FACULTY
Dr. Heather Adam, assistant professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, received the Canadian College of Microbiologists Distinguished Microbiologist Award for outstanding and sustained contributions to microbiology in Canada.
Dr. Janilyn Arsenio, UM Canada Research Chair in systems biology of chronic inflammation and professor of internal medicine, received a 2026 The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Development Award. The funding provides leadership development opportunities for women across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Read more
Dr. Meghan Azad, UM Canada Research Chair in early nutrition and the developmental origins of health and disease, and a professor of pediatrics and child health, has received the James House Memorial Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring, presented by UM’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The nomination was led by THRiVE postdoctoral fellows Sam Stead, Anne Manson, Kozeta Miliku and Merilee Brockway, who described the many ways Dr. Azad has supported their professional development and fostered a positive and inclusive research environment. The award recognizes her contributions to postdoctoral training and mentorship.
Mandy Buss, assistant professor and Indigenous health lead in the department of family medicine at the Max Rady College of Medicine, received the Medal of Excellence from Doctors Manitoba. Read more
Dr. Natalie Casaclang, assistant professor in the College of Community and Global Health, received the Medal of Excellence from Doctors Manitoba. Read more
Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov, distinguished professor of psychiatry, was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Porto in Portugal.
Dr. Devon Evans, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, and section head of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, was named Physician of the Year by Doctors Manitoba. Read more
Dr. Keith Fowke, professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, received the Dr. Mark Wainberg Award from the Canadian Association for HIV Research for his contributions to HIV virology research and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Lesley Graff, professor of clinical health psychology, was presented with a Province of Manitoba Certificate of Recognition by Minister Bernadette Smith, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Manitoba, for ten years of service as Provincial Medical Specialty Lead and for her contributions to clinical psychology in the province of Manitoba. Dr. Graff also received the Manitoba Psychological Society Clifford J. Robson Award in recognition of distinguished contributions to the field of psychology in the province of Manitoba.
Dr. Andrew Halayko, UM Canada Research Chair in airway pathobiology and treatment, and professor, physiology and pathophysiology, and internal medicine, is the recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award from American Thoracic Society. This award is one of the most prestigious honours in respiratory medicine, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung disease through leadership in research, education or clinical care. His selection reflects a remarkable career dedicated to unraveling the pathophysiology of asthma, leading major national and international research initiatives and building the infrastructure that moves respiratory science forward.
Holly Hamilton, practice ready assessment director with the International Medical Graduate Program at the Max Rady College of Medicine, received the Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award from Doctors Manitoba. Read more
Dr. Alexa Hryniuk, associate professor of human anatomy and cell science, is the recipient of the 2026 Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes the advancement of student learning through evidence-informed teaching, curriculum innovation and mentorship. Read more
Dr. Katherine Kearns, an associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, received a 2026 The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Development Award. The funding provides leadership development opportunities for women across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Read more
Dr. Thomas Murooka, associate professor of immunology, received the Canadian Association for HIV Research-Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research Excellence in Research Award in Basic Sciences.
Dr. Peter Nickerson, UM distinguished professor, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. Read more
Dr. Ilaria Panzeri, an assistant professor of biochemistry and medical genetics, received a 2026 The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Development Award. The funding provides leadership development opportunities for women across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Read more
Dr. Jennifer Protudjer, an associate professor and endowed research chair in allergy, asthma and the environment in pediatrics and child health, received a 2026 The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Development Award. The funding provides leadership development opportunities for women across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Read more
Dr. Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin, assistant professor of physiology and pathophysiology, received the 2025 Rh Chrysalis Award for Exceptional Early-Career Recognition from the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Deanna Santer, associate professor of immunology, received the 2025 Science Co-op Supervisor Excellence Award.
Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg, distinguished professor of pediatrics and child health, is the recipient of the inaugural Manitoba Genomics Award for Lifetime Achievement from Genome Prairie at the Engaging Genomics in Manitoba event held in June in Winnipeg.
