Career Services, in collaboration with UM professors and researchers in various fields, is hosting Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Bannatyne campus, a virtual information session for undergraduate students on November 28^th. Students will learn essential information and can ask questions to researchers in fields such as neuroscience, cell biology, environmental epigenetics, physiology, immunology/virology, and epidemiology. In addition to answering questions and networking, you’ll learn how to find opportunities and apply for them.

To help illustrate how undergraduate research can open doors for careers both in, and outside academia, we spoke to an undergraduate student researcher at the Bannatyne campus and Science co-op student, Deborah Owoyemi:

How did you first get involved with research?

I first got involved with research in high school through extracurricular science activities. My science teacher, Dr. Kathleen Forester, was very enthusiastic about research and encouraged me to connect with professors who were open to working with high school students.

My first project was in a medical microbiology setting. Although I did not have a strong foundation in microbiology at the time, the environment was very accommodating, and I learned everything I needed to know to make my project successful. Upon entering university, I was eager to continue in research, so I explored various opportunities to get involved as an undergraduate student.

What research project(s) have you been involved in?

My first exposure to research happened while I was still in high school, I worked with Dr. Denice Bay in medical microbiology, on the topic “Adapting Escherichia coli to Antibiotics to Study Antimicrobial Resistance.” I later began another research project with Dr. Matthew Bakker, but it was cut short due to COVID-19.

In university, I applied for the URSA program in my second year but unfortunately was not successful. However, I secured my first university research opportunity the following year through the ENRRICH summer studentship, where I worked with Dr. Robert Beattie on the topic “Analyzing the Role of FAN1 in Regulating Neurodevelopment.”

I enjoyed my experience in the lab and took advantage of the co-op program, where I am now working with Dr. Hombach-Klonisch. I am currently learning antibody-based immunodetection methods, including Western blot.

How have these experiences supported your learning?

I enjoy science (specifically finding solutions to problems), and it is nice to have a real-world application of the theories I have been learning in class. The hands-on learning environment deepened my love for and understanding of science. Being in a lab setting also allowed me to make new friends and connect with people from different fields. I had the opportunity to work in various scientific backgrounds, including microbiology, neuroscience, and brain cancer, helping me discover the topics/research focus I liked best.

What transferrable skills have you gained through this experience?

Communication, organizational, attention to details, multitasking, presentation, science communication, independence and teamwork, troubleshooting, time management, technical and laboratory skills.

These are just a few of many transferable skills I have gained through my time working in research.

What advice would you give to future undergraduates applying for research positions?

Reach out! The worst you can get is a no, and the best you can get is a job (or an experience).

When reaching out, be sure to personalize your message. Avoid sending generic or mass emails; instead, express why you are specifically interested in that lab or position. Highlight how your skills align with their work, or express your eagerness to learn the necessary skills. Remember, you are there to learn, so don’t hesitate to reach out even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Rejections are inevitable, so do not be discouraged and keep exploring.

Follow up!  Research professors often receive a large number of emails, so if you don’t get a response within a few days, feel free to send a friendly reminder.

You can read further advice and tips from Deborah in her Career Services article, 5 Top Tips to Get Involved in Research.

To learn more about the many research opportunities at the UM Bannatyne campus register on UMConnect for the Undergrad Research Opportunities at Bannatyne Campus virtual session sign into UMConnect.  Hope to see you there!

The event will take place on November 28, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom.

1. Connect with teaching assistants (TA’s) and professors about lab work and volunteer opportunities.

Most of the research at UM is conducted under the supervision of a Principal Investigator or Professor. Many faculties, including the Faculty of Science, host a broad spectrum of departmental research and research centres and facilities. For most research positions it is okay to have no prior research experience because you are there to learn! When applying to roles and updating or enhancing your resumé, consider including relevant courses, projects, and assignments you have completed in your classes. Make sure to follow up on your emails, without spamming; and if you are unsuccessful in one hiring cycle, reach out to ask for feedback.

