Arora is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Social Sciences category, in recognition of his innovative research on the challenges and opportunities new technologies present for marketers, and his contributions to improving marketing practices through evidence-based insights.

UM Today caught up with Arora to learn more about him and the research he is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I started at the University of Manitoba around nine-and-a-half years ago. Currently, I am the F. Ross Johnson Professor of Marketing, an associate professor in the Marketing department and the department head for the past five years.

Before coming to Winnipeg, I was in Austin, Texas, where I earned my degree from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. Prior to that, I received an MBA in Marketing and Information Systems from the Management Development Institute in India, and an engineering degree from the Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences in India. I’m here in Winnipeg with my 13-year-old son and my spouse.

My research focuses on high-quality, impactful and novel projects that have implications for both managers and society. I work on marketing strategy, with a specific interest in the role of new technologies for marketers and the challenges posed by their evolution. Additionally, I investigate how processes, leaders and stakeholders engage with marketing organizations and the implications of this engagement for firms and society.

I use a mixed method approach for my research that includes econometric analysis of structured and unstructured data, experimental design and theory development. I aim to address real-world problems faced by managers and provide fresh perspectives that can move the field forward.

Why is this research important?

My research tackles real-world problems that can have significant impacts and provide new insights for both academics and industry practitioners. For instance, one of my projects with a PhD student involved working with a local company to address their challenges while conducting our research.

These projects are time-consuming and require substantial effort, but they are rewarding when managers find the results useful. Our work has been covered in academic publications and industry-focused blogs, showing its relevance and utility.

What does the Rh Award mean to you?

The Rh Award is one of the most prestigious awards at the University of Manitoba, and receiving it is a reinforcement of my work and a pat on the back. It’s encouraging to have an external party recognize the importance of my work, motivating me to continue on my current path.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I plan to continue working on novel, managerial and socially relevant topics, aiming for high-quality publications in top journals.

I also want to collaborate more closely with industry partners to increase the relevance of my research and potentially shorten the time it takes to implement my findings in the real world. Additionally, I plan to take on more doctoral students, as mentoring them is a gratifying way to give back to the field.

What about you might people find surprising?

Before academia, I worked in the banking industry in India for eight years, handling large teams and budgets. This experience is atypical in academia, where many go directly from their studies to teaching.

Additionally, I served as the department head while untenured and the junior-most person in the department, which is quite unusual.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

Keep your eyes and ears open, as the world is full of interesting problems and questions to explore.

Persistence is key, especially when working on impactful, high-quality research that takes years to complete. Working on problems that genuinely interest and motivate you will make the journey easier, even when facing challenges and setbacks.

Roos is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Social Sciences category, in recognition of her innovative work in developing family-centered mental health interventions and her contributions to promoting mental health equity.

UM Today caught up with Roos to learn more about her and the research she is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I’m an associate professor in psychology, and I also work in pediatrics and as a clinical scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Across roles, my major goal is to increase access to mental health support services for families, so they can live fulfilling lives.

My research focuses on scalable, accessible mental health programming, recognizing the various barriers families face, such as transportation, waitlist and finding the right fit. We develop programs in collaboration with families and community members to increase access, combining in-person and e-health interventions to reach more families.

Why is this research important?

Every family deserves access to mental health support that aligns with their values and identity. Our research aims to empower parents with tools to find fitting services.

Globally, there’s a significant gap between the need for mental health services and access to them, with 20-50 per cent of those in need not receiving adequate care. Our goal is to create scalable programs to reach more families and reduce the burden on intensive services, ultimately shortening waitlists and improving access to higher-intensity care when needed.

What does the Rh award mean to you?

The Rh award is a significant honour, and I appreciate the recognition of our mental health work, which intersects social and health sciences. Since the pandemic, there’s been more attention to the importance of mental health.

This award allows us to expand our programs and their reach, both within our community and potentially on a national and international level, elevating the impact of research developed in Manitoba.

What about you might people find surprising?

