To listen to the podcast and read about the story, please visit CBC’s As It Happens.

This research demonstrates that these apex predators are a crucial link between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. By hunting seals on the sea ice and abandoning the remains, polar bears transfer a substantial amount of energy from the ocean to the ice surface, making it accessible to other animals. The study identifies at least 11 vertebrate species known to benefit from this carrion, including Arctic foxes and ravens, with an additional eight potential scavenger species.

“Our findings quantify for the first time, the sheer scale of polar bears as a food provider to other species and the interconnectedness of their ecosystem,” says Holly Gamblin, lead author of the study and PhD Candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Science. “What is apparent from this review is that there is no other species that adequately replaces how a polar bear hunts, in which they drag their prey from the water to the sea ice and leave substantial remains for other species to access.”

Past research has emphasized that continued warming in the Arctic and the resulting loss of sea ice directly endanger polar bear populations. However, this new research highlights that a decline in polar bears would not only impact the species itself but the loss of the carrion they provide could have significant consequences for the entire Arctic ecosystem.

“Our research highlights the important role of polar bears as carrion providers,” says Dr. Nicholas Pilfold, Scientist in Population Sustainability at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “The sea ice acts as a platform for many species to access scavenging resources provided by polar bears, and ultimately, declines in sea ice will reduce access to this energy source. Our findings indicate that documented declines in polar bear abundance in two subpopulations have already resulted in the loss of more than 300 tonnes of food resources for scavengers annually.”

These findings highlight the interdependence of arctic wildlife species and their shared vulnerabilities in the face of rapid environmental change. With polar bear populations continuing to decline, this research underscores the urgency of conservation efforts to protect them, not only for their own sake but for the species that rely on them.

Link to study: https://www.authorea.com/users/793787/articles/1290812-predators-and-scavengers-polar-bears-as-marine-carrion-providers?commit=8312ffd1b368d798b4758110ab2c469160173010

DOI: 10.22541/au.174585452.23211757/v1

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible. 

About University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba (UM) is recognized as Western Canada’s first university. It is part of the U15, ranking among Canada’s top research-intensive universities and provides exceptional undergraduate and graduate liberal arts, science and professional programs of study. UM campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution. For more information, please visit umanitoba.ca.

“I’m actually very pleased with that decision … First and foremost, the proposed method of euthanasia (was) neither humane nor efficient,” said James Hare, a University of Manitoba professor emeritus in biological sciences.

Hare said the sulfur gas poisoning would cause a painful death.

“If you place these gas bombs in a burrowing system… you are going to have individual (animals) that are going to be exposed, in many cases, minimally to that gas, so they will suffer but not die. You will also have individuals who are exposed to even a moderate concentration… who will suffer an incredibly painful and slow death, sometimes taking over an hour,” he said.

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.

Hosted by Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies,  the 2025 Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Reception marked the faculty’s first in-person awards reception celebration since the fall of 2019, as an opportunity to come together and recognize the outstanding achievements of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, President of the University of Manitoba, presented the Faculty of Graduate Studies Outstanding Support Staff Award, recognizing excellence in administrative service to graduate students. This year’s recipient, Susan Ducharme, Graduate Programs Coordinator in Peace and Conflict Studies, was celebrated for her dedication, responsiveness, and unwavering support of both students and faculty.

The ceremony also included greetings from Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), who presented the Outstanding Administrator Award to Dr. Melanie Janzen, Professor in the Faculty of Education. Dr. Janzen was applauded for her exemplary leadership and commitment to graduate student success.

Highlighting the value of mentorship in graduate education, the Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Awards were presented across three academic categories.

• In Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Robert Hoppa, Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Anthropology, was recognized for his sustained mentorship and dedication to scholarly growth, presented by Dr. Dawn Sutherland, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• In Natural and Applied Sciences, Dr. Gail Davoren, Professor of Biological Sciences, received the honour for her commitment to fostering critical thinking and research excellence, presented by Dr. Steve Kirkland, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In Health Sciences, the award was presented to Dr. Judith Scanlan, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, whose mentorship has left a lasting impact on her students’ academic and professional development, presented by Dr. Greg Smith, Vice Provost, Academic Planning and Programs.

