GRADUATE LIFE //
FANTASTIC FOUR THE
+ + WELCOME RADIUS, THE NEW APPLICATION SYSTEM + IN MEMORIAM, DR. ARCHIBALD (ARCHIE) M NICOL + GSA AWARDS, CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
INTRODUCING THE ACTING DEAN, DR. TODD A. MONDOR
c
SPRING 2017 | VOLUME 1
U OF M VANIER SCHOLARS
MESSAGE // FROM THE ACTING VICE PROVOST (GRADUATE EDUCATION) & DEAN // WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF THE NEW FGS NEWSLETTER, GRADUATE LIFE! Since starting as Acting Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean of Graduate Studies, I have had the privilege of learning more about the contributions of our faculty, staff, students and the important work that they do to advance teaching and research at the University of Manitoba. It is important to me that we share those stories with you, the Graduate Studies community. With Graduate Life we will bring you stories and features on our exceptional students, on the outstanding faculty members who serve as mentors and collaborators, and on the dedicated staff who provide research and administrative support. We will also introduce you to some of the exceptional people in the Faculty of Graduate Studies who work behind the scenes to support everyone involved in our 80 programs, and alert you to upcoming FGS-sponsored events and initiatives.
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We are excited about the opportunity Graduate Life provides to connect with all of you. I hope you will take a few minutes to look through this issue and learn a little about some of the outstanding work and exceptional people who bring life to our graduate programs, and to the University of Manitoba. All the best,
Todd A. Mondor
On the cover: New Vanier scholars are receiving major grants to study subjects as varied as Indigenous languages, HIV infection, Lou Gehrig’s disease and geothermal energy. See feature story on page 16. 2 Spring 2017
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COVER STORY
SPRING 2017 | VOLUME 1 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR...................................................4 MESSAGE FROM THE UMGSA................................................5 INTRODUCING OUR ACTING DEAN.........................................6 JASON BONE.........................................................................8 Recognizing traditional oral history
JAY DOERING........................................................................10
16
Update on our former Dean
WELCOME RADIUS................................................................12 New online application system
APPLY YOURSELF, RADIUS & APPREVIEW. . ...........................13 What is the difference?
RADIUS & APP REVIEW TRAINING.. .......................................13 Staff Training Sessions
GAYLE TILLIE........................................................................14 Staff Spotlight
GRAD 7500...........................................................................15 Do I need to take it?
14
10
THE FANTASTIC FOUR U OF M VANIER SCHOLARS.. ...............16 Graduate Student Success
THREE MINUTE THESIS (3MT®) FINAL. . ................................18 Seeking out innovative ways to enhance lives
IN MEMORIAM: DR. ARCHIE MCNICOL. . .................................20 GSA AWARD RECIPIENTS . . .....................................................22 Featuring Andrew McDermid, Holly Mcelrea and Zane Zallis
ALUMNI WORKING ON CAMPUS.. ...........................................24 David Grad
22
GRADUATE STUDIES HOODIES FOR SALE..............................25 CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE........................................26 WELCOME NEW STAFF..........................................................27
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR // HELLO GRADUATE STUDIES COMMUNITY Let me introduce myself: As Communications Coordinator with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, one of my roles is learning about all the great things going on in the faculty, with our students, faculty and staff, and sharing that through our newly created Graduate Life online newsletter. As editor of this new forum, my goal is to create an online newsletter that will engage and inform faculty, staff and students who are involved with the Faculty of Graduate Studies on matters that are important to them. What you will find in the pages of Graduate Life is a collection of inspired and instructive articles written by real, honest, down-to-earth folks who work hard to showcase the amazing things happening in the Faculty of Graduate Studies. We had many ideas for this inaugural issue, and I want to draw your attention to a couple that stand out: for instance, learn more about the Radius launch and what it will mean for you, learn more about staff in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and hear how our students are making their dreams a reality. The newsletter is available on Issuu, the Faculty of Graduate Studies website, and links are emailed to faculty, staff, and students associated with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Are you a graduate student/staff member/department contact and want to let the Graduate Life committee know of your service or an event that should be featured in the next edition? Email us with your information and a short written blurb to be featured in the next issue!
PHOTO BY MIKE LATSCHISLAW // SUMMER 2016
Back row (Left to Right): Rebecca Tataryn, Sara Sealey, Joyce Lamb, Todd Mondor, Jennif
Front row (Left to Right): Andrea Kailer, Jaclyn Forbes, Rowena Krentz, Brenda Grabowsk Andrea Mair, Laura Mcmillan, Gayle Tillie, Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Sandra Kumhyr & To
Have a great spring!
CONTACT INFORMATION //
Jaclyn Forbes
GENERAL OFFICE LOCATION
FGS Communications Coordinator Graduate Life Editor We would love your feedback. Send any comments to graduate.communications@umanitoba.ca
The Faculty of Graduate Studies is located at the Fort Garry Campus in University Centre. The main administrative office for the Faculty and its mailing address is: Faculty of Graduate Studies University of Manitoba 500 University Centre Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Visit our umanitoba.ca/graduate_studies for more information about the Faculty of Graduate Studies!
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MESSAGE FROM THE UMGSA // HELLO EVERYONE On behalf of the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA), I am excited to extend our greetings to you. As student representatives, we endeavor to work on relevant issues and contribute to the priorities of the association. We advocate and unequivocally represent student interests, provide opportunities and maintain services essential for success. In representing student interests, we aim to provide input geared towards prioritization of students and uncovering opportunities at all levels of engagement.
fer Guay, Janelle McLoud, Michele Mlodzinski & Xikui Wang
ki, Rosemary Visevic, Archie McNicol, Pam Yarushinsky, Karen Dawn Lewandowski, obi Hawkins
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Please access the Graduate Studies Staff Directory to learn more about the Faculty of Graduate Studies administrative staff and their contact information.