I was certain for years that I wanted to be a marine biologist and did extensive work in that area. But then I realized I like people too much, and talking to people on a daily basis was really important for my own wellness, which led me to shift my interest to psychology, even though I still think marine biology is really cool.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

Focus on community in your work, understanding your purpose and values. Don’t hesitate to seek mentorship and ask for support. People are often willing to share their experiences, grant examples and advice. There’s a lot of hidden knowledge that you can gain from others.

Linovski is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Interdisciplinary category, in recognition of her research on the impacts of private-sector planning and her work on making transportation systems more equitable.

UM Today caught up with Linovski to learn more about her and the research she is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I am an associate professor in the Department of City Planning at the University of Manitoba. My research focuses on two broad areas. The first is professional practice, specifically understanding how planners work in different contexts, particularly in large private sector and publicly traded firms.

The second area is transportation equity, which involves understanding the barriers and opportunities people have with different modes of transportation. I focus on how planning can ensure that people can access the activities and destinations they need, regardless of their chosen mode of transportation.

Why is this research important?

Transportation equity is crucial because access to transportation significantly impacts people’s lives, including their ability to access education, employment, health care and recreation. In Canada, people face significant barriers if they are unable to drive or afford a car.

So, I think it’s really important to understand transportation from a social perspective and work towards making it equitable for everyone.

What does winning the Rh Award mean to you?

It’s a huge honour for me, especially knowing that so many of my colleagues put a lot of time into preparing the application. I really appreciate all the effort that went into it.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

There is growing attention to equity in transportation, and it’s important to understand how we can move forward from a policy perspective. I plan to continue working on the policy side and collaborating with elected officials, who are key decision-makers in the transportation planning process. That’s where my future research is heading.

What about you might people find surprising?

I have a twin sister. Also, I don’t love to drive, which might have influenced my research area. But anyone who knows me wouldn’t be surprised by that.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

As a scholar, you often have the opportunity to do something you’re passionate about. It’s exciting to see new research focused on improving the world, especially in planning. Keep working persistently on research that has a meaningful impact on the world around us.

Bobiwash is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Interdisciplinary category. His innovative research on pollinator health and sustainable agricultural practices, along with his dedication to bridging Indigenous and Western scientific methodologies, highlights his significant contributions to both academia and community engagement.

UM Today caught up with Bobiwash to learn more about him and the research he is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I’m Kyle Bobiwash. I’m Anishinaabe from Mississauga First Nation on the north shore of Lake Huron. I have a dog and a research colleague, Professor Pickles. I’ve had fantastic mentors who enabled me to learn on the land and excel in the classroom.

From a young age, I always thought I could do science better than all these white folks out there, so I launched myself all in during grad school. At the University of Manitoba, I work with colleagues like Jason Gibbs and Rob Currie on pollination ecology and biology. We study pollination not just from a top-down perspective but by looking at landscapes, floral resources and the needs of flowers and organisms in these landscapes, from the perspective of research organisms.

We want to understand what drives community composition and well-being of pollinators and general biodiversity. My students do everything from basic biodiversity work all the way to really cool, new pathogen spillover studies to identify disease transmission pathways among pollinators.

Connecting to who I am as an Anishinaabe person, we also use models like Three Sisters farming to build science capacity and ask deeper questions, not only in Western science but in Indigenous knowledge systems.

Why is this research important?

I often think about this, and it really isn’t important for the vast majority of people. Of course, pollination and pollinator health are important to society. But what’s crucial is connecting our land management practices to clear, solid evidence.

It’s about improving habitats and outcomes for pollinators. We need to understand what that actually means. We know that more flowers probably mean happier bees, but the nuance is essential.

In Canada, and particularly in Manitoba, there’s a push and pull between economic interests and ecological interests. We need to think beyond traditional agricultural benefits and connect human actions and policies to biodiversity impacts. Ensuring our values align with environmental well-being is really important.

What does winning the Rh Award mean to you?