Stuck on what to say when reaching out? Check out this template:

Hello [Professor’s name],

My name is [your name]. I am a student in [your program/faculty] andam interested in learning about your work in [their research areas], particularly your research on ____ [OR I was a student in your class __]. Would it be possible to set up a meeting in the coming weeks?  I would also be interested in discussing work or volunteer opportunities connected to your research. I have also attached my resume/CV for your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

2. Learn about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) and the Science Undergraduate Research Award (URSA)

The URA and USRA are important UM programs to explore if you’re interested in research.  If you are considering taking part in the Undergraduate Research Awards program, reach out early to eligible researchers willing to supervise students. After you have found a potential mentor to work with, it’s easier to secure a work term if you have funding. Be proactive in applying for grants, funding, and using supports that can assist you during your research term. Some major funding sources include but are not limited to: URA/URSA, NSERC/CIHR, CHRIM, ENRRICH, MITACS, and the Northern Scientific Training Program. Don’t hesitate to consult with your supervisor or faculty to explore potential additional funding options.

3. Explore UM affiliated research centres and policy institutes

There are many research centres and policy institutes that are located on campus or affiliated with UM. In addition to working as a research assistant, you might also want to consider a role as a policy assistant.  Policy research and analysis work is also a common area of work for university graduates from a wide range of subject backgrounds. Roles at these organizations, or within some government departments, could provide great exposure to the field of research.

Did you know?  Science policy and program officers conduct research and advise on policies or develop or administer programs related to transportation, emergency preparedness, communications, natural resources, agriculture, the environment, traditional and alternative energy technologies, land use, recycling and other scientific fields (National Occupational Classification).

4. Explore off-campus work experience in research

Both the provincial and federal student hiring programs, STEP and FSWEP, can offer a chance to get paid experience in your field of interest, and this can include research-related opportunities.  Industry sector councils and other organizations also offer skill building opportunities related to research through student hiring programs or funding supports; here are a few examples: BioTalent Canada, EcoCanada, Mitacs, LevelUp Riipen, Global skills opportunity.  As an added bonus, you’ll learn about different industries at the same time.

5. Consider other on-campus experiential learning opportunities

Beyond those already mentioned, there are additional resources available for engaging in research, such as through Co-op and Internships, the UM Work-Study Program, field placement courses, and honours coursework in a variety of programs at the UM.

There are so many ways to engage in research as an undergraduate student. If you are interested in research and potentially graduate school, it’s also never too early to start exploring program admissions – especially as you compare research/thesis vs. applied masters programs.  Unsure where to start as you define your goals, or what additional steps to take as you plan for success? Visit Career Services anytime throughout the year!

With a range of topics being discussed, the presenters included Jayson Gislason, LJ Fulugan, Elliot Kelsey, and Hanako Ternaishi.

Jayson Gislason – “Acknowledging Land: Lord Dufferin, The Numbered Treaties and Indigenous Agency.” 

Jayson is a recent St John’s College scholarship recipient and an SSHRC-supported graduate student in the Joint Master’s Program in History between the Universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg. His thesis examines the intersection between contemporary land acknowledgement practices and the history of the numbered treaties in western Canada. His interests in studying history are driven by a desire to explain the modern world and build a more equitable Canadian society. Jayson wishes to thank Drs. Ryan Eyford, Sean Carleton, and Adele Perry for their direction and encouragement on this project, and Dr. Greg Bak for his encouragement in presenting this work here. 

LJ Fulugan (They/them) – “Critical anthropological heritage curation and collaboration.” 

LJ (they/them) is a fourth-year student, a first-generation Filipino Canadian, and an undergrad honours student in the Department of Anthropology. Their research interests are mostly concerned with identity in social contexts, representation, and the critical decolonization of anthropology. In engaging with these concepts self-reflectively and reflexively, they hope to write for and with the people in their lives. 

Elliot Kelsey – “The Migration Period and its connection to Norse Mythology” 

Elliot is a second-year student studying archaeology who hopes to pursue a master’s degree in this field because of the lack of knowledge we have about the time period between the 3rd and 4th centuries. As Elliot has researched, the Migration Period isn’t necessarily a popular topic with the public, and he wants to change that.

Hanako Teranishi – “Absent Histories in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965).” 