CONNECT // @umgradstudies
As with most real world issues, those facing graduate students require a proactive and cooperative approach. We are therefore committed to cooperative efforts between our association and partners. We are hopeful that such an approach will foster progress and avail resources for the benefit of students. Currently, the association celebrates and supports student success by providing $50,000 annually in financial support to students through our awards programs. We offer conference grants to students who present or participate in research forums. An eligible student may claim up to $750 per year in conference grants. Other support programs available include departmental grants, special project grants, hardship funds and holiday hamper program. We offer printing and photocopying services for very small rates. Our day planners contain a lot of important information on the services we offer. They are usually available for pickup by September every year. We jointly provide and co-administer the Health and Dental insurance, U-Pass services on an ongoing basis with our partners, for the benefit of our members. Throughout the academic year, the association holds key events including orientations, social, networking activities, sporting and speaker series events. Our events are intended to offer students opportunities to get involved and engaged in the community or even volunteer. On behalf of the UMGSA, I wish you all a good year and the very best in your research and studies. Feel free to reach out to us and enjoy the services and opportunities available to all. Come by the GSA offices (221 University Centre) even if it’s just to chat.
@umanitoba
Enoch A-iyeh /umgradstudies
President, Graduate Student Association pres@umgsa.org
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ACTING DEAN // INTRODUCING // DR. TODD A. MONDOR Dr. Todd Mondor, Acting Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean of Graduate Studies, began this new position on April 1, 2016. He’s settled into his new role, bringing with him an impressive portfolio of leadership, research and management expertise. No stranger to the Faculty, Dr. Mondor accepted the role of Acting Dean after working for two years as Associate Dean in Graduate Studies. Prior to joining the Faculty of Graduate Studies, he was Head of the Department of Psychology, where he worked with his colleagues to create new funding programs and initatives supporting students and faculty members. “We are all very excited at the prospect of Dr. Mondor building on the foundation laid by his predecessor and all of our faculty members throughout the years,” said Joyce Lamb, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean. “The Faculty of Graduate Studies has acquired a leader with integrity, determination and someone who is very student focused. He possesses the ability to apply a practical solution to a difficult problem by utilizing his staff to the best of their abilities; which is the hallmark of skilled manager and a leader.”
MY BEGINNINGS… I completed a BA (Hons) in Psychology at the University of Winnipeg, MA and PhD degrees at Waterloo, and a postdoc at the McGill and the Montreal Neurological Institute. After completing my postdoc, I spent five years as Assistant/Associate Professor at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick before coming home to Manitoba and the University of Manitoba in 1999.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES AS ACTING DEAN? I would like to see an increase in funding available to all graduate students. As part of this, I hope to initiate a new funding program to better support our incoming Indigenous students throughout their academic journey. I also hope to establish new awards to recognize the critical role that advisors, administrators, and staff play in supporting graduate students. This Faculty has many resourceful, inspiring and experienced people, and I think it is important to recognize and celebrate them.
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WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES? As an administrative unit, the mandate of FGS is to provide outstanding support to everyone involved with a graduate program at the University of Manitoba – including students, faculty, and staff. I also see an important role for FGS in leading discussions of new initiatives and approaches that reflect national and international developments – and I look forward to engaging in that way with the community.
MY IMPRESSION OF FGS AFTER A YEAR OF ACTING DEAN & VICE PROVOST... We have just an outstanding group of students studying with us. They are creative, thoughtful, and passionate about their studies and about contributing to society. These students are supported by an equally outstanding group of faculty members, support staff, and administrators. Graduate programs could not run without their tremendous dedication.
WHAT DO YOU WISH OTHER PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT GRADUATE EDUCATION? Graduate students are an integral part of our university community. Not only do they obtain Master’s and PhD degrees, but their studies also prepare them to take their place in, and have an influence on the world. Graduate education is the driving force behind a highly skilled workplace, and establishes a foundation for discovery.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING GRADUATE EDUCATION TODAY? The academic and employment landscape is changing and graduate programs must increasingly work to provide students both with expert knowledge in a particular program of study as well as establish a foundation of transferable skills. Satisfying both of these demands is difficult but I think FGS can and will play an important supporting role in meeting them.
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JASON BONE // RECOGNIZING TRADITIONAL ORAL HISTORY Master’s Candidate Advisor: Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair Studying in: Native Studies Jason Bone grew up in western Manitoba where he lived and breathed a traditional Canadian game – hockey. Now, years later living in Winnipeg with his wife and two children, Jason is bringing light to the history of sacred stories through his research. We caught up with Jason, who is putting together the final touches of his master’s thesis prior to his upcoming defense, to learn more about this passionate student.
WHAT WAS YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE/PROGRAM AND WHERE DID YOU STUDY? I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Winnipeg, but I started at Red River College in the Aboriginal Self Governance joint program, which is a two year program that credits 30 credit hours towards the Indigenous Governance program at the U of W.
DID YOU GROW UP IN WINNIPEG? I was born in Winnipeg but I grew up in Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation. As I got older I started spending my summers in Winnipeg and I live here now.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS YOU TAKE PRIDE IN? Throughout my academic career I take pride in my publications that I work on. I’ve published in the Gradzette and a handful of different little articles.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA FOR GRAD SCHOOL? This is the location where all my Knowledge Keepers are so I can’t really do research somewhere else. I’m doing a lot of place history research – place and story. Going somewhere else, I would be out of my element. For those who don’t know, Knowledge Keepers is another term for someone who carries knowledge that an elder usually would. In teaching stories, a 8 Spring 2017
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JASON (CENTRE)
journey is shared and told through his or her eyes and the eyes of local community members. Knowledge Keepers serve as an educative resource for fostering awareness, understanding and respect for First Nation perspectives, worldview, language, traditions and culture.
WHAT IS YOUR RESEARCH FOCUSED ON? My research is actually focused on Aadisookewin and that is Traditional Sacred Stories. The stories typically have a song and teaching associated with them. The Knowledge Keeper that I work with, he defines Aadisookewin as Keepers of legend, history and memory. It’s in-depth language research. The teachings tell us to not literally interpret these stories but to apply them to our own lives as needed. There are stories such as Nibowin. meaning Death. It’s a rites of passage story, which helps people, myself included, prepare for the loss of a loved one.
WHAT LANGUAGE ARE THESE STORIES IN? Ojibway
CAN YOU SPEAK OJIBWAY FLUENTLY? I can speak it fairly well by my own efforts to do so. I, like everyone else picking up their language, am like a fish in a small pond. But my resource is an Ojibway school teacher, Ron Mandamin, from Shoal Lake, where we get our city water from. He’s a big part of my wife’s research – women’s roles as Water Keepers, which gives a whole other explanation to how water came to the world. His knowledge-base of history stretches far back to in-depth creation stories.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THIS RESEARCH?