I was really interested by this opportunity and spent some time reading about the Falconer Award. It’s an honour, especially since it supports emerging research that engages the public.

This recognition connects me to others doing important science that benefits society. The award is encouraging and motivates me to keep working on innovative and impactful projects.

The financial support is also big, allowing for more flexibility in my research, like maybe hiring more graduate students or engaging community volunteers.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I split my time between the university and being a researcher in residence at the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada. My goal is to ensure that my research benefits farmers and communities, driving self-determination and sustainable practices.

I want to connect detailed pollination biology to broader goals like science policy and sustainable agriculture. It’s about making sure that science benefits society and supports communities.

What about you might people find surprising?

People might find it surprising that I have racing pigeons in my backyard, enjoy bonsai work, love hunting and being out on the land and am dedicated to miniature wargaming.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

For early career researchers, make sure that opportunities align with both professional and personal development. Don’t get bogged down by the perceived requirements for tenure and promotion or thesis requirements.

Focus on projects and partnerships that truly matter to you and help you grow. Collaborate with people from diverse fields and find a niche that values your contributions and has a good place for you.

Rueda is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Health Sciences category, in recognition of her innovative work on the syndemics of infectious diseases and her contributions to improving public health through evidence-based policy changes.

UM Today caught up with Rueda to learn more about her and the research she is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I’m originally from Colombia, where I studied medicine and earned a PhD in epidemiology. My research focuses on four main areas: pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

I work primarily with marginalized populations to understand the epidemiology and co-infections of these diseases. My lab, the Exposome Lab, and the AllTogether4IDEAS team, study all the exposures that affect health, both genetic and environmental, and how these interact to create negative health outcomes.

I’m also passionate about diagnostics and ensuring quick and accurate diagnoses to improve treatment outcomes. I believe in translating research into action by advocating for policy changes to improve public health.

Why is this research important?

Our research in Manitoba on HIV and sexually transmitted infections revealed a unique epidemiology compared to the rest of Canada. Nationally, new HIV diagnoses are predominantly reported among gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, with two-thirds of cases in males and less than 20 per cent among people who inject drugs.

In contrast, Manitoba sees a different pattern: half of the newly diagnosed HIV cases are females, with a significant overrepresentation of people who inject drugs and those experiencing houselessness. This research sheds light on these intersecting conditions, such as sex, houselessness, injection drug use and mental health issues, that disproportionately impact these populations.

By understanding these unique epidemiological patterns, we can develop targeted interventions and support systems to improve health outcomes for those most affected in Manitoba.

What does winning the Rh Award mean to you?

Receiving the Rh Award was an emotional experience for me. It represents recognition of the incredible teamwork behind my research. It’s also a personal boost as a first-generation immigrant facing many challenges.

This award acknowledges the support of my family, mentors and colleagues who have guided me. It carries a responsibility to continue leading by example and advancing our work to improve public health.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I aim to expand our network of researchers and collaborators, including those with lived experiences. My ultimate goal is to generate evidence that transforms the lives of the populations we study.

Advocacy remains a key component of our work, ensuring that research findings are used to drive meaningful change. Additionally, I’m committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, recognizing that success is subjective and individualized.

What about you might people find surprising?

I live life to the fullest, valuing the present and embracing activities that bring joy, like dancing to salsa music, enjoying wine and coffee, traveling and spending time with loved ones.

Any advice for early-career researchers and students?

Be open-minded, flexible, humble and collaborative. Each person must find their own work-life balance. Follow your dreams and instincts, no matter how challenging.

I remember a professor telling me I couldn’t conduct research in Colombian prisons because I was too young and a woman. But I persisted, and that research changed my life. Listening to and collaborating with people who have lived experiences has been invaluable.

