The PhD students at UM are among the 166 scholars in the 2025 cohort. They conduct world-leading research in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, receiving $150,000 each, over three years, to continue their research.

“We are incredibly proud of our four Vanier scholars, who represent the best of research leadership in Canada,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International). “UM is pleased to provide the research infrastructure and mentorship to help these promising graduate students to achieve their goals and work to solve the world’s most pressing problems.”

UM’s 2025 Vanier Scholars   

Md. Abdul Aziz, photo credit Mahin Hasan

Md. Abdul Aziz is a PhD student in the College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Trends in antidepressant use for mental health disorders in Manitoba

Aziz’s research aims to understand real-world patterns of antidepressant use over a long time period. Millions of people take antidepressants to help them with mood and anxiety disorders, but many discontinue their medications early. Aziz is using Manitoba population health data to determine what factors force someone to discontinue their medications. He is also examining how often specific antidepressants are used, especially when a person’s genes might influence how they respond to these medications. 

“This is a dream come true and fills me with immense gratitude,” says Aziz. “It is an honour to be recognized for my research and provides me with invaluable freedom to devote my time to bridging the gap between health-care professionals and patients to optimize drug therapies.”

His work is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. 

Barret Monchka

Barret Monchka is a PhD student in the College of Community and Global Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Improving data linkage techniques to enhance research reliability, efficiency and privacy protection

Monchka’s research will enhance the accuracy of patient-oriented research by improving how researchers link data from diverse sources, such as health, education and income. Weaving together these siloed data sets allows researchers to improve their understanding of the non-medical factors that impact health outcomes. His work will strengthen the foundations of public health research and will lay the groundwork for developing future AI models to be more equitable.

“Receiving this highly competitive award is an incredible honour,” says Monchka. “It allows me to continue advancing research at the intersection of population health, computer science and statistics and showcases the importance of using quality data to improve health outcomes.”

His work is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Chamali Kodikara

Chamali Kodikara is a PhD student in the Faulty of Agriculture and Food Science in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences.

Enhancing wheat safety through new strategies for better detection and management of Ergot contamination

Kodikara’s research focuses on protecting the quality and sustainability of Canada’s world-renowned wheat by detecting and reducing naturally occurring toxins called ergot alkaloids. These compounds are produced by fungi and can pose human health risks if they enter the food supply. Her work uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and cold-plasma processing as innovative tools to improve grain safety.

“The Vanier Scholarship affirms the value of my work and the role I can play in advancing food safety, sustainability, and public well-being. This support allows me to expand knowledge, build partnerships, and be a force for positive change that benefits people in Canada and around the world.”

Her work is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

Deanne Nixie Miao

Deanne Nixie Miao is a PhD student in the department of biochemistry and medical genetics in the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Understanding the genetics of hearing loss caused by cisplatin

Miao’s research focuses on cisplatin, a widely used cancer drug that can cause hearing loss in up to 80 per cent of patients. It especially affects children, who are at a three-fold higher risk of developing cisplatin-induced hearing loss compared to adults. Despite its prevalence, there is a knowledge gap regarding how genes, pathways and specific ear cells are affected by cisplatin. Miao will use cutting-edge single-cell technologies to identify specific genes, pathways and ear cells to help predict and prevent hearing loss.

“Receiving the Vanier Scholarship reinforces that my work and my voice belong in research,” says Miao. “As a Filipino-Canadian PhD student, I don’t often see people in my field who look like me. This honour gives me the confidence to grow as an independent researcher and inspires me to contribute to solutions that can improve the lives of people affected by drug toxicities.”

Her work is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Vanier Scholars are chosen for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts.   

“While this is the last year of the Vanier competition, UM’s Vanier scholars continue to be recognized for their groundbreaking research and academic excellence. This funding allows them to continue their journey to transform our world through their research, leadership and desire to make a difference,” says Dr. Kelley Main, Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “Congratulations to all of them on this outstanding achievement.” 

A total of 59 UM graduate students have been named Vanier Scholars over the past 17 years. 

The doctoral psychology student aims to resolve the “treatment gap” that sees more people suffering from challenges with their mental health than are being treated. This is especially apparent among marginalized communities due to barriers like cost, limited access, and stigma.