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I started this research by telling Niigaan I wanted to focus on language and story. I didn’t really have a solid grounding, but I knew where I was interested. Then I took an Ojibway literature class – we were reading John Borrows’ Drawing out Law: A Spirit’s Guide. There was a chapter about Pauguk (the cursed Flying Skeleton). Growing up, Pauguk has always been that being, the ‘don’t make noise at night, you’re going to wake up Pauguk’. Pauguk’s that story that cautions kids not to stay out after dark.
I’m a jiu-jitsu coach now at Academy 64 under professor Garry Sawatzky. I train with a lot of young aspiring competitors. I will be testing for my black belt next year and remain committed to the growth of Behring Manitoba Self Defense and Progressive Jiu-jitsu System under Master Sylvio Behring, who comes up twice a year to oversee our gradings.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR POST-GRADUATION? I’m planning to bridge straight into the PhD program. I’m facilitating my PhD research now, lining it up and currently working on the ethics now. I want to contribute all of my research and findings to a book. I’m hoping it will prove to be different and that I can find new delivery methods for old stories. I would like to work with 3D technology so the reader can put a 3D headset on and be able to watch and hear the stories of Bannock Point or Pauguk, so my kids can listen to this in the car. It’s my vision to share and advance what I’m researching.
That was my first intuition to study it. Some of my life events previously didn’t make sense to me until I was able to apply the teachings and history that I know now.
WHAT IS IT YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS FIELD OF STUDY? Now that I’m a parent of two children, I took a challenge from a Community Knowledge Keeper who criticized graduate students and instructors for not producing material that we can teach our children. He believed our research has become too academic biased. At the time, I had just been accepted into grad studies and since the start of my program I have always kept that criticism in the back of my mind.
WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR AREA OF STUDY/RESEARCH? Originally, I wanted to be an Ojibway language instructor but my parents encouraged me to go for a deeper meaning than just language revitalization because that approach has its limits. Methodology is not producing fluent speakers – I’m looking to bridge that. That’s why I made that “fish in a small pond” reference earlier.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE AS A CHILD WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? NHL hockey player. I had played eight years of professional hockey but it wasn’t what I thought it would be with the injuries and nature of extreme competitiveness of the sport. IMAGE OF BAAKAG, ILLUSTRATED BY ISSAAC MURDOCH
WAS THERE A TEACHER WHO INSPIRED YOU? My main inspiration comes from my Dad and of course my advisor Niigaan, but also PhD student Darren Courchene. Native writers like Basil Johnston, Norval Morrisseau, Louis Bird, even anthropologist A. Irving Hallowell continue to inspire me because I’m trying to also write a book. It’s a big goal I’ve set for myself, but it’s how I want to pay homage to those ahead of me, by writing a new edition for this generation.
WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A STORYTELLER? No, I would not consider myself a storyteller. I’ve seen others try to do this - call themselves storytellers - and they’re not. I have great admiration for our Knowledge Keepers and they should be respected and given a space within academia.
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UPDATE ON OUR FORMER DEAN // JOHN (JAY) DOERING // P h.D., P.Eng., FCSCE, FEC ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT (PARTNERSHIPS) Even at a university filled with skilled and successful people, once in a while you meet an individual who stands out. In the case of Dr. John (Jay) Doering, it’s not simply that he is well spoken and remarkably likeable – it’s also because you can tell in an instant that he is passionate about his work. This passion enables him to successfully provide a leadership role within the University. Dr. Doering displayed his leadership qualities throughout the 11 years he served as Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean (Faculty of Graduate Studies). When faced with adversity, staff and students looked to him for support, which came swiftly, confidently, and with integrity. He always took time for students, whether it was having his picture taken with every student who came forward after an awards ceremony, or championing student research through the Three Minute Thesis competition. The Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean (Faculty of Graduate Studies) role brings with it a lot of responsibility and hard work. Developing, overseeing, and promoting 80 departments that encompass 145 graduate programs. Constant emails, Senate meetings, student funding, budgets, strategic planning – the list goes on, a huge portfolio that happens largely behind the scenes. For this we in FGS owe you a huge thank you for your unwavering support and leadership throughout the years. Dr. Doering was appointed Associate Vice-President (Partnerships) by the Board of Governors January 26, 2016 and began his term April 1, 2016. We were able to catch up with the man we know as Jay to see how he is enjoying his new role and the steps he took that led him there.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT LED YOU TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT BEING THE DEAN OF GRADUATE STUDIES?
I did my undergrad at Queen’s University (Civil Engineering), my PhD at Dalhousie, and my postdoc at the National Water Research Institute’s hydraulics laboratory in Burlington, Ontario. I started my academic career in a contractually limited Assistant Professor position at McMaster University. While there I saw an ad for an Assistant Professor of Water Resources at the University of Manitoba with a focus on experimental hydraulics. I had done experimental work for both my Ph.D. and my postdoc, so I applied. And as they say, “the rest is history.”
The variety. I really enjoyed interacting with the entire university community.
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WHAT WAS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY WHILE WORKING WITH FGS? The team that I left behind in the dean’s office. I am a firm believer that one is only as good as the people around them. If I looked good it was because of the FGS team … an exceptional group of committed and dedicated staff that really care about the student population they serve.
WHY DID YOU BECOME DEAN? It wasn’t so much a “why did you become dean?” as how I became dean. I was attending the FGS Awards Ceremony in the fall of 2004 as an advisor whose graduate student had won a UMGF award. In casual conversation I mentioned “if I was the dean of graduate studies I would do things differently.” Weeks later I received a letter indicating I’d been nominated for the position. I imagined a different modus operandi for the Faculty of Graduate Studies, so I let my name stand.
WHAT DOES YOUR CURRENT JOB ENTAIL NOW? As an Associate Vice-President in the Vice-President (Research and International) Office (VPRIO) my primary responsibility is to assist the Vice-President (Research and International) in all areas of research development, promotion, and administration. My major responsibilities include: research partnership development; intellectual property management; technology development; facilitating international research and academic partnerships; working with deans/directors, associate deans (research)/research liaison officers, directors of affiliated research organizations/institutes and members of government, business/industry, community organizations, non-government organizations, for profit and not-for-profit organizations to build and promote the University’s research strengths and achievements; and to forge strong relationships with organizations locally, nationally, and internationally. It’s a very broad portfolio.
