As part of WIL month, the University of Manitoba Science Co-op Program is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Science Co-op Recognition Awards.

Employer Recognition Award

Co-op cannot exist without the support of our employer partners. Science Co-op appreciates the generous support and efforts of our co-op employers. This award celebrates employers who have supported the Science Co-op Program and its students through work-integrated learning opportunities. We would like to acknowledge the many employers and supervisors for going above and beyond in providing valuable work co-op term experiences as well as professional growth opportunities to our co-op students. The Co-op Employer Recognition Awards is awarded annually in two categories: 1. employer recognition and 2. supervisor recognition.

Science Co-op is recognizing the following employers for 2023: Bayer Crop Science, JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre and PTI Transformers.

Nominated by Science Co-op students for providing an outstanding co-op work term experience, the following co-op supervisors are being recognized for 2023:

• Jourey Basco, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
• Dr. Shyamala Dakshinamurti, University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine
• Victory Iyakoregha, Value Partners Investments
• Barret Monchka, George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation
• Steven Morrison, Richardson International
• Greg Parsons, PTI Transformers
• Dr. Joel Pearson, Cancer Care Manitoba
• Dr. John Sorensen, University of Manitoba: Faculty of Science (Chemistry)
• Dr. Barbara Triggs-Raine, University of Manitoba: Max Rady College of Medicine
• Joanne Tu, Bayer Crop Science

Student of the Year Award

The Science Co-op Student of the Year Award recognizes co-op student success during their participation in the Science Co-op Program. Science Co-op is very pleased to announce the Science Co-op Student of the Year for 2023 is Randi Roy (Microbiology). Science Co-op would also like to recognize Louis Dela Pena (Biological Sciences) and Jay Wieler (Microbiology) with an Honourable Mention. Congratulations to Roy, Dela Pena and Wieler for their successful co-op work terms and fantastic contributions to the workforce and the Science Co-op community.

Watch the full interview on the Faculty of Science’s YouTube channel.

Azadeh Tabiban: Fortifying cybersecurity

Tabiban, a visionary security researcher, is set to strengthen the department’s expertise when it comes to defending against cyberattacks. Her research revolves around enhancing the analysis and classification of system activities through several approaches. These include improving information retention mechanisms, ensuring the reliability of detection results for threats spanned across the networked low-capacity devices and increasing robustness against evading attackers who cleverly disguise their attack steps as normal behavior of legitimate users.

Tabiban is one of the collaborators in a new research project to make 5G networks more secure using Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions as part of the Government of Canada’s new Cyber Security Innovation Network.

Tristan Miller: Innovations through computational linguistics

Miller, an established computational linguistics researcher, is bringing a wealth of expertise to the department and building models to help computers understand and interact with language. His research is primarily concerned with linguistically informed approaches to computational humour, the reconstruction and systemization of historical online text sources such as Usenet and designing technology to support language learning, literacy, documentation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, particularly Cree and Michif.

His commitment to this field reflects a socially conscious approach to technology, aligning with the department’s vision of responsible and inclusive research.

Shaiful Chowdhury: Elevating software engineering

Chowdhury, a dynamic researcher in software engineering, focuses on advancing the tools and processes developers use to write code. This comprises optimizing the energy consumption of software systems and improving software maintenance processes by identifying the parts of software systems most prone to bugs or frequently revised during maintenance.

Chowdhury’s work is bound to make a tangible impact on the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of software engineering practices.

Christopher Henry: Harnessing AI for digital agriculture

Henry, a seasoned machine learning researcher, is applying the power of artificial intelligence tools and techniques to the problems of digital agriculture. His research sets sights on the automation of plant identification and robotic interventions to improve yield and reduce pesticide use. He is also dedicated to improving phenotyping to develop new varietals that may perform better in a changing climate as well as identifying and responding to crop disease.

Henry also emphasizes a collaborative and transparent approach to leveraging machine learning and AI techniques to revolutionize agriculture.

The department of computer science is well expected to witness a transformative and innovative period with the addition of these four remarkable researchers. Their expertise and exceptional roadmap in their field promise to accomplish outcomes that will evolve our everyday lives from using more secure smart devices to how we communicate and interact with computers. It will redefine best practices in areas like software development and digital agriculture. This practical impact will inspire other outstanding researchers and students to join the University of Manitoba to be part of the community that is impacting and shaping the future.

