As the Bingham Chair at UM for the past 15 years, Dr. Charles Bernstein has become a pioneering figure in the field of GI health, particularly in the study of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — a condition affecting more than 322,600 Canadians and one of the most common chronic immune-mediated illnesses in Canada.  

Bernstein’s research, which focuses on unravelling the complex causes and impacts of IBD, has improved the lives of thousands of patients and earned international recognition, including ranking in the top 0.05% of all scholars worldwide.

The distinguished professor of internal medicine at the Max Rady College of Medicine has spearheaded numerous outpatient programs designed to provide accessible and holistic care for IBD patients. As a proud born-and-raised Winnipegger, he continues to put Manitoba on the map as a global leader in GI research and patient care.

A visionary in gastroenterology research

Bernstein’s tenure as the Bingham Chair has been marked by an ambitious research agenda that tackles the genetic, environmental and microbial factors contributing to the development and progression of IBD. A strong advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration, he has led initiatives that combine clinical research with innovative public health strategies.

His emphasis on community-based support reflects his deep commitment to improving quality of life for individuals facing chronic GI conditions, a cause affecting nearly one in five Canadians.

Among his many achievements, Bernstein co-founded the UM IBD Clinical and Research Centre, a world-class program that has made pivotal strides in the study and treatment of GI diseases. His research into environmental triggers of IBD, such as diet and antibiotic use, has had a profound impact on understanding how these diseases develop, allowing for more personalized and precise treatment plans.

Bernstein has made several notable contributions to the field of gastroenterology, including:

• Environmental Risk Factors and IBD: Bernstein has led several large-scale studies exploring environmental risk factors for IBD, providing insight into how modern lifestyle factors, such as diet and antibiotic use, influence the incidence and course of GI diseases. His work has highlighted the role of environmental influences on genetic predispositions, offering more comprehensive approaches to prevention and treatment.

• Mental Health and IBD: Bernstein’s research also explores the intersection of mental health and IBD. He has contributed significantly to advancing the understanding of the psychosocial aspects of living with IBD. His work highlights the importance of mental health and quality of life in managing chronic diseases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that goes beyond addressing physical symptoms. (To learn more, you can watch UM Knowledge Exchange, where Bernstein and other UM researchers share insights into the fascinating connection between the brain and the gut in the context of health and IBD.)

• Long-Term Impact of IBD: Through his research into the long-term effects of IBD, including cancer risk, fatigue and the impact on work-life balance, Bernstein has provided crucial data that guides clinical practice, improving the lives of patients with chronic conditions. He was also instrumental in leading population-based studies that track the prevalence and incidence of IBD over time, providing valuable data to global health organizations.

• Outpatient Programs: Understanding the need for specialized care outside of hospital settings, Bernstein initiated several outpatient programs aimed at providing continuous, personalized care for IBD patients.

Shaping the future of GI research at UM 

While Bernstein’s work has already had a transformative impact, there is still much to learn about IBD and gastrointestinal diseases. His research continues to focus on discovering new therapies, refining treatment protocols and finding ways to improve early diagnosis.

Supporting the Bingham Chair in Gastroenterology contributes to a brighter future for health care, advancing essential research that impacts the lives of countless people worldwide who live with IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders.

At the University of Manitoba, Bisons are at the centre of health care, finance, Reconciliation and so much more. Wherever there’s a challenge, you’ll find UM alumni leading the charge. Explore the Bisons at the Centre campaign and meet the alumni shaping Manitoba and beyond.

Learn more about how donor support is making an impact at UM.

Dr. Michael Benarroch and Prof. Abdemajid Abourriche, Vice-President (Scientific Research) sign MOU at Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco.

The new Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and other agreements were signed this year by Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research & International) during a recent trip to Morocco. The UM visiting delegation was also joined by faculty members Dr. Fouad Daayf (plant science) and Dr. Abdelilah Soussi Gounni (immunology).

“Our partnerships in Morocco support UM’s key strategic research priorities of advancing world-leading innovation in sustainable agriculture and climate action, health and well-being, and Indigenous economic reconciliation,” says Pinto.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, Dr. Mario Pinto and Pr. Mustapha Ijjaali sign MOU at USMBA, Fès, Morocco.

“Through collaboration and exchange we can magnify the impacts of our research to the mutual benefit of our institutions and provide a model for environmentally sustainable food production across Africa and around the world.”