The spotlight then turned to emerging research leaders with the presentation of the Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow Awards presented by Dean, Dr. Kelley Main.

• In Health Sciences, Dr. Kathleen Kenny of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences was acknowledged for her innovative research and mentorship of junior researchers.
• In Natural Sciences and Engineering, Dr. Ruth Rivkin from the Department of Biological Sciences was honoured for her significant contributions, though she was unable to attend in person.

A poignant moment of the afternoon came as Dr. Steve Kirkland presented the newly established James House Memorial Awards for Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring, named in memory of Dr. James (Jim) House, a respected scholar and mentor who passed away in 2024.

• The award in Health Sciences was presented to Dr. Keith Fowke, Professor of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, for his dedication to fostering postdoctoral development.
• The award in Natural and Applied Sciences was awarded to Dr. Miyoung Suh, Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. Accepting the award on her behalf was Kristin Hildahl-Shawn, Associate Department Head.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Dr. Kelley Main, who commended all recipients for their dedication and contributions to the university’s academic community. “This celebration reflects the deep commitment our faculty, staff, researchers, postdoctoral fellows and students have to supporting and advancing graduate education,” said Dr. Main. “Today, we honour their passion, mentorship, and the remarkable impact they have on shaping the future through scholarship and research.”

The 2025 Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Reception was not just about handing out awards — it was a chance to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of everyone recognized. It was a meaningful reminder of the University of Manitoba’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the strong sense of community that supports it all.

To see the awards recipients recognized at this year’s event, please visit 2025-awards-reception.pdf.

Oobleck pool!

Science Rendezvous is hosted by the UM Faculty of Science along with our campus and community partners. But the stars of the show are the more than 400 fantastic volunteers who make the event possible. We cannot wait to welcome you back for an exciting day filled with engaging science shows and booths. This is Winnipeg’s biggest and most remarkable science outreach event of the year!

Giant bubble trap!

Ready to get your hands dirty? Trap a person inside a giant bubble made of soap, water and glycerin. Run fast over our popular oobleck pool and don’t stop, or you will sink (up to your ankles)! Use plastic spoons to catch and release various critters from Oak Hammock Marsh.

Need a less messy activity? Visit us at the “Atomic Curiosities” booth to learn about radioactivity. Explore the “Math Mania” booth for brain-boosting math puzzles and games no matter how old you are. Or join us for a calm space to look at jaw-dropping rocks and fossils!

Look at the sun through the telescope!

This year’s theme is Wonder! We invite you to fuel your curiosity and look through our telescopes to view the sun. Learn more about polar bears at the “Polar Bears on Thin Ice” booth. Challenge yourself to code and move a pre-built robot arm. Or use small solar panels to light up little lights and sound buzzers!

Chemistry show!

With more than 50 science booths, our volunteers are excited to show kids the magic of science. But they are also secretly hoping to see the spark of curiosity and delight on adults’ faces, too. Whether you are bringing kids or coming on your own, we have something for you, and we are excited to see you there!

This event is FREE to attend, and no sign-ups are necessary except for science shows. To learn more, visit our website.

Undergraduate Student Sustainability Award

Sahand Babaie, Undergraduate Sustainability Award Winner

The Undergraduate Sustainability Award recognizes an undergraduate student who has led an initiative or project to advance sustainability. This initiative or project can be part of course work or take place outside of the learning environment.

Award Recipient: Sahand Babaie, Faculty of Science B.Sc. (General)

Sahand Babaie has been an active volunteer on sustainability projects across campus, including as president of the Science Student’s Association, where he led the work of digitalizing services to help decrease paper waste and shifting away from plastic cutlery to sustainable options. Babaie’s additional volunteer experience includes as a sustainability ambassador with the Office of Sustainability, recycling wood furniture with the Sustainability in Action Facility (SiAF), as social media coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) HUB, and as a student representative on the Sustainable Building Manitoba Board.

Recently, Babaie has been a participant in the SDG youth certificate classes put on by the Canadian Sustainable Development Solution Network and will be receiving his certification this spring.

Graduate Student Sustainability Award

Heather Eckton, Graduate Sustainability Award Winner

The Graduate Sustainability Award recognizes a graduate student who has led an initiative or project to advance sustainability. This initiative or project can be a part of course work or take place outside of the learning environment.