But change and new challenges are what I was looking for.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR NEW POSITION? Continuing to interact with the entire university community, the people in the VP (Research and International) Office, and interacting with my colleagues in the Admin Building.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DAY LIKE AFTER BEING WITH FGS FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS? Challenging. Humbling. Instead of knowing the answer to a question, after more than 10 years on the job, I found myself saying, “I’ll look into that and get back to you.”
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE? Challenging! Optimistic!
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS NEW ROLE? It was time for change. Graduate education and research are inextricably linked because graduate students are an essential part of a university’s research engine. The opportunity to continue to work with the entire university community, including the Associate Dean’s Research (who are the people that constitute the Faculty of Graduate Studies Executive Committee) was extremely attractive. I really like the broad nature of the portfolio and the people I work with.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE, IF ANY? I’ve called the learning curve “drinking from a firehose.” I interacted with a significant portion of the faculty body as Dean. I knew who had graduate students. Now I’m learning about the research of these faculty members. Then there’s research contract, policies, and procedures. There’s a lot of new things I’ve had to learn.
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NEW APPLICATION SYSTEM HELLO RADIUS; BYE-BYE AY // RADIUS PROVIDES A SEAMLESS ONLINE APPLICATION AND PERSONALIZED PORTAL FOR STUDENTS AND A STREAMLINED APPLICATION REVIEW AND DECISION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR STAFF, MAKING THE APPLICATION PROCESS EASY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF ALIKE.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is committed to improving the graduate student experience, both for current students, as well as prospective students. To that end, FGS recently upgraded its application software to the Hobsons product Radius. Not only does Radius streamline the application process, it also introduces robust enrollment management capabilities, as well as communication tools that allow for dynamic, multi-step email campaigns to deliver messages to students at the right time throughout the application process. This software is coupled with AppReview, the system graduate committee members will use to make recommendations on an application. “Radius helps us meet the increasing expectations for future student communications,” explains Gayle Tillie, Faculty of Graduate Studies applications functional analyst. “Students are looking for a personalized application experience. Radius is the technology that allows us to give them that.”
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Radius not only streamlines the online application process for students, but also for staff. “Radius allows each department to create an application specific to their particular needs,” says Rebecca Tataryn, Customer Relationship Management Specialist in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, “whereas the AppReview tool provides numerous benefits to admissions committees, including a user-friendly online platform, personal inbox for applications, customizable review form, with seamless and streamlined integration to and from Radius.”
SINCE THE LAUNCH OF RADIUS: (July 4th launch) 14,921 students have started an application 5,999 students have submitted an application Since the July 4, 2016 go-live, the software upgrade has been running smoothly. The Faculty of Graduate Studies has set up various training dates and times staff members can register for to address any concerns or questions.
APPLYYOURSELF, RADIUS, APPREIVEW // WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? APPLYYOURSELF is the current online application system that houses Fall 2016, Winter 2017, and Summer 2017 applications. Once the Summer 2017 term has passed the system will be available for ‘view only’ access and Graduate Studies will move all admitted applications to Radius. For Fall 2016, Winter 2017, and Summer 2017 it is business as usual, and applications will be reviewed and assessed in ApplyYourself. As of August 2017 (or thereabouts) ApplyYourself will no longer be used.
RADIUS is the new upgraded system that will be used for Fall 2017 applications going forward. It is the main hub for collecting applicant data, storing transcripts, decision letters, email communications, etc. It is essentially the new (and improved) ApplyYourself.
APPREVIEW is a sister-system to Radius which displays applicant data in a concise, easy to use and read format. AppReview is the system committee members will use to review data and make recommendations on applicants. This is also where the department head/grad chair/designate will mark the applicant as ‘Admitted’ or ‘Unsuccessful’ to their graduate program.
RADIUS & APPREVIEW: STAFF TRAINING SESSIONS APRIL 11, 2017
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FORT GARRY CAMPUS
340 University Centre (Micro Computer Lab)
APRIL 13, 2017
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
BANNATYNE CAMPUS
232 Neil John MacLean Library (Ross Computer Lab)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT GAYLE TILLIE // MEET OUR STAFF Featuring one of the women who implemented the new Radius application system and is the official ‘clicker’ at 3MT. While her office is not located in the main Faculty of Graduate Studies office, Gayle Tillie is well known as an integral part of the faculty’s staff. That’s because Gayle is behind the Graduate Studies online application. In a small office decorated with various odd and ends – ranging from small plants to family pictures, Gayle fills the space with her outgoing, bubbly personality while simultaneously working away on her computer. It all began in 2006, when Gayle started at the university as an office administrator with the Mauro Centre. After three years Gayle was ready for a change and found her new challenge within the Faculty of Graduate Studies. That was six years ago. We sat down with Gayle to ask her what the last six years with FGS has been like.
SIX YEARS! THAT’S A LONG TIME. HOW MANY “HATS” HAVE YOU WORN IN THE LAST SIX YEARS? I’ve worked at the front desk, in admissions covering a maternity leave, then I got hired full time in admissions and then was promoted to take over our online application system – something I wasn’t familiar with – by former Dean, Jay Doering. His exact words were, “You’ll be fine.” And he was right. The application software provides new challenges daily and allows me to be creative – it is the perfect fit for me.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY OF WORK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? I don’t even know where to begin… ahhh emails, emails, emails. Email inquiries can be anything from a student needing help, to staff needing help, to a department wanting changes to their online application, credit card reconciliation, data verification between the application system and Banner, go to
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Tim’s and get tea, facilitate training sessions for staff, attend meetings with the Registrar’s Office, and pull reports for the dean. There is never a dull moment.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT THE FACULTY? I didn’t realize how much was done in the Faculty of Graduate Studies until I started working here. From the outside looking in you don’t see it but a lot happens here day to day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT WORKING IN FGS? The people. We have a great group of people and there’s a high probability there will be snacks in the kitchen. The people of FGS are a great bunch to work with, we are always laughing and always willing to help one another out.
WHAT IS YOUR FUNNIEST/FONDEST MEMORY WORKING ON CAMPUS?
GRAD 7500 //
When George MacLean was the associate dean and we celebrated the holidays doing 12 days of ‘Georgemas’ we snuck in and decorated his office daily and left him different gifts every day. It was fun, he had no idea who the secret ‘FGS elves’ were decorating and leaving small gifts.
DO I NEED TO TAKE IT?
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? (laughs) I have those daily. I always manage to say or do something ridiculous – but I guess it keeps things interesting.
