Join us for a special online virtual event as we honour the incredible achievements of our 2021 Honoured Alumni Awards!
For more details please click here.
Emily Choy [Ph.D./17] – Biological Sciences – Postdoctoral Fellow at McGill University and Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dr. Choy has been tirelessly contributing to research on climate change and its effect on the Canadian North, collaborating with local Inuit and Indigenous peoples to further her work on how climate change impacts the Arctic ecosystem, specifically seabirds. Through her research, she aims to introduce a new perspective and bridge the gap between Western science and traditional knowledge. She is also an active science communicator, using social media and community outreach events to raise public awareness of research in the North.
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Dr. Kyle Elliott [MSc./08, Ph.D./14] – Biological Sciences Assistant Professor; Canada Research Chair (Tier II) Chair in Arctic Ecology, McGill University
Dr. Elliott is an expert in evolutionary research into seabird physiology and behavior. His work is interdisciplinary, benefiting from his diverse educational background (Honours in Physics & Math at UBC, a second Honours thesis in Conservation Biology, as well as an M.Sc. in ornithology and a Ph.D. in Arctic seabirds at the University of Manitoba). An accomplished scientist, Dr. Elliott has had 102 publications to date, spanning a wide range of high-impact general (Science, PNAS) and specialist journals (Biology Letters, Journal of Animal Ecology). In 2017, the World Economic Forum recognized him as one of the top 40 young scientists. Additionally, he is a devote proponent of the importance of education and science outreach. Over the years, he has supervised many undergraduate, M.Sc., and Ph.D. students, as well as appeared on science media outlets such as Discovery Channel, the Weather Channel, and Animal Planet.
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Dr. Sheryl Tittlemier [BSc. (Hons)/96] – Chemistry – Research Scientist/Program Manager/Head of Technologies Section at Canadian Grain Commission
Dr. Tittlemier has made many contributions to the field of global mycotoxins. As a renowned leader in the discipline, she has published 80 peer-reviewed research articles, made 135 conference presentations, and influenced food security policymaking in the United Nations and the World Food Program. For nearly two decades, Dr. Tittlemier has been working for the federal government towards the goal of global food safety. As the Program Manager of the Trace Organics Analysis laboratory of the Canadian Grain Commission in Winnipeg, Sheryl has been overseeing a dynamic team of researchers who closely collaborate with grain producers and handlers to improve the working protocols of Prairie farmers and processors. Her work has been fundamental in ensuring a safe food supply for humans and animals.
Lorisa Dubuc [B.C.Sc. (Hons), Psychology Minor/02] – Computer Science – Executive Director (VP), Developer Experience User Research, Goldman Sachs, London.
An active researcher and innovator in user experience (UX), Ms. Dubuc has built a career on bringing UX strategies to the industry sector, with notable companies being Citrix, Google, and IBM Canada. 2014 was an eventful year for her when she not only founded the user experience consultancy firm UXistential but also became a member of the World Association of Co-operative Education Hall of Fame. She was nominated by the University of Manitoba for her efforts in using technology to improve the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Read more
Dr. Ann Gargett [BSc. (Hons)/66]
Mathematics – Emerita Professor of Oceanography, Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography, Old Dominion.
Dr. Gargett is a prominent retired physical oceanographer, applying physics to the movement and transformations of ocean water. After completing a double major BSc. in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Manitoba, she did her Ph.D. in physical oceanography at the then Institute of Oceanography at UBC. Upon her graduation, she became part of the first cohort of scientists at a federal west coast oceanographic laboratory that eventually became the Institute of Ocean Sciences. Her research focus is in the field of small-scale ocean turbulence and its effect on fisheries, sediment transport, and large ocean-scale circulation. She has nearly 60 publications in top oceanography journals, as well as in Science and Journal of Fluid Mechanics. Her work contributes to our growing understanding of climate change and has led to her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Read more
Dr. Waylon Hunt [BSc., (Major)/04, Ph.D./12] – Microbiology – Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder at Intrinsic Analytics Inc.
Dr. Hunt received his BSc. (Major) in Microbiology and Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Therapeutics from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Since 2012, Dr. Hunt has guided the development and implementation of federally and provincially regulated occupational health programs to ensure the health and safety of the industry and industry-partner workers, especially those exposed to hazardous work environments or employed in safety-sensitive positions.
