This year’s program focused on innovative and sustainable transportation solutions to meet the needs of Canadians. Each group of students received training in entrepreneurial and creative problem-solving, as well as pitching their ideas. They collaborated on projects to examine the realities of public transportation in Manitoba and design game-changing solutions to address the challenges they identified.

Daniel Heschuk and Shad students at a coaching session.

“Coaching the Shad participants has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. In just one month, I’ve had the opportunity to see an exceptional amount of growth in these students as they work in teams to solve a complex problem,” said Daniel Heschuk, program development specialist at the Science Innovation Hub, Faculty of Science.

The highlight of this program, hosted by several faculties at UM, is the unique opportunity for students to travel to Churchill. This year, the journey took on a new dimension through the lens of transportation, where the very act of reaching Churchill turned into an educational experience: a nine-hour bus ride to Thompson, followed by 16 hours on the train through the boreal forest and tundra.

Shad students at Churchill.

“The Shad students’ journey to Churchill offered a profound lesson in what it means to truly understand and appreciate life in a remote northern community. The distance alone underscores both the remoteness and the resilience that define life in these communities,” said Associate Dean (Administrative) Krystyna Koczanski.

Immersed in this journey, students experienced firsthand both the stark beauty and the daily challenges of life in the region.

Shad students at Churchill with Danielle Pahud.

“Once there, we toured the Churchill Marine Observatory and discussed how the proposed shipping port—and climate change in general—might affect the quality of the waters and ice, as well as the living beings that depend on them,” said Dr. Danielle Pahud, program director of Shad Manitoba and instructor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “For example, we visited Polar Bears International to learn about how polar bears live and depend on Arctic sea ice. We also spent time on the water learning about and interacting with the beluga whales. It was a memorable, wonder-filled experience that I am grateful we were able to provide to the Shads. I hope they have returned to their homes and are sharing how special Churchill is with their friends and family all across the country.”

Krystyna Koczanski and Janine Carmichael at Shad students’ presentations, 2024.

Koczanski also emphasizes that these experiences serve as a reminder of why young people need adventure and courage to embrace uncertainty and risk: “This experience nurtures deeper empathy, respect, and awareness of what it means to live where geography and climate shape resources and opportunities.”

To see the students in action, please visit the Faculty of Science’s YouTube channel.

The program is made possible through strong collaboration across the university, working closely with Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students), and supported by the office of Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Wawatay’s summer orientation offers an enriching experience from engaging campus tours to exciting icebreakers and social events. Students will have plenty of opportunities to connect with their peers while enjoying a variety of food options. Throughout orientation, they explore key campus landmarks like research labs, Buller Greenhouse, libraries, Lockhart Planetarium and the Indigenous Student Centre. They develop essential skills in writing and oral presentation and learn about all of the resources available to them on campus.

Melanie Lalonde, Carrie Selin

“Wawatay orientation is about coming together as a community and creating community for students. It is a chance for students to connect with one another, meet the Indigenous community at the UM, and meet mentors. They also have the opportunity to take part in activities that root us in both culture and science. We hope students leave orientation knowing that they have a strong circle of support around them and feeling ready to begin their academic journey with confidence”, Melanie Lalonde, Wawatay Program Development Specialist.

“Orientation is one of the best parts of my job – every summer we get to grow our Wawatay family and welcome a new group of amazing students. It’s the time when we help each of the students begin building their own Indigenous community here at UM, where First Nations, Métis, and Inuit identities are honored and we celebrate who we are together”, Carrie Selin, Wawatay Academic Program Lead.

To learn more about Wawatay and the summer orientation 2025, you can visit the Faculty of Science’s YouTube channel.

The event awards cash prizes totaling $6,400 across five categories in two streams of competition, oral presentations and research poster displays. Ninety subject-matter experts joined the event as judges, representing 10 UM faculties.

As part of the day, students had the opportunity to explore their “entrepreneurial tooth” at the IDEA START booth to learn how to move ideas and innovation toward impact, using the many resources available at UM.

“This event rewards achievements in experiential learning throughout the many areas of student research and scholarly work at UM and highlights the innovation and creative power at the heart of our university,” said Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, associate vice-president (partnerships, knowledge mobilization and innovation).

“Such hand-on experiences at the undergraduate level expand our horizons, build networks and can open doors to new career opportunities. I congratulate all student participants in the showcase.”