Beginning in Fall 2015-16, all graduate students must register for and complete GRAD 7500 Academic Integrity Tutorial within their first term. This is a zero (0) credit-hour course intended to introduce students to their basic responsibilities regarding academic integrity and to the resources available to them. •
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT AN OFFICIAL 3MT ‘CLICKER’ IS? It’s a great responsibility, and a great privilege – I make sure the timer is working and advance the next PowerPoint slide with the remote (clicker) during the 3MT heats and Final competition.
• Students must complete GRAD 7500 even if: o They have already completed the Research Integrity course
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
o They have already completed a similar departmental seminar course
Bike riding, baking, home repairs – I recently retiled my bathroom (yes I can use a tile saw) and I love lying in my hammock in the backyard.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in the teeny, tiny town of McCreary, Manitoba about three hours northwest of Winnipeg.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WINNIPEG? I went to school at Winnipeg Technical College and was offered a placement at the U of M and from there I was hired on and the rest is history.
Visiting and Occasional students are expected to complete GRAD 7500 prior to commencing a course at U of M
o Their thesis is in the middle of distribution •
Students on an exceptional/parental/regular leave of absence must register in GRAD 7500 upon return from leave if it has not already been completed.
This zero (0) credit hour course runs entirely online and is comprised of a series of brief videos (the total duration of these videos is approximately 1 hour) followed by a true/false test. Students must achieve 100% on the test in order to complete the tutorial and receive a pass grade for the course. If necessary, the test may be taken multiple times until a 100% grade is achieved. Failure to successfully complete this course will result in suspension of registration privileges. After registering online in Aurora, the Academic Integrity course is accessed through UM Learn using your JUMP login. Enter your UMNetID username and password. Once you have logged in, click GRAD-7500 Academic Integrity Tutorial under My Courses.
THE FANTASTIC FOUR U OF M VANIER SCHOLARS //
2016 U OF M VANIER SCHOLARS (L TO R) CHANTALE CENERINI, COLIN GRAYDON, KAYLA MOORE AND MAMNEET MANGHERA
NEW VANIER SCHOLARS ARE RECEIVING MAJOR GRANTS TO STUDY SUBJECTS AS VARIED AS INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES, HIV INFECTIONS, LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY In 2016, for the second year in a row, four University of Manitoba graduate students in a single year are recipients of Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. The recipients of these prestigious awards are: Chantale Cenerini, linguistics; Colin Graydon, medical microbiology; Mamneet Manghera, immunology; and Kayla Moore, civil engineering. These awards, considered the Canadian equivalent of the United Kingdom’s Rhodes Scholarships, help recruit and keep in Canada top doctoral students from across the country and around the world. Each recipient receives $150,000 over three years towards his or her research.
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CHANTALE CENERINI Is playing a part in the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Canada; her doctoral research focuses on understanding and supporting the vitality of Michif, the language of the Métis people. As a Métis woman, she aspires to be a role model and inspiration to Indigenous women through her research and academic success and through her participation in Indigenous cultural events. With the birth of her daughter and her research activities, Cenerini has had quite the busy year. She is a skilled polyglot; fluent in French and English, she has knowledge of the Cree language, is literate in Spanish, has functional skills in Italian and has studied German. She has volunteered as a catechist at Saint-Norbert Parish, a soup kitchen worker at Souls Harbor Rescue Mission, and a resource person at Centre Flavie-Laurent Centre, a low-income resource centre.
COLIN GRAYDON Has been incredibly productive with his research in medical microbiology, investigating how LAG-3, a protein that suppresses certain components of the immune system, blocks the body’s response to diseases. He is studying LAG-3 from the perspective
of HIV infection, but what is discovered may have implications in tuberculosis, cancer, autoimmunity, allergy, and vaccine research. Although his work with the Health Sciences Graduate Student Association is quite demanding, Graydon says he spends most of his free time with friends, including playing rugby and guitar. His volunteer experience includes working as a scout leader, fundraising for a building project in Ecuador and working on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C community outreach.
MAMNEET (SHEENA) MANGHERA With a perfect GPA of 4.50, Mamneet (Sheena) Manghera has been honoured with an extensive list of academic awards, distinctions, prizes and scholarships, including the Sir Gordon Wu Graduate Scholarship in 2015. Her research in immunology at the U of M looks closely at how pieces of human DNA made up of retroviral genomes (called endogenous retroviruses) contribute to neuropathology in ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She notes that doing medical research provides her with a sense of purpose and direction in life, especially having witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of the neurological disease ALS in her community. She finds it rewarding and satisfying to know that her work has the potential to bring a positive change in the health of individuals living with ALS. Beyond her research, Manghera loves to choreograph and perform at the Punjab pavilion at Folklorama as well as other cultural community events throughout the year, allowing her to preserve and promote her culture and heritage.
KAYLA MOORE For her undergraduate degree, Kayla Moore studied environmental science at the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources at the U of M. She concluded her bachelor’s degree with an international exchange at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. She is passionate about sharing her expertise through service to her rural community as the president of the Cherry Point Cottage Owners’ Association and as a member of the Oak Lake Aquifer Management Board. Her doctoral research in civil engineering will investigate the solute transport in saline aquifers and application to geothermal energy as a potential power source in the Canadian prairies. Moore lives along Oak Lake and spends a lot of time boating and floating in the summer, and fishing in spring and winter. She plays hockey and fastball with Westman Fusion, out of Reston, Manitoba and says it’s as much a therapy session as a game most of the time.
“These students have demonstrated tremendous dedication to their fields and to their communities,” said Todd Mondor, Acting Vice-Provost, Graduate Education and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, at the University of Manitoba. “Not only are they exemplary researchers and outstanding leaders, they serve as an example and inspiration to others.” 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. Nominees are evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of worldrenowned Canadian and international experts. “These graduate students will make an impact on our lives through their research and investigations into issues that matter to us all,” says Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and distinguished professor at the University of Manitoba. “I wish them well and continued success on their research journeys.” The four U of M recipients are among 166 national recipients of the 2016 Vanier Scholarships, bringing the U of M’s total to 21 Vanier scholars awarded during the last eight years. The scholarships are administered by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). 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.