El-Gabalawy is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Health Sciences category, in recognition of her research to improve mental health care for medically vulnerable populations. UM Today caught up with El-Gabalawy to learn more about her and the research she is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I’m a clinician scientist with cross appointments in the departments of clinical health psychology and anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine, which is a really unique partnership yielding fruitful interdisciplinary collaborations. I also hold adjunct appointments in psychology, psychiatry and at CancerCare Manitoba. As a registered clinical health psychologist, my specialization is in medical trauma.

As the director of the Health Anxiety and Trauma Lab (HATLab), my research broadly focuses on the interrelationships between mental and physical health, particularly how mental health affects medical procedures like surgery. More recently, I’ve been exploring innovative ways to increase accessibility to mental health treatments for medically vulnerable patients, including the development of virtual reality interventions.

Outside of work, I am a proud mom to two young, wonderful girls who are the centre of my world.

Why is this research important?

The biopsychosocial model of health is well recognized in health care, yet research and clinical practices often still operate in silos, focusing on biological and psychological factors independently. My research illustrates the vital relationship between mental and physical health and supports holistic patient care.

Recently, my focus has shifted towards developing innovative solutions that enable a greater number of medically vulnerable individuals to access evidence-based mental health supports. This approach is critical because we know improvements in mental health care yield significant improvements in physical health and overall functioning.

What does the Rh award mean to you?

Receiving the Rh award is an immense honour, especially considering the large number of incredible early-career researchers at the university. Like many others, my path to academia was not linear, and I faced some bumps along the way.

My dad wrote a quote from Don McLean in my PhD graduation card: “I did a whole lot better than they thought I would.” This award is not only validating but also a reflection of that sentiment. It makes me incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve received to support my development.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

Lately, I’ve been increasingly thinking about implementation science—how to disseminate our work and ensure that the effective interventions we develop reach a larger number of people within the health-care system. I aim to impact how patients navigate the health-care system and develop person-centred mental health pathways for medically vulnerable patients.

Specifically, I’m interested in integrating mental health supports into the surgery experience more consistently, as improvements in mental health prior to surgery are associated with better patient health outcomes and can also ultimately have benefits for the health-care system as a whole.

What about you might people find surprising?

I am an avid fisherwoman and a Master Angler in three species of fish: pickerel, rainbow trout and catfish. Fishing is a blend of skill, perseverance and luck, which are qualities that also draw me to research.

Any advice for early-career researchers and students?

Follow your passion and interests. In the past, I conducted research in areas that were less exciting to me, despite perhaps more opportunities. However, I found that excitement and interest in your work lead to productivity and fulfilment in your career.

Also, find inspiration in your everyday life. I draw a lot of inspiration from the patients I work with, who have contributed greatly to my research questions.

Lastly, seek supervisors and mentors who will not only cheer you on but also push you to achieve your best. This balance is important.

Bellili is the 2023 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Applied Sciences category, in recognition of his innovative work in wireless communication and networking infrastructure. UM Today caught up with Bellili to learn more about him and the research he is undertaking.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your research?

I’m an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a co-founder of the MARCONI Lab at the University of Manitoba. Marconi is named after the scientist who made the first transatlantic wireless transmission and stands for Manitoba Advanced Research on Communication and Networking Infrastructure.

My research focuses on wireless communication and covers many aspects of communication engineering. I follow a holistic research approach, addressing the limitations of the conventional divide-and-conquer methodology that is prevalent in communication engineering.

My work lies at the intersection of different theories, including communication and information theory, electromagnetic and antenna theory, circuit theory, signal processing and network design. By merging these concepts, I aim to develop cost-effective communication systems for future generation wireless networks, ensuring communication speed, energy efficiency, reliability, massive connectivity and security. My research involves both theoretical exploration and hardware prototyping to ensure practical relevance.

Why is this research important?

My research, particularly in wideband antenna array design and the associated signal processing algorithms, aims to create a sustainable and flexible wireless infrastructure. This infrastructure would allow multiple service providers to share the same network, much like how highways or bridges are shared.

