Gradzette
THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA’S GRADUATE STUDENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2013
Gradzette THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA’S GRADUATE STUDENT MAGAZINE Gradzette c/o The Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation 105 University Centre University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 General inquiries and advertising Phone: (204) 474.6535 Fax: (204) 474.7651 Email: publisher@gradzette.com
Editor: Sheldon Birnie Copy Editor: Ryan Harby Designer: Leif Larsen Contributors: Jason Syvixay Marc Legace, Chinenye Alonzie, Jennifer Wasko, Beibei Lu, David Krause, Bryce Hoye Cover: Kara Passey
The Gradzette is the official student magazine of the University of Manitoba’s graduate student community and is published on the first Monday of each month byThe Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation. The Gradzette is a democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens. The magazine’s primary mandate is to report fairly and objectively on issues and events of importance and interest to the graduate students of the University of Manitoba, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of opinions and ideas and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/or society in general. The Gradzette serves as a training ground for students interested in any aspect of journalism. Students and other interested parties are invited to contribute. Please contact the Editor for submission guidelines. The Gradzette reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libelous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. The Gradzette is a member of the Canadian University Press, a national student press cooperative with members from St. John’s to Victoria. All contents are ©2013 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation. Yearly subscriptions to the Gradzette are available, please contact publisher@gradzette.com for more information.
Annual GSA AGM well attended Budget passed, new executive created, reimbursement for travel discussed By Chinenye Alonzie
T
he University of Manitoba graduate students met at the senate chambers Jan. 20, 2013 for their annual general meeting, about 48 graduate students and non academic staff were in attendance. The
meeting started with a welcome speech by GSA president Rotimi Ojo. "
Past minutes and agenda were approved by the house and the meeting
went into full swing when the house received the annual report from the executive committee. Vice president internal Chadwick Cowie presented a report "
on
b u d g e t .
“How is our graduate student association fee utilized?” one graduate
student "
the a s ke d .
“GSA fee is one of the sources of income used in the day-to-day running
of the GSA,” Oji responded. “The financial report presented by Cowie shows flow
and
e x p e n s e s . ”
the
cash
"
In the budget report, Cowie explained that four $1,000, one $19,000,
and thirteen $5,000 bursaries (a total of $88,000) were dispersed to graduate Photo by Chinenye Alonzie
students, which presented a slight increase from the past year’s total of $ 7 6 , 0 0 0 . "
The house was in favour of the appointment of BDO Canada LLP as its
auditor for the year 2012/2013. The roles of an auditor include evaluating several a s p e c t s o f t h e b u s i n e s s , o n g o i n g p r o j e c t s a n d e v e n e m p l o y e e s . "
A motion to create another portfolio to handle issues outside the job
description of the existing executives was moved, supported by vice president
health "
sciences
Carolyn
We i s s .
“I had to spend an extra year completing my degree due to heavy
responsibilities,” Weiss explained. The house deliberated and the motion was c a r r i e d . "
The new portfolio, vice president (marketing and events), was created
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2
and its job description will be drafted and included in the election policy
e x e c u t i v e s .
m a n u a l .
"
"
confirmed or denied. Research and deliberation will be maintained until a
The motion to provide a clear guideline on how executives should be
reimbursed
was
considered,
supported
by
C o w i e .
"“ E x e c u t i v e s s h o u l d b e r e i m b u r s e d f o r o f f i c i a l t r a v e l a n d p a r k i n g ,
Ojo emphasized that the UMGSA is not a member of CFS until
decision "
is
r e a c h e d .
He went further to explain that there is no such thing as the UPASS in
2013-2014. Graduate students are in discussion with the transit. No organization
‘How do we validate the claims of the
has negotiated or concluded about the UPASS. Negotiation will be initiated and information wil l be required f rom students in the form of a sur vey.
executives?’ asked one grad student. ‘How can we tell they are saying the truth?’