The original 2023 Faculty Exchange (FE) with Université Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) reflects a shared vision to accelerate sustainable agriculture and green energy initiatives. A key priority for this initiative is to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture through the development of new sustainable fertilizers, such as green ammonia.

Dr. Mario Tenuta, Senior Industrial Research Chair in 4R Nutrient Management and professor of soil ecology in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, is a leader of a new international initiative examining green ammonia production. The Nitrogen Center for Clean Energy and the Environment (NiCCEE) located at UM will facilitate collaboration with UM6P, Moroccan state-owned fertilizer manufacturer OCP Group, the African Plant Nutrition Institute and experts in the U.K., U.S. and Canada.

“UM6P, and Morocco in general, is a leader in advanced farm management in Africa and will help UM advance its research goals in agriculture and medicine on the African continent,” says Tenuta. “OCP is the largest phosphate fertilizer producer in the world and Canada has the world’s largest reserves of potash or potassium fertilizer, so there are many natural synergies with our work at NiCCEE.”

In addition, UM6P researchers will play an important role in UM’s work transforming community and regional connectivity around Western Hudson Bay, stabilizing and strengthening supply chains in central Canada, and helping to bring economic prosperity to the region and beyond.

Researchers from several universities in Morocco also displayed their scaled investment in digital health technologies. The faculty will instruct medical students in the use of digital models for learning the fundamentals in medicine and also for providing health-care delivery in remote regions, a subject of great importance to Indigenous and rural populations in Manitoba.

These agreements represent a commitment to the development of mutually beneficial academic programs, knowledge exchange and the co-ordination of faculty and student mobility for research and teaching purposes.

UM now has formal agreements with the following five institutions in Morocco:

• Université Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Ben Guerir, Morocco – FEA signed June 16, 2023
• Université Mohammed Premier, Oudja, Morocco – MOU signed May 6, 2024
• Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdullah, Fès, Morocco – MOU, FEA with Rady Faculty of Health Sciences signed May 7, 2024
• Université Moulay Ismail, Meknes, Morocco – MOU Signed May 8, 2024
• Institut National de la recherche agronomique, Rabat, Morocco – MOU signed May 9, 2024

Dr. Benarroch and Dr. Pinto with representatives of the Institut National de la recherche agronomique, Rabat, Morocco.

Arsenio [B.Sc./04, PhD/11], a UM Canada Research Chair in systems biology and chronic inflammation and assistant professor of internal medicine and immunology in the Max Rady College of Medicine, and her team recently discovered that immune T-cells in males and females respond differently to chronic infection at an earlier stage of the disease.

“There is an assumption that male and female T-cells, in this context, may behave the same, but we’re finding that they are different,” said Arsenio, also a researcher with Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology.

 “Not only are they different at the response level, but also at the transcriptional level. So, when we look at the molecular programming it’s different between males and females.”

The results of this study will help researchers better understand how to treat and prevent diseases in the future, said Arsenio, who is vice-chair of Women In Science: Development, Outreach and Mentorship (WISDOM).

“We know there are sex biases in response outcomes, and females particularly are understudied in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, so it really brings attention to the fact that there are fundamental differences between the sexes,” Arsenio said.

Understanding sex-related differences is an emerging theme across various disciplines, Arsenio said, because it’s understudied. While her work primarily focuses on chronic viral infection, she is currently working on studies looking at sex-related differences in inflammatory diseases.

“I think our work of trying to understand these differences challenges the way studies have been done,” she said.

This innovative work all started because the environment at UM fostered her spark for science and her development as a trainee during her bachelor of science and PhD, Arsenio said. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California San Diego before returning to UM as an assistant professor in 2017.

Arsenio said it’s an honour to be back at UM as a faculty member because she can now do her part to mentor trainees and help spark their interest in research as well.

“Growing up, I never knew any scientists and through my undergrad and PhD there really was no one else who looked like me,” said Arsenio, whose parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines. “Now that I’m in my position, I recognize the value of really supporting others who may be able to identify with me.”

UM Knowledge Exchange is an important opportunity for UM researchers to share emerging knowledge with members of the public and the wider UM community. UM Knowledge Exchange is hosted by the Office of the Vice-President (Research and International), with support from the UM Learning for Life Network.

Join us for this opportunity to feed your curiosity and nourish your understanding of the brain-gut connection and explore the intriguing interplay of mind and metabolism. Our expert panel will uncover valuable strategies for maintaining health and managing IBD with this engaging and informative presentation.