Currently, each provider deploys its own network due to the lack of antenna technology that can operate across a broad spectrum. Developing this shared infrastructure can significantly reduce both capital and operational costs, making wireless services more affordable and accessible. It can also serve multiple purposes, including communication and sensing functionalities, encouraging investment in urban and remote areas.

Recognizing internet access as a fundamental human right, this research aims to democratize access to broadband, creating new opportunities and fostering inclusivity, thus contributing to a world where no one is left behind.

What does the Rh Award mean to you?

Winning the Rh Award is a great honour. It represents more than just recognition of my achievements—it symbolizes dedication, perseverance and passion in my pursuit of excellence.

This award signifies validation and affirmation from my peers, mentors and the broader community, acknowledging the hard work and commitment invested in my research. Beyond personal gratification, this award brings a profound sense of responsibility, motivating me to push the boundaries of my capabilities and make meaningful contributions to my field and society. It reflects the collective effort of those who have supported and inspired me. Ultimately, this award fuels my determination to use my talents and resources to effect positive change and leave a lasting legacy.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

In the future, I hope to make significant contributions to my field by pioneering innovative solutions that push the boundaries of current knowledge and technology. I aim to collaborate with diverse teams of experts from various disciplines, fostering multidisciplinary approaches to tackle complex problems in wireless communication.

My aspirations extend beyond academic pursuits—I want to translate research findings into real-world applications that improve people’s lives. I also hope to inspire and mentor the next generation of researchers, nurturing their curiosity and passion for discovery while instilling a sense of social responsibility and ethical conduct.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a meaningful legacy of innovation, progress, and positive change.

What about you might people find surprising?

What’s perhaps most unexpected about me is my journey into communication engineering. Throughout my formative years, my sights were set on a career in aeronautics, a field that continues to captivate me.

However, my path changed when I encountered a professor whose passion for telecommunications ignited a new fascination within me. His influence redirected my academic and professional trajectory.

Now, as a professor, I carry the weight of that transformative experience with me, reminding me of the impact educators can have on their students’ lives. It is a privilege to impart knowledge and inspire the next generation of learners.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

My advice is to follow your passion. Pursue research topics that genuinely interest and excite you, as your passion will drive innovation and resilience through the inevitable challenges.

Stay curious and open-minded, embracing new ideas, perspectives and methodologies. The most innovative research often comes from interdisciplinary approaches and unconventional thinking. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity—research involves experimentation and setbacks, so view failure as a chance to learn, grow and refine your approach.

“It is wonderful to celebrate the outstanding researcher accomplishments of across disciplines at the annual Rh Awards,” says Mario Pinto, Vice-President (research & International). “Throughout his career, Dr. Kirshenbaum has worked to improve treatments for those with heart disease and to integrate student experience with the cutting-edge research at UM labs. I congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”

Awards are given in two categories: The Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award, awarded to one established faculty member annually and the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Awards, awarded to seven early career faculty members.

Lorrie Kirshenbaum, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Cardiology at Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, is the recipient of the Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award in recognition of the important impacts of his work to explore the genetic roots of heart disease. In his complimentary roles as Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Director of Research Development at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Kirshenbaum is focused on providing specialized treatments for women living with heart disease.

Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award recipients are:

Applied Sciences

Dr. Faouzi Bellili (electrical & computer engineering) investigates technologies and information processing to support massive connectivity in wireless communication. Bellili is internationally recognized as a leader in the development of new signal processing techniques for increased sustainability and capacity in wireless infrastructure.

Health Sciences

Dr. Renée El-Gabalawy (clinical health psychology) is a clinical psychologist at Health Sciences Centre whose innovative patient informed research explores the interconnections between mental and physical health. As Director of the multidisciplinary Health, Anxiety and Trauma Laboratory, El-Gabalawy seeks to improve mental health care for medically vulnerable populations through targeted interventions integrating emerging medical technologies such as virtual reality.

Dr. Zulma Rueda (medical microbiology and infectious diseases) is focused on understanding the epidemiology and infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. Rueda’s innovative research examines a lifetime of experiences and exposures to better understand the complexity of disease susceptibility with the goal of improving public health. She is the Canada Research Chair in Sexually Transmitted Infection – Resistance and Control.