"
The “We want GSA clubs” issue was raised. The house saw the need to
facilitate the recognition of GSA clubs as UMSU does not recognize clubs with less than 60 per cent of graduate students. After deliberation the house carried the motion and developments were adjoined to the next AGM.
according to university standard (43 cents per km),” Cowie explained. "
It was further established that executive members who are travelling
between UMGSA and HSGSA, or vice versa, as well as between GSA offices to external meetings and back may claim reimbursement for travel and parking cost. "
Other
that,
cost
will
not
be
r e i m b u r s e d .
“How do we validate the claims of the executives?” asked one grad
student. "
than
“ Ho w
can
we
tell
they
are
saying
the
t r u t h ? ”
“Working as an executive with the GSA,” replied Carolyn Weiss, “goes
w i t h t r u s t s o t h e r e i s n o t h i n g w e c a n d o a b o u t i t . ” "
Vice president external Tonia Bates also commented on the motion.
"
“We need two separate lists that explains parking cost and mileage cost,”
she "
s u g g e s t e d . G S A s e n a t o r Mo r e n o S e m s u p p o r t e d t h e s u g g e s t i o n , a d d i n g
“ r e i m b u r s e m e n t s h o u l d b e l i m i t e d t o t h e c o s t o f a b u s p a s s . ” "
This was not fully welcomed by the house and the motion was adjoined
and referred to the Internal Development and Review Committee (IDRC). The IDRC is a committee responsible for evaluating the performance of the executive council members and also for reviewing decisions relating to the
Gradzette
3
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Shantel Gushue By Bryce Hoye
S "
hantel Gushue is a University of Manitoba M.Sc. candidate studying
laboratory demonstrator for introductory level biology courses at the U of W,
Prion disease through the department of medical microbiology and
and spent a summer working as a research assistant for the U of M’s
d i s e a s e s .
infectious
department
Prion disea ses, other wise known a s transmissible spongiform
of
animal
science
–
swine
n u t r i t i o n .
"
“I spent half of my time in the barn with pigs and piglets and the other
encephalopathies, consist of a variety of neurological disorders in humans and
half
in
animals, like Mad Cow Disease. The misfolding of certain cellular proteins—
"
Although it wasn’t exactly medical microbiology, Gushue appreciated the
prions—effectively disables the central nervous system’s (CNS) inflammatory
opportunity and learned some valuable lessons that later helped her with her
s y s t e m .
response "
the
l a b . ”
m a s t e r ’ s .
“[Prion diseases] are invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases,
"
“It made me realize that research always takes longer than you originally
characterized by the conversion of a normal protein found in the brain into an
anticipate. I believe that in our day and age, especially in the science world, it is
infectious isoform,” stated Gushue in an interview with the Gradzette.
very important to gain as much experience in as many [fields] as possible.”
"
"
In the fall of 2009, she enrolled in her current master’s program under
proliferation of supportive glial cells—inevitably leads to progressive neuronal
the
super vision
l o s s .
"
Already well into the writing phase of her master’s, Gushue spent much
"
The “infectious isoforms” or misfolded CNS proteins trigger gliosis—the
“Gliosis is the activation of the brain’s imunnofactor cells, known as
microglial "
c e l l s . ”
of
D r.
Stephanie
A.
B o o t h .
of her time over the past few years conducting research in the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) located in the Canadian Science Centre for
Typically, the activation of these cells results in an inflammatory
Hu m a n
and
Animal
He a l t h .
response, remarked Gushue, explaining that the microglial cell-induced
"
inflammatory response is one of the proposed mechanisms involved in Prion
Sciences Centre and the U of M’s Bannatyne Campus, the NML is considered
r e s e a r c h .
Canada’s preeminent infectious disease research facility and is recognized the
“Gushue graduated in the spring of 2008 with a four-year Bachelor of
world over for its high containment level laboratories and state-of-the-art
disease "
Science "
that
from
she
the
focused
on
Un i v e r s i t y
for
of
her
m a s t e r ’s
Wi n n i p e g
(U
of
W ) .
During those formative undergrad years, Gushue gained experience as a
Situated at 1015 Arlington Street, just blocks away from the Health
e q u i p m e n t . "
Gushue’s research specifically focuses on “a microRNA that’s been
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4
shown to be [over-expressed] during Prion disease, and investigating its role
experimental condition with a different tandem mass tag,” said Gushue.
within the innate immune response that is elicited during this disease process.”