Hanako is a fourth-year student studying this project as a textual analysis of Truman Capote’s novella “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the true crime novel In Cold Blood. These texts include Japanese American “characters” and are coded with Japanese American history, specifically Japanese Internment in America.

On behalf of St John’s College, we are proud to see these students excelling in their respective research areas.

Congrats on receiving the Amgen Scholarship! Tell us a bit about yourself and the scholarship. How did you feel when you first heard the news?

My name is Aakash Natarajan and I am entering my fourth year at UM, BSc in Microbiology, Honours program. The Amgen Scholars Program is a fully funded 10-week research program hosted by the University of Toronto that includes many opportunities for professional development, social events, connecting with many amazing people, and participating in the North American Amgen Scholars Symposium held at UCLA – all of which is at no cost to the scholars. It is highly selective (only 15 undergraduate students are chosen across Canada per year), so I was shocked but of course super happy when I received the acceptance email.

What motivated you to apply for Amgen, and how do you think it will contribute to your academic and career goals?

I found out about the opportunity by browsing around the University of Toronto website. I had been interested in doing research at UofT this summer, so I was searching for possible sources of funding to do so. When I saw how amazing the Amgen Scholars Program was, I knew I had to at least throw my hat into the ring.

As for my own goals, I want to continue doing research in grad school after my BSc and eventually become a professor. Beyond the research experience itself, this program has so much value in the professional development workshops, seminars and social events. Having the chance to learn from and talk to so many of the leading scientists in the biomedical sphere is a rare opportunity and I’m so thankful for it. And of course, I’m super excited to be able to connect with all the other incredible 2023 Amgen Scholars! The entire Amgen Scholar community has been so supportive already and I’m glad to be part of it.

Tell us about your research project and the faculty mentor you will be working with.

I will be joining the lab of Dr. Justin Nodwell in the biochemistry department at UofT and my project is about understanding a cell wall pathway related to antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. I have been interested in antibiotic resistance since my first year, especially since Summer 2022 when I had my first research experience in the Cardona Lab at our microbiology department. This year, I still wanted to work in antibiotic resistance, but approach it from a different angle and learn some new techniques.

The Amgen Scholars Program emphasizes professional development and science communication. What specific workshops or seminars are you looking forward to attending?

Part of the program is a speaker series where leading scientists that are serving as supervisors for the Amgen Scholars are brought in to give talks on their work. I’m excited to hear more from them about research as well as academia and life in general. Most of the professional development workshops coming up are also incredibly useful topics that I feel aren’t necessarily taught well elsewhere – for example, workshops on grad school applications, LinkedIn and networking, career planning, etc. It’s a cool series of workshops that I’m sure will be very valuable!

What challenges or barriers have you faced while pursuing research opportunities and how did you overcome them?

The most difficult thing about research opportunities (and this is common to most students I’ve spoken to at UM) is finding them in the first place and figuring out how they work. The entire process of getting involved with research at an undergraduate level seems to be shrouded in mystery, so even knowing where to start is difficult. I only first learned about research awards because I knew someone who had been through the process in the past. I’m part of the Undergraduate Microbiology Students Club on campus and one of our biggest goals is promoting research at UM and making it so that all the undergrads in our department know exactly how to get involved. But overall, I’m grateful to have been very fortunate with the opportunities I’ve had so far.

The Amgen Scholarship emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). How do you think this program supports and promotes these values, and how have you personally contributed to fostering an inclusive research environment?

EDI is one of the most important issues to tackle today, especially in academia, and the Amgen Scholars Program recognizes this. The cohort of scholars this year is very diverse, not just in terms of ethnicity but also in terms of home institution, major, and more. I think this diversity is so helpful for all of us to grow together, appreciate each other’s perspectives, and bring more discussion around interdisciplinary research (which is becoming more and more important). I am also personally passionate about EDI – I’ve been involved with a recent undergraduate initiative in the faculty of science to build a better and more inclusive learning environment for all students through the science clubs, and hopefully, we can make a positive impact on the community next year.

What advice would you give to other undergraduate students who are interested in applying for the Amgen Scholars Program or pursuing research opportunities in general?

