Six minds that will change our society now call the U of M home
U of M students receive prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships to pursue trailblazing research
A record six University of Manitoba graduate students are recipients of 2019 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
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 will receive $150,000 over three years towards his or her research and this is the largest contingent of Vanier scholars ever announced by the U of M.
“These six students are emerging research leaders that are undertaking an impressive level and scope of studies,” said Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and Distinguished Professor at U of M. “They are deserving of this notable recognition and support.”
The University of Manitoba is proud to congratulate these six exceptional PhD students who now call the University of Manitoba home:
- Allison Balasko: A Rady Faculty of Health Sciences student studying in the department of medical microbiology, her Vanier supported work will investigate how to reverse the exhaustive and detrimental effects of HIV on the immune system.
- Elena Bilevicius: A Faculty of Arts student studying in the department of psychology. Her Vanier work will aim to understand how social factors explain the link between negative mood and problem drinking in emerging adults.
- Aleah Fontaine: A Faculty of Arts students studying in the department of psychology, her Vanier funded research will explore how to positively effect change within the child welfare system in Manitoba to promote better well-being.
- Ley Fraser: A Faculty of Arts student studying in the department of sociology and criminology, her Vanier work will probe questions of identity among transgendered Canadians and the discrimination they face.
- Andrew Hogan: A Faculty of Science student in the department of microbiology, his Vanier scholarship will aid him in exploring how traditional lab work can be combined with artificial intelligence to discover new antibiotics.
- Kyle Monkman: A Faculty of Science student in the department of physics and astronomy, he has received Vanier support to explore how to advance quantum computing using new materials and methods.
“These recipients are leaders and role models whose future research impact will resonate across our province, country and global community,” says Todd Mondor, Vice-Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Including these 2019 recipients, 32 U of M students have received Vanier scholarships in the past 11 years.
ABOUT VANIER SCHOLARSHIPS
The scholarships are administered by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
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.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.