Dr. Ryan Mitchell [BSc. (Hons)/05, Ph.D./11] – Microbiology – Chief Analytics Officer & Co-founder at Intrinsic Analytics Inc.
Dr. Mitchell received his BSc. (Honours) in Microbiology and Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Therapeutics from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. At IA, Dr. Mitchell is responsible for the compliance and regulations surrounding workplace drug metabolite analysis. He also plays a supporting role in the implementation of regulated occupational health programs.
Dr. Jon-Jon Santiago [BSc./02, BSc. (Hons)/04, M.Sc./07, Ph.D./14] – Biochemistry – Chief Scientific Officer & Co-founder at Intrinsic Analytics Inc.
Dr. Santiago received his BSc. (Honours) in Biochemistry and M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Physiology from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Since co-founding IA, he has been developing occupational health screening and disease prevention programs, as well as directing IA’s research and scientific projects, including the development of novel assays for personal health and innovative workplace solutions towards the health and safety of workers.
Dr. Shawn Qu [M.Sc./90] – Physics & Astronomy – Chairman, President, & CEO of Canadian Solar
Dr. Qu is a leader in the rapidly emerging solar energy sector and has been raising Canada’s profile on the global stage with his company Canadian Solar. Founded in 2001, Canadian Solar has grown into one of the largest photovoltaic solar product manufacturers and solar power project developers in the world. The success of the company is impressive – it became a publicly listed company on NASDAQ in 2006, reached 600 million dollars in revenue in 2009, and currently has seven manufacturing facilities, employing 8000 people and helping thousands of customers in more than 150 countries. Read more
Dr. Robert Tate [M.Sc./75, Ph.D./00] – Statistics – Senior Scholar at the University of Manitoba, Director of the Manitoba Follow-up Study
Statistics is unique in that it could integrate with and transcend into almost every other discipline. This uniqueness is evident in Dr. Tate’s body of research, having collaborated with individuals and teams in various fields of health and social sciences, locally, nationally, and internationally. Most notably among his work has been Dr. Tate’s contributions to the Manitoba Follow-Up Study (MFUS), the longest-running study of cardiovascular disease and aging in Canada. It started at the University of Manitoba in 1948, and in the 72 years of the project, 44 of them have involved Dr. Tate, more than 50 of whose publications come from this study. Today, as Director of the MFUS, Dr. Tate maintains an active research program, continuing to advance health science in the years to come. Read more
Dr. Nirvani Umadat [BSc./07, BSc./11, D.M.D/11] – General Science – Dental surgeon, Founder of Aspire Dental Centre, Co-founder of Bdin, Citizen-Scientist Astronaut Candidate with Project PoSSUM
Dr. Nirvani Umadat is a dental surgeon, healthcare entrepreneur, and biotechnologist. She is the co-owner and founder of Aspire Dental Care, focusing on applying digital dentistry to restorative care. She is also the co-founder of Bdin, a digital solution that improves the process of patient admissions. Dr. Umadat has spent the last decade providing volunteer dental care to remote communities around the world. In 2016, her team developed an application to improve access to hospital care in South America. Now, she continues to be involved in clinical research, studying the oral microbiome. Dr. Umadat is also a Project PoSSUM Citizen-Scientist Astronaut Candidate and has been honoured by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the Emerging Leaders Awards category in 2018. Read more
Fundamental Contributions to Discovery Science 
Dr. Kenneth Standing BSc (Hons)/48, DSc/09
1925-2019
An alumnus and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics, he was a pioneer in time-of-flight mass spectrometry and its applications to biomedical macromolecules and proteomics. Dr. Standing and his team are responsible for contributions in the characterization of the SARS-CoV-1 virus during the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak. In recognition for his ground-breaking work, he received numerous awards including NSERC’s Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering, the Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Industrial and Applied Physics, and the Ernest C. Manning Principal Award.
Applications that Changed the World
Dr. Jennifer Shay MSc/59, PhD/66
1930-2018
A two-time UM alumna and passionate field ecologist, Dr. Shay became the founding director of the Delta Marsh Field Station, bringing field education to Manitoba. She was a Professor Emerita in the Departments of Botany and Landscape Architecture and was a respected mentor for her undergraduate and graduate students in the classroom, lab and in the field. Her distinguished career included many awards, including the Canadian Healthy Environment Award for Lifetime Achievement, YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and Officer of the Order of Canada.