Proactively seek out opportunities. I would never have found out about the Amgen Scholars Program if I hadn’t spent so much time browsing around different university websites. And while I am the first Amgen Scholar from the University of Manitoba, I’m sure I won’t be the last. So, I highly encourage anyone interested to apply. Most of the Amgen Scholars this year, including myself, didn’t think they were going to receive the scholarship at all. So again, regardless of the scholarship in question, just apply and see what happens.
Also, don’t be concerned about not knowing how to do research. No undergrad knows how to do anything when they first join a lab and that’s expected. Your first research experience is just meant to be a learning experience, so embrace it and don’t let it deter you from applying.

That’s why Career Services, in collaboration with UM professors in various fields, is hosting  Undergrad Research Opportunities at Bannatyne Campus, a virtual information session for all UM on Nov 23.  This is a great opportunity especially for undergrad students at Fort Garry campus to learn about research and opportunities at Bannatyne!

You’ll be able to get essential information and can ask questions to professors in various fields such as neuroscience, cell biology, environmental epigenetics, physiology, immunology/virology, epidemiology, and nanotechnology. In addition to gathering career information and networking, you’ll also learn how to find research opportunities and apply.

To understand why undergraduate research can open a lot of doors for careers both in and outside academia, UM Today spoke to two previous undergraduate student researchers, (Faculty of Science, Microbiology major).

UM Today: What research project/s have you been involved in?

Hailey: During the summer, I was involved in establishing mouse colonies with correct genotyping for my Principal Investigator (PI), to conduct further experiments. The future goal of this project is to establish mice with certain genotypes to study the effects that certain genetic mutations have on the molecular mechanisms of Rett syndrome. We would like to determine how fan1 (a DNA repair gene) works within cells and on neighbouring cells during development to understand disease progression in Rett using Mosiac Analysis with Double Markers (MADM) technology. Summer students including me, performed dissections, genotyping, cryosectioning, antibody staining and microscopy. Each of us had our own projects, but we worked together to learn these new techniques. 

Lucas: During my time at the university, I have been involved with 2 main research projects in total. One was at the chemistry department where I was involved with the creation of Borosilicate glasses via Sol-gel, as well as common melting. Through that project, we wanted to improve phosphorus percentages in the glass so they can be used for nuclear waste immobilization. Most recently, I have been involved with my current project at Bannatyne campus. In my project, I am trying to develop a co-culture system for in vitro studies. In an overall manner, my project involves growing endothelial cells and epithelial cells that are found in the lung at the same time, closely replicating the human alveolus. We then plan on applying stimuli to one side system and see if the overall reaction is different if another cell line is present. 

UM Today: How have these experiences supported your learning?

Hailey: Throughout summer, I was able to connect some of the theories that I have learnt in my courses to the experiments we were doing. I think these experiences helped me to solidify a lot of the concepts that I have learnt in past lectures. A lot of times, I’ve had to draw on past knowledge to solve problems in the lab. I’ve also developed a greater appreciation for when my professors teach us about lab techniques and technologies. For example, now when I’m learning about certain lab techniques, I make sure to pay careful attention, because I could potentially use this technique in the future. It is rewarding to be able to apply techniques you have learnt in classes to real life situations.

Lucas: Overall, this research was able to give me a practical approach to topics that I learned during my classes. Those range from the most basic aspects such as the types of antibiotics that are present in the media that we use to grow the cells, to more practical applications; this would include cleaning practices, aseptic technique, and how to clear out bacterial and fungal contamination, in case it occurs. It gave me the chance to work with equipment and techniques that I had theoretic knowledge about, from antibody staining to confocal microscopy.  In addition, research in immunology gave me a chance to look into possible next career related steps, since it allowed me to learn what my co-workers and colleagues are researching. It gave me a chance to look into other ways that I could apply what I learned during my classes. 

What transferrable skills have you gained through this experience?

