Current graduate students
|
Joshita Sehgal
MSc student 2023-present sehgalj_at_myumanitoba.ca My research explores the complexities of host-parasite interactions, particularly how trematode parasites manipulate the behaviour of their snail hosts. To achieve this goal, I will characterize trematode oxylipins (chemical signaling molecules) and examine their effects on the behaviour of a snail host, Stagnicola elodes. My research will provide insight into the mechanisms underlying parasite-modified behaviour, ultimately advancing our understanding of the role of chemical ecology in freshwater communities and ecosystems. |
|
Val Pobirohin
MSc student 2025-present pobiroh1_at_myumanitoba.ca I am developing an approach to metabarcode moose pellets to estimate moose diet (plants and snails) and identify nematode and trematode parasites that may be infecting the moose. I am also running behavioural assays to determine whether brainworm parasites alter the vertical climbing of the terrestrial snail, Zonitoides arboreus. |
|
Abigail Finch
MSc student 2025-present fincha1_at_myumanitoba.ca I will use non-invasive sampling to determine the distribution and genetic variation of muscleworm (Parelaphostrongylus andersoni) in caribou in Manitoba using molecular ecology techniques. Additionally, by infecting gastropods with the larvae of these nematodes, I will determine if 3rd stage larval emergence occurs as well as test whether some biotic and abiotic factors influence larval emergence. |
Current undergraduate students
|
Lena Klassen
Summer research assistant, 2025 NSERC Undergraduate Research Award |
|
Leena Tetrault
Summer research assistant, 2025 Co-supervised with Caleb Hasler, University of Winnipeg NSERC Indigenous Undergraduate Research Award, 2024 |
Former postdocs and graduate students
|
Cameron Hodinka
MSc 2022 - 2024 NOW: High School Science Teacher, Cambridge International Academy |
|
Sidney Mann
MSc 2022 - 2024 NOW: PhD Student, University of Alberta |
|
Dr. Olwyn Friesen
Weston Postdoc 2019 - 2021, Postdoc, 2022 NOW: Aquatic Science Technician, Department of Fisheries and Oceans |
|
Ashley Pidwerbesky
MSc 2019 - 2022 USRA research award, 2019 NOW: Biologist, Ducks Unlimited |
|
Emma Rempel
MSc 2019 - 2021 NSERC research award, 2019 NOW: Research Technician-4, National Microbiology Lab |
|
Lauren Wiens
MSc 2016 - 2018, Honours, 2014 - 2015 NOW: Biologist II, Dept of Fisheries & Oceans |
|
Demi Gagnon
MSc 2017 - 2019 Co-op Research Assistant 2016 - 2017 NOW: Biodiversity and Reclamation Specialist, Ktunaxa Nation Council Lands and Resources Sector |
|
Asma Sultana
MSc student 2016 - 2018 NOW: PhD candidate, University of Manitoba |
|
Dr. Chenhua Li
MSc student 2015 - 2017 NOW: Founder, Global Parasitologist Coalition, https://www.globalpc.org/; Postdoc, University of Otago |
Former undergraduate students
|
|
|
Caitlyn Friesen
Honours, 2023-2024; Summer research assistant, 2022 Now: MSc, University of Manitoba |
|
Trina White
NSERC Indigenous Undergraduate Research Award, 2024 |
|
|
Steven Ajibi
Undergraduate Research Award, 2024 |
|
Maya Derksen
NSERC Research Award, 2023 |
|
|
Fong Ma
NSERC Research Award, 2023 NOW: U of Manitoba Medical School |
|
Kael Steuart
Honours, 2022-2023 Undergraduate Research Award 2022 |
|
Ellyse Olafson
Summer co-op research assistant, 2022 |
|
Elias Bowman
Summer research assistant, 2022 |
|
Carly Gair
Co-op Research Assistant, Summer 2020, Winter 2021, Summer 2021 NOW: Lab Technician, BDX Enviro |
|
Naomi Derksen
Summer Research Assistant, 2021 NOW: MSc, Wilfrid Laurier University |
Mackenzie Medeiros
Summer Research Assistant 2021 NSERC Indigenous Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2021 NOW: U of Manitoba Medical School |
|
Angela Rasmussen-Berrington
Summer Research Assistant, 2021 Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2021 NOW: MSc student, University of Guelph |
|
Ali Kandil
Summer Research Assistant, 2020 Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2020; Mick Burt Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation in the PIE section, Canadian Society of Zoologists, 2021; William C. Marquardt Award for Best Paper Presentation by an Undergraduate Student, Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists, 2020 NOW: Dental School, U of Manitoba |
|
Emily Slicer
Summer Research Assistant, 2021 Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2021 |
|
Josh Kowalchuk
Summer Research Assistant, 2020 NOW: Animal Care Attendant, Assiniboine Park Conservancy |
|
|
Min Xian Ngae
Summer Research Assistant, 2019 NOW: Lab Analyst, ALS Environmental |
|
Catherine Unrau
Summer Research Assistant, 2018 |
|
Mark Kristian Jovero
Summer Research Assistant, 2018 |
|
Jia Ming Tan
Summer Research Assistant, 2016 - 2017 Undergraduate Research Award, 2017; Faculty of Science Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2016 NOW: PharmD program, College of Pharmacy, U of Manitoba |
|
Osasumwen (Osy) Osifo
Summer Research Assistant, 2017 Faculty of Science Undergraduate Student Research award, 2017 NOW: Admissions Counselor, Booth University |
|
Laura Eliuk
Honours student, 2015 - 2016 NSERC Research Award, 2016; Faculty of Science Undergraduate Student Research Award, 2015 NOW: Resource Officer Management II, Parks Canada |
|
Carmen Tse
Summer Research Assistant, 2015 NSERC Research Award, 2015 NOW: MD (U of Manitoba Medical School) |
|
Kate Parkinson
Co-op Research Assistant, 2015 Faculty of Science Undergraduate Student Research award, 2015 NOW: MD (U of Manitoba Medical School) |
|
Yuya Miyashita
Research Assistant and Skills student, 2015 |
|
Tamaghna Chakraborty
Research Assistant, 2015 - 2016 |
|
Parisa Selseleh
Summer Research Assistant, 2015 - 2016 NSERC Research Award, 2016; Marc Dresden Student Travel grant, American Society of Parasitologists, 2016; Undergraduate Travel Support, 2016; ICAN-WISE scholarship, 2015 NOW: MD (U of Manitoba Medical School) |
|
David Almeida
Research Assistant, 2015 Science Without Borders student, 2015 NOW: Health agent, Maceió municipal government, Brazil |
|
Rachel Donnelly
Honours student, 2014 - 2015 Marc Dresden Student Travel grant, American Society of Parasitologists, 2015; Undergraduate Travel Support, University of Manitoba, 2015 |
|
Nikola Svitlica
Honours student, 2014 - 2015 Undergraduate Travel Support, University of Manitoba, 2015 NOW: MD (U of Manitoba Medical School) |
Collaborators
|
Dr. Harold Aukema
Fatty acid analysis/signaling molecules University of Manitoba |
Dr. Russell Wyeth
Video analysis and snail navigational behaviour St. Francis Xavier University |
|
Daniel Dupont and Dr. Charlene Berkvens parelaphostrongylid parasites in deer and moose
St Boniface Universite, Assiniboine Park Conservancy; |
|
