Now in his fourth year in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program, Salvador recently completed an experiential rotation at L’Oréal Canada.   

All second- and fourth-year PharmD students do rotations that provide them with hands-on experience under the guidance of preceptors (pharmacists who supervise learners) in settings such as hospitals, pharmacies and primary care centres.  

Landing the L’Oréal rotation  

While most experiential rotations are in Manitoba, students can apply for out-of-province internships.  

Salvador attended the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns’ Professional Development Week last January, where he approached a L’Oréal booth and asked if the company would take UM students. Six months later, he and three UM peers were off to Montreal for a two-month rotation.  

“It was such a big dream come true,” said Salvador. “L’Oréal was a cool experience and a fantastic rotation to be in.”   

Inside the industry  

A window display at L’Oréal Canada’s Montreal headquarters.

Gloria Lee, also in her fourth year, said pharmacy students rarely get exposure to industry roles.   

“I used to think companies like L’Oréal were only focused on selling products and making a profit,” she said. “But I learned how much they value having pharmacists on their team, and how much of their budget and effort goes into research.”  

Lee said L’Oréal pharmacists – who work on skin-care brands such as CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and Vichy – provide professional opinions on their products.  

“They provide evidence-based educational information to health-care providers, helping them make informed recommendations,” she said.  

Behind the scenes  

During their first month, the students researched publications, guidelines and product ingredients. In the second month, they shifted from research to creativity, writing scripts and recording themselves on camera to produce educational videos for community pharmacists across Canada.   

These videos will form part of L’Oréal Canada’s national awareness campaign, which includes conferences, training sessions and pharmacy education initiatives.  

Gloria Lee at the Old Port in Montreal.

Lee’s topic was the importance of sun protection. “The videos start with sun-care recommendations from the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). I also incorporated my other research on why we should be recommending sun care to patients. 

“Then we go in depth. For example, we ask, ‘Did you know half of the drugs you dispense on a daily basis can cause phototoxicity – skin reactions triggered by sunlight when certain medications are present?’  

“At the end of the video, we recommend L’Oréal products and how they meet CDA’s criteria.”  

Lee said these videos help community pharmacists explain their product recommendations to patients.   

Another highlight of the students’ stint at L’Oréal, Lee said, was their daily coffee chats, where they networked with employees in different roles.  

A turning point  

Salvador spent weeks analyzing eczema treatments and sunscreen formulations, turning complex data into practical advice for pharmacists.  

“In pharmacy school, we’re taught to recommend moisturizers – often Glaxal Base – to help prevent eczema. But effective eczema care is more than just picking a moisturizer,” he said.   

“Cleansers are often overlooked, yet choosing one with the right pH and hydrating ingredients is just as essential for managing eczema. That’s why in my video, I focused on recommending cleansers as part of effective skin care.”  

The experience motivated Salvador to consider a career in the skin-care industry.  

“I was genuinely inspired by my experience with L’Oréal. Beyond the pharmacists’ critical role in ensuring the quality of skin-care products, the flexible and collaborative environment really stood out to me. I also didn’t realize pharmacists could work from home until this rotation,” he said.  

“It was a turning point for me. L’Oréal showed me there are far more options than I ever expected.”  

***  

Learn more about experiential learning opportunities in the College of Pharmacy: umanitoba.ca/pharmacy/programs-of-study/experiential-education   

This is a preliminary version and updates will appear as the Senate approves changes in May and June. The final version will be available July 2, 2025.

The Academic Calendar is a comprehensive publication  that outlines what is needed to get a degree. Inside, you will find:

· UM’s policies and procedures

· Academic regulations

· Important dates

· Information on all programs and faculties

· Important resources and contact information

· Course descriptions, including pre-requisites, mutually exclusive courses and equivalent course information

There are three versions of the Academic Calendar— undergraduate, graduate and one for programs and courses offered through Université de Saint-Boniface. Look at courses for both Fall and Winter Terms and plan registration for both.

Scott Saindon, a third-year Indigenous Studies student, and Arshpreet Gill, a third-year Psychology student, both in the Faculty of Arts, were recognized as winners in the 2024 showcase for their outstanding contributions.