Haiey: I’ve learnt patience through trial and error of experiments. Sometimes certain things won’t work, and you’ll get frustrated. But it’s all a learning process and you can always try again the next day. It helped me develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. You need to be very detail oriented when doing experiments. I’ve learnt to ask for help when I need it. I’ve had such a great P.I. and lab partners that I could always rely on to answer my questions. This experience forced me to get out of my comfort zone and taught me how to put myself out there. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not know what you’re doing sometimes. Sometimes it’s scary to try new things, but everyone starts somewhere. I’ve also learned how to be organized to do research.

Lucas: In my position I was able to do presentations, which improved my communication skills allowing me to share information in a simpler and easier-to-understand way. I improved my technique of showing information focusing on what needs to be presented in a slide and how to present it to make the story you want to tell, more cohesive and easier to be followed by the audience. This position also helped me improve reporting skills. This was achieved mainly by keeping a laboratory notebook. I learnt to write down to understand past experiments, and, have others read and replicate your experiment. Most importantly, this position also improved my time management skills since I collected data to track experiment progress properly.

UM Today: What would your advice be to future undergraduates applying for research positions?

Hailey: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there when talking to professors. Attend information sessions and don’t be afraid to reach out to professors. Most professors are happy when a student is interested in learning about their research. Make sure to prepare for interviews and send follow up emails to thank them for their time because professors are busy people.

Lucas: Most importantly, be sure to read about the professor, be sure you understand what the professor works with, and only apply if you enjoy their research topic and would like to contribute. In the immunology department, many great professors are conducting very interesting experiments. A lot of them look for interested students. Lastly, there will be times when research may be frustrating, from failed experiments to results that completely deviated from your initial hypothesis. Make sure to be patient and enjoy the learning process rather than the results of the research only.

The Undergrad Research Opportunities at Bannatyne Campus virtual event will take place on November 23 at 2:30 pm. Register for the event on UMCONNECT today.

Attend to learn about the many health science undergraduate research opportunities on campus. See you there!

Congratulations to the Faculty of Arts students who came away as award winners in the Social Sciences and Humanities category:

1^st – Madeline Belows
Poster – How families are coping with COVID-19: A qualitative analysis of differential family experiences based on maternal depression symptomology
Supervisor – Dr. Leslie E. Roos, Assistant Professor, Psychology

2^nd (tie) – Taryn Gaulke
Poster – The Association Between Marital Satisfaction and Coparenting Quality: A Meta-Analysis
Supervisor – Dr. Jennifer Theule, Associate Professor, Psychology

“I entered the competition with the hopes of simply highlighting our findings of the pandemic’s impact on family functioning and how depression has influenced this. Having the opportunity to present among my peers was a great chance to shed light on the struggles families have been facing over the past two years,” said first place winner Madeline Belows, a third year Psychology honours student who conducted her research as part of a UM Undergraduate Research Award. “As a student who has recently begun my research endeavours, winning this competition has inspired me to continue down this path and gives me hope for my future as a researcher.”

Belows poster 2021

Gaulke poster 2021

Faculty of Arts undergraduate students regularly participate in the annual competition and often come away as winners for their research.

Congratulations as well to the additional 12 Arts students who entered their research into the competition. The areas of research spanned Economics, Global Political Economy, History, Labour Studies, Psychology and Sociology and Criminology.

The competition, organized by the University of Manitoba’s Office of the Vice President Research and International, supports diverse forms of scholarship across disciplines and provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to share their work while advancing research prospects. During the virtual competition, rather than speaking to judges about their research in-person, students submitted a PDF poster and an accompanying 3-minute video explaining their research.

Posters are judged on scholarly, scientific and creative content, graphic representation, clear objectives and conclusions, effective communication and overall impression and significance of the research. All participants receive UM Co-Curricular Record recognition.

To view the student posters and presentation recordings from all categories, visit the competition webpage.

 There will be two competitions that will air live on the Faculty of Science YouTube channel.

• Life Sciences
  Tuesday, August 10, at 1 PM: Watch online: https://youtu.be/SNNuIyD3KVY 
• Physical Science and Computational & Data Sciences
  Wednesday, August 11, at 1 PM: Watch online: https://youtu.be/8jOZRoIlQfs  

Tune in, and cheer on our undergraduate students! Discover world-changing research at the UM Faculty of Science.