"
"
That particular microRNA [miRNA] is known as miR-146a. According to
and the “mass spectrometry machine [is] able to look at differentially expressed
Gushue, the increase in miR-146a in the brains of Prion infected subjects
proteins and compare [ . . . ] each experimental condition. So, you can see the
suggested to the research community that it played a role in the progression of
changes
the "
d i s e a s e .
"
Gushue was named first author of a 2012 paper published in the peer-
Once labeled, researchers like Gushue mix all of the conditions together,
in
certain
proteins
from
whichever
c o n d i t i o n . ”
The thought was that maybe taking a closer look at miRNA-146a would
“expose another molecule that could potentially be therapeutic with regards to
reviewed academic journal, PLOS ONE, entitled “MicroRNA 146a (miR-146a)
Pr i o n
Is Over-Expressed during Prion Disease and Modulates the Innate Immune
"
Re s p o n s e
(iNOS),” explaining that iNOS is responsible for the production of nitric oxide
"
the
Microglial
Ac t i v a t i o n
S t a t e . ”
“Interestingly, our lab had found a specific miRNA to be upregulated or
increased "
and
in
the
brains
of
infected
m i c e . ”
Gushue went on to say that NO has a known antiviral function and is
often “produced during an anti-inflammatory response and results in the killing
i n a n a t t e m p t t o f i g u r e o u t p o t e n t i a l t a r g e t s o f m i R- 1 4 6 a .
of
"
"
“Because miRNAs target messenger RNAs and effect their degradation
Gushue ended up finding “one true target known as nitric oxide synthase
( N O ) . "
Gushue developed her own in vitro model to test and mimic Prion disease
d i s e a s e . ”
n e u r o n s . ” Thus, as a result of iNOS activity, which is triggered during the prion-
or translational repression, which results in less protein being produced,”
induced inflammatory response and shown to be harmful to neurons, miR-146a
Gushue described, it was her job within the context of Prion disease “to look at
appears to be targeting, dampening and attempting to compensate for the
what miR-146a [ . . . ] is potentially targeting that may play a role in disease
resulting
o u t c o m e . ”
"
"
innate
Using a proteomic approach, Gushue set up a variety of experimental
detrimental
e f f e c t s .
“Right now, the hypothesis is that miR-146a is working to dampen the immune
response,”
confirmed
Gu s h u e .
conditions – including one such condition where miR-146a was over-expressed.
"
"
brain by bringing down the inflammatory response, which is harmful and
According to Gushue, the prediction was that “upon over-expression of
That is to say that miR-146a is “trying to restore homeostasis within the
miR-146a, potential targets would be exposed, indicated by a reduction in that
detrimental
particular
"
"
protein
when
compared
against
c o n t r o l s . ”
The group of potential targets generated from the proteomic data was
n e u r o n s . ”
In identifying the targets of miR-146a, Gushue hopes to gain a better
understanding of the disease process in general and potentially identify proteins
then compared against both existing genomic data within the lab and
or
“bioinformatically predicted targets” that are readily accessible on the Internet.
"
"
to
pathways
that
may
have
therapeutic
v a l u e .
Gushue is slated to finish her program in the spring.
“Essentially you’d extract the proteins and then label each different
Gradzette
5
GSA executive election to take place CRO confident that online polling system will increase voter turnout By Jason Syvixay
T
he candidates for this year’s University of Manitoba Graduate
Vice President Academics (HSGSA), and Vice President St. Boniface (HSGSA).
Students’ Association (GSA) general election are officially off to the
"
races in the lead-up to the voting period f rom Mar. 11 – 13.
Magnus-Johnston asserted. “If you're a graduate student, that means that you're
While 2012 saw a voter turnout of 9.9 per cent, Kendra Magnus-
engaged, curious, competent, and above-all smart. Why you wouldn’t embrace
Johnston, chief returning officer, is banking on improved campus promotions
your right to participate in the electoral process that permits the individuals
and media support to increase voter turnout and to raise awareness about the
who
influence
newly
"
Having a say in issues like graduate student health coverage, a proposed
"
"
added
online
polling
s y s t e m .