Scott Saindon achieved second place honours in the Social Sciences and Humanities poster competition for his research, ‘Métis’: a decade in review, that delves into the debates and discourses surrounding Bill C-53, an Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments.

“I’m Red River Métis, and this research project was very specific to my own peoplehood,” Saindon shared, reflecting on the personal connection he felt to his work.

Encouraged by two of his professors to apply for the URA, Saindon spent 16 weeks over the summer of 2024 working on his research under the guidance of Professor David Parent of the Department of Indigenous Studies. “I enjoyed the creative freedom I was granted to explore my ideas,” Saindon noted. This was an opportunity for him to independently explore while receiving expert mentorship.

The experience reinforced his belief in the importance of pursuing research topics you are passionate about, as it makes the work feel deeply rewarding.

Saindon emphasized the benefits of the URA, “you get to do research over the long-term, it’s a good test if you are thinking about going into graduate studies, and one of the big benefits was networking. I was able to connect with other students, Indigenous people and researchers.”

What’s next for Saindon? “My long-term career aspirations are to become a graduate student at the University of Manitoba to pursue a master’s degree and PhD, hopefully leading into a professorship and research in Métis Studies and Indigenous Studies.” He also aims to present his research at the 2025 Indigenous Relationality Workshop during the Prairie Political Science Association Conference in Banff, Alberta.

Arshpreet Gill achieved first place honours in the Social Sciences and Humanities oral competition for his research, Incentives for renewable energy: Capital-dominated vs. Margin-dominated projects, focused on how tailored incentives can drive progress in sectors like aviation and heavy-duty trucking. Gill was supervised by Professor Maryna Klymchuk of the Asper School of Business.

Gill applied for the URA with a clear goal – to share his research’s broader impact: “It wasn’t just about policies or data- it was about understanding the bigger picture of how Canada can meet its climate goals and how students like us can contribute to that vision.”

The showcase event gave him the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainability and inspire conversations around innovative solutions. “More than anything, I wanted to show that research isn’t just for experts- it’s a tool for anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference,” he said.

Gill encourages students to pursue undergraduate research, emphasizing the personal and academic growth it offers. “Choose a project that excites you; that passion will carry you through any challenge. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your mentor and embrace the opportunity to learn, even if it feels intimidating,” he advised.

Gill’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t end with his URA. After completing his Bachelor of Arts, he plans to attend law school at Robson Hall to gain the legal expertise needed to advocate for renewable energy policies. Following law school, he aims to purse an MBA at the Asper School of Business, equipping himself with leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in the renewable energy sector. For Gill, his work is more than a research project- it’s part of a long-term vision to influence policy and drive positive change on a global scale.

Congratulations to all students who presented their research at this year’s Undergraduate Research Showcase! Your hard work and dedication exemplify the spirit of innovation and academic excellence at the University of Manitoba.

Are you an undergraduate student interested in conducting research? Applications for the 2025 URA are open now. There are over 50 researchers in the Faculty of Arts ready to work with undergraduate students this summer. Deadline to apply is February 17, 2025.

The Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources student studying for his master’s in microbiology felt isolated when he arrived in Canada. He did not know what to expect but was excited to get started. 

“When I first arrived in Canada, I felt alone. I didn’t have any friends or know where to go on campus; I was just trying to figure out my way.” 

Since arriving in Canada in September 2023, Rei Shibue has stayed in St John’s residence, where he’s been able to be close to his classes and build friendships that have helped him find his home away from home.

“For the first while in the residence, I kept to myself. I didn’t talk much, ate alone in the dining room, and attended classes. Over the last year, though, that’s changed significantly.”

As Rei continues his studies in microbiology, where he is investigating microbes in the Arctic Ocean, he also finds his community in St John’s residence at monthly events and has become a residence don on the student support team.

“Attending events and getting involved in the residence has helped me meet some of my closest friends.”

“It’s the community I needed outside of class to feel like I’m home.” 

Looking to make a difference in the residence, Rei knew he wanted to get involved on the dons team to help students navigate the problems he once faced when coming to Canada.