Listing of undergraduate student 3MT competitors and topics:

Life Sciences
3MT Competition
Tuesday August 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Watch online: https://youtu.be/SNNuIyD3KVY 

• Does one size really fit all: Determining ideal filter type and porosity for use in environmental DNA
  Katrina Audet
  Supervisor: Dr. Margaret Docker, Department of Biological Sciences 
• Evaluating SKP2 as a Chromosome Instability Gene in Colorectal Cancer
  Gillian Boychuk
  Supervisor: Dr. Kirk McManus, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics 
• PGP- what? The microbes feeding our future
  Stefanie Chaput
  Supervisor: Dr. Mark Belmonte, Department of Biological Sciences 
• Family Experience of Elopement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  Rashi Chhabra
  Supervisor: Dr. Toby Martin, Department of Psychology  
• RNAi: Our green Saviour
  Sharon Felix
  Supervisor: Steve Whyard, Department of Biological Sciences 
• Protecting the Diabetic Heart: Can roflumilast prevent cell death in cardiomyocytes exposed to lipotoxicity
  Amy Fernando
  Supervisor: Dr. Joe Gordon, Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science 
• Re-New Contracting
  Juanita Garcia
  Supervisor: Dr. Kristine Cowley, Department of Physiology  
• Drug resistance and variation among yeast infection isolates
  Devin Habon
  Supervisor: Dr. Aleeza Gerstein, Department of Microbiolog
  
• Electrochemical Detection of Resistance to Tobramycin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  Muhammad Hayat
  Supervisor: Dr. Sabine Kuss, Department of Chemistry 
• A species-specific approach to mosquito population control
  Kousha Kamal
  Supervisor: Dr. Steve Whyard, Department of Biological Sciences 
• Signal Jamming: The computational design of Netrin-1/DCC inhibitors
  Matthew Kirby
  Supervisor: Dr. Jörg Stetefeld, Department of Chemistry 
• Synthetic Fertilizers and Fungicides, Who Needs ‘em?!
  Patrick Lloyd
  Supervisor: Dr. Mark Belmonte, Department of Biological Sciences 
• Exploring the role of metabolism in glioblastoma
  Eliz Malaso
  Supervisor: Dr. Tanveer Sharif, Department of Pathology 
• Accessing the stability of dsRNA in A. aegypti to develop a species-specific pesticide
  Japji Matharu
  Supervisor: Dr. Steve Whyard, Department of Biological Sciences 
• Photodynamic Inactivation Effect on Influenza using TLD-1433 as a Photosensitizer
  Tolani Olanrewaju 
  Supervisor: Dr. Kevin Coombs, Department of Microbiology 
• Overcoming nitrogen pollution through Rhizobium-legume symbiosis
  Zeel Patel
  Supervisor: Dr. Ivan Oresnik, Department of Microbiology 
• Unlocking the Potential of the Fungal Secondary Metabolome
  Randi Roy
  Supervisor: Dr. John Sorenson, Department of Chemistry 
• Managing mycotoxins: understanding nutrient acquisition in Fusarium graminearum
  Meagan Smith
  Supervisor: Dr. Matthew Bakker, Department of Microbiology 
• Cytochrome C Oxidase Deficiency Detection using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy in Living Cells
  Shubhneet Thind
  Supervisor: Dr. Sabine Kuss, Department of Chemistry 
• The Electrochemical Characterization of Auranofin in Aqueous media
  Melak Yossief
  Supervisor: Dr. Sabine Kuss, Department of Chemistry

___

Physical, Computational, Mathematical & Statistical Sciences
3MT Competition
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Watch online: https://youtu.be/8jOZRoIlQfs   