Interdisciplinary

Dr. Kyle Bobiwash (entomology) is a multi-disciplinary researcher with impacts across natural science and STEM fields through policy leadership integrating Indigenous knowledge systems. His work examines pollinator health and sustainable agricultural practices. Bobiwash creates opportunities for Indigenous self-determination by bridging Indigenous and Western scientific methodologies with lasting impacts on research and training programs, locally and nationally.

Dr. Orly Linovski (city planning) investigates the intricacies of urban planning practice and transportation equity to inform practical strategies to address gaps in city planning practices. Linovski leads research partnerships with colleagues at twelve universities across Canada the United States and United Kingdom. She is an in-demand expert with critical insights in private-sector planning who is making transportation systems more equitable for all.

Social Sciences

Dr. Leslie E. Roos (psychology) is working to understand how experiences of childhood adversity impacts family well-being over a lifespan. Roos employs a multi-method approach with community and clinical partners to develop family-centered mental health interventions and promote mental health equity. Her research objectives include improving access to mental health supports for families through the provision of scalable and accessible programming.

Dr. Sandeep Arora (marketing) is an Associate Professor and Department Head in the Asper School of Business’s Marketing Department as well as the F. Ross Johnson Professor of Marketing. Arora is an esteemed leader whose highly impactful publications have garnered more than 300 citations in a short period of time. His innovative research includes using “big data” to answer complex questions with socially relevant implications.

To learn more about research excellence at UM, visit our Awards and Recognition webpage.

Mota is the 2021 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Health Sciences category, in recognition of her work to generate knowledge that can be used to develop and improve treatment and prevention programs for PTSD. UM Today caught up with her recently to learn more about her and the research she is undertaking. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I’m a clinical psychologist by training and work at a clinic called the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, affiliated with Deer Lodge Center, that serves members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP members, and veterans of those organizations. My research broadly focuses on stressor- and trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

A large component of my research involves studying the mental health impacts of serving in occupations where exposure to traumatic events is very prevalent. So, for example, public safety personnel, frontline health care workers, military members, and police. I’m interested in using epidemiologic data to identify risk and protective factors for PTSD so that we can improve the mental health resources that we already have and develop new ones.

Why is this research important?

I think this research is important because individuals in these organizations serve on our front lines, protecting us and serving us in different ways, day in and day out. We have a responsibility for really understanding the mental health needs that might arise from working and serving in these high stress occupations. We need to be ready with evidence-based interventions when individuals need support.

What does the Rh Award mean to you?

It means a lot to me. I am so humbled and grateful for this recognition. I am so mindful of the mentors, collaborators, and students who have paved the way to help get here. I’m a really big advocate for the importance of mental health research in medicine, and I hope to use this award as a bit of a platform for continuing to highlight the importance of this area of study.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

Most recently we received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to study how mental health has changed during the pandemic among public safety personnel in Manitoba. Important future components of that work will be understanding risk and protective factors that might impact the development of mental disorders. For example, social support and the perception that one feels appropriately trained and prepared for their work may foster resilience. My goal is to synthesize this knowledge and see where we can strategically incorporate it to better tailor treatments to the needs of these different occupational groups.

What about you would people find surprising?

People who know me well know this about me, but others might find it surprising that I’m a huge musical theater buff. I’ve been to New York City many times. I’ve seen many Broadway shows. Sometimes I wonder, if I hadn’t gone down this career path, might I have given the theater a try?

My favourite Broadway show is Dear Evan Hansen, which is about a young boy who lives with social anxiety. I love how theatre can help us see the world through different eyes and experiences.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

You really can’t underestimate the importance of mentorship. I had several mentors along the way who have really taken a genuine and vested interest in my career, and who have opened doors and opportunities for me that I’m so grateful for.