Undergraduate Research Showcase 2025 winners

Applied Sciences

Poster format

1st– Loic Lambert, Quantifying skin subtraction performance in microwave breast imaging
Research Supervisor: Stephen Pistorius, Faculty of Science

2nd– Shirley Morris, Syncytia from scratch: generating placental organoids from human stem cells
Research Supervisor: Lei Xing, Faculty of Science

3rd– Khoi Nguyen, Electronics-Printed MEMS Lorentz Actuator Released by RIE with Integrated Electrostatic Hold-Down
Research Supervisor: Cyrus Shafai, Price Faculty of Engineering

Oral format

1st– Juliann Chan, Decoding the Behavioural Cues of Dairy Cattle: Automating Ear Position Identification Using a Convolutional Neural Network Model
Research Supervisor: Gabriel Dallago, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Creative Works

Poster format

1st– Cecilia Thompson, We Are The Canvas: A/R/Tography and the Power of Collective Art Education
Research Supervisor: Bruno De Oliveira Jayme, Faculty of Education

Health Sciences

Poster format

1st– Quinn Derksen, Exploiting RBX1 deficiency to identify novel therapeutic targets in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma

Research Supervisor: Dr. Kirk McManus, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

2nd– David Ben, Reduced SKP2 Expression Induces Centrosome Overduplication in Tubo-Ovarian Cells

Research Supervisor: Dr. Kirk McManus, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

3rd– Hans Sanchez, Extracellular vesicle release with acute electrical pulse stimulation in skeletal muscle is AMPK-dependent
Research Supervisor: Dr. Ayesha Saleem, Centre on Aging

Oral format

1st– Khushleen Chaddha, Investigating the Effects of a Potential Chemotherapeutic

Research Supervisor: Dr. Mark Nachtigal, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

2nd– Lauren Castagna, The role of Empagliflozin in the prevention of chemotherapy mediated cardiotoxicity
Research Supervisor: Dr. Davinder Jassal, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

3rd– Jewel Paskaruk, SIRT3 Deficiency in the Liver Results in Hepatic Steatosis and Elevated Circulating Lipids in Gestational Diabetes
Research Supervisor: Dr. Vernon Dolinsky, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Natural Sciences

Poster format

1st– Sion Yi, CRISPR-Associated Transposase Reveals a Key Gene for Bioplastic Degradation in Burkholderia vietnamiensis LMG16232
Research Supervisor: Silvia T. Cardona, Faculty of Science

2^nd (tied)– Hargun Uppal, The influence of membrane phospholipid interactions with MgCl2 on antimicrobial susceptibility in E. coli
Research Supervisor: Denice Bay, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

2^nd (tied)– Danika Harland, The long-term effects of wetland salinization on emergent insect communities
Research Supervisor: Mark Hanson, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Oral format

1st– Erica Wong, Dach1 promotes basal radial glia proliferation in the developing mouse neocortex
Research Supervisor: Lei Xing, Faculty of Science

Social Sciences and Humanities

Poster format

1st– Kyla Sarmiento, Drawing Privacy: How Children Conceptualize Regulation and Content Across
Research Supervisor: Shaylene Nancekivell, Faculty of Arts

2nd– Charlotte Gill, Exploring geoscience methods for archaeological stone-tool fingerprinting, Oldupai Gorge, Tanzania
Research Supervisor: Paul Durkin, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

3rd– Stella Kraft, Gender Differences in Alcohol Research
Research Supervisor: Natalie Riediger, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Oral format

1st– Justine Ramos, Countering Reductionism: Racial/Ethnic Minority Experiences and Preferences of End of Life Care at Home
Research Supervisor: Laura Funk, Faculty of Arts

2nd– Ainsley Brennan, In the Garden of the Beguines: Reinventing a Medieval Religious Movement in the 21st Century

Research Supervisor: Danielle Dubois, Faculty of Arts

The Undergraduate Research Showcase is hosted annually by the office of the vice-president (research and international). Check the Undergraduate Research Showcase website for entry and prize details.

University of Manitoba astrophysicist Samar Safi-Harb, the Canada Research Chair in Extreme Astrophysics, and her team are collaborators on the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA program, which on Monday published evidence of what Safi-Harb says is “the most massive binary black hole detected to date.”