Award Recipient: Heather Eckton, Faculty of Education, PhD program

Heather Eckton is a SSHRC Doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Education, the Climate Action Team Leader with Seven Oaks School Division, and the founder and program coordinator of the Sustainable Living Academy Manitoba in the Seven Oaks School Division. She is also a member of the Expert Advisory Council on the Environment and Climate Change and is a founding member of the Educators for Climate Action Manitoba.

Eckton’s doctoral research focusses on excellence in climate change education and transformational learning. She proposes to build capacity among MB school teachers towards climate change education.

Student Group Sustainability Award

The Student Group Sustainability Award recognizes a group of students who have led an initiative or project to advance sustainability at UM. This group also has made and will continue to make a lasting positive impact on the environmental, economic and social well-being of students at the University of Manitoba.

Prairie iGEM, Student Group Sustainability Award Winner

Award Recipient: Prairie iGEM

Prairie iGEM is a multidisciplinary student group targeting UN sustainable development goals through science and technology. Over two consecutive years, Prairie iGEM dedicated the team’s efforts to solve the polylactic acid (PLA) plastic pollution problem in Manitoba, by developing an engineered plastic eating bacteria that could improve PLA composting under challenging conditions.

The team researched waste management approaches used both within the university and across our province and created educational materials and programs for university members and visiting school students. Through these initiatives and in cooperation with different faculties and organizations, Prairie iGEM has contributed to the development of new strategies to manage waste in Manitoba.

Faculty Sustainability Award

The Faculty Sustainability Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional and continuous integration of sustainability into their teaching, research and engagement activities. This individual creates engaging opportunities for students through experiential learning, course design, innovative research and assignment creation. This person also shows a keen interest in campus related activities and sustainability as a whole.

Award Recipient: Dr. Joe Curnow, Educational Administration, Foundations & Psychology, Faculty of Education

Dr. Joe Curnow, Faculty Sustainability Award Winner

Dr. Joe Curnow has a track record of impactful research, community education, and international sustainability leadership. Curnow’s research explores how environmental activists learn through participation in social movements. Through participatory action research with fossil fuel divestment activists, her study examined a climate campaign with the potential to reveal both how mainstream environmental spaces become default spaces of Whiteness, masculinity, and settler-coloniality, as well as how these groups can become politicized, resisting social relations of dominance and centering reconciliation in their approach to climate justice.

Curnow’s research on sustainability learning has garnered prestigious awards. Curnow’s recent community-based education initiatives support sustainability organizing in Winnipeg. As part of the UM Social Justice Hub launch, she facilitated a Direct Action Organizing intensive workshop with cycling activists from UM and across Winnipeg. She has mentored community leaders as they develop practices to scale up their advocacy for sustainable transport infrastructure and safety policies.

For more than twenty years, Curnow has been active in sustainability and environmental activism.

Staff Sustainability Award

Debbie Armstrong, Staff Sustainability Award Winner

The Staff Sustainability Award recognizes an individual staff member’s efforts to educate, advocate and advance sustainability within their department and/or unit. This person shows a keen interest in campus-related activities and sustainability as a whole. Sustainability may or may not be defined in this person’s job responsibilities.

Award Recipient: Debbie Armstrong, Centre for Earth Observation Science, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Debbie Armstrong goes above and beyond to make UM a more sustainable place through her initiatives, teaching and research. Armstrong was instrumental in applying for and receiving a Strategic Initiative Fund to install a first of its kind solar panel system at the Sea-Ice Research Facility. She advances sustainability through cutting-edge environmental research in the ultra-clean trace elements laboratory, where she monitors pollutants and climate change indicators. And as an instructor, Armstrong is sure to include teaching on climate change and sustainability aspects in her courses.

Collaborative Sustainability Award

Period Poverty and Equity on Campus and Beyond, Collaborative Sustainability Award Winner

The Collaborative Sustainability Award recognizes a unique collaborative effort between students, faculty, staff and community members to integrate sustainability into a project or initiative. This unique category puts emphasis on interdepartmental interactions at UM in efforts to find solutions to sustainability-related challenges.