Beyond Science
Eira ‘Babs’ Friesen BSc/39
1917-2008
A former Lady Stick of the Science Students’ Association, she went on to be an inspiring community activist dedicated to improving the lives of women. Her contributions include forming the Y-Neighbors program and the Women’s Resource Centre at the YWCA, and volunteering with the UN Platform for Action Committee. For her work she was inducted into the Order of Canada, and received the Queen’s Jubilee Award, the YMCA-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the 50th Anniversary United Nations Global Citizen Award.
Doug Collier [BSc/87] – General Sciences
Former Senior VP/Pres: Intl/Chief Commercial Officer, LA-Z-Boy Inc.
After recently retiring from a 30-year career in the corporate world with several companies (most recently La-Z-Boy), Collier now works with startups innovating in anything from furniture to food storage technology to autonomous space-sharing platforms. Collier has witnessed first-hand how the skill set he acquired during his undergraduate career at the UM enabled his success.
Dr. Beverly Diamond [PhD/82] – Mathematics
Professor, Department of Mathematics, College of Charleston
Dr. Diamond was a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the College of Charleston for many years. While there, she served as Associate Provost for some time. She was Program Director for Mathematics at the National Science Foundation from 1996 to 1998. Diamond has led students and researchers alike on a path of discovery in the mathematical sciences.
Dr. Mark Evans [MSc/86, PhD/88] – Computer Science
Founder, CEO and President of EISI, to founder and CEO of Conquest Planning Inc.
Dr. Mark Evans is a respected entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educator whose research in Computer Science from the University of Manitoba led him to become a leading innovator and entrepreneur in Winnipeg.
Dr. Muthana Al-Ghazi, [PhD/83] – Physics and Astronomy
Clinical Professor & Director of Medical Physics, University of California Irvine
Recently elected a fellow of the International Organization of Medical Physics, one of fewer than 50 in 87 countries worldwide. Al-Ghazi is an expert in radiology, he was named a fellow of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine in 1988 and AAPM in 2008. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Medical Physics in therapeutic medical physics. In 2011, Al-Ghazi earned the “Educator of the Year” award from the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology for excellence in resident education. In 2010, the International Medical Corps awarded him “Volunteer Doctor” recognition for humanitarian service in war-torn Iraq.
The Honourable Philip S. Lee [BSc/66, Public Admin. Diploma/77, LLD/11] – Chemistry
On August 4, 2009, the Honourable Philip S. Lee, C.M., O.M. was installed as Manitoba’s 24th Lieutenant Governor. He was born in Hong Kong and emigrated to Canada in 1962. Lee studied Chemistry at the University of Manitoba and had a distinguished career working with the City of Winnipeg, as head chemist in charge of Winnipeg’s Industrial Waste Control Program. Lee is know as a human rights advocate and a leader within Winnipeg’s Chinese-Canadian community. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Order of Canada in 1999. In 2002, he was the recipient of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He became a member and the Chancellor of the Order of Manitoba on August 4, 2009.
Dr. Carl James Schwarz [BSc/78, MSc/80, PhD/88] – Statistics
Professor Emeritus, Simon Fraser University
An expert in the area of statistical ecology – particularly the estimation of animal abundance, survival, movement, and related parameters using capture-recapture methods. He is also interested in the application of these methods for public health settings. A second interest is in the design and analysis of complex experiments and studies such as environmental impact studies, industrial experiments, and resource management. Fellow of the American Statistical Association, he has published over 50 research papers, 200 reports as an industry/government consultant. Schwarz is an excellent teacher and has taught courses at the University of Manitoba and Simon Fraser University and has given over 100 short courses on statistical methods to ecologists across Canada and the US.
Tom Sheldon [BSc/03, MSc/06] – Biological Sciences
Director of Policy Advancement for Inuit Taporiit Kanatami
Sheldon obtained an MBA from Queen’s University (where he was Valedictorian), his research in environmental science has contributed to knowledge in such areas as climate change and environmental contaminants. He has made significant contributions to the advancement and reconciliation of Indigenous peoples, as the senior advisor of environment and health to the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Tom is also the co-founder and former chair of the Kangidluasuk Student Program which provides students with land-based educational experiences related to Arctic Science, Inuit culture, northern tourism development, and natural resource conservation.