Another surprise from the detection, originally made in November 2023, was the breakneck speed at which each black hole was spinning at the time they crashed together — “close to the maximum possible [speed] allowed by theory,” said Safi-Harb, who is also a professor of physics and astronomy at the Winnipeg-based U of M.

To read the entire story, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

CTV also covered this story and you can listen/watch it by following the link to CTV Winnipeg.

With the fast growth of computer science and its applications in almost every field, the undergraduate programs offered by the department are an amazing opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to feel confident in your career choices.

From Machine Learning (ML) to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and data security, the department offers a wide range of research groups you can join. Whether you’re an undergraduate student looking for valuable lab experience or a graduate student looking to engage in cutting-edge research, the department has many research experts who lead the way.

The Department of Computer Science is also strongly committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), making sure everyone is supported while recognizing and addressing the inherent systemic biases.

To learn more about the department and hear from the community that makes it an amazing place to work and study, please visit the Faculty of Science’s YouTube channel.

At the heart of the evening celebration was the recognition of the perseverance of Indigenous students pursuing science degrees at the University of Manitoba. The event marked an important milestone for Wawatay and its growing community, with heartfelt acknowledgements of student accomplishments and a feast shared in unity.

The evening honoured three exceptional graduates:

• Taylor MacLeod [BSc/22]
• Brandon Wozniak [BSc/25]
• Jenessa Martel [BSc/25]

Each graduate was celebrated for their hard work, determination and contributions to the Wawatay community. As part of the celebration, they were gifted handmade graduation medallions to honour their achievement and the significance of their academic journey. Their stories reflect the essence of what Wawatay stands for: academic achievement, cultural identity and supporting one another as a community.

In the weeks leading up to the celebration, students were invited to reflect on their experiences in Wawatay and the connections they’ve built over the past year.

“I loved that I got to meet so many wonderful people, both students and staff, throughout the Wawatay school year,” shared one student.

Another added, “The best part of being in Wawatay is that it’s like being in a family.”

The dinner served as a recognition of individual accomplishments, a celebration of community, and collective resilience. It brought everyone together in a space of reconnection, reflection and shared joy.

Wawatay was created as a space where Indigenous students could thrive. It was created to be a space where many Nations, languages, teachings and life experiences are welcomed and celebrated. From students raised in ceremony and language to those reconnecting with their heritage, Wawatay affirms that all these stories matter, and all these stories belong.

While rooted in science education, the Wawatay student community is inclusive of Indigenous students pursuing science-related degrees across other faculties. The program also ensures students are aware of and connected to other Indigenous-led programs on campus. Many Wawatay Scholars are active in the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment, Bison Spirit and other cultural and leadership opportunities.

Together, Wawatay Scholars are building a space where Indigenous excellence shines in many forms. A space where students can bring their whole selves into their learning, supported by a community that honours their strengths, identity and potential.

As the program continues to grow, events like the Annual Wawatay Celebration Dinner reflect the core values of Wawatay: love, support, academic success, and a deep commitment to Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.

Please tell us about your research and its importance.

My master’s research was in the field of proteomics, where we used analytical chemistry practices such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify thousands of proteins in the analysis of human tissues or cell cultures. A fundamental step in this process is to predictably break down proteins into smaller pieces called peptides, then separate these peptides by their chemical properties. The goal of my research specifically was to characterize how post-translational modifications, chemical modifications of proteins which serve a biological function, affect their separation on the peptide level. These characterizations served to generate prediction models that can be used to complement other validation tools, increasing the confidence of a researcher’s results during their proteomics investigations of human diseases, or can be used by companies in the quality control of commercial protein products.

Whom did you collaborate with in your research, and how was the experience for you?

My research project entailed minimal collaboration, but we did have one collaboration with a chromatography company, PolyLC, which provided materials and insights for us to generate a predictive model, which resulted in a paper. Nonetheless, I had a great experience. Despite being a chemistry student, my lab was on the Bannatyne campus in the Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, a research centre with multiple research groups from different departments. Each week, we would have a research seminar for the centre where a student was given the opportunity to present their results and receive advice on their projects. This not only allowed me to gather knowledge from outside chemistry but also allowed me to benefit from the perspectives of different disciplines and learn to present outside of my field. In the end, this bolstered a novel sense of direction for my research and development of my communication skills.

Who were your mentors (committee members, supervisors, other professors or graduate students) throughout your MSc studies, and what were the biggest lessons you learned from them?

