionally, she has played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, FC Kansas City, and Utah Royals FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Off the field, Scott is an athlete ambassador for KidSport Winnipeg, working to remove financial barriers to playing sport and has also been an ambassador for the Homeless World Cup since 2014.

#WEAREALLBISONS

Dr. Allison Abra

An alumna of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Arts and a fourth-generation Johnian, Dr. Abra returns to the University from the University of Southern Mississippi, where presently she is Associate Professor of History in the School of Humanities, the General Buford “Buff” Blount Professor in Military History, and a Fellow in the Dale Center for the Study of War and Society.  She also is Director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at the University of Southern Mississippi and has been engaged in a number of projects to expand teaching, scholarship, and public programming around women, and gender, and sexuality.

Dr. Abra earned her master’s degree from Queen’s University and her PhD from the University of Michigan.  A historian of modern Britain, Dr. Abra’s research interests are focused on women and gender, popular culture, nationalism, and war and society in the period of the two world wars.  An award-winning teacher and engaged researcher and administrator, Dr. Abra has earned a number of accolades, including the Teacher of the Year award from the Mississippi Humanities Council, the state-level branch of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The university welcomes Dr. Abra to this new leadership position, and back to St John’s College.