Dr. Zulma Rueda, UM Canada Research Chair in sexually transmitted infection – resistance and control, and a professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, received the Canadian Association for HIV Research-Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research Excellence in Research Award in Epidemiology and Public Health for “achieving excellence and demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of those living with HIV”. This award highlights and celebrates the contributions of Canadian Researchers in HIV/AIDS research in Canada and internationally.
Shayne Taback, associate professor of pediatrics and child health, received the Medal of Excellence from Doctors Manitoba. Read more
Dr. Jo Ann Unger, assistant professor of clinical health psychology, received the Manitoba Psychological Society President Award for her work as MPS advocacy director and as past president. This award honours exceptional contributions to the profession of psychology at provincial and national levels.
Dr. Galen Wright, UM Canada Research Chair in neurogenomics, and an assistant professor of pharmacology and therapeutics, received the Manitoba Genomics Award for an Emerging Researcher from Genome Prairie in June. This award recognizes an emerging academic or research leader whose achievements in genomics or genomics-related research in Manitoba point to a promising career of achievement in the field.
Cliff Yaffe, associate professor of surgery and a faculty advisor at the Max Rady College of Medicine, received the Distinguished Service Award from Doctors Manitoba. Read more
Dr. Shelley Zieroth, professor of internal medicine, earned a place on the 2026 list of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women, recognized for her exceptional leadership, vision, determination, passion and dedication to supporting and mentoring others. Read more
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Dr. Saba Mohammadalinezhad Kolahdouz, research associate in the department of radiology, with mentorship of Dr. Jai Shankar, professor of radiology and diagnostic and interventional neuroradiologist, received first place at Falling Walls Lab Manitoba 2026 for her pitch, “Breaking the Wall of Brain-Body Disconnection.” Read more
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
Dr. Lara Haidar, a medical microbiology and infectious diseases postdoctoral fellow in the Rueda Lab, received the Research Manitoba 2026 Dr. Dick Smith Research Postdoctoral Fellowship in HIV Epidemiology.
Dr. Hannah Wallace, a research associate in medical microbiology and infectious diseases, and a prior postdoctoral fellow in the Kindrachuk Lab, received the CSV Postdoctoral Award.
RESIDENTS
Dr. Sophie Qiu, a geriatrics R5 resident, received a 2026 The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Development Award. The funding provides leadership development opportunities for women across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Read more
Dr. Jennifer Setlack, an R2 resident in Parkland Family Medicine Program, received a 2026 The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Development Award. The funding provides leadership development opportunities for women across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Read more
Tegan Turner, emergency medicine resident, was named Resident of the Year by Doctors Manitoba. Read more
STUDENTS
Lydia Amooga, a PhD student in physiology and pathophysiology, received the Mindel and Tom Olenick Research Studentship in Medicine.
Michael Byun, a master of science student at the College of Pharmacy and a second-year medical student at the Max Rady College of Medicine, received the 2026 Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Student Achievement Prize. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service of grad students in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences six colleges. Read more
Saman Ghazvini, incoming postdoctoral fellow to the Santer Lab in the department of immunology, received a two-year Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Canada Impact and Research Training Award.
Mason Hollebeke, a master’s student in pediatrics and child health, received the 2026 Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Student Achievement Prize. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service of grad students in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences six colleges. Read more
Angela Krutish is the recipient of the 2026 University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship for her academic excellence and potential as a graduate student and researcher.
JJ Mao, a third-year medical student, received a 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students. The award is presented to 16 exceptional medical students across Canada and recognizes academic excellence, leadership, communication skills and a commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Read more
Quinton Murdock, a master’s student in medical microbiology and infectious diseases, represented the University of Manitoba at the Western Regional Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition after advancing from the UM final competition, where he achieved an impressive second-place finish. Murdock’s advisor is Dr. Aida Sivro, adjunct professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases.