I had many mentors during my studies. From my co-supervisors, Dr. Oleg Krokhin and Dr. Helene Perreault, my committee members Dr. Sabine Kuss, Dr. Gregg Tomy, and Dr. Rene Zahedi, and to my other lab members Dr. Darien Yeung and Vic Spicer, I had many opportunities to learn where and how to improve. Each of them deserves some credit for my success over the last few years. By far, the biggest impact on my studies came from the support Dr. Krokhin and Dr. Perreault provided, always answering my questions and considering my ideas, no matter how outlandish they may have been. Dr. Krokhin trained me directly, which is quite different from many graduate experiences where senior students are responsible for training the new students. The biggest lesson I learned from my mentors was a line I heard often, “you have one chance in life”, which obviously isn’t always true, but comes with the notion that you need to be careful at every step. One mistake will set you back and delay your progress. Write out your ideas, think about them, plan, adjust if necessary, and then convert them into something actionable. Reminds me of the saying my dad used to say, “measure twice, cut once”.

What is your vision for the future of your research, and what do the next steps look like in your journey?

After some thinking, I decided I wanted to learn more biology and I have recently started a PhD with Dr. Rene Zahedi where I plan to venture into spatial proteomics where we will investigate not only at the protein content of samples, but how they are organized in tissue samples and the modifications that those proteins carry. I am interested in the idea of applying for medical school to go into the MD/PhD stream. This would open the door for clinical science research directly related to human diseases. Only time will tell.

From left to right, Andrea Ladouceur, Rana Ahmed, Paula Pineda Sanchez, Ghosoun Alomari

Ahmed is part of a team of three, with two other members being Ghosoun Alomari and Paula Pineda Sanchez. Alomari and Sanchez are two undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science. When Ahmed pitched their idea, she was competing against seven more teams. All of which had innovative ideas to tackle real-world problems and positively impact communities.

Selecting the winner was not an easy task for the judges. All the teams had brilliant ideas and worked relentlessly on their pitch. However, one could see how everyone was moved by Ahmed’s pitch. At the end, “A Smarter Way to Stop Cholera Outbreaks – No Antibiotics Needed” won first place. 

“We were over the moon… I didn’t expect that because all the finalists were excellent”, said Ahmed in her interview with the Faculty of Science. She mentioned their team has heard from the Bioscience Association of Manitoba to see how they can advance the project. For the future, Ahmed and her team would like to apply to the Lab2Market program at UM. They hope to get funds, proceed with the idea, and see it come to fruition in real-world applications.

To learn more about the project, watch the full interview on the Faculty of Science’s YouTube channel. 

Alwyn Gomez
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Ph.D)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Doctor of Philosophy: Medical Sciences

Midway through his neurosurgery residency, Alwyn Gomez chose to pause his clinical training and pursue a PhD. The decision was sparked during a call shift at Health Sciences Centre, where he treated a young patient with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“I spent hours talking with the family,” Gomez says. “But in the end, they just wanted to know how their loved one was going to do. I did not know. The truth is no one knew.”

Determined to help improve outcomes for TBI patients, Gomez focused his doctoral work on brain injury research. He contributed to HEMOTION, a multi-institutional randomized control trial studying blood transfusion strategies in TBI care, which was later published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

At UM, Gomez remained deeply involved in the academic community. He taught anatomy, served as an examiner for medical students and developed a cadaver-based technical skills program to support surgical trainees.

Looking ahead, he hopes to build a research program that explores the physiology of the injured brain and advances more personalized approaches to care.

He credits his success to the support of his wife and daughter and reflects on the importance of appreciating the journey: “I would say this to my past self: you’re doing the right thing taking the time to smell the roses.”

Dallas Murphy
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Master’s)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Master of Arts: Clinical Psychology

Dallas Murphy didn’t imagine he’d end up here. In his first year of undergrad at UM, he failed some courses, barely passed others and eventually stepped away from university entirely. Two years later, he returned and everything changed when he chose to study clinical psychology.

“I came back to university after my break and started pursuing a degree I wasn’t interested in because it was what I thought I ‘should’ do. I hated every second of it. It wasn’t until I finally committed to pursuing clinical psychology that coming to UM every day became a joy,” Murphy says.