Moderator

Jean-Eric Ghia, Professor, Depts. Immunology & Internal Medicine section of Gastroenterology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.

Panelists

Heather Armstrong, Assistant Professor and Tier 2 CRC, Department of Internal Medicine, Manitoba Center for Proteomics and System Biology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.

Charles Bernstein, Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Bingham Chair in Gastroenterology, Department on Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.

Lesley Graff, Professor, Head Dept of Clinical Health Psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Provincial Medical Specialty Lead- Clinical Health Psychology Shared Health.

Jennifer Kornelsen, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.

Brain and Gut: working together in health and disease, March 27, 7pm-8:30pm (CDT) at Degrees Diner. UM Knowledge Exchange is a hybrid event with in-person and online options to attend.

Please register by March 22 to join the discussion.

Add Brain and Gut: working together in health and disease to your calendar. Coffee and other refreshments will be provided, and the kitchen at Degrees Diner will be open for specialty coffee and full food service. Parking is available with registration.

Or join us for online viewing 7 pm CDT to watch the live stream. Participate during the live session by asking your questions via email to: Research [dot] Communications [at] UManitoba [dot] ca

The seven-part UM Knowledge Exchange panel-discussion series is ongoing until May 2024. More details can be found on the UM Knowledge Exchange webpage.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, Dr. Kelley Main and Dr. Jay Doering enjoy the 75th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Kelley Main, the 11th dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies hosted the event, highlighting moments of the faculty’s successes.  From the very first convocation order of proceedings on record showing graduates of the master of arts and master of surgery programs in 1892, to the first female PhD graduate in mycology in 1931, to the creation of the Faculty of Graduate studies in January 1949, to multiple new programs implemented in 2023, Dr. Main shared that the Faculty has many things to be proud of and celebrate.

Dr. Michael Benarroch presented the FGS Outstanding Support Staff Award to Edwina Shwedyk, Graduate Program Administrator, Computer Science; and  Dr. Diane-Heibert Murphy presented the FGS Outstanding Administrator Award to Dr. Jitendra Paliwal, Associate Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and Professor, Biosystems Engineering.  

Highlights of the celebration included recent 3MT 1st place winner Keshav Narayan Alagarsamy, 3MP 1st place winner Oladipupo Olatunde (Dipo) and Distinguished Dissertation Award recipient Dr. Laura Forsythe, sharing their experiences, research and appreciation for the opportunities gained in their time at the faculty. Dr. B. Mario Pinto stated “These are our future business leaders, research leaders, community activists and government policy makers.”  

Award recipients included:

• Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, Professor in Immunology received the Outstanding Mentor Award in Health Sciences, presented by Dr. Todd Duhamel, the FGS Associate Dean in Health Sciences.
• Dr. Dominique Rey, Associate Professor in Fine Arts received the Outstanding Mentor in Social Sciences and Humanities, presented by Dr. Dawn Sutherland, the FGS Associate Dean for Social Sciences and Humanities.
• Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, Professor in Kinesiology and Recreation Management received the Outstanding Mentor in National and Applied Sciences presented by Dr. Ehab El-Salakaway, FGS Associate Dean for Natural Sciences and Engineering. 

Dr. Main presented the FGS Dean’s Achievement Prize to:

• Thilini Dissanayake, PhD candidate in Food and Human Nutrition
• Cassie Dong, PhD candidate in Peace and Conflict Studies
• Christopher Yendt, PhD candidate in Education

The UMGSA presented awards to graduate students:

• Alekhya Lavu and Toby Le for the GSA Doctoral Program Award;
• Ali Zoungrana, Sophia Mbabaali and Trixie Maybituin for the GSA Master’s Program Award;
• Andrea Brown, Pauline Calinisan and Karen Livingston for the GSA Part Time Program Award.

The poster presentation displays showcased research being done by current students.

92 Graduate students proudly shared their research work with poster displays. These students were selected by their faculty to showcase their research and acknowledge their dedication and to the pursuit of academic excellence.

This event was very well attended by students, staff, alum and faculty. Dr. Main, reflecting on the milestone anniversary expressed gratitude for the support from all those who have been a part of the faculty’s journey “Our success over the past 75 years is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire UM community – faculty, students, staff and donors- who have propelled us forward. As we celebrate our history, we also look ahead with excitement, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.”  

The recording of the 75th anniversary celebration can be found here. 