UMTODAY STAFF
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THREE MINUTE THESIS (3MT®) FINAL //
PHOTO BY MIKE LATSCHISLAW (L-R) Rachel Nickel (winner of People’s Choice and Dr. Archie McNicol Prize), Colin Graydon (winner of Third Place Prize), and Alexandra Ciapala (winner of Second Place Prize) at the Three Minute Thesis final on March 8, 2017.
SEEKING OUT INNOVATIVE WAYS TO HELP ENHANCE LIVES The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) final competition on Wednesday, March 8th gave the community an insightful look at some of the groundbreaking research that grad students have undertaken at the University of Manitoba across several faculties and departments. Rachel Nickel, who is in her first year of a Master’s program in the department of Physics and Astronomy, took home the first-place Dr. Archie McNicol Prize, worth $2,000. She also won the People’s Choice award, as voted on by the audience that filled the Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre for the event. “I’m thrilled. I judge figure skating so I have some experience being on a panel of judges and it’s really hard to make a decision. So many of the talks tonight were fabulous,” said Nickel. 18 Spring 2017
Her research, entitled Biocide Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: a New Way to Treat Infections, looks at finding inventive ways to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria. “Antibiotic resistance is really becoming a global health-care problem. These resistant infections are practically untreatable. We’re looking at different ways that we can attack the problem,” Nickel told UMToday. Biocides are substances that inhibit or destroy growth. “Bacteria doesn’t develop a resistance to these biocides,” says Nickel. “But they’re very harmful to human cells so we need to find a way to limit the contact. We’re using magnetic nanoparticles as a vehicle to deliver the biocide to the infection site, but then we can also use it to remove the biocides after treatment.”
This year, the prize for first place was named in honour of Dr. Archie McNicol, who passed away unexpectedly in December. “Dr. McNicol had a long and distinguished career with the university, including five years as associate dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies,” said U of M President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard. “He was a beloved teacher, an accomplished researcher and a passionate supporter of graduate students and a good friend to many of us. To honour his legacy, the Dr. Archie McNicol prize will be given annually for first place in this competition,” said Barnard. Three Minute Thesis is a research communication competition first developed by The University of Queensland in Australia. 3MT® challenges graduate students to fuse their ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented succinctly to a non-specialist audience. Each competitor has three minutes, using only a single slide as an illustration, to clearly explain the nature, goals and significance of his or her research. “The ability to explain the meaning and value of one’s research is an important skill that will help these competitors in their post-graduate employment and in their service to the community. And we have every reason to believe that these talented students will make significant contributions after they leave the University of Manitoba,” said President Barnard.
Students from a range of academic departments rounded out the evening, with presentations from mathematics, economics, community health sciences, physiology and pathophysiology, animal science, biochemistry and medical genetics, immunology and kinesiology and recreation management. Following her win, Nickel will go on to the Western Regional Three Minute Thesis competition on April 29. She hopes the research she’s involved in leads to a way to save lives and protect people from antibioticresistant superbugs. “I think this is a usable application as long as we figure out the right delivery mechanism. Ideally, it would be great if we could figure out a way to manufacture this so it could go into production, into clinical use, as soon as possible. That would be the long-term goal of this research,” she said. Nickel received the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards in 2015 and 2016. Paul Samyn, editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, acted as MC of Wednesday night’s event. “We should all be leaving this place a lot more optimistic about the future because of what’s happening here and what we’ve seen. The research that is underway is going to make our city and our country a lot better,” said Samyn.
ROB NAY
Research presented at the 3MT® final examined a variety of topics, from how to apply mathematics to real-world systems and problems, finding news ways to attack HIV, exploring ideas on how to improve people’s health as they age and how to increase support for mothers whose children are taken into care. Alexandra Ciapala, from Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, captured the Second Place Prize ($500) at the 3MT® final for her research: Siege Tactics in Fighting the War on Cancer. Ciapala has been funded by a Terry Fox Rising Star Entrance Studentship and a Research Manitoba/ CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Studentship. She has also received several awards including the Sheu L. Lee Family Scholarship in Oncology Research. Colin Graydon, from Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, won the Third Place Prize ($250) at the 3MT® final for his research entitled: LAG-3: A Immune Handbrake with an Unknown Mechanism. Graydon is one of four U of M students to receive the 2016 Vanier Scholarship.
PHOTO BY MIKE LATSCHISLAW Three Minute Thesis Finalists 2017 Group Photo Back row (Left to Right): Dr. David Barnard, Kevin Boreskie, Colin Graydon, Allison Balasko, Viktoriya Mozolevska, Yue Shang & Dr. Todd Mondor Front row (Left to Right): Elizabeth Wall-Weiler, Miriam Derksen, Jane Breen, Rachel Nickel, Matthew Stargardter, Vasudeva Bhat & Alexandra Ciapala
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IN MEMORIAM // DR. ARCHIBALD (ARCHIE) M c NICOL // ASSOCIATE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES Dr. Archibald (Archie) McNicol, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, passed away suddenly in December 2016, leaving behind his wife Shelly and children Fiona and Ian. Dr. McNicol earned a BSc (Honours) and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Glasgow. He joined the University of Manitoba in 1993 as a Professor in the Department of Oral Biology, in what was then the Faculty of Dentistry. Dr. Todd Mondor, Acting Dean of Graduate Studies, expressed sympathy on behalf of everyone in his Faculty, noting that “Archie was tremendously respected and well-liked across campus. He was a beloved and valued colleague who will be missed greatly”. Dr. McNicol held cross appointments in the Departments of Dental Diagnostics and Surgical Sciences, and in Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He taught in the College of Dentistry, the School of Dental Hygiene, and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences within the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Dr. McNicol’s teaching was recognized with several teaching awards, most notably the W.W. Wood Award for Excellence in Dental Education. A well-loved teacher, in 2007 Dr. McNicol was a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching to Dental Hygiene Students. His globally recognized research, which had been continuously funded throughout his career by both local and national granting councils, focused on blood-clotting mechanisms, and the function and dysfunction of human platelets. In addition to his teaching and research accomplishments, Dr. McNicol made impressive service contributions. Locally, these included serving for five years as an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and as a long-standing member of Senate and its Executive, Planning and Priorities, and Appeals committees. Nationally, Dr. McNicol was involved in dental education as a member of both the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry Faculty Chairs Committee and the Canadian Dental Association Council on Education. He also served on local and national grant review committees, and was an associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. Archie was an outstanding teacher, accomplished researcher and a passionate supporter of graduate students. To honour his legacy, the Dr. Archie McNicol Prize has been created and will be awarded annually to the winner of the University of Manitoba’s Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT).