• Fabrication and characterization of micro-optical ring electrodes
  Nafisa Ahmed
  Supervisor: Dr. Sabine Kuss, Department of Chemistry   
• TBD
  Aishat Bello
  Supervisor: Dr. Celine Latulipe, Department of Computer Science 
• PCEV With Alternative Covariance Estimators
  Thomas Czubryt
  Supervisor: Dr. Max Turgeon, Department of Statistics 
• Domination in Networks
  Laura Funk
  Supervisor: Dr. Karen Gunderson, Department of Mathematics 
• Representing Information In a Smaller Way
  Connor Hryhoruk
  Supervisor: Dr. Carson Leung, Department of Computer Science 
• Iso-photo-metry – Equal-Light-Measurement
  John Jiwa
  Supervisor: Dr. Chris O’Dea, Department of Physics and Astronomy 
• Infect Everyone: Modelling infection spreading via bootstrap percolation
  William Kellough
  Supervisor: Dr. Karen Gunderson, Department of Mathematics 
• The Universe’s Most Powerful Particle Accelerators
  Alan Nguyen
  Supervisor: Dr. Samar Safi-Harb, Department of Physics and Astronomy 
• Friction-Coupled Pendulums: Understanding the Widespread Phenomena of Coupled Oscillators Using a Unique Model System
  Bentley Turner
  Supervisor: Dr. Can-Ming Hu, Department of Physics and Astronomy 
• Evidence for Jet Driven Outflows in Hercules A
  Daniel Turon
  Supervisor:  Dr. Chris O’Dea, Department of Physics and Astronomy 
• Rotational Spectroscopy of Astrochemical Species
  Keighlynn Veilleux
  Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer van Wijngaarden, Department of Chemistry

“I felt a strong urge to thank the Faculty for giving students such as me an opportunity to explore research. I wanted to let them know that the experience it provides is invaluable. It helped me go from being a poorly planned, lost student to one who is much more confident and better organized.”

Jhanji’s family emigrated to Canada from India in 2009. He knew that if all went to plan he would be the first of his family to graduate from a Canadian university. An undergraduate degree was the obvious first step toward his overarching goal of a career in medicine. Beyond that, Jhanji was unclear as to his next move. After taking time to absorb his lessons and the activities around him at the UM, a plan began to emerge.

“I knew after my BIOL 1030 class with [Department of Biological Sciences Head] Dr. Steven Harris that I wanted to get into research and started volunteering in his lab. When I started working with Dr. Harris, I was amazed that I would be working on species that are yet to be defined. It was a unique experience for a student who had just started university. It helped me put the skills I learned in my first and second year science courses into practice.”

It was while volunteering in Harris’ lab that Jhanji overheard his lab mates talking about applying for the USRA’s. With one day left before the deadline, he applied and was eventually awarded a paid research position in Harris’ lab.

Jhanji was impressed with the benefits from the award, primarily the fact that his USRA allowed him to conduct research in his field of interest. A Summer 2020 biochemistry course he took remotely didn’t allow him to perform actual experiments but did give him theoretical knowledge of techniques such as PCR and DNA extraction. During his USRA term, Jhanji was able to gain practical experience of these techniques, which had the added benefit of teaching him the most valuable of skills: time management.

“Experiments have to be performed at a steady rate and planned accordingly. If your sample takes three weeks to grow, it gives you time to perform other actions such as starting new samples of DNA extraction and get ready for the sample after three weeks.”

Additionally, Jhanji says his USRA experience helped him to meet new people with common interests from whom he could learn. On a more personal note, he says the USRA has helped him with his school fees and has even helped him to build his “dream” PC.

Since his USRA experience, Jhanji has become an advocate for the program, encouraging his classmates to apply for the award. He tells them that the benefits of a USRA are not simply monetary or experiential.

“A USRA gives you a sense of purpose and confidence. It acts as a milestone that once reached helps you reach more. My experience with USRA has given me confidence in myself to reach out to other opportunities and add to my experience. I tell my friends if I can do it so can they. It gives you a unique experience in which the FoS is supporting students in a major way to help explore their interests. I tell others that the USRA will allow them to work with pioneers in their respective fields. It can help them build connections in university and opens multiple other avenues for them to explore.”

Jhanji plans to finish his degree and apply to study medicine, also at the UofM. He says that his USRA experience has given him a love of research. He hopes to one day teach and conduct research, thereby contributing to the field of science.

Jhanji’s letter to Dean Stefi Baum wasn’t just to thank her. He wanted to let the Faculty of Science know that his USRA wasn’t simply a “one and done deal”. It has left a lasting impact.