“Improving the mental health of others is the reason I chose to pursue a career in clinical psychology,” explains Murphy. “Many people close to me have suffered from challenges with mental health, and I’ve seen the consequences of not receiving adequate care play out in front of me much too often.”

“In this field, it is impossible to ignore the reality that it is extremely difficult to access evidence-based treatment. This inspired me to turn my attention towards developing interventions that that are accessible and cost-effective for broad communities of individuals that are suffering.”

One way to reduce barriers to care and the mental health treatment gap is through online low-intensity self-guided evidence-based treatment programs. The lab of Murphy’s supervisor, Dr. Corey Mackenzie, has developed such a program called CBTm.

It has seen success in reducing symptoms of mental disorders, but it has also encountered challenges common among low-intensity treatments: higher drop out and lower engagement when compared to traditional face-to-face therapy.

For his PhD dissertation, Murphy intends to develop and test a pre-CBTm booster intervention with the goal of increasing engagement, reducing drop out, and consequently improving the reach and benefits of this accessible mental health treatment.

Murphy was recently awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, awarded to Canada’s top graduate students for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. As Vanier Scholar, he will receive $150,000 over three years towards his research.

“When I first attended university, I had to take two years off as I barely made it through my first-year classes,” says Murphy. “At the time I doubted my ability to ever succeed at a post-secondary level. To receive the Vanier Scholarship has made every trial and tribulation along the way feel worth it, and has proven the value of strong mentorship and support.”

The doctoral psychology student was recently awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, recognizing her academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Vanier Scholars are Canada’s top graduate students and Levasseur-Puhach will receive $150,000 over three years towards her research into the maternal mental health needs of Indigenous women.

Her methodological approach also focuses on the innate strengths of her research participants.

“In this work that is largely collaborative and centred on relationality, I want to showcase that there are so many gifts that Indigenous women possess that should be honored within mental health systems,” she says. “I hope to disrupt systems and create safer spaces for women and families to be able to live their lives in alignment with personal, familial and cultural values.”

Indigenous mothers have an increased risk of experiencing anxiety and depression compared to non-Indigenous mothers. Although psychological services have historically been harmful to Indigenous people, research suggests culturally grounded mental health programs can improve outcomes for Indigenous people.

Levasseur-Puhach plans to develop a culturally specific mental health program for Indigenous mothers based on knowledge gathered from the women themselves, and from leaders, Indigenous governance agencies, Elders and academics who have experience in program adaptation.

An Anishinaabe woman and member of Sandy Bay First Nation, Levasseur-Puhach believes providing the care Indigenous women deserve will serve as a means of supporting intergenerational family thriving.

She involves Elders with her work as much as possible, adhering to their guidance and embedding ceremony in the research process. When it comes to data collection, she prefers to use semi-structured, conversational interviews or focus groups.

“That is my favourite part of conducting research; having conversations with people, sharing stories, getting acquainted, and cultivating community,” she says. “I value having group gatherings with participants and those that I work alongside in research to develop relationships at the onset of each project.”

Crucial to her success as a graduate student has also been the relationships developed within her faculty. “The University Manitoba has been the ideal institution to conduct my research. I have had such incredible mentorship. My research advisor, Dr. Leslie E. Roos has supported this work over the last 5+ years and I am so fortunate to have developed meaningful relationships with other colleagues and mentors. I have felt very well supported in conducting this research.”

After completing her PhD, Levasseur-Puhach hopes to work in the public health care system as a clinical psychologist. “Ultimately, I hope to be delivering programming that is co-created with participants who I have formed relationships with over several years and to be a good relative to my kin.”

Pahan PteSanWin is hopeful that her research on rematriation and reparations will be a step toward institutional and structural change so that the harms Indigenous people have faced, and continue to face on a daily basis, can stop.

Pahan [BSW/97, MSW-IK/23] is one of three UM PhD students selected as a 2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient.

Vanier Scholars are Canada’s top graduate students, chosen for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts.  