Now, his passion lies in applied research that makes mental healthcare more accessible. His work has included developing interventions to reduce internalized ageism in older adults, examining the neuropsychological effects of therapy for PTSD and evaluating strategies to boost academic performance in university students.

He also served as president of the Graduate Association of Students in Psychology, volunteered as a mentor through Project Short and held a regional leadership role with a nonprofit dedicated to fighting prejudice on campuses.

Murphy credits his success to his wife Rebecca, who proofread every document he wrote, and to a group of mentors who supported him throughout his degree.

To his younger self, he offers this: “Follow your interests and passion. Everything is easier when you deeply care about the work you’re doing. And don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.”

Dylan Ricard
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering

Growing up on a mixed grain and beef farm in southern Manitoba, Dylan Ricard didn’t set out with a clear plan to study engineering. At first, he considered accounting, inspired by an aunt and his time as treasurer for four student groups. But a conversation with his high school guidance counsellor changed everything.

“You like both math and science. Have you considered engineering?” the counsellor asked. That question eventually led Ricard to UM and to a degree in mechanical engineering.

Still, it took time to find his path. A first-year thermodynamics course sparked his interest and a fourth-year elective in HVAC sealed it. That course not only defined his career focus but led him to co-found the U of M ASHRAE Student Branch, a group that now hosts regular events and encourages students to explore careers in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design.

Ricard also volunteered as a Buddy Leader in engineering orientation, worked as a TA and completed summer research modifying particle imaging software to track river flow from drone footage.

Now working in mechanical building design, he continues to advocate for sustainable building practices and student engagement in HVAC through his new role with the ASHRAE Manitoba Chapter.

“If you embrace uncertainty and keep an open mind, you will find opportunities for a fulfilling career, perhaps in areas you never expected.”

Jodh Ghuman
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science

Born and raised in Squamish, B.C., Jodh Ghuman developed a deep connection with the natural world early on. That curiosity led him to UM, where he explored the biological systems that govern health and disease—ultimately focusing on microbiology and the impact of microbes on human health.

A turning point came during an infectious diseases course, where he began to see illness in a broader context.

“Diseases are more than just a scientific process,” Ghuman says. “Culture, politics and climate affect the spread and prevention of diseases.”

Outside the classroom, Ghuman immersed himself in initiatives that support well-being, equity and environmental awareness. He volunteered as a peer educator with Healthy U, later working as a staff member in the Student Wellness Centre. He led first aid training sessions as a medical first responder with St. John Ambulance and supported new students as a Supplemental Instruction Leader.

Through his work with Save Our Seine, he helped organize and lead river tours for more than 440 people, raising awareness of conservation efforts. Nationally, he has advocated for integrated youth services through Huddle Manitoba, Foundry’s Provincial Youth Advisory and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s national youth advisory.

This fall, Ghuman begins medical school at UM, where he plans to keep building connections with individuals and communities.

“In hindsight, I would tell myself to do my best, ask more questions and create early plans… join clubs, volunteer and try to gain more knowledge, skills and experience, all while having fun.”

Trent Delichte
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in the Diploma in Agriculture program)
Diploma in Agriculture

For Trent Delichte, agriculture isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. Raised in St. Alphonse, Manitoba, he enrolled in UM’s Diploma in Agriculture program to sharpen his farm management skills and prepare for the future of his family’s farm.

“I hope to be an advocate within my farm, the community and the industry for using new technology to help make our businesses and operations more successful,” Delichte says. With input costs rising and margins shrinking, he sees innovation and efficiency as essential to sustainability.

The Farm Management Project had a lasting impact. Working hands-on with his farm’s financials helped him understand the long-term effects of business decisions in a way that felt both practical and empowering.

“It will help me down the line, when I become lead farmer,” he says.

Outside of class, Delichte stayed connected to his community by volunteering at his local church and lending a hand when needed. He also played rec hockey and basketball during the school year.

He credits the diploma program’s structure, the support of instructors and peers and the friendships he formed along the way for helping him succeed.

Looking back, Delichte says he’d tell his past self to slow down and appreciate the experience: “I think I would tell myself to not be so worried and to live in the moment more… take each day one at a time and don’t overlook the little things, as once your university journey is over, you will look back and not regret it.”

Kiara Stefansson
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for highest standing in a diploma program of at least two years other than the Diploma in Agriculture)
Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Kiara Stefansson has long been passionate about preventative healthcare and applied science. After completing a Bachelor of Science at UM, she returned to pursue dental hygiene—drawn to a profession that blends clinical care with public education and advocacy.