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GSA AWARD RECIPIENTS // CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WHO WERE RECOGNIZED AT THE 2016 GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (GSA) AWARDS LUNCHEON. “Our five graduate student recipients have all demonstrated a strong commitment to academics and community involvement,” says Kathryn Marcynuk, Vice President Academic of the Graduate Students’ Association. “They have a diverse set of research interests in fields from Medical Microbiology to Peace and Conflict Studies, to Music and Creativity Education. They have also volunteered countless hours in roles ranging from a black belt judo coach to curator, registrar and archivist of the Combat Service Support Museum in the Minto Armoury.” We were lucky enough to catch up with three out of the five talented individuals and hear a bit more detail about the incredible research happening here at the University of Manitoba. PhD Award: Andrew McDermid Master’s Award: Holly McElrea Part-Time Award: Zane Zalis Missing: Michelle Ward (Masters Award), Alexandra Kozelko (Part-Time Award). The awards have been made possible by a generous contribution of Dr. James Burns, a levy applied to all graduate students approved through a GSA referendum, and a contribution made by the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative.
ANDREW MCDERMID // PHD AWARD | GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARD RECIPIENT The Graduate Students’ Association confers peer-to-peer recognition of fellow graduate students. The GSA Awards are designed to recognize the important contributions graduate students make to society through scholarship and community involvement. Andrew McDermid, a PhD candidate took home the Full-Time PhD Graduate Student Association (GSA) Award during a luncheon celebrating the award-winning student recipients. “The GSA award means so much to me. I am grateful not just for the support and recognition that the award offers, but also that I was chosen by my peers,” says McDermid. “My peers truly understand what it is to be a graduate student and an award coming from them is a great indication that what I do is seen as progressive PhD research and valuable community service.“ Entering the field of medical microbiology because of an interest in infectious disease, McDermid found it very satisfying to do public health research from that perspective. “I am privileged to get to work in the “flagship” lab of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the National Microbiology Laboratory,” he explained. “Our lab is stimulating and productive. Again, I would like to thank those who create the supportive environment I work and study in.“ McDermid is active within the community, volunteering with the Winnipeg Roller Derby League and was previously a member of the Health Science Graduate Students Association. With the education and support he is receiving from the U of M and the lab, McDermid hopes to establish himself as an effective clinician-researcher. “I frequently write down new ideas that I may use to help inform the literature, change policy, or improve society,” says McDermid. “I don’t know if I will end up pursuing any, or if they will pan out when I do, but my curiosity is something I plan to continue nurturing and hopefully will drive me to do good things.”
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HOLLY MCELREA // MASTER’S AWARD | GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARD RECIPIENT Holly McElrea, a local archivist and master’s candidate took home the Master’s Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Award during a luncheon celebrating the award-winning student recipients. The GSA bestows this prestigious award on individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to academics and community involvement. Passionate about history and the origins of historical narratives, a professor during her undergraduate study steered Holly on the path that led to her Master’s. “Once I entered the Master’s program, Dr. Tom Nesmith and Dr. Greg Bak, whose respective passion and enthusiasm for the archival world knows no bounds, made me realize that this is the profession in which I belong,” remarks McElrea. “As Tom says, ‘context is key’, and my time in my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees has demonstrated that this is the case.” McElrea previously volunteered as curator and registrar at the Combat Service Support Museum in the Minto Armoury, and last year took on the role of treasurer for the Association of Canadian Archivists Student Chapter. “I love historical research and sharing my passion for history, and I also wanted to be in a profession that catered to serving my community,” says McElrea. “Archival studies let me do all three: I am able to undertake historical research and help others find their passion for history in the form of reference inquiries.” Holly’s eventual career goal is to stay an archivist with the possibility of taking on archival management and enjoying the profession she fell in love with. “I will work with archival material while serving my community in the process. It’s a win-win!” she says.
ZANE ZALIS // PART-TIME AWARD | GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARD RECIPIENT This year the GSA received 76 total entries, with five winners announced in three categories. The winners were recognized September 30, 2016 during the GSA Luncheon in Marshall McLuhan Hall. The Graduate Students’ Association announced Zane Zalis as the recipient of the Part-Time (Student) Award for outstanding achievement, creativity and community involvement. What does this award mean to students, in terms of being handpicked by their peers? “Respect, regard, and appreciation for ideas and concepts that have defined my work for many years,” says PhD candidate Zalis. “With advancing technology and a growing emphasis on measurable evidence as it relates to the social being, it is inspiring and affirming to receive a GSA award that values Arts-based educational research focused on creativity and empathic development.” Zane has been active within the community for numerous years, composing a large-scale modern oratorio entitled i believe (symphony orchestra, adult chorus, children’s chorus, soloists). His work incorporates humanity, hate, racism, and hope and is set during the Holocaust, as experienced by two young people and their community. The oratorio has been performed in Winnipeg (WSO), Toronto (Roy Thomson Hall), New York (Lincoln Centre), Stuttgart (Germany), Murau (Austria), and a performance in Lodz (Poland). With so many projects, Zalis says he must manage his time wisely but never turns down a new challenge. “I will continue to compose/create and perform, especially as it addresses empathy and learning,” he says. “As importantly, I am interested in working with a University in the capacity of teaching and developing courses/programs that provide opportunities for students to develop creatively and critically. As I share with my present students - Feet on the Ground, Head in the Clouds!” 23
ALUMNI GRAD WORKING ON CAMPUS // DAVID GRAD // B.A, B.Ed, B.A. (Hons), M.Ed MASTER OF EDUCATION ALUMNUS FINDS HIS NICHE THANKS TO DEGREE David Grad dedicates an enormous amount of time to the University of Manitoba – whether he’s developing staff workshops, cheering on the Bison herd or attending any and all campus events, it seems like he’s everywhere, all the time. Grad completed his undergrad degree at Lakehead University before coming to the U of M for a job with Student Life. He brought the same jump-in-with-both-feet attitude that he had as an undergrad student to his new position. “Throughout my undergrad I had been engaged as a student, having the opportunity to serve the Lakehead community as president of the Student Union, History Student’s Association, and Education Student Teacher’s Association,” says Grad, who also worked for the university part-time during the school year and full-time over summer, supporting the university’s student volunteer program. He also had roles as a campus radio DJ and sports editor for the campus paper. “There was quite a bit of stress and pressure on my shoulders during my undergrad, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he says. ‘I had many opportunities to grow and develop as a person and professional while balancing courses, volunteering, and work.” In 2012, Grad joined the U of M as Student Life Coordinator, and he was quick to start new initiatives. He rolled out the Co-Curricular Record, introduced the Bison Pride initiative with a group known on campus as ‘The Big Horns’, and built spirit and community across campus. When asked to share his favourite memory, Grad spoke of teaming up to coordinate a week of events called Dream Big. “I had huge support from my colleagues in student affairs, MCO, engineering, arts, sciences, legal, and UMSU to put together seven lectures, a career panel, and round table conversation, highlighted by appearances from Neil deGrasse Tyson and the president of the Canadian Space Agency.” While working with Student Life, Grad made the decision to pursue a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, which provided him with a new challenge. “The program focused on developing counselling skills, building and maintaining counsellor/client relationships, interpersonal communication, and understanding psychotherapeutic frameworks used to support the journey to health and well-being,” recalls Grad. “My practicum with Action Therapy had a profound impact on me personally and professionally and without a doubt changed my approach and understanding of counselling and well-being.” Earning his Master’s degree set him up for the next stage in his career. “After completing my M.Ed in 2015, the training I was provided helped me transition into my current role in Human Resources at the U of M as a Facilitator.”