Samuel Ogunsola, who defended his PhD in physiology and pathophysiology in August, received the 2026 Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Student Achievement Prize. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service of grad students in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences six colleges. Read more
Khushali Trivedi, PhD candidate in pharmacology and therapeutics, received the Women’s Health Research Foundation of Canada Scholarship.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES STUDENT AWARDS & RECOGNITION
CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s
- Marith Been (Julie Lajoie)
- Kathleen Fulton (Dave Safronetz)
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Studentship
- Angela Copete (Zulma Rueda)
Research Manitoba Studentships
- Quinton Murdock (Aida Sivro)
- Maria Arango Uribe (Zulma Rueda & Yoav Keynan)
MMID Student Journal Club Awards 2025-26
Group 1 – (Natalie Knox)
- Best Rookie: Kathleen Fulton (D. Safronetz, Advisor)
- Best Veteran: Ryan Darragh (D. Bay, Advisor)
Group 2 – (Celine Nadon)
- Best Rookie: Jack Vallis (D. Bay, Advisor)
- Best Veteran: Katherine Li (H. Ji, Advisor)
Group 3 – (Derek Stein)
- Best Rookie: Rebecca Fox (S. Booth, Advisor)
- Best Veteran: Samantha Kirby (P. McLaren, Advisor)
Group 4 – (Anna Majer)
- Best Rookie: Helia Fathpour (N. Rahim, Advisor)
- Best Veteran: Elise Gork (J. Kindrachuk, Advisor)
MMID Student Seminar Awards 2025-26
PhD
- Best Rookie: Jack Vallis – D. Bay, Advisor
- Best Veteran: Christina Frederick – J. Kindrachuk, Advisor
M.Sc.
- Best Rookie: Kathleen Fulton – D. Safronetz, Advisor
- Best Veteran: Clarissa Klenke – A. Sivro, Advisor
Manitoba Student Health Research Forum Awards
- Matt Mayor, Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Poster Award (MSc)
- Shruti Rathore, Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Poster Award (MSc)
- Ruben Jamilchelvan, Dean of RFHS Poster Award (PhD) and Ed Kroeger Travel Award
- Clarissa Klenke, Dean of RFHS Poster Award (MSc)
- Katherine Li, Dean of RFHS Poster Award (PhD)
- Hannah Wallace, Dean of RFHS Poster Award (Postdoctoral)
- Júlia Cerato, HSGSA Poster Award (PhD)
- Kathleen Fulton, HSGSA Poster Award (MSc)
- Quinton Murdock, Women’s Health Research Foundation of Canada Poster Award and Manitoba Medical College Foundation Travel Award
- Frank Cholette, Manitoba Medical Foundation Award for Research Excellence
- Natasha Hollett, Karol D. McNeill Research Technician Award
- Samantha Kirby, Honourable Mention (MSc)
Additional Student Awards
- Camilo Suarez Ariza, HSGSA PhD Poster Award
- Maryann Buyu, HSGSA MSc Poster Award
- Nick Gao, Manitoba Medical Services Foundation MSc Poster Award and Manitoba Medical College Foundation Travel Award
- Carmine Slipski, PhD Poster Award
- Chibuzor Emmanuel, Mendel & Tom Olenick Research Studentship in Medicine
BCDI (Canadian International Development Scholarship) 2030
- Barclay Obiero (2024-2028)
- Zipporah Gitau (2024-2028)
- Wilfred Gitau (2024-2028)
- Maryann Buyu (2025-2026)
- Mylene Hadidjatou (2025-2026)
- Lydia Ochieng (2026-2027)
- Janet Kombo (2026-2027)
- Israel Abook (2026-2027)
Dr. Frank Cholette successfully defended his PhD thesis on June 9, 2026. His advisory committee was Dr. Lyle McKinnon (advisor), Dr. Marissa Becker (co-advisor), and committee members Dr. Paul McLaren, Dr. Robert Lorway, and Dr. Souradet Shaw. Dr. Ann Burchell served as external examiner.
Julie Donahue successfully completed her master’s thesis examination on June 29, 2026. Her advisor was Dr. Celine Dion, and committee members were Dr. Denice Bay, Dr. Morag Graham, and Dr. Sara Christenson. Dr. Lyle McKinnon chaired the examination.