1. How to ensure 5G network security with AI – An interview with rising talent Azadeh Tabiban, assistant professor, department of computer science.

2. The dinosaur in the coal mine – Will Bugg received a 2023 University of Manitoba Distinguished Dissertation award for his PhD research in Biological Sciences.

3. CBC Sudbury: ‘Hunting highways’: How human infrastructure changed the relationship between wolves and deer – Wolves Voyageurs Project led by Sean Johnson-Bice, PhD candidate at the department of biological sciences.

4. As you lichen: UM research receives NSERC Alliance International Collaboration Grant – (Watch the exclusive interview with John Sorenson, professor, associate head undergraduate at the department of chemistry).

5. On being appointed as a Distinguished Professor – Can-Ming Hu’s journey in science, professor at the department of physics and astronomy.

6. Discovery of two potential polar ring galaxies – New research suggests these stunning rare clusters might be more common than previously believed. Learn more about Jayanne English’s prominent role in this collaboration who is an associate professor at the department of physics and astronomy, an expert in astronomy image-making and has recently been appointed as a member of the Order of Canada.

7. Microbes, not chemicals: Reducing GHGs through sustainable fertilizer alternatives (Watch the exclusive interview with Ivan Oresnik, professor at the department of microbiology, co-leading the $6 million crop production research project).

8. Four new Royal Society of Canada scholars named at UM (Watch the exclusive interview with David Herbert, professor at the department of chemistry, Faculty of Science Research Chair in Fundamental Sciences (Physical Sciences), elected to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars).

9. Preventing the evolutionary escape of viruses – Fabian Rohden, PhD student in the Faculty of Science, was named as Vanier Scholar for his microbiology research at UM.

10. Can we improve antibiotics against superbugs? Exploring New Strategies for Burkholderia cepacia Complex Infections – An interview with Silvia Cardona, professor and associate head graduate at the department of microbiology.

11. Cancer treatment – One big step closer – Jörg Stetefeld, professor, (Tier 1) Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology and Biophysics, and his team at the Faculty of Science are pushing the boundaries of knowledge when it comes to cancer treatment.

12. UM scientists recognized by Canadian Bioscience Award for promoting inclusion – Ute Kothe, professor and department head at the department of chemistry.

13. Nature News and Views article: on the visualization of a magnetic field using X-rays in a stellar graveyard (or pulsar wind nebula) authored by Samar Safi-Harb, professor at the department of physics and astronomy and Canada Research Chair in Extreme Astrophysics, Tier 1, Indigenous Initiative Committee Chair.

Tony Williams [BScHons/77]

Tony’s intellect and passion for science were evident from his university days. With his degree in hand, he ventured into the corporate world, eventually founding PBI Actuarial Consultants Ltd. in 2008. His expertise transcended the boardrooms; Tony became an important partner with Indigenous communities across Canada. His actuarial acumen proved invaluable, shaping the futures of First Nation Settlement Trusts and vital funds. His commitment to social justice found a purpose, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched.

Retirement in 2016 didn’t mark the end of Tony’s contributions; instead, it ushered in a new chapter of philanthropy and volunteerism. As the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Verna J Kirkness Foundation, he tirelessly championed Indigenous education, opening doors for numerous students. His vision materialized in the Wawatay program at the University of Manitoba, bridging gaps and providing opportunities for Indigenous students in the field of science.

“Tony’s support and advice as Wawatay launched and developed helped the project flourish and gain interest by Indigenous students, especially those who participated in the Verna J Kirkness Program” – Carrie Selin [PhD], Wawatay Academic Program Lead.

Tony’s generosity was broad, breaking barriers that hindered Indigenous enrollment in higher education and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Tony was not just an alum of the University of Manitoba; he was a pillar of support and inspiration. He served as a member of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Science External Advisory Council and the Wawatay Advisory Council, bringing his wisdom and passion to shape the future of education. His dedication extended beyond his time, as he generously gave to numerous awards benefiting Faculty of Science students. These awards, including the Graduate Science Research Scholarship for Indigenous Students, the Wawatay Project for Indigenous Achievement, the Lewis Bursary, the Faculty of Science Bursary Fund and the Faculty of Science Endowment Fund, transformed the lives of countless students, providing them with the means to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

“Tony was a champion for students in the Faculty of Science, opening pathways for their futures through his philanthropy and contributing valued advice to the faculty through his participation on our external advisor board” Brian Mark [PhD], Dean, Faculty of Science.