A link to the 75 fun facts of FGS  and a timeline of the early beginnings to the present can be found here. 

“In her own words, she said, ‘As a young woman researcher living in Canada, I have been passionate about inspiring, empowering and mentoring other scientists in general, and female individuals specifically. I believe sharing my experiences through teaching, mentoring and complementing other young scientists will influence their lives and career paths in a very positive way.’”

Tragically, Forough’s journey inspiring others was cut short Jan. 8, 2020. She was one of 176 passengers and crew members killed when Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 was shot down by missiles over Tehran, shortly after takeoff.

Forough had come to Canada from Iran to study at UM 10 years earlier. She was well known for her optimistic attitude and commitment to mentoring female students. Considered a rising star in the field of immunology, Forough’s groundbreaking research in cells and parasites was widely considered a life-saving breakthrough.

“She wasn’t just my older sister, she was my coach, my teacher, my leader,” says Faezeh Khadem, Forough’s sister. “I never saw her set a goal that she didn’t reach.”

Friends, family and colleagues rallied to raise funds and create a scholarship in Forough’s honour, with the endowment reaching $300,000 this past spring.

The Dr. Forough Khadem Scholarship recognizes and rewards an outstanding international female graduate student at either the master’s or doctoral level, who demonstrates leadership and a desire to have an impact on the world through science, and who embodies a pioneering spirit. This year, the inaugural award was presented to Marina Costa Fujishima, a PhD student in immunology at the Max Rady College of Medicine.

Kourosh says the scholarship honours not only Forough’s research but the challenges she overcame as an international student. “We’re very happy it will go to the most deserving section of the student population. They have come here for their education. That is why Forough came to Canada, it was the University of Manitoba, so this is the best place to memorialize her name and legacy.”

“She really wanted to continue coaching for other students,” adds Faezeh. “So, I know having this scholarship and helping others reach their goals would make her so happy.”

The endowment would not have been possible without the generosity of 127 donors.

“We are very grateful to whoever contributed, at whatever level,” continues Kourosh. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

And what would Forough say to Marina Costa Fujishima and other future female scientists following in her footsteps?

“Persevere. Pursue your dreams,” Kourosh says, with conviction. “She would famously say, ‘If there is a wall, no matter how tall that wall is, there is a door for you to find. Don’t give up because there are obstacles in your way. Persevere and keep going.’”

The competition challenges graduate students to present their research, in French, before a non-specialized audience and panel of judges in only 180 seconds (or less), using a single, static slide.

On April 19, four graduate students – Camila Chacon, Diane Tshikudi, Patti Germann, and Courtney Marshall – each showcased their research to judges and the online audience. The competition was hosted by Dr. Jean-Eric Ghia, professor at the University of Manitoba and Honorary Consul of France in Winnipeg

“This competition highlights the presence of francophone students in our university, a pool of students who contribute to the advancement of knowledge and participate in developing a scientific culture in Canada,” says Ghia. “Through that competition and the spread of their research, they are a major vector for enrichment.  I would like to thank all the participants for their engagement through their community and their contribution en Français.”

First place, sponsored by the association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas) Manitoba, was awarded to Camila Chacon, a master’s student in the department of physiology and pathophysiology.

Chacon, a recipient of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Completion Scholarship in 2021, hopes that her research will help lead to advancements in optimizing therapeutics for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.

Second place, sponsored by the Ambassade de France au Canada, was awarded to Diane Tshikudi, a doctoral student from the department of immunology.

A recipient of the 2021 Mindel and Tom Olenick Research Award in Immunology, Tshikudi intends to establish herself as an independent researcher, working on better understanding inflammatory diseases and developing therapeutic approaches to help improve patients’ care.

All members of the UM community are encouraged to tune in and support her as she advances to the Acfas national final*, held in-person on May 11, 2022, at 6:30 PM EST at le Théâtre de la Cité universitaire in Laval University.

Third place, sponsored by the Ambassade de France au Canada, was awarded to Patti Germann, a doctoral student in French, Spanish and Italian.

“It is a great testament to these students that they can discuss their research for a lay audience in French. They have found a way to successfully communicate their ideas and inspire others with their passion and drive”, says Kelley Main, acting dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. “I would like to congratulate all the competitors and wish Diane the best as she competes at the finals.”

The link to watch the UM final can be found here.