“Being a don allows me to continue building relationships in the residence while giving back to the community and the students here.” 

As the dons prepare to welcome more new students into the residence in Winter 2025, Rei has found being a resident to be rewarding and fulfilling in more ways than he could imagine.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this team and community, which has given me so much.”

To learn more about St John’s residence, visit our website. 

To submit your application for Winter 2025 accommodations, contact our Dean of Residence.

The 2024 St John’s College art competition winner uses art to showcase the natural beauty he sees around him while producing it in the way he visualizes it.

“It’s the fulfillment and satisfaction derived from expressing my thoughts and views.” 

Since moving to Canada and finding his new home at St John’s residence, the School of Art student has loved bringing his imagination to life. As an artist who has published his work around campus, Valentine looks to not only showcase his work but also working towards his goal of building his own arts academy.

“This local exhibition is a chance for me to get my work out there and see other artists. My goal is to set up my arts academy here in Canada and back home in Nigeria where I can showcase my work, teach younger generations, and add value to my community.”

Upon arriving in Canada and settling into his art studies, Valentine has found his home away from home at St John’s residence, a small community on campus.

In a quiet place for studying and relaxing yet welcoming to students from across the world, the residence has become a place where Valentine has been able to grow into his own.

“It’s a friendly place for everyone where I’ve enjoyed meeting people on paint nights, excursions, and events around the city. What I love most is the clean and peaceful atmosphere.”

As Valentine prepares for his exhibition in October at cre8ery gallery and studio from October 1st through 26th, he is grateful for the opportunities ahead for his artwork.

From needing a place to study, meet new people, or have somewhere to go on campus, SJC is a small community that helps students succeed at UM.

The benefits students receive for the $10 membership include the following:

Eligibility for scholarships and bursaries

As part of being a member of St John’s College, students will become eligible to apply for SJC scholarships and bursaries, which offer approximately $200,000 worth of awards. Our scholarships are available each year and are open to all UM students of all faculties, including opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Learn more about our scholarship opportunities on our website.

Study carrels and library

Our study carrels on the first floor and library on the third floor of SJC provide students with a space to focus, house their school items, and have a dedicated place to study for the academic year.

Applications for study carrels can be found on our website.

Food discounts at the Daily Bread Cafe

From a quick snack, grab-and-go sandwich, or study session with friends, the Daily Bread Cafe and Soup4U are places where students can catch up over a delicious meal. Students will receive 10% off all purchases as part of the college membership.

View the Daily Bread Cafe and Soup4U menus for the fall semester.

Monthly student-led events by SJCSA

Every month, our student association organizes events for students to gather, get to know each other and enjoy games and activities together. Take it from our students when they say they found their place on campus. St John’s College is here to support students throughout their academic journey in every way we can.

“St John’s has provided me with a community to meet new friends and a place to belong. I can come here, visit the student lounge, study, and know I have a place to go outside class.”

Sign up for your college student membership on our website. Visit the General Office at 214 SJC to pick up your sticker for your ID card.

The psychology student studying in the Faculty of Arts joined St John’s college as part of the college student membership, where she hoped to find people to connect with, scholarship opportunities, and a place to study on campus.

In her roles throughout campus, including university one student council, let’s talk science, and art student body council, to name a few, Kezia is proud of her involvement around SJC and UM.

“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities St John’s has offered me. Meeting other students, staff, and alumni at various events has helped me connect on campus.”

The former SJC scholarship recipient acknowledges her gratitude for the financial support she received during her undergraduate studies as a college member.

“The scholarship opportunities with the student membership are helpful. They supported my studies throughout the years.”

Stepping into a new chapter following her undergraduate studies, Kezia looks forward to continuing her studies in the fall.

To learn more about the St John’s college student membership, visit our website. To sign up for college student membership, visit the steps on our membership page.

We recently spoke with Tawana, who has lived at St John’s since 2019, serving as a Senior Don (RA) since Fall 2022. She moved from Zimbabwe to study psychology and learned about the residence through people from her program. In our conversation, Tawana recounted how from the moment she walked into the residence for the first time, she knew it felt like home. Tawana is one of several students who lived at St John’s during the ups and downs of the pandemic: navigating virtual classes, quarantines, and lockdown restrictions, and helping keep fellow residents safe as part of her role as Senior Don, all the while building close friendships that will last a lifetime.  