“Oral health is deeply interconnected with overall well-being,” Stefansson says. “Through this profession, I can educate my patients to make informed decisions that positively impact their health.”

During her studies, Stefansson spent a week in Churchill, Manitoba as part of Oral Health Promotion Week. Alongside a classmate and their program director, she delivered K–12 presentations, provided clinical care and worked with the Medicine Water Women’s Group on oral health programming.

“It was a life changing experience to visit such a warm and welcoming community, and I hope to return in the future,” she says.

Stefansson plans to work to the full scope of her profession, promoting prevention-based care and expanding access to services in underserved areas—especially rural communities like the one she grew up in.

She credits her third-year clinical instructor, Kaleigh Warden, with helping her become a confident and capable professional.

“She found a way to create an environment that is conducive to learning, fostering curiosity and allowing you to make mistakes, while also being able to give you that gentle push out of your comfort zone,” Stefansson says.

Reflecting on her journey, Stefansson offers this advice: “Your grades do not define you… when you look back in time, it will be the positive impact you had on the people around you that will matter most.”

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 3058 degrees are being awarded at Spring Convocation 2025, bringing the total number of UM graduates to 4200 so far this year. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

Students shared powerful reflections on the impact their chosen teachers had on their lives, highlighting the dedication, compassion, and humour these educators brought to the classroom. For some, the most influential teachers were also the toughest—those who held them to high standards because they genuinely believed in their ability to succeed.

“My mom went to a parent-teacher conference. I had an excellent report card—except for all the classes I had with one teacher, Ms. Margaret Wiens. My grades in her class were thirty percent lower than every other class,” shared Christine Hay, the outstanding student selected from the Faculty of Education. “The rural school I attended was a Grade 4 to 12 school, with no high school art programming at all. Margaret Wiens was a teacher who saw the value of art in education. So, when I decided in Grade 12, four years later, that I wanted to apply to the School of Art at UM with no arts training at all, it was Ms. Wiens who learned how to build an entrance portfolio and mentored me through the entire process—during her lunches, her preps, and after school. I did end up getting direct entry into the School of Art. It is with deep gratitude that I stand here today and thank you, 23 years later, for showing up every day with grit, for showing me grace, and for being an example of how I hope to show up for my future students.”

Left image from left to right, Yvonne Fenner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding student, Ms. Margaret Hart, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding teacher. Right image from left to right, Mr.  Ron Constant, Joe A. Ross School, outstanding teacher, Yvonne Fenner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding student

This year’s Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception was held on May 5 bringing together students, their selected teachers, faculty representatives, and invited guests for an afternoon of meaningful celebration. The event was hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and emceed by the Centre’s Director, Dr. Erica Jung.

Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) brought greetings and shared her own reflections on the educators who made a lasting impact in her life. “I think back to my high school teachers’ who encouraged me to recognize potential that I didn’t fully see in myself, and some University Professors who helped shape the direction of my academic life, and ultimately my professional life. These individuals will never fully appreciate or know the impact that they had on me, but I certainly think about them every year when I come to this reception.”

Throughout the afternoon, students spoke not only about the academic guidance they received but also the personal support their teachers offered—support that extended beyond the classroom. Many shared stories of educators who cared deeply, often becoming mentors, role models, and even friends.

Yvonne Fenner, the outstanding student from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, spoke with heartfelt appreciation about the many ways her selected teachers supported her. “It wasn’t only the educational part of this journey that she helped me with. Ms. Margaret Hart was there for me on a personal note, as I have called on her many times in the last two years.” Ms. Margaret Hart, a First Nations Indigenous educator in the health sciences, shared that the presence of Indigenous students carries deep personal significance. “I’m there to nurture the students’ learning, but also, I’m there to nurture their identities too”—a sentiment that reflects a commitment not only to academic growth but to personal and cultural growth as well.

Following the ceremony, attendees had a chance to mingle, take photos, and reflect on the meaningful connections that helped shape their journeys.

Faculty of Law student Alessandro Potenza put it best: “I know that we were not uniquely smart, but instead, that we had a uniquely exceptional teacher.” A sentiment echoed by many—while talent may open the door, it’s great educators who help students walk through it.

For a full list of award recipients, please visit our webpage.