“We’re [also] encouraging candidates to run more elaborate and
“Students should vote because I’m sick and tired of them not voting,”
such
a
significant
part
of
your
l i f e ? ”
U-PASS, and funding for professional development is reason alone to vote, says
thorough promotion campaigns,” says Magnus-Johnston. “We’re [also] reaching
M a g n u s - J o h n s t o n .
out to GSA committee members to encourage participation in elections-related
"
e v e n t s . ”
password information to their University of Manitoba student account.
"
"
Voters will note a visible absence of returning executive officers this year.
From Mar. 11 – 13, students will be emailed directly with login and
“I’ve got great news: because it’s online, you don't even have to leave the
This lack of sustained interest and contested positions is troublesome, said
comfort of your personal computer [to vote],” added Magnus-Johnston.
M a g n u s - J o h n s t o n .
"
"
candidate’s platforms at an All Candidates Forum on Mar. 6, and online at
“If we had enough students running for positions to be contested,
students would have incentive to promote themselves as candidates, and
Potential voters will have an opportunity to learn more about each
www.umgsa.ca.
individual voters would cast their votes with the knowledge that their ballot could " up "
m a ke
or
break
s o m e o n e 's
c a m p a i g n . ”
Interviews with each candidate fo!ow
She added, “[There’s] nothing like a little friendly competition to liven an
e l e c t i o n ! ”
Voters will cast their vote for GSA President, Vice President Internal,
Vice President External, Vice President Academic, Senators, President (HSGSA), Vice President Internal (HSGSA), Vice President External (HSGSA),
Gradzette
6
2013 GSA election candidates. From left to right: Farhoud Delijani, Gustavo Mejicanos, Monika Wetzel, Emeka Okeke, Crystal Cook, Madhi Rahiman Photo by Beibei Lu
Gradzette
7
GSA Presidential Candidate Monika Wetzel By Jennifer Wasko onika Wetzel is currently undertaking her M.Sc.
M
as committees throughout the University of Manitoba,
in the program of developmental health, in the
including the GSA Council as the representative of the
department of family social sciences. She holds
department of family social sciences, GSA Awards
several areas of interest in this field. However,
Committee, the Senate Committee on Policies and
Wetzel is very passionate about research related to neurological
Procedures, and Senate Student Caucus.
conditions, aging, and health, using a mixed-methods approach. G: Why should grad students vote for you? Gradzette: Why do you want to be elected GSA president? MW: When I dedicate myself to anything, I do it to the Monika Wetzel: I must be honest, being part of student
best of my abilities. I am also honest, responsible, and a
activities and groups has become quite addicting for me! I
great listener (and “chatterbox!”). Student affairs are also a
am running for this position because I have fallen in love
passion of mine, so I hope to make myself accessible to
with the teamwork, playing a role in student advocacy,
graduate students and to use these skills to maintain an
relationship-building, politics, networking, learning, and
open line of communication, in order to make this an
increased awareness that is associated with so many of
exciting and enjoyable year for all students.
these student bodies at the University of Manitoba. I am here because I want to be here, and I want to do the job
G: Where do you see the GSA headed under your
well by continuing the hard work that last year’s council
leadership should you be elected?
started.
MW: As I mentioned earlier, in this new term I hope to
G: What is your background in student politics or related
carry-on the positive changes that the current council has
activity?
accomplished over the past year, such as continued graduate student funding (i.e., conference grants). In
Photo by Beibei Lu
MW: Much of my experience has been gained by sitting
addition, as this year’s council has done, I plan on ensuring
on committees within my department, such as the Family
that students’ voices are well represented at all levels of
Social Sciences Graduate Student Committee, Curriculum
decision-making. Let’s work together by increasing the
Committee, Endowment Fund Advisory Committee,
information flow between graduate students and GSA to
Department Council, Graduation Committee, and the
ensure you are given the best student experience possible!