*The rules stipulate that only PhD students can advance to the Canadian Finals, and as Camila is a Master’s student, Diane will be advancing to the ACFAS final. The national final will be held on May 11, 2022.

The MT180 competition challenges graduate students to present their research project in simple terms to a non-specialized audience, in French. This competition is modelled after the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.

The UM competition allows both master’s and doctoral students the opportunity to compete, and the top placing doctoral challenger will advance to the National final being held on May 11 at the Acfas Congress at Laval University.

The four challengers who will be presenting at UM’s final event are:

Camila Chacon – Physiologie et Pathophysiologie, M.Sc
Le système nerveux sympathique et l’intégration des neurones spinaux V3

Courtney Marshall – Immunologie, M.Sc.
Les différences sexuelles dans l’immunomodulation de l’inflammation par peptide synthétique. 

Diane Tshikudi – Immunologie, PhD
Effet de la chromogranine A et de la pancréastatine sur le processus de guérison de la muqueuse intestinale dans la colite ulcéreuse.

Patti Germain – Francais, Espagnol, Italien, PhD
Le Lieu touristique dans les œuvres d’Alain Rennais et de Marguerite Duras (1944-1965) : espace des violences présentes et passées.

Everyone is invited to watch the event online!

UM MT180 Final
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
4 PM CT
Watch online

Details of both the UM MT180 and 3MT events can be found at umanitoba.ca/3mt.

As reported by CBC, two research teams from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and another led by a UM alumnus working at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are making an important contribution in a battle against a virus which has affected nearly every aspect of humanity.

They’re not necessarily treating sick patients in hospitals, but a number of Manitoba-based scientists are working long hours and facing remarkable pressure to battle the novel coronavirus from their labs and research facilities.

Xiao-Jian Yao

Xiao-Jian Yao is among them.

The professor in the University of Manitoba’s department of medical microbiology was recently awarded nearly $600,000 from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Research Manitoba to work on developing a vaccine for COVID-19.

Yao, who has a background in studying viruses like HIV and H5N1, is studying and developing COVID-19 vaccine candidates, and testing their ability to produce immunity responses in mice. 

From there, he’ll work toward testing on humans.

Ryan Zarychanski

One of the other scientists contributing his knowledge to the field is working to help treat the symptoms of the virus that can sometimes be fatal.

Dr. Ryan Zarychanski, a hematologist and critical care physician with Cancer Care Manitoba who also teaches at the University of Manitoba, is leading a clinical trial in Manitoba that recently got a $700,000 funding boost from the province. He hopes to be among the recipients of federal grant money as well.

When the pandemic hit, he and his research team shifted their focus to work on therapies for COVID-19.

Zarychanski [BSc/05, BSc (Med)/00] is testing several drugs, including hydroxychloroquine — a drug approved by Health Canada to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus — to see if it can prevent contracting COVID-19 after exposure to the virus that causes it, and whether the drug can be used to keep symptoms from worsening for those who have the illness.

Brad Pickering

Governments all over the world are looking into widely testing their populations for COVID-19, and one Manitoba scientist is working to make that testing easier.

Brad Pickering [BSc/03, PhD/10] received more than $400,000 from the federal government and Research Manitoba to look into developing portable diagnostics for COVID-19 that can be used anywhere from a care home to an airport to a patient’s bedside.

Pickering, who is the head of special pathogens at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, is working on developing an easy to use, battery-operated diagnostic tool.

As people mourned Friday at a memorial service for one of the victims of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752, there was a note of hope with the announcement of a scholarship established in honour of Forough Khadem.

Khadem graduated from the University of Manitoba with a PhD in immunology in 2016, and was a promising scientist who made an important discovery about a deadly parasitic disease called leishmaniasis.

Brent Wennekes, director of business development at the non-profit research organization Mitacs, announced the establishment of the Dr. Forough Khadem scholarship during the Friday service, saying it was created “to honour her life, spirit and work.”

Before she died in the Jan. 8 crash, Khadem worked in the Winnipeg offices of Mitacs, a Canada-wide non-profit that works to make connections between industry and researchers.

The two-year, $30,000 scholarship is focused on international female post-secondary graduate students working in the fields of science, technology, engineering or math.

It’s intended to help the scholarship recipient “come to Canada and finish her education and to make the world a better place,” said Wennekes.

“The recipient will demonstrate leadership, a desire to have an impact on the world through her science, and will embody a pioneering spirit — just like Forough,” he said.

Read the full story here.