Bourque, 26, is working toward an interdisciplinary PhD in nursing and psychology. Her work is focused on the effects of cancer-related labels and language on adolescents and young adults who have had a cancer diagnosis.

Originally from New Brunswick, Bourque has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Crandall University and a master’s degree in psychiatry from McGill University.

Earlier this year, she received $210,000 over four years as part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s new master’s and PhD training awards competition. The organization awarded $3.34 million to 16 master’s students and 17 PhD students across eight provinces.

UM Today spoke with Bourque about her journey and passion for her research.

Can you describe your research and why you see it as important?

My research focuses on cancer-related language. One significant aspect involves re-evaluating terms like “survivor” or “fighter” to ensure they are more inclusive, recognizing that not everyone identifies with these titles during their cancer journey. I aim to foster language that respects the diverse range of individual experiences.

I’d like to carve out a dedicated space in cancer research that specifically delves into the unique experiences and psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults. Recognizing the distinct challenges faced by this demographic is crucial for tailoring effective and empathetic support systems. Ultimately, the aim is to contribute to a more compassionate, responsive and supportive health-care environment for them.

What inspired you to pursue your field of study?

My own health journey is the fuel behind my decision to dive into research. Going through my own challenges made me realize the struggles others face, and I want to do something about it. I’m driven to find insights and solutions that can genuinely help people dealing with health issues like mine. Through research, I hope to turn my personal insights into something practical and positive.

What motivates you to do the work you do?

I’m genuinely driven by the idea of creating a positive impact in the world and seeing real, meaningful changes unfold. I am constantly brainstorming ways to make a difference in someone’s life. I view research as this incredible tool, not just for academics but for shaking things up in health care and enhancing the experiences of patients. My goal isn’t just to talk about change, but to ignite genuine, positive transformations that resonate with people on a personal and heartfelt level.

Why did you choose UM for your PhD?

There were a few reasons. First, I was lucky to connect with several faculty members, including my supervisor and committee members, who were excited about my work and ready to support me in my education and research. The College of Nursing houses many prominent academics at a number of phases in their careers, all of whom are ready to support grad students where possible. I was also excited about the opportunity to study and conduct research in an environment that values interdisciplinary education, as my project mixes the disciplines of nursing and psychology.

UM’s intimate and close-knit educational setting was also a factor. The prospect of more personalized interactions with professors and the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with fellow students aligns with my preference for a more collaborative and engaging academic environment.

What are your future plans?

I envision a future where I continue to immerse myself in the world of research. The idea of potentially stepping into a teaching role at a university also holds appeal. I also see a potential avenue in applying my expertise within health-care networks. The prospect of being a catalyst for positive shifts in health care, where my research can directly influence and enhance the well-being of individuals navigating the system, is a driving force in my aspirations.

This Q&A is part of a series on UM Today featuring Rady Faculty of Health Sciences graduate students. You can find more grad student profiles here: #Radygradstudents.

UM Today spoke with Shabanipour to talk about his pathway to a PhD program and what motivates him to work on Alzheimer’s disease.

What inspired you to pursue your field of study?

About 50 million people in the world are diagnosed with dementia, and this number is projected to triple, reaching up to 150 million by 2050. This statistic underscores the urgent need to understand and address Alzheimer’s disease, which is one of the most prevalent forms of dementia. Witnessing the devastating impact of this condition on individuals and their families further fueled my inspiration to pursue my field of study. I am deeply committed to contributing to the scientific efforts aimed at unraveling the complexities of Alzheimer’s and working towards effective treatments and prevention strategies.

Why did you choose the University of Manitoba (UM)?

I was truly fascinated by the abundance of cutting-edge research conducted in neuroscience at UM. The university’s commitment to advancing knowledge in this field was evident through the myriad of research projects and studies undertaken by distinguished faculty and students alike. What captured my attention even further was the remarkable diversity in the subjects explored within neuroscience – from cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging to neurobiology and neuropsychology. This dynamic and inclusive approach to research promises an enriching learning experience that goes beyond traditional boundaries, making UM an ideal destination for aspiring neuroscientists like myself.

Why did you choose this project?

My fascination with Alzheimer’s disease and its study didn’t simply emerge overnight. Like most students commencing their exploration of neuroscience, my field of interest was initially quite broad. It was during my time in Dr. Hassan Marzban’s lab at UM, while pursuing my master’s, that I delved into brain development and neurodegenerative conditions. This exposure piqued my curiosity regarding the multitude of ailments linked to memory and cognition impairment. I found myself pondering the mechanisms underlying these conditions and the avenues for comprehending them, as well as devising effective treatments.

Driven by a strong aspiration to acquire novel techniques, hone my skills and gain a deeper insight into the treatment realm, I embarked on my PhD in 2022 under Dr. Jillian Stobart.

My current focus lies in investigating the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and aging on the brain’s neurovascular system in mice. The ultimate goal of my project is to unravel the changes in brain blood flow regulation and the role of pericytes throughout the course of Alzheimer’s disease and with ageing. We anticipate that our findings will pave the way for future pharmacological experiments aimed at improving vascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease and potentially mitigating cognitive impairments associated with the condition.

You were recently awarded $17,850 by Research Manitoba to pursue a research project, Brain pericytes and Ca2+ signaling in Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. What was your reaction?

Receiving this award fills me with happiness and honour, especially considering the financial challenges that students often face. I strongly believe that such support enables students to approach science with greater relaxation, focus, confidence and creativity.

Why did you choose UM for your graduate studies?

In my opinion, students should progress through their academic journey at a pace that allows them to reflect on their life and career aspirations. Personally, during my graduate studies at UM, I found the perfect balance that enables me to do just that. The university offers numerous opportunities to acquire relevant skills aligned with my academic and career objectives. For instance, in my current lab, in addition to gaining wet lab experience, I have the chance to explore more sophisticated microscopic techniques and even delve into coding. This exposure allows me to assess my interests and passion for these areas, determining if they align with my long-term goals and if I can engage in them without losing enthusiasm.

What else motivates you to do the work you do?

One of my primary motivations stems from witnessing the impact of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s on some of my family members during my childhood. Though I lacked knowledge about these diseases back then, my higher education journey exposed me to their complexities and fueled my determination to delve deeper into the subject and seek potential treatments. Now throughout my PhD, I actively engage in programs that allow me to meet individuals facing neurodegenerative challenges, listen to their stories and offer assistance. These encounters emphasize the urgency of the situation, making it more tangible and driving my motivation. For me, scientific research goes beyond mere curiosity; it carries a profound personal meaning, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to a cause that matters deeply.

What is next for you?

While we have not yet started, the upcoming stage of my research focuses on treatment. Our strategy involves partnering with other laboratories at UM that are actively engaged in the development of pharmacologically promising drugs for addressing Alzheimer’s disease.

I genuinely think that utilizing cutting edge imaging techniques along with complicated analytic methods would be one of the main steps toward building up my future career in this field. I would also like to apply for a post-doctoral fellowship.

While I desire to continue my work in an academic environment and achieve the rank of assistant professor, I am more than willing to join the field of neuroscience if the proper chance presents itself, as my passion extends beyond teaching it to practicing it.

This Q&A is part of a series on UM Today this summer featuring Rady Faculty of Health Sciences graduate students. You can find more grad student profiles here: #Radygradstudents.