At the core of Pahan’s research topic, Beyond Repatriation of Indigenous Ancestral Remains and Cultural Heritage: Rematriation and Reparations in the Canadian Context, is the importance of envisioning what a future can look like past colonial violence.

Pahan says it is not enough for colonial institutions holding Indigenous ancestral remains and culture heritage just to repatriate them to descendant communities. Rematriation asks for more, to return, restore and repair within a woman-centered focus.  

“Rematriation is a concept that academics are just starting to explore and what I want to do is elevate that understanding,” says Pahan. “I don’t think Reconciliation can happen when all you’ve done is the bare minimum. Through my research, I hope to make recommendations of realistic and fair actions/reparations that colonial institutions can take to create an environment where Reconciliation can occur.”

While she initially had a different research project in mind for her PhD, Pahan’s work as co-chair for the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony at UM led her down a different path.

“I realized I have to focus on this because it’s very important and has the most potential to make change for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Whatever time that I have to make a mark in this world, I want to devote it to that,” says Pahan.

Each Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient will receive $150,000 over three years toward their research. For Pahan, a Red River Métis citizen and first-generation university student, this opportunity is beyond what she ever imagined was possible.

“Every Indigenous person who makes it to the front step of a post-secondary institution has overcome so many barriers that it’s already a success to just put your foot on that front step,” says Pahan. “To be able to do a PhD with a Vanier Scholarship – it feels like a miracle. When I got the news, I cried for two days, I was just so happy.”

Pahan believes that being chosen as a Vanier Scholar is not just an opportunity for her, but a benefit for her community. She credits support from her ancestors, academic mentors at UM, her family and her community that recommended her for the award.

Aboulatta is one of four UM PhD students who have been awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2023. Vanier Scholars are considered Canada’s top graduate students and receive a scholarship of $150,000 over three years towards their research.

UM Today caught up with Laila Aboulatta to learn more about her and her research.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON IN THE RADY FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought exceptional challenges to global health and there is an increasing concern that the pandemic lockdown might have negatively affected health services and patient outcomes, including mother and infant health. In many instances, the decreased access to health services created sub-optimal mother and infant care. Pregnant people are consistently excluded from clinical research studies and this project will shed light on this underrepresented population.

The purpose of my research is to gain insight into the adequacy of health care delivery during the challenging times of the pandemic. We use real-world data of linked mother-infant records to thoroughly examine the healthcare received by pregnant people during this unprecedented time. We also aim to examine adverse perinatal outcomes, focusing on the major pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Medication use has been disrupted during the pandemic, so we aim to investigate the trends in the use of different medication classes among pregnant people.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UM TO PURSUE YOUR RESEARCH?

The pharmacoepidemiology at UM is a highly motivating research environment which is perfect to make significant contributions to the health of pregnant people. Also, the well-established administrative health database in Manitoba provides an ideal platform to conduct studies to improve healthcare practices and health outcomes. Pursuing my PhD at the UM and actively engaging with international scientific societies has been an eye-opening experience that broadened my perspective and exposed me to the fantastic opportunities that arise by networking with researchers in different academic settings.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS?

As a woman belonging to a visible minority, I envision myself as a pharmacoepidemiology leader and an active scholar at a Canadian university. I hope to establish my own lab and a multinational network that serves as a platform for assisting young pharmacoepidemiologist and researchers in improving health care settings and prescribing practices among women. As a pharmacist, my goal is to support rigorous clinical research that directly and meaningfully benefits the diverse communities.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE RECIPIENT OF THE VANIER SCHOLARSHIP?

I am honored and humbled to have been selected as a recipient of the Vanier scholarship. It is a tremendous opportunity that has become a reality. Receiving the Vanier scholarship will strengthen my skills to conduct high-quality research to address healthcare challenges and effectively communicate my findings with scientific communities, stakeholders and healthcare professionals. Being a Vanier scholar is a personal achievement and a testament to the encouragement and support I received from family and mentors who believed in me throughout my endeavours.

Meet the rest of UM’s 2023 Vanier Scholars here.

Rohden is one of four UM PhD students who have been awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2023. Vanier Scholars are considered Canada’s top graduate students and receive a scholarship of $150,000 over three years towards their research.