Another piece of advice is to look at science as teamwork. It can be difficult as a clinician scientist to be able to engage in all the aspects of research alone. I very proudly serve patients as part of my role in providing direct clinical care, and working as part of a research team really just allows for a bigger, better products.

Gerstein is the 2021 recipient of the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Award in the Interdisciplinary category, in recognition of her leadership in the research of chronic conditions that affects many women. UM Today caught up with her recently to learn more about her and the research she is undertaking.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your research.

I was born in Winnipeg, but I left to pursue my education for 17 years before I came back to start my faculty position in 2018. In my time away from Winnipeg, I began studying fungal microbes. Microbes are great because we can literally evolve populations in days, weeks, or months in the lab to study how they evolve in the environments that we’re interested in.

In Graduate School, I started getting interested in applying this method to looking at human pathogens and the acquisition of drug resistance. In my lab, we’re trying to take this one step further by collaborating with local clinicians. I’ve been really fortunate to have a great collaborator who’s an OBGYN, and we are able to do more applied research examining recurrent yeast infections – which is essentially evolution in action in the human body.

Why is this research important?

At my lab we are searching for the root causes of recurrence, which is still a mystery in many cases. There is often a focus in the scientific world on illnesses that kill people, but non-lethal conditions that are chronic can also severely affect people’s quality of life.

For example, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, or yeast infections, affect three-quarters of all women at some point in their lives. In many cases these infections re-occur and there is no known reason why. Diseases that affect only women are consistently understudied. So, I feel very passionately about this research program. Many women silently suffer silently, and I think it’s time we acknowledge and invest resources into studying these kinds of infections.

What does the Rh Award mean to you?

I’m cross appointed between two departments, microbiology and statistics, and my training is very much biology. Being interdisciplinary, my research program doesn’t fit well into many funding categories. So, receiving this award in the interdisciplinary category is very affirming of the full scope of my work and collaborators. It shows that our unconventional methods and research questions are worthy of funding and acknowledgment, without needing to restrict ourselves to just one facet of our work.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

Ultimately, we hope to someday see fewer women having recurrent infections.

Another long-term project in my lab is experimental evolution. We’re currently evolving fungal populations to different levels of drugs used to treat them and we see what happens at the genetic level. We can determine the rate that drug resistance and the mutations involved are influenced by different drug dosages and environments that hold lots of nutrients versus very little nutrients, or at different pH levels.
Eventually, we will gain a better understanding of how organisms evolve resistance to drugs, and about microbial adaptation in general. We are already starting to see new fungal pathogens emerge on the planet, potentially linked to climate change. Understanding the factors that drive adaptation gives us have a chance to develop new drugs to treat them. It is very difficult and time consuming to develop new antimicrobial drugs, and without them we could be powerless to fight these new types of infection.

What about you would people find surprising?

If you look at my CV, it looks like I’ve had a linear trajectory to my research career. But I think for a lot of us, you feel like a duck, paddling like crazy underneath the surface, although, all anyone sees is the calm above the water.

I love my job, but before I got here, I went through a lot of questioning of whether I would pursue an academic job at all – whether that was the best way for me to contribute to society. So, my advice would be, that there isn’t only one career that will make you happy or fulfilled. There are many potential paths that any of us could walk down. Remember that things may look linear or easy for those around you, but that perception isn’t always the reality.

Any advice for early career researchers and students?

There is nothing more important than having passion for what you do. You, want to wake up every morning with a sense of excitement, because research is a fundamentally hard path. Most of what we do is fail. That’s the scientific method. We try things, they don’t work, we try something else.

I think it’s important to go into grad school with eyes wide open. Take it from an elder millennial, there isn’t one right path to success. We’re still living lives as researchers, and academia can be a great career, but it’s not for everyone.
I have personally found at each step of my career that community has been essential, especially in grad school – you cannot do it alone. Being a part of a community and working actively to build that community is where I’ve found comfort and happiness in my work and in my life. Seek out your people actively and build the community around you. That’s where I found my passion.