Award Recipient: Period Poverty and Equity, on Campus and Beyond

The Period Poverty and Equity, on Campus and Beyond (PPECB) project is a collaborative project based at the Center for Human Rights Research (CHRR). The PPECB project utilizes a menstrual justice lens to bring together faculty, staff, students and organizations to address period poverty (the increased economic vulnerability resulting from the financial burden posed by the need for menstrual supplies) and promote a broader vision of menstrual justice.

The PPECB was initially funded by a University of Manitoba Strategic Initiatives Award. This one-year project was anchored by an interdisciplinary and inter-faculty research team consisting of CHRR manager Dr. Pauline Tennent, Dr. Adele Perry (Arts), Dr. Julia Smith (Arts), and Dr. Lindsay Larios (Social Work), and supported by Heather Stark of the Office of Sustainability. The PPECB employed two graduate students, Chloe Vickar (Master of Human Rights) and Mikayla Hunter (Master of Community Health Sciences) and three undergraduate students: Bethel Alemaio (Arts), Hannah Belec (Arts), and Victoria Romero (Arts). The PPECB project has engaged approximately 80 volunteers, many of them students and a smaller number of staff and faculty.

Interested in nominating an individual or group for the Sustainability Awards? Keep an eye out for next year’s call for nominations in early 2026.

Kevin Campbell, a professor at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Biological Sciences, says while the pups look very much like dire wolves, it’s hard to know how similar they are physiologically.

“They edited 20 different mutations… which affected 14 genes. And to put this in perspective, a wolf probably has 22- or 23,000 different genes,” he said. “Right now what we have is a 99.999 per cent grey wolf, with .001 per cent dire wolf.”

To read the entire article, please follow the link to CBC News.

Meet the challengers who will take the stage on April 1 at the Robert B. Schultz Theatre:

Anne Manson
Human Nutritional Sciences, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Harold Aukema

Thesis Title: Using oxylipins to inform dietary omega-3 fat intake and heart drug development

Anne is a passionate researcher exploring the role of oxylipins in optimizing omega-3 intake for health and aiding in heart medication development. Fascinated by these powerful molecules that regulate numerous body functions, she investigates how diet, sex, and drugs influence oxylipin production—insights that can shape nutrition guidelines and therapeutic advancements. Holding a Bachelor of Science from the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, and a 2021 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient, Anne will expand her research into epidemiology and human health during postdoctoral training. Her long-term goal is to become an independent researcher, leveraging oxylipin data to assess disease risk, inform treatments, and improve health outcomes.

Megan Crooks
Psychology, M.A.
Advisor: Dr. Renee El-Gabalawy

Thesis Title: Preventing invisible pain with the power of virtual reality

Megan is passionate about bridging psychological research and clinical practice. In the final year of her master’s degree in clinical psychology at the University of Manitoba, she has been able to do just that by working with real patients who try out the virtual reality treatment developed by her lab. Her ultimate goal is to become a clinical psychologist, using evidence-based interventions approved by her patients to improve mental health care.

Sanjana Grover
Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Ph.D
Advisor: Dr. Benjamen Lindsey

Thesis Title: Cracking the code of human brain repair using zebrafish as a model

Sanjana is a neuroscience researcher and a second year PhD student studying unique stem cells in the zebrafish brain that generate new neurons and enable brain repair, a process mammals cannot naturally achieve. Fascinated by the brain’s limited ability to regenerate, she uses zebrafish as a model to uncover insights into why brain repair fails in mammals. Sanjana holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Research from the University of Bristol, UK and has earned multiple research awards, including the Research Manitoba Master’s Studentship (2024). Actively involved in science outreach, she led a zebrafish workshop for MNN Brain Awareness Week 2024 & 2025 and currently serves as the Vice-President Internal for the HSGSA. She was also invited by the Canadian Association of Neuroscience (CAN) to represent as a neuroadvocate at the Parliament Hill, where she advocated for increased research funding. Sanjana plans to continue her research through postdoctoral studies.