UM Today caught up with Fabian Rohden to learn more about him and his research.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON IN THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE?

When treated with drugs, viruses can evolve mutations to become resistant against those drugs. This is called evolutionary escape. However, such resistance mutations are often a trade-off: The virus becomes more resistant but also becomes less efficient at fulfilling its function. I am looking at viral polymerases, the molecule of the virus that helps it duplicate its genes. As the polymerase is too small to be seen with the eye, I am using computer simulations to predict the range and effect mutations in the polymerase.

I am trying to identify which combination of mutations would be too much of an efficiency loss for the polymerase. For example, let’s say that drug A causes mutation 1 and drug B causes mutation 2. My computer simulations can tell me if mutations 1 and 2 together are too much for the polymerase to function efficiently. In that case, using both drug A and B could prevent evolutionary escape, as the polymerase cannot become resistant against both drugs at the same time. Of course, after the computer simulations, I must verify the predictions in the laboratory. (I use just the polymerase protein alone, which is harmless. There are no viruses or genetic material involved and therefore there are no risks of infection or gain-of-function.)

I hope that my research leads to a better understanding of resistance of viruses and that with the help of this knowledge drug development and patient treatments can be improved.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UM TO PURSUE YOUR RESEARCH?

I decided to follow my professor to the University of Manitoba and reapply for the PhD program in order to continue my research. This was a leap in the dark but the warm atmosphere and great research environment at the department of microbiology shows me that I made the right decision.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS?

Five years ago, I would not have thought that I would be in Canada, so I’ll be cautious with predictions. A general theme for me has been to work at the interface of different disciplines, especially in the field of science policy. I am very open towards where I will work and whether it will be in academia, industry, or government, but it certainly will something that allows me to combine my scientific background with other areas of expertise.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE RECIPIENT OF THE VANIER SCHOLARSHIP?

It is one of the greatest privileges a PhD student can receive in Canada and I see it as an affirmation of my work and engagement since I came to Canada. Most of all however, the Vanier scholarship takes away the financial stress that comes with pursuing graduate studies. This puts me in alleviated position compared to most of my peers who are continuing to struggle, whereas I will be able to focus more on my actual research than on making ends meet.

Meet the rest of UM’s 2023 Vanier Scholars here.

Ogunsola is one of four UM PhD students who have been awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2023. Vanier Scholars are considered Canada’s top graduate students and receive a scholarship of $150,000 over three years towards their research.

UM Today caught up with Samuel Ogunsola to learn more about him and his research.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON IN THE RADY FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES?

In living organisms, genes undergo multiple processing steps before they can perform their functions. One crucial process is called splicing, where regions of genes that do not make into the final RNA transcripts (introns) are removed, and the regions that do so (exons) are joined together. Through splicing selection of different exons, a single gene can produce different forms of proteins necessary for complex cellular activities. This phenomenon is known as alternative splicing (AS).

Surprisingly, more than 95% of human genes undergo AS, allowing around 20,000 genes to code for over 500,000 proteins. Errors in the AS process have been associated with numerous diseases, including cancer and brain disorders. However, scientists have yet to fully understand the factors contributing to these errors. In the Xie RNA laboratory at UM, we have identified a novel group of elements, known as REPAG, within gene introns that regulate AS. Many of these elements have been found in genes related to cancer. The aim of my research is to delve deeper into how REPAG influences AS and explore methods to target it for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UM TO PURSUE YOUR RESEARCH?

After completing my undergraduate program in biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, I embarked on a search for professors conducting research that aligns with my interests. During this process, I came across Dr. Jiuyong Xie at the University of Manitoba, whose depth and significance of the research on splicing mechanisms greatly impressed me. As I delved further into my research on UM, I discovered that the University is a member of the esteemed group of fifteen, a coalition of research-intensive universities across Canada. The university’s research programs have consistently made significant contributions to global development. These findings served as a powerful source of inspiration for me to pursue my graduate studies at UM. I firmly believe that the graduate program at UM will provide me with the necessary resources, mentorship, and collaborative environment to thrive as a researcher.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS?