Brothers Bryan and Neil have likewise lived at St John’s through the pandemic, with Bryan having called St John’s College home for the past three years and Neil joining him in Winnipeg in January 2022. Coming from a small Ghanaian community, these two weren’t sure what to expect when they moved to Canada; however, it didn’t take long for both to jump headfirst into College culture by attending sporting events, getting involved in Residence and Student Councils, applying for scholarships and bursaries, volunteering to enhance their professional development, and enjoying delicious food.  

Speaking of delicious food and events, here are a variety of benefits residence students get as part of life at St John’s:  

• Single occupancy rooms where students can have their privacy and room wifi. 
• Our comprehensive all-you-care-to-eat meal plan offering 19 meals per week including halal meal plan. 
• Access to residence common rooms including our TV lounge and games room. 
• Access to scholarships and bursaries available only to College members. 
• Academic support, including advisory help and access to a dedicated residence study lounge.    
• 24-hour access to the College campus, including after-hours access to classrooms and meeting rooms for studying or working on group projects.   
• 24/7/365 interpersonal support and referral from a committed team of Dons.   

If you are looking for a place to call home as you study at the University of Manitoba this fall, apply now to St John’s residence. 

The first-year psychology student, currently in the Faculty of Arts, came to Canada last fall to the University of Manitoba, where she started her passion for learning about mental health. After 24 hours of travel to Canada, Grace felt at home at her college residence. Although it was late when she arrived, it took her no time to meet those around the residence, including the dons and residence council, who have quickly become some of her best friends.  

As Grace describes,

“The residence is a diverse and welcoming place. When I first came in, I could relate to the students because they have had similar experiences and understand what I’m going through.”    

 

Whether it be connecting around food, talking about classes in the dining hall, movie nights in the lounge, studying together, or just catching up on life, Grace is grateful for the community she has found at the St John’s college residence as she works to pursue her psychology dreams.   

As the Communications Director at the St John’s college residence Council and weekly volunteering with the CanU program, Grace is taking her university experience by storm as she works to develop her skills and abilities for her future career.  

“I love getting involved in any way I can to better myself and others. Learning new skills I can apply for my future career has been exciting, and I can’t wait to see where everything goes.”  

Outside of her volunteering and council work, Grace loves a movie night with her friends in the lounge while eating comfort food, which has become one of her favourite memories in college. This has become a time for her to connect with her friends, have a sense of home, and relax outside of a busy study schedule. 

Grace plans to work towards a PhD in psychology following her undergraduate studies, where she hopes to bring back her work to make positive mental health change in Kenya.   

The St John’s college residence has open rooms for students needing accommodation for the January 2024 or Summer 2024 semesters. Students can apply on the college website here.   

You can also learn more about the college residence benefits which all students receive.   ”

These scholarships and bursaries are given out yearly to college members who join St John’s College. Each year, we hand out $200,000 worth of scholarships to students given generously by our donors some of whom joined us on Sunday, November 5th, at our Annual Luncheon.  

Following the convocation ceremony in the Chapel, we met a few of this year’s scholarship recipients to discuss what these recognitions mean to them.   

Karis Park – Dr. June Marion James Bursary  

The third Faculty of Science student has had a love for science since back in high school. Since then, she has pushed herself to follow her passion as she works towards getting into medicine. After taking the MCAT this past summer, Karis is awaiting her results as she hopes to pursue her medicine dreams next fall using this Bursary from the College.   

“I’ve been a part of the College since my second year, and it’s been a great experience. Finding a community here and having scholarship opportunities like this is beneficial. It’s rewarding to know that my hard work is paying off, and I hope to continue with medicine next year if everything goes to plan.”   

Karis would like to thank her family, friends, and the College for their support.   

Congratulations, Karis! 