On June 27, 2023, at the age of 70, Tony Williams bid us farewell, but his legacy of unwavering dedication, compassion and inspiration will continue to shine brightly. The University of Manitoba mourns the loss of a remarkable soul. Tony’s story is not just one of academic and professional success; it is a tale of a life well-lived, a life that touched hearts, inspired minds and created a lasting impact on the world. As we remember him, we celebrate his achievements and the enduring legacy he leaves behind, a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Fellows like Sean, Annette, and Jorg look to join the college as a place to network with other academics, attend lectures, workshops, and other monthly events to further their knowledge and join a small community on the UM campus. 

In welcoming each of these new Fellows, we sat down with them to understand where they came from and what they are excited about in joining the college.   

Sean Carleton: Faculty of Arts, Departments of History and Indigenous Studies.  

Carleton is a settler scholar whose work examines the history of colonialism and schooling in Canada. He authorizes the award-winning book Lessons in Legitimacy: Colonialism, Capitalism, and the Rise of State Schooling (UBC Press, 2022). He is also a leading expert in identifying and confronting the phenomenon of residential school denialism.  

“I completed my Ph.D. at Trent University in Ontario, which has a college system. I enjoyed being a part of Traill College (the graduate student college) there. I look forward to developing similar community relations at St. John’s College at the University of Manitoba. I also like perogies, and I’ve heard the Daily Bread has a perogy special on Fridays.”  

 

Annette Riziki: PhD student at the University of Oxford  

Annette is a Rhodes scholar and a PhD student in the Education department at the University of Oxford. She began her academic journey at the University of Manitoba, where she completed her psychology undergraduate degree with a sociology minor. Her research focuses on children’s and teachers’ well-being and educational trajectories in emergency contexts. Before her PhD research, she obtained an MSc in Child Development at the University of Oxford, where she studied the impact of teacher judgments on the learning journeys of Black primary school students in England.   

“I am eager to engage in workshops and seminars that the college offers, as they have the potential to enhance my knowledge and skills. The opportunity to connect with and learn from respected faculty members and collaborate with fellow scholars is inspiring and a significant source of motivation for me.”  

 

Jorg Stetefeld: Faculty of Science  

Originally from Germany, studying in Leipzig, Jorg did his PhD at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry in Martinscried, where he then moved afterwards to Basel. He started his journey at the University of Manitoba in 2006, where he is now a Tier-1 Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology and Biophysics. He’s had many successes, including co-founding the Center for Oil and Gas Research and Development (CONRAD) as a collaborative effort with the laboratory of Dr. Tomy and initiating the Center for Integrated Structural Biophysics (CISB) to provide a world-class platform for structure-based drug design projects.    

“I have known the College to be a vibrant, open-minded, and active community. I want to engage in research activities to deepen my knowledge and contribute to the College. The primary motivation and expectations are to connect with other researchers, professionals, and experts in the field to gain a transformative experience, allowing me and my fellows to develop new skills, gain confidence, and broaden our horizons.    

Welcome to the college, Sean, Annette, and Jorg!

We look forward to seeing what you accomplish.  

The Faculty encouraged its students, faculty and staff to participate in the Teach-In for Reconciliation talk that took place on September 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This event was hosted by the Nursing Students’ Association in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Centre for Human Rights Research, the University of Manitoba’s Student Union, PINE (Pathway to Indigenous Nursing Education) and the Indigenous Students’ Association. This talk highlighted the need for learning the truth of what has happened to Indigenous peoples in Canada and provided attendees with some of the history and where they could learn more. 

In the afternoon, the Faculty of Science organized a “Join the Conversation” event where students, faculty and staff were invited to share their thoughts answering the question ‘What resonates with you when you encounter the words “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”’. Thoughts were shared either through an online word cloud or by writing them on Orange Shirt-shaped papers. Attendees were also invited to create their own Orange Shirt pin and were provided with vital mental health support resources. 

The Faculty of Science continued the conversation and learning about the truth in the following week, from Kaila Johnston from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation who provided a special seminar on October 6th. Her talk, “In the Pursuit of Science: A Look at the Mistreatment of Indigenous Communities,” shed light on the negative impacts of scientific pursuits on Indigenous communities and discussed the path to reconciliation. 

The Faculty of Science is committed to fostering awareness, understanding and promoting dialogue and empathy towards truth and reconciliation. 