My interest lies in integrating clinical research, leadership, and innovation to address complex health disorders. In five years, I strive to be working in a prestigious pharmaceutical or biotechnology company such as AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Pfizer. I aspire to contribute my expertise towards developing ground-breaking solutions in the field. Looking further ahead, I see myself emerging as a thought leader and innovator in the global bioscience industry. My goal is to drive transformative change by harnessing advancements in scientific research and technology. Through these means, I aim to discover novel approaches that can effectively prevent or treat genetic disorders in humans.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE RECIPIENT OF THE VANIER SCHOLARSHIP?

Winning the Vanier scholarship is a dream come true for me, reaffirming my belief in the power of having faith in God. Receiving the prestigious scholarship has ignited in me a sense of responsibility to continue to give back to my community and to trust in my own abilities to accomplish remarkable feats. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and determination, any goal I set my heart on can be achieved. Additionally, I firmly believe that the Vanier scholarship will provide me with invaluable opportunities, extensive networks, and impactful platforms to make a significant contribution to the field of bioscience not only within Canada but also in Africa and globally.

Meet the rest of UM’s 2023 Vanier Scholars here.

Thankfully for us, that brief lapse could have life-changing effects: by improving recovery for those who have heart surgery.

Hyde [MN/20] is one of four UM PhD students who have been awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2023. Vanier Scholars are considered Canada’s top graduate students and receive a scholarship of $150,000 over three years towards their research.

UM Today caught up with Emily Hyde to learn more about her and her research.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON IN APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCES?

Canadians are aging and older people are more likely to need heart surgery than younger people. As a patient gets older, they tend to stay longer in the intensive care unit (ICU), lose weight and muscle, are less steady on their feet, have a harder time driving, and are less likely to go back to their own home. They are also more likely to be confused (which is known as delirium), need to go back to the hospital after going home, are not as mentally quick as they used to be, and may even die. Altogether, this is called post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and may be caused, at least in part, by a long stay in an ICU.

My research has three objectives. In aim 1, I am doing a scoping review of past research to learn what is currently known about the mental and physical symptoms of PICS following heart surgery. This will give us a starting point of what is known and what we need to improve upon. The next step (aim 2) will work with patients and families who have been through heart surgery and a long stay in the ICU to learn from their experience about why PICS happens and their ideas about how we can prevent it from happening for other people. We are very interested in using ideas that patients and families come up with to find new, real-world solutions to help patients who may be at risk for PICS after heart surgery. For aim 3, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine if the patient-identified solutions reduce the prevalence of PICS following heart surgery. By preventing PICS, we predict that older adult patients will have a quicker recovery and better quality of life after heart surgery.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UM TO PURSUE YOUR RESEARCH?

I chose UM and Applied Health Sciences (AHS) because I wanted to work with specific mentors. There are not many nurse clinician scientists in Canada, so learning from Dr. Rakesh Arora, a world-renowned clinician scientist, provides me the opportunity to learn from the best. Dr. Todd Duhamel is my co-advisor and is an exceptional mentor and researcher. He has challenged but support my writing, ability to engage in academic debates and discussion, and ability to begin to plan intervention studies. UM and AHS also provide the opportunity to tailor my doctoral studies and committee to my needs, so I am able to have 2 exceptional nurse academics as part of my committee. Dr. Annette Schultz provides expertise in patient engagement and Dr. Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy provides expertise in arts-based research methods. They also bring a nursing perspective to my research. UM and AHS have provided me the ability to be supported by diverse and exceptional mentors who are helping me to carve out a space for my future work as a nurse clinician scientist.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS?

In 10 years I hope to be working as a nurse clinician scientist in Manitoba. This is not a common role in Canada so I am hoping to join the few nurse clinician scientists and demonstrate the benefits of the role. I hope to be engaging patients and families in cardiac research and generating new knowledge that aligns with their priorities and experiences. I hope to be working with nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare providers in moving research evidence into practice and to mentor nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare providers who are interested in cardiac research and patient engagement.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE RECIPIENT OF THE VANIER SCHOLARSHIP?