Human Ecology Student Organization as senator, as well
Gradzette
8
GSA VP Academic Candidate Madhi Rahiman By Sheldon Birnie
M
adhi Rahiman has a master #om the
Outside the academic setting, I’ve also done
University of Isfahan, as we! as a
some work with various NGOs over the years. I
ba c h e l o r s d e g r e e f r o m I AU i n
would love to share some of my experience with
Applied Linguistics. Rahiman is
fellow graduate students.
currently enro!ed as a master’s student in linguistics at the University of Manitoba, completing a thesis on
G: Where do you see the GSA headed in
second language learning.
2013/2014, and how do you see yourself contributing towards that goal?
G ra d z e t t e : W h y a r e y o u r u n n i n g f o r v i ce president academic? What do you hope to
MR: I wish for a better year for the grad
accomplish during your term?
students at the U of M and GSA. Along with the rest of GSA members, I hope to play a role
Madhi Rahiman: I would love to serve as VPA
in achievement of better academic goals and
to advocate for students whenever and wherever
fulfillment of higher standards in our university.
I can. I hope to promote workshops to help the academic endeavors of graduate students, to shed light on and utilize possibilities in the business of academic studies. G: What is your background/interest in student politics? MR: Volunteering and working with youth has become a part of my identity, a part of my dayto-day life in the past 12 years. I was previously a student group foundation council member, and was also member of the author council of a Photo by Beibei Lu
student magazine named Mirror. I’ve also been involved in two students groups at U of M.
Gradzette
9
GSA VP Internal Candidate Farhoud Delijani By Sheldon Birnie
F
arhoud Delijani received his bachelor’s
profitable ways to invest GSA’s funds in and
degree in civil engineering in Iran. In
use the interest to improve grad students’ life.
2001, he and his wife moved to Toronto, where they lived for five years before
G: What is your background/interest in
deciding to go back to school.
student politics?
“U of M had programs for both of us, so we moved
FD: I was actively involved in student politics
to Winnipeg,” he explains.
back in Iran and as I mentioned before, serving as VPI for a year taught me a lot.
Delijani got his master ’s in civil engineering working on the effects of fabric formwork on
G: Where do you see the GSA headed in
concrete quality. Currently, Delijani is completing
2013/2014, and how do you see yourself
his Ph.D. in biosystems engineering, with research
contributing towards that goal?
focused on “Long term durability of Structural Insulated Panels.”
Farhoud Delijani: I will be dynamicall y involved with committees and subcommittees
Gradzette: Why are you r unning for vice
and tr y to encoura ge grad student to
president internal? What do you hope to
participate in decision making processes. We
accomplish during your term?
need to work together and take advantage of the huge potential that our student union
Photo by Beibei Lu
Farhoud Delijani: I served as VPI of the GSA
GSA has. I have a feeling that the importance
in 2010-2011. I am truly proud of our
and the role that GSA can play in our lives has
accomplishment in that term. There are
been underestimated or not fully promoted.
several reasons for my decision to run again. I
We need everyone to come forward with new
believe GSA has a lot of potential to directly
ideas and suggestions. We should understand
help grad student’s body at the U of M. Issues
that this union belongs to all of us and can do
such as better health care will be one of my
a lot for each of us.
focuses. My other goal will be finding secure
Gradzette 10
GSA VP External Candidate Crystal Cook By Sheldon Birnie
C
rystal Cook is a graduate of the faculty
CC: My main interest in student politics is
of nursing who received her
mostly in trying to ensure that the student
undergraduate degree in 2008 #om
body remains accountable to the students as
t h e Un i v e r s i t y o f Ma n i t o ba.
well as being a fair representative for the
Origina!y #om Norway House, MB, Crystal is
campus population.
currently in her second year in the Clinical Nurse Specialist Stream, specializing in hemodialysis and
G: Where do you see the GSA headed in
working with Indigenous communities.
2013/2014, and how do you see yourself contributing towards that goal?
Gradzette: Why are you r unning for this position? What do you hope to accomplish
CC: There are many changes coming in the
during your term?
future with the reorganization of departments, such as the proposed clustering
Crystal Cook: I am endeavoring to provide
of faculties and the continuing autonomy of
my expertise as a long-time student and user
the council. I