Faculty of Arts students Arshpreet Gill and Scott Saindon were winners at the 2024 UM Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Undergraduate Student Research Excellence on Display
2024 UM Research Showcase Winners from the Faculty of Arts
Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) provide unique opportunities for students to learn from UM’s leading researchers while also opening up possibilities for future careers in research. The annual UM Undergraduate Research Showcase celebrates the exceptional work of students from across the university, highlighting their innovative research projects.
Scott Saindon, a third-year Indigenous Studies student, and Arshpreet Gill, a third-year Psychology student, both in the Faculty of Arts, were recognized as winners in the 2024 showcase for their outstanding contributions.
Scott Saindon achieved second place honours in the Social Sciences and Humanities poster competition for his research, ‘Métis’: a decade in review, that delves into the debates and discourses surrounding Bill C-53, an Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments.
“I’m Red River Métis, and this research project was very specific to my own peoplehood,” Saindon shared, reflecting on the personal connection he felt to his work.
Encouraged by two of his professors to apply for the URA, Saindon spent 16 weeks over the summer of 2024 working on his research under the guidance of Professor David Parent of the Department of Indigenous Studies. “I enjoyed the creative freedom I was granted to explore my ideas,” Saindon noted. This was an opportunity for him to independently explore while receiving expert mentorship.
The experience reinforced his belief in the importance of pursuing research topics you are passionate about, as it makes the work feel deeply rewarding.
Saindon emphasized the benefits of the URA, “you get to do research over the long-term, it’s a good test if you are thinking about going into graduate studies, and one of the big benefits was networking. I was able to connect with other students, Indigenous people and researchers.”
What’s next for Saindon? “My long-term career aspirations are to become a graduate student at the University of Manitoba to pursue a master’s degree and PhD, hopefully leading into a professorship and research in Métis Studies and Indigenous Studies.” He also aims to present his research at the 2025 Indigenous Relationality Workshop during the Prairie Political Science Association Conference in Banff, Alberta.
Arshpreet Gill achieved first place honours in the Social Sciences and Humanities oral competition for his research, Incentives for renewable energy: Capital-dominated vs. Margin-dominated projects, focused on how tailored incentives can drive progress in sectors like aviation and heavy-duty trucking. Gill was supervised by Professor Maryna Klymchuk of the Asper School of Business.
Gill applied for the URA with a clear goal – to share his research’s broader impact: “It wasn’t just about policies or data- it was about understanding the bigger picture of how Canada can meet its climate goals and how students like us can contribute to that vision.”
The showcase event gave him the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainability and inspire conversations around innovative solutions. “More than anything, I wanted to show that research isn’t just for experts- it’s a tool for anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference,” he said.
Gill encourages students to pursue undergraduate research, emphasizing the personal and academic growth it offers. “Choose a project that excites you; that passion will carry you through any challenge. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your mentor and embrace the opportunity to learn, even if it feels intimidating,” he advised.
Gill’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t end with his URA. After completing his Bachelor of Arts, he plans to attend law school at Robson Hall to gain the legal expertise needed to advocate for renewable energy policies. Following law school, he aims to purse an MBA at the Asper School of Business, equipping himself with leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in the renewable energy sector. For Gill, his work is more than a research project- it’s part of a long-term vision to influence policy and drive positive change on a global scale.
Congratulations to all students who presented their research at this year’s Undergraduate Research Showcase! Your hard work and dedication exemplify the spirit of innovation and academic excellence at the University of Manitoba.
Are you an undergraduate student interested in conducting research? Applications for the 2025 URA are open now. There are over 50 researchers in the Faculty of Arts ready to work with undergraduate students this summer. Deadline to apply is February 17, 2025.