I think most graduate students feel imposter syndrome at some point in their studies. Receiving a Vanier has helped to reduce my imposter syndrome and validate that I should be doing my PhD. This recognition still feels a bit surreal but I am so appreciative of the opportunities that a Vanier will provide me.

Meet the rest of UM’s 2023 Vanier Scholars here.

Vanier Scholars are Canada’s top graduate students, chosen for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts.  

“These four graduate students have distinguished themselves as research leaders among their peers across Canada with this highly competitive and prestigious award,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International). “Their success speaks to the high calibre of UM faculty who guide them to the next stage of their careers. I look forward to seeing the impacts of their important work exploring new pathways in medical sciences in the years to come.”

UM’s Vanier Scholars for 2023* are:

Emily Hyde (Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management; College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) is exploring patient-identified solutions to post-intensive care syndrome following heart surgery. She is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Laila Aboulatta (College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) is using real-world data to investigate the impact of COVID-19 public health measures on mother and infant health. She is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Samuel Ogunsola (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) is investigating how errors in genetic processing are linked to human disease. He is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Fabian Rohden (Faculty of Science) is studying a new approach to preventing evolutionary escape in viruses. He is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

*Learn more about each scholar and their research by clicking their name above.

The Vanier Scholarships recognize students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health.

The scholarships are administered by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC. The scholars will receive $150,000 over three years towards their research.

“This achievement means that our Vanier scholars now have the funding support to transform our knowledge through their research,” says Dr. Kelley Main, dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies. “They will each bring something unique and impactful to our understanding of the world and will continue to be leaders in their communities and fields. Congratulations to each of them on this prestigious award.”

The Vanier program honours distinguished Canadian soldier and diplomat Major-General the Right Honourable Georges Philias Vanier (1888-1967), who served as Governor General of Canada from 1959 to 1967.

A total of 52 Vanier Scholars have attended UM over the past 15 years.

Vanier Scholars are Canada’s top graduate students, chosen for their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership – united by a passion to create a better world. They will receive $150,000 over three years towards their research.

UM’s Vanier Scholars for 2022 are*:

Keeley Edwards (Price Faculty of Engineering) will study innovative ways to apply machine learning to imaging problems, with the potential to improve safe and accessible imaging in health care and reduce food waste in agriculture. She is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Fadi Ennab (Faculty of Education) will explore ways to build and maintain anti-racist solidarity between refugees and Indigenous peoples based on mutual support and understanding. He is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Gabrielle Fontaine (Faculty of Science) will design and test a small, safe, and low-cost breast cancer screening device that may be used in remote and low-income areas. She is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Braedon Humeniuk (Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources) will identify possible drivers of ecological change in freshwater ecosystems, and work to enhance public participation and buy-in for their protection. He is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Kayla Joyce (Faculty of Arts) will explore how to develop better treatment programs for postpartum individuals struggling with depression and substance use concerns. She is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Lindsey Mazur (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) will study the multiple barriers women can face in the healthcare system and review how current policies can be changed to help all women receive more equitable care. She is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Darrien Morton (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) will gain an understanding of how different placement types for First Nations and Métis children and youth in the care of child welfare affect their mental health. He is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Jennifer Sebring (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) will use arts-based research methods to attain insight into people’s experiences of living with chronic illnesses. She is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Jared Star (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) will study the links between social and sexual media, bodies, substance use, and the self, particularly within and among queer, cis and trans men’s communities. He is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

*Learn more about each scholar and their research by clicking their name for full bio.

“Research by these nine graduate students demonstrates exceptional leadership and research skills, distinguishing them amongst their peers across Canada,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International). “We are excited to host students of such calibre at UM.”

The Vanier Scholarships recognize students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health.

Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts. The scholarships are administered by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.

“These Vanier scholars now have the funding support to transform our world through their research and leadership,” says Dr. Kelley Main, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies. “They will each bring something unique and impactful to our understanding of the world. Congratulations to them on this prominent award.”

The Vanier program honours distinguished Canadian soldier and diplomat Major-General the Right Honourable Georges Philias Vanier (1888-1967), who served as Governor General of Canada from 1959 to 1967.

A total of 48 Vanier Scholars have attended UM over the past 14 years.