Lam Nguyen
Education, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Martha Koch

Thesis Title: Graph theory for children – an inclusive approach to developing mathematical identity in the classroom

Lam is a mathematics educator and school administrator exploring how school math experiences shape mathematical identities and how introducing advanced topics early can impact student perceptions. Their research examines the widespread negative attitudes toward mathematics and self-identified negative math identities, such as “I am not a math person.” With a Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the University of Manitoba, he is passionate about improving math education and fostering confidence in learners. With a strong background in teaching and administration, his future goals are to work with prospective teachers and graduate students, helping future educators transform the way math is taught and perceived in schools.

Andy Van Domelen
Biochemistry and Medical genetics, m.sc.
Advisor: Dr. Britt Drögemöller

Thesis Title: The colour of risk: using genetics to predict hearing loss and dementia

Andy is using genetics to improve healthcare for aging populations. As a researcher analyzing genetic data from thousands of older Canadians, he develops predictive models for hearing loss and dementia, enabling early intervention. With a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Andy is driven by a deep curiosity about the genetic connections between diseases and their impact on aging. His goal is to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and clinical applications, ensuring that research translates into real-world benefits. He looks forward to collaborating with clinicians, policymakers, and the community, and aims to contribute to innovative, genetics-based solutions for age-related conditions in Canada.

Hayley Smith
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, M.Sc.
Advisor: Dr. Renée Douville

Thesis Title: It all started with a mouse….model to study neurodegeneration

Hayley is a Master’s student researching how DNA damage caused by a viral protein may contribute to ALS, and exploring antiviral therapies as a potential treatment. With a B.Sc. in Genetics from UM, her passion for neurodegenerative disease research stems from a personal family connection. After discovering the fascinating world of endogenous retroviruses, she joined Dr. Renee Douville’s lab and is enjoying the topics she studies. She is open to various career paths in health sciences, including considering medicine or furthering her current research with a PhD. Grateful for her lab and mentorship, she is focused on making meaningful contributions to neurodegenerative disease research while taking her career in science one step at a time.

Mia-May Grabovac
Biological Sciences, M.Sc.
Advisors: Dr. Patricia Ramey-Balci and Dr. Andrea Niemi

Thesis Title: Larval invertebrates in a changing Arctic ecosystem

Mia- May is a Master’s student researching seafloor invertebrate larvae and the impacts of Arctic climate change on their communities. Her interest in Arctic ecosystems began during an 8-month co-op at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, where she studied zooplankton abundance and later led zooplankton sampling in the Western Canadian Arctic (2023-2024). With a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences (Evolution & Biodiversity) from the University of Manitoba, she focusses on meroplankton, an understudied group with key ecological roles. As a Biological Sciences Graduate Students Association representative, Mia-May is dedicated to Arctic conservation and will continue studying invertebrates, their environmental interactions, and the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems.

Taylor Orchard
Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Jason Peeler

Thesis Title: Musculosketal education – the more a doctor knows, the better they treat

Taylor is a medical education researcher focused on enhancing musculoskeletal medicine training for Canadian doctors. With a passion for anatomy education and healthcare, she found the perfect fit in medical education research within the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences. Holding a B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba, she has earned prestigious awards, including the Canada Graduate Studentship – Masters (2023) and the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – PhD (2024). Actively engaged in academia, she serves as Vice-President of the Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences Student Council and a student representative for the Max Rady College of Medicine Council. Her goal is to secure an academic appointment in postsecondary and continue to advance clinical learning and knowledge retention among healthcare providers in Canada.

Rachele Molyneaux
Physiology and Pathophysiology, M.Sc.
Advisor: Dr Jeremy Chopek

Thesis Title: The Spinal Symphony: How V3 Neurons Help Orchestrate the Rhythm of Movement

Rachele is a researcher studying spinal V3 neurons using patch-clamp electrophysiology to understand their role in locomotion and spinal cord injury recovery. With a B.Sc. in Exercise Science from the University of Winnipeg, she combines her knowledge of movement and physiology through both research and hands-on experience. As a personal trainer, she focuses on functional fitness for older adults and aims to expand their practice by deepening their understanding of human physiology and spinal cord injuries. Rachele has worked as a sports director for immigrant and refugee girls, studying the relationship between early exposure to sports and increased self-confidence and overall wellbeing later in life. Her goal is to create a more inclusive, movement-focused approach to fitness and rehabilitation.