“It has created a ripple effect for me. I encourage other students to apply and continue to guide new students in how to approach university. I try to inspire others and hope that they will do the same for other students.”

SUPPORT SCIENCE – MAKE A GIFT!

Your support will ensure more students have access to these critical experiences “Beyond the Classroom“.

Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.

This robot prototype is the brainchild of Danika Passler Bates, a student in the Department of Computer Science and a recipient of an Undergraduate Summer Research Award (URA). She first presented her idea this past summer, at the 2020 International Conference on Human-Agent Interaction. After publishing a short paper and video, it was picked up by IEEE Spectrum Magazine as a Video Friday feature. 

Danika Passler Bates, Inventor of the “SnuggleBot”.

Danika saw a need to help people feel better, especially those in isolation during the pandemic. Her research indicated that caring for something (like a pet) often improves an individual’s wellness and motivation. The person has to take care of it, by keeping the microwaveable compress (in its pouch) warm, helping to create a connection.

“SnuggleBot is a cuddly companion robot designed to help everyday people living with loneliness and related feelings. Existing companion robots are either not used or are used in clinical settings and are not accessible due to their high cost, so we aimed to build the simplest robot we could that would actually help people,” explains Danika.

Danika says she chose the narwhal stuffed animal design for its huggable size and horn.

“I wanted a simple way for the robot to communicate without needing language. The horn lights up with different colours depending on the robot’s current needs. (It is also cute).”

Currently, Danika is working on a senior project, under the supervision of Dr. Jim Young, in the Department of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI Lab), where she continues the development of a social robot that can be deployed into people’s homes. Her research will continue to examine how people interact with the robot and if it can indeed help them feel better.

Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.

Research can have a profound impact on medical advancements, enhancing quality of life and saving lives. Did you know this can all start as an undergraduate? Career Services, in collaboration with Professors from various science specializations, are coming together to discuss Undergrad Research Opportunities at the Bannatyne Campus. Attend this virtual event with us on November 26 at 2:30 pm to learn more about the countless opportunities open to undergraduate students. Register on careerCONNECT today.

Through undergrad research experience you can explore your interests, test drive your career ideas and learn more about a specific specialization.

Here’s what previous undergraduate student researchers, Ally Farrell and Tushar Upreti have to say:

What research project/s have you been involved in?

Ally: My first summer research project was in the McManus lab studying chromosome instability (CIN) in Colorectal and Ovarian cancers. I did data analysis for an MSc student.

I completed an honors project (BGEN 4010), focused on investigating the combined impact of CIN and genotoxic stress on the molecular origins of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. I’m now working as a lab assistant, doing optimization experiments. 

Tushar: My first research opportunity was with Dr. Steve Whyard in the Faculty of Science to work on developing species-specific dsRNA to control Flea Beetle population. I also worked with Dr. Hagar Labouta in the College of Pharmacy synthesizing and characterizing Gold Nanoparticles for later use in cancer diagnostic and therapeutic studies.

How have these experiences supported your learning?

Ally: The feedback I received from Dr. McManus and the other lab members about my scientific writing and research skills was immensely helpful and reflected in the grades I received. I entered the 2019 undergraduate poster competition through my work and won 1st place in the health sciences category.

Tushar: I contributed to three papers and first authored one. The College of Pharmacy and Dr. Labouta facilitated an environment that allows young researchers like me to explore their interest in the field and contribute groundbreaking research to the scientific community.

What would your advice be to future undergraduates applying for research positions?

Ally: Research will help you identify your interests in areas that you want to continue working in. It helps you grow your network and spread your name. Do not let the fact that you are less trained stop you from applying. Research will help you build this experience.

Tushar: Research gives you different opportunities and teaches your time-management and critical thinking. It will help you build your CV so try research.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain essential information on the application process, when to apply, ask questions to professor and learn why undergraduate research can open a lot of doors for career paths both in and outside academia.

To learn more about all the Career Month events check out the Career Month calendar and register on careerCONNECT your one stop to access information on all Career Services’ events.