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When asked about his favourite part of working within Learning and Organizational Development (LOD), Grad was quick to respond. “There is a strong tie for my favourite part of working with LOD,” says Grad. “I love how LOD and my role are focused on learning. Fostering conversations, facilitating training, and supporting an environment where faculty and staff can learn and grow is exciting work. I really push myself to research, learn, and understand all kinds of bodies of knowledge, skills, and approaches and work to provide an engaging training experience for everyone who attends.” “My other favourite part of working for LOD is the opportunity to meet and learn from so many staff. The U of M is full of so many smart, savvy, and experienced people, and every workshop we run we have the opportunity to learn from their perspectives and experiences.” Perhaps not surprisingly, Grad still finds the time to indulge in a few of his favourite hobbies. “I am a big sci-fi nerd. One of my hobbies is reading and watching science fiction,” says Grad, an admitted Philip K. Dick fan. “My favourite annual hobby is volunteering as a Guest Liaison at C4 (Central Canada Comic Con). I help drive around celebrity guests and sell their autographs.”
FGS HOODIES FOR SALE // LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE Purchase yours today at the Faculty of Graduate Studies main office located within University Centre on the Fort Garry campus.
OFFICE
500 University Centre
STAY COMFY AND COZY THIS SPRING! Prepare for the cold spring mornings with a new Graduate Studies Hoodie. No matter if you’re looking for FGS Sweatshirts for men, women or teens we have a variety of sizes for all fans, students and alumni. Stop by today to find the perfect FGS Hoodie to add to your collection of U of M gear!
QUESTIONS? Stop by our main office for more information about clothing. To contact FGS, email graduate.studies@ umanitoba.ca or call us at (204) 474-9377. We do not accept debit or credit cards at this time.
He also dabbles in creative writing. “I completed a draft of a novel that I have been working on for a few years. Whether it ever gets published or remains hidden under my bed, collecting dust, is yet to be seen. Fitness is also a big hobby of mine. In addition to exercising regularly every morning, I also have been running group fitness classes in my spare time.” Looking forward, Grad undoubtedly has a busy and exciting future ahead of him on campus. When asked about prospective career goals he responded, “This is an interesting question, I’m not really sure! I’m open to wherever my career may go. I’ve always tried to leave as many doors open as I can. Whatever I end up doing in the future, I hope it has a few core elements: fun, challenge, and community.”
Faculty of Graduate Studies - Crest Hooded Zip-up Sweatshrit (Black) $40.00
CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE // EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
THANK YOU
Congratulations to the following Faculty of Graduate Studies employees who are celebrating milestones with the University of Manitoba.
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37 YEARS FGS is pleased to shine the spotlight on Joyce Lamb, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean, as she celebrated 36 years of service this past year. In January of 1980 she became a full-time employee within the Faculty of Social Work for five years, then accepted a new role within the School of Business Management. In September of 1989, while working part time towards her B.A., she made the move to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Joyce has seamlessly overseen the FGS office for more than a quarter century, making each person smile, whether she is answering a question or offering kind words of advice. We applaud Joyce and thank her for her dedication and loyalty to staff and students.
25 YEARS Brenda Grabowski, Graduate Student Programs Officer, has reached a milestone this past year celebrating 25 years of service with the University of Manitoba. She joined the U of M as a part-time Telereg Rep within the Registar’s Office (referred to as Student Records at the time) in June of 1990, and since moving to the Faculty of Graduate Studies has made a major contribution to academics and graduate students. Paying tribute to her service, Jaclyn Forbes, Communications Coordinator within FGS said: “Brenda’s knowledge of programs within the faculty is immense and, over the years, many students and staff have expressed their gratitude to the assistance and hard work she has provided them. Her helpfulness, devotion and reliability have been essential to the reputation of FGS.” Thank you Brenda!
15 YEARS Xikui Wang, Faculty of Graduate Studies new Associate Dean (Natural and Applied Sciences) and Professor of Statistics, is celebrating 15 years at the University of Manitoba! We want to take this opportunity to thank Xikui for his continued support and dedication to the university.
WELCOME NEW STAFF // We are pleased to have five new faces join the Faculty of Graduate Studies team! We believe that students, staff and faculty members will undoubtedly benefit from the skills, experience and commitment to supporting graduate students that these individuals bring to their posts.
10 YEARS These women are passionate about their work within the Faculty of Graduate Studies. They have all seen the benefits of Graduate education and a supportive office community. At your career milestone, we would like to thank both of you for the part you play in maintaining our standards and commitment to excellence within FGS. Congratulations!
DR. HOPE ANDERSON Associate Dean
ARLENE GUERARD Office Assistant
TOBI HAWKINS Karen Dawn Lewandoski
Sara Sealey
Awards Assistant
DR. BROOKE MILNE Associate Dean
DR. XIKUI WANG Associate Dean
GET CONNECTED // For more information: umanitoba.ca/graduate_studies graduate.studies@umanitoba.ca
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