Could you please talk about the key accomplishments and contributions in your field that led to your appointment as a Distinguished Professor? What have you been particularly proud of during your career?

First and foremost, I would like to express my profound gratitude for being appointed as a Distinguished Professor. I am truly humbled by this honor and deeply appreciative of Dean Brian Mark and his office for considering me worthy of this nomination. It comes as a delightful surprise to me that the nomination was successful, as I view myself as just one of the many professors at this university who have a genuine passion for research. We all strive to make distinct contributions in our unique ways, making it challenging to make direct comparisons.

Nonetheless, I am genuinely thrilled that the esteemed individuals serving on the Selection Committee recognize the value of the work carried out by my research group. I would like to dedicate this prestigious honor to the dedicated members of my group, my invaluable collaborators and all those who have offered their unwavering encouragement and support.

As a condensed matter physicist specializing in magnetism since 2005, our group has achieved significant milestones over the past decade. Around 2012, driven by curiosity and the willingness to take calculated risks despite limited resources, I embarked on a journey to explore new frontiers in magnetism, specifically focusing on the strong coupling between microwaves and magnetic materials. In physics, the word “strong coupling” means energy dynamically oscillates between different systems over multiple cycles. This not only held immense scientific interest but also promised significant implications for the advancement of information and communication technologies. Notably, at that time, the exploration of this theme in the magnetism community was akin to uncharted territory. (One pioneer, Prof. Joe Artman at MIT, conducted a strong coupling experiment back in 1953. However, his pioneering work remained largely unnoticed until one of my students stumbled upon it in 2021 and brought it back into the spotlight.)

Also unbeknownst to me in 2012, simultaneously, three other world-leading groups, well-funded at institutions like TU Munich, the University of Tokyo and Yale University, were embarking on similar investigations. A few years later, our independent discoveries, along with those from distinguished institutions, were published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters. These achievements garnered global attention and gave rise to what is now known as “cavity spintronics” or “cavity magnonics.”

Subsequently, this field has experienced exponential growth, evolving into an exciting frontier that bridges some of the most cutting-edge disciplines in modern physics, including quantum information and quantum optics, with one of the oldest sciences known to humanity—magnetism. This daring venture would not have been feasible without the dedication and talent of our courageous students. In 2015, UM News showcased two exceptionally bright individuals from our team: Dr. Lihui Bai, who has since become a full professor at Shandong University and Dr. Michael Harder, now an instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Their collaborative efforts resulted in our paper published in 2015, which has since been cited over 400 times. That news article also elaborates on the significance and impact of our research in advancing the field of cavity spintronics.

Since then, our research group has continued to flourish, nurturing a cadre of brilliant postdoctoral fellows and students. Notable among them are Dr. Yipu Wang, currently a full professor at Zhejiang University, Dr. Bimu Yao, now an associate professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Yongsheng Gui, a research associate of my group and Ms. Ying Yang, a promising PhD student set to graduate this fall. Notably, half a year before her graduation, she received an enticing postdoctoral fellowship offer from Argonne National Laboratory.

These exceptional individuals have played pivotal roles in pushing the boundaries of our field even further. Several of their remarkable contributions have been featured by UMToday. See “The University of Manitoba interacts with world-renowned researchers” and “UM researchers create ‘Romulan Cloaking Device’“.

Throughout my tenure at UofM, one of my most fulfilling experiences has been the ability to attract and mentor a host of exceptionally talented young researchers and students. Many of these individuals have gone on to establish successful independent careers in academia, which I take immense pride in.

In my professional journey, I was honored to receive the IEEE Magnetics Society Distinguished Lecturer Award in 2018. Over the course of 12 months and by invitation from some of the world’s most renowned universities, including Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, the University of Paris-Saclay, TU Munich, Peking, Fudan, HKUST and many more, I had the privilege of delivering 53 lectures on Cavity Spintronics across the globe. This opportunity not only allowed me to disseminate knowledge but in essence, I became an ambassador for the University of Manitoba that year, effectively showcasing the remarkable capabilities of our students and research endeavors. For those who may not have been aware of the exceptional potential of Manitoba students before my visits, they undoubtedly left with a positive impression of the caliber of talent we cultivate.

How do you see your role in mentoring and inspiring the next generation of scientists within the Faculty of Science?

My primary role as a physicist and a physics educator, which I enjoy taking, is to cultivate original ideas and guide my students toward curiosity-driven scientific adventure into uncharted territory, free from the pressures of chasing trends or competing in crowded fields.    