Abby Vovchuk – Hoskins Scholarship  

When you think of SJCSA, Abby is one of the first names you will hear. As the former Senior Stick, Abby is no stranger to the College community and has been around all areas of the College since 2021. She joined during the global pandemic when she needed a sense of belonging to help her get through her university experience. The fifth-year science student is in the process of finishing her final year of studies as she continues to work on her thesis, which she hopes to complete in the next year.  

“This scholarship is awarded to students in the Faculty of Science with a high ranking in calculus, so it’s validating to know that I’m on the right path, doing the right thing, and pursuing my passion.”   

Abby would like to thank the College, parents, friends, and family for supporting and encouraging her academic journey.   

Congratulations, Abby! 

Catherine van Reenan – Colin Inkster Memorial Award  

Studying in the Religion department and working towards her Ph.D, Catherine has utilized the College experience, like the study carrels, to help her pursue her studies. In her third year of her PhD, Catherine loves being a part of a community within the larger campus where she connects with colleagues, enjoys the daily Bread Café, and builds a network with other academics.   

“It’s a wonderful accomplishment and honour. People who wrote for me gave me validation that I’m meant to go for my Ph.D. and pursue my academic dreams. This scholarship will help me travel to Komagan for a conference I will be attending that is a niche in my field of study. I’m very excited because I get to learn from some inspiring people and professionals I’ve looked up to my whole life.”   

Catherine would like to thank her committee for supporting her throughout her academic journey who also inspired her to pursue her PhD.  

Congratulations, Catherine!   

Doris Goubran – R. Kelly McGinnis Memorial Scholarship  

A motivated Health Sciences student, Doris Goubran is on her way to big things as she enters the Max Rady College of Medicine. Learning about the College from St. John’s Ravenscourt, Doris has enjoyed her experience with its warm and comforting environment. Doris credits the Study Carrels as an excellent place to study for her MCAT and other courses. In winning the scholarship for her future career, here is what she had to say.   

“I plan on using this scholarship for my academic journey into medicine. It encouraged me to believe that I belong in medicine and my path in school. When you first apply to medicine, it’s super nerve-racking and intimating, and winning this scholarship proved that I can do it.”   

Doris would like to thank the College and its donors for this recognition and her family and friends for always supporting her in her studies.   

Congratulations, Doris!   

Meghann Robern – Arthur Uniacke Chipman Graduate Scholarship  

The road has been challenging for Meghann in the last year. It’s been an uphill battle after being hospitalized last November and starting a new academic journey, but Meghann wouldn’t want it any other way. In being a part of past former College member, Meghann knew she needed a community within the campus to feel comforted, welcomed, and a sense of home; St John’s College quickly became her place. “The level of connection in the community that combines with my values and rituals is what I appreciate the most,” said Meghann. As she continues her Ph.D. journey in the Department of English, Media, and Flim, Meghann feels a sense of validation after her scholarship recognition.   

“It’s validating knowing I can still do this after being out of school for ten years. In a year of so much change, and I was trying so hard to find my footing, my belonging in the community while still living within my values, it was a sense of my hard work being recognized.”  

Meaghann would like to thank her wife and two kids, who have supported her endlessly.   

Sharaina Cottick – Jocelyn & Warren Barnard Scholarship  

Embracing the whole College experience as much as she can, Sharaina has taken full advantage of the college experience, positively impacting her university experience. The fourth-year accounting student from the Asper School of Business is the former Vice-Stick and now Co-Communications Director of SJCSA, where she built the council from the ground up alongside Abby Vovchuk. Finishing up the Asper School of Business in the fall, Sharaina is excited to start her career in the College as the Assistant Bursar in the General Office in the new year following school. After graduation, Sharaina also plans to return to school soon to complete her CPA.   

“This scholarship means a lot because it is only given to accounting majors. Sitting with and learning about Jocelyn and Warren, who funded this award on Sunday, was even more special. It recognizes the hard work that I’ve done and accomplished over the years.”  

Sharaina would like to thank the College for this opportunity, Jocelyn and Warren for the support, and her family.   

Congratulations, Sharaina!  

St John’s College is proud to recognize all of our 2022/23 graduates and scholarship recipients this year.   

Click here to learn more about our scholarship and bursary opportunities. 

All UM Students are eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries, once they have become a member of St John’s College.