Karin Thacker [BSc/93, MSc/95], Microbiology
VP-Global Regulatory Affairs at Gritstone Oncology
Karin is helping move novel cancer vaccines into the clinic. As VP-Global Regulatory Affairs at Gritstone Oncology, she works to ensure that their investigational products are made in compliance with FDA and Health Canada standards, that the appropriate preclinical safety studies are conducted before entering the clinic, and that the clinical studies are correctly designed and executed.
Yvonne M. Brill, [BSc/45] – Chemistry & Mathematics
1924-2013
Memorial Award for Applications that Changed the World
Her pioneering spirit, vision, and genius led to the invention of a propulsion system to keep satellites in their orbits with a more efficient rocket thruster, reducing requirements for fuel and extending satellite lifetimes. She was the lone woman rocket scientist in the US in the mid-1940s. Forty years later she developed the rocket motor for the space shuttle. In 2011, she received the US National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Dr. John “Jack” F. Allen, [BA/28] – Physics
1908-2001
Memorial Award for Fundamental Contributions to Discovery Science
He was a low-temperature physics pioneer known for discovering superfluid helium and developing techniques such as O-rings and indium gaskets to seal vacuum systems. During World War II, he created on-board oxygen generators for bombers. He used movie cameras to document experiments, including his superfluid helium fountain, discovered with the help of a flashlight. He was the son of our first Professor of Physics at UM, Dr. Frank Allen.
Monty Hall, [BSc/46] – Chemistry & Zoology
1921-2017
Memorial Awards for Beyond Science
He was a legendary game show host. His occupations veered far from his roots in Winnipeg and science. He was a radio color man for the New York Rangers, honorary mayor of Hollywood, a TV show producer and a generous philanthropist. As the star of 4,700 episodes of Let’s Make a Deal, he inspired the Monty Hall problem, a classic probability problem, demonstrating that wherever you go, science goes with you.
Dr. Allyson Hindle, [BSc. (Hons)/00, MSc./02, Ph.D/07] – Biological Sciences
Comparative Animal Physiologist, Harvard Medical School, Incoming Assistant Professor, University of Nevada.
Hindle has battled simulated floods in astronaut training and tracked 350 kilogram Weddell seals in the Antarctic.
Dr. Albert Friesen, [B.Sc. (Hons)/69, MSc. /71, Ph.D/81] – Chemistry
CEO of Medicure Inc., President, Genesys Venture Inc., Founder of BIOTECanada, General Partner of CentreStone Ventures.
A founding father of the biotechnology industry in Manitoba. He has consistently driven and fostered research into new drugs and innovative therapeutic strategies.
Many of his discoveries have saved lives and improved the quality of life for people afflicted with various types of disease.
Dr. Christopher Batty, [BSc (Hons. Co-op option)/04] – Computer Science
Assistant Professor, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo.
A rising star in the area of computer graphics. Dr. Batty’s research, has been acknowledged for its excellence by both the academic and industry communities.
His work has been integrated into some of the most widely used computer graphics software packages, and his special effects have been featured in numerous mainstream movies.
Dr. Prashen Chelikani, [PhD/04, Microbiology] – Microbiology
Professor, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba
Professor, Department of Oral Biology
Scientist, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba
Director, Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Group
His research focuses on taste receptors and on trying to understand the “bitter” taste signal transduction in humans. Dr. Chelikani has made significant inroads into different disciplines including nutritional sciences, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In 2015, he established the Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, which brings together researchers in Manitoba with common interests in studying human chemical senses.
Dr. Shirley Mills, [BSc Hons /69, MSc. /70, Cert. Ed./71] – Statistics
Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, and Faculty of Science Graduate Co-op Advisor, Carleton University and Executive Director Statistical Society of Canada.
An expert in analysis of complex, massive data sets. Dr. Mills developed the first Canadian graduate university course in Statistical Data Mining over 20 years ago. Dr. Mill’s contributions to teaching and research into applied statistics, mathematics, and computing are extensive.
Jeff Martin, [BSc Hons /95] -Physics & Astronomy
Tier 1 CRC in Fundamental Symmetries in Subatomic Physics, University of Winnipeg.
Dr. Martin is the Canadian leader of a major experiment searching for the neutron’s electric dipole moment, which is being conducted at TRIUMF. A joint effort between physicists in Canada and Japan. It seeks to search for additional sources of CP violation that are required, for example, to explain the predominance of matter over antimatter in the universe.