Science is about the laws of nature, I believe the best way to become a scientist is by adhering to the essence of science: objectivity, coherence and unwavering honesty in research. I speak for the value of avoiding shortcuts and communicating about science only when we possess a deep understanding of every word we use. I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors during my studies in China, Japan and Germany who exemplified this path. I strive to inspire and support young scientists to follow the same principles.

Could you discuss some of your notable research collaborations, both within the university and with external partners? How have these collaborations influenced your research?

During my 2005 job interview, I identified two significant research strengths at UofM. In the Faculty of Science, Allan Morrish (Distinguished Professor 1984) garnered international recognition for magnetism and magnetic materials research. Meanwhile, in the Faculty of Engineering, Lot Shafai (Distinguished Professor 2002) had elevated UofM’s status in the field of microwave technologies.

Upon establishing my group at UofM, I made a strategic shift from semiconductor research to magnetism, opting for microwave spectroscopy over infrared spectroscopy. These transitions required forging new collaborations both within the university and with external partners, which drove our work forward.

In the field of physics, Allan’s legacy in magnetism is carried on by Johan van Lierop, Bob Stamps, Jacob Burgess and Jesko Sirker. I’m proud to have collaborated with each of them via joint publications, gaining valuable insights beyond my knowledge.

In the ECE department, Lot Shafai, Greg Bridges and James Dietrich have become invaluable resources for my students in all things related to microwaves. Our close collaborations with these esteemed scientists and engineers on campus are a fortunate asset for both my students and me.

I’ve also been fortunate to collaborate on various joint projects with Stephen Pistorius, Fuji Jian, Digvir Jayas, Jiuyong Xie (all from UofM) and external experts like Hong Guo (McGill) and Ke Wu (EPM), which have expanded our research horizons. The list of our international collaborators across the US, Germany, Japan and China, including former mentors, old friends and former students, is too long to be provided here.

Can you share your vision for the future of science education and research within the university? Are there any emerging fields or interdisciplinary approaches that you believe will play a significant role in shaping the future of science?

In 1936, Albert Einstein delivered a speech at the State University of New York at Albany during the tercentenary celebration of higher education in America. The world, universities and science education have all undergone profound transformations since that time. However, I believe that the fundamental principles, core values and significant challenges of high-quality science education remain unchanged, echoing Einstein’s insightful observations:

“Behind every achievement exists the motivation which is at the foundation of it and which in turn is strengthened and nourished by the accomplishment of the undertaking. Here there are the greatest differences and they are of greatest importance to the educational value of the school. The same work may owe its origin to fear and compulsion, ambitious desire for authority and distinction, or loving interest in the object and a desire for truth and understanding and thus to that divine curiosity which every healthy child possesses, but which so often is weakened early. The educational influence which is exercised upon the pupil by the accomplishment of one and the same work may be widely different, depending upon whether fear of hurt, egoistic passion, or desire for pleasure and satisfaction is at the bottom of this work.”

Mentoring graduate students has taught me that imparting scientific knowledge is straightforward, but instilling the importance of genuine motivation in studying science is challenging. I continually strive to enhance my skills in this aspect by voracious reading and by drawing inspiration from esteemed educators in my field, including my friends Profs. Bret Heinrich (SFU), Mark Freeman (UofA), Hong Guo (McGill), Burkhard Hillebrandt (Kaiserslautern) and Chia-Ling Chien (JHU).

Regarding emerging fields and interdisciplinary approaches, I believe that Generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) and Quantum technology are two major waves poised to have a profound impact on shaping the future of science. The world will undergo a significant transformation if these two emerging technologies converge.

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Faculty of Science invites you to join the conversation. What resonates with you when you encounter the words “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”? Share your thoughts through our word cloud.

Visit us at our booth and create your own Orange Shirt pin

On September 29th, visit our booth at the SSA lounge, 209E Armes building between 12-3 PM. Engage by writing on our orange shirt-shaped papers, create your own Orange Shirt pins, and discover vital mental health support resources. We hope to see you there!

Watch the “What if?” video and learn about the University of Manitoba-wide response

Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2023.
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Location: Buhler Park, 135 Murdoch St
Transportation to and from the Fort Gary Campus will be provided. Please email us for more details.

Register now on Eventbrite
Please sign up using your @myumanitoba.ca email address so we can keep in touch with you.
Priority will be given to Faculty of Science students.