Adewunmi Giwa
Food Science, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Rotimi Aluko

Thesis Title: Stripping cancer’s armor: how pea bioactive peptides trigger cancer self-destruction

Adewunmi is a passionate food scientist and Ph.D. student investigating how pea-derived bioactive peptides inhibit Glutathione Peroxidase IV (GPX4), triggering ferroptosis in cancer cells. Her interest in plant-based functional foods and nutraceuticals stems from a blend of scientific curiosity and personal experiences, including her mother’s use of herbal remedies and her father’s struggle with diabetes. These influences inspired her to explore how natural food components can contribute to disease prevention and treatment. Committed to sustainable and innovative therapies, Adewunmi aims to improve cancer treatment by developing solutions that are effective, sustainable, accessible, and safe.

Hannah Zhang
Physiology and Pathophysiology, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Amir Ravandi

Thesis Title: Lipids as early markers of cardiogenic shock

Hannah is an MD/PhD student passionate about cardiovascular disease and metabolism. Despite being a leading cause of mortality worldwide, heart disease still requires deeper exploration, especially through a precision medicine lens. Fascinated by translational research for its direct clinical impact, she chose cardiovascular lipidomics—a field that merges all of her interests. Her work focuses on using lipids to detect cardiogenic shock in heart attack patients, utilizing advanced lipidomic technology with both human patients and animal models. With a Master of Science in Cell Biology from McGill University, she has earned multiple accolades, including the Martin Morad Young Investigator Exchange Award (2024). Her goal is to become a clinician-scientist, advancing heart disease treatment and precision medicine.

Madhushani Ariyadasa
Civil Engineering, Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. M.T. Bassuoni

Thesis Title: Nano-based coatings: a way to make Canadian concrete last longer

Madhushani is a researcher in materials engineering whose work explores how the inclusion of nanoparticles in coatings can be tailored to combat different concrete durability problems—a crucial advancement to increase the service life of old and new concrete. She previously achieved a Master of Science in Materials Engineering and worked several years as a full-time researcher at National Building Research Organization in Sri Lanka where her keen interest on construction materials started. She believes novel materials as a key enabling technology in construction. Dedicated to both research and education, she aspires to become a university professor, shaping future engineers and advancing the field of materials science and to contribute to the development of stronger, more resilient infrastructure through cutting-edge materials research.

With an exciting lineup of finalists and a distinguished panel of judges, the 2025 3MT® final promises to be an inspiring showcase of graduate research at the University of Manitoba. Colleen Bready, CTV News weather specialist and host of Spotlight Entertainment, will return as emcee, guiding the evening with her signature energy. Judges Loren Oschipok, Moses (Moe) Levy, and Renée Cable will determine the winners of the top cash prizes, while the audience—both in-person and online—will cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. Prizes for Dr. Archie McNicoll Prize for first place $2000, UM Retirees Association Prize for second place $1250 and Blenham & Associates prize for third place $500.

Don’t miss this exciting event on Tuesday April 1 at 7 p.m., at the Robert B. Shultz Theatre in St John’s College at the Fort Garry campus.

Register to attend in person at or watch online live.

Lalonde is passionate about and committed to giving back to the communities she is a part of. She volunteers with her Métis community as the treasurer of Seven Oaks Métis council, here in Winnipeg. Lalonde works at the Faculty of Science Dean’s Office as the Wawatay program development specialist. “[Wawatay] is a program that helps immerse students; and connect them with their culture and take their ways of knowing which a lot of people call Indigenous ways of knowing, but which is just the students’ way of knowing and applying it to what they’re learning in that Western science environment. It’s valuable, to actually be part of that community as well, and helping the students establish a community on campus,” says Lalonde.

Lalonde’s recent accomplishment, being among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards as the Amex Emerging Leader, comes to no one’s surprise as she is an extraordinary example of making bold decisions and exploring new perspectives. To watch the full interview with Lalonde, please visit the Faculty of Science’s YouTube channel.

Sign up to volunteer for Science Rendezvous!

Discover Days 2025, an invite-only version of Science Rendezvous, intended for schools only, happens April 29th and 30th this year. We encourage you to also choose to volunteer for Discover Days when you are filling out the Science Rendezvous volunteer application.