Dr. Michael Landry [PhD/00] – Physics & Astronomy
Head of the LIGO Gravitational Observatory at Hanford, WA
Dr. Landry, received his PhD under Dr. Willem van Oers in 2000. He joined the LIGO collaboration, whose original leaders just received the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of gravitational waves. Likely the highest scientific achievement of a University of Manitoba alumnus.
Dr. Roderick Wasylishen [PhD/72] – Chemistry
Lifetime Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, University of Alberta
One of the most successful NMR Spectroscopists in Canada, Dr. Wasylishen has been recognized across Canada with innumerable awards. Exemplary in both research and teaching, he was also a founding member of the National Ultrahigh-Field NMR Facility for Solids in Ottawa.
Dr. Johnathan Meltzer [BSc/92, PhD/00] – Biological Sciences
Senior Vice-President, LabCorp
Dr. Meltzer completed a BSc General Science degree from 1989-1992. and went on to receive a PhD in in the Faculty of Medicine in 2000. He led a successful career in many aspects of business and applications of science. He is currently Senior Vice-President at LabCorp a leader in esoteric business units, and select R&D initiatives.
David Kuik [BSc(Hons.)/94] – Computer Science
CEO and Managing Partner, Norima Consulting
David Kuik is an innovator whose work has spanned the worlds of financial services, healthcare, and insurance. Norima Consulting has grown internationally from one Consultant to over one hundred in just over ten years under his guidance all the while celebrating excellence and being certified as a Great Place to Work, and on the PROFIT 500 list of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies.
Dr. Rick Chartrand [BSc/93] – Mathematics
Co-Founder and Mathematician, Descartes Labs
Dr. Chartrand’s career has spanned both academia and industry. He co-founded Descartes Labs with other scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory, their work specializing in calibration and analysis of satellite imagery.
Dr. Patricia Simner [PhD/11] – Microbiology
Assistant Professor of Pathology, and Director of the Bacteriology and Parasitology sections of the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, John Hopkins University
Dr. Simner’s work reflects the future of microbiologists. Already given several prestigious awards, she is an excellent role model for potential microbiologists, especially young women. Her work on the mechanisms of anti-microbial resistance is timely and necessary. Collaborations include those with the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Taskforce for the CDC.
Wilf Falk [MSc/72] – Statistics
Director of the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics (retired 2016)
Wilf Falk was not only the Director of the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics for 36 years, he helped formulate government policy that contributed to the health of the Province. The Governor General awarded him the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution and achievements in developments in the Canadian Statistical System.
From left to right: Dr. Murray Humphries, Dr. Karl Tibelius, Dr. Melanie Martin, Dr. Leslie Tari, Dr. Hersh Shefrin, Dr. Charles (Chuck) Loewen, Dr. David Bellhouse.
Dr. David Bellhouse, [BA/70, MA/72] – Statistics
There isn’t much difference between statistics and music, it’s all about understanding information.”
Dr. Melanie Martin, [BSc (Hons.)/95] – Physics & Astronomy
“Best and worst advice: Never say no.”
Dr. Murray Humphries, [BSc (Hons.)/93] – Biological Sciences (Zoology)
“Do what you want to do. Pick a smaller organism. Swim towards the roughest water, but don’t drown!”
Dr. Leslie Tari, [BSc(Hons.)/89, PhD/95] – Chemistry
Hey Dr. Tari, how can students get into the biotech bubble? “Send me your resume!”
Dr. Hersh Shefrin [BSc(Hons.)/70] – Mathematics
“The environmental economists are very important in this global climate. I’m interested in climate science”
Dr. Chuck Loewen, [BSc(Hons.)/85] – Computer Science
“If you’re not getting the response that you want from someone, what’s the most charitable reason for that.”
Dr. Karl Tibelius, [BSc(Hons.)/79] – Microbiology
“Do things as well as you can and to the best of your abilities. Don’t underestimate the microbe!”
Rene Harrison – Biological Sciences
Dwayne Miller – Chemistry
Paul Furgale – Computer Science
Kathy Bardswick – Mathematics
Michael Mulvey – Microbiology
Mark De Jong – Physics & Astronomy
John Petkau – Statistics
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