L to R: Dr. Mariela Rodriguez, Dr. Michael Saley, Dr. Olabisi Akinlabi, Dr. Asim Joshi
Big Ideas in Just Three Minutes
Postdocs showcase cutting-edge research at annual Three Minute Postdoctoral (3MP) Competition
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual 2025 Three Minute Postdoctoral Speaking Competition (3MP), held September 19. This event challenges postdoctoral fellows to share their complex research in just three minutes, using language that is engaging and accessible to a non-specialized audience.
Awarded First Place was Dr. Michael Saley, a postdoctoral fellow in Chemistry, whose work creates new tools and techniques to uncover how cells communicate with one another—conversations that shape health and disease in ways often hidden from view.
Second Place in the competition was awarded to Dr. Olabisi (Bisi) Akinlabi, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Her presentation highlighted research examining how vaginal bacterial load and microbiota influence the clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the progression of cervical cancer in Kenyan women. By advancing understanding of the microbiome’s role in HPV persistence and clearance, her work offers potential insights into improved strategies for preventing cervical cancer and related health outcomes.
Third Place in the went to Dr. Asim Joshi, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Dr. Joshi’s research focuses on understanding why lung tumors often develop resistance to treatment and how this resistance can be overcome. By developing laboratory models and studying the underlying mechanisms, his work aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
The People’s Choice Award went to Dr. Mariela Rodríguez, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Human Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Rodríguez’s research is advancing green technologies for extracting and improving plant proteins—particularly from pulses. Her work focuses on enhancing digestibility, taste, and functionality, with the goal of creating sustainable, high-value food ingredients that can strengthen Manitoba’s agri-food sector.
This competition shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of our postdoctoral fellows,” said Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “Their research is advancing knowledge in ways that will have a direct impact on our communities. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the vital role they play in shaping the future”.
This year’s challengers included:
- Dr. Asim Joshi – Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Dr. Mariela Rodriguez – Human Nutritional Sciences
- Dr. Masoomeh Gomroki – Food Science
- Dr. Michael Saley – Chemistry
- Dr. Monire Nobahar Ahari – Occupational Therapy
- Dr. Olabisi Akinlabi – Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Dr. Ruchira Nandasiri– Human Nutritional Sciences
- Dr. Taalia Khan – Art and Architectural History
The competition highlighted the important contributions of 8 postdoctoral researchers across varied disciplines, showing how their work is creating real-world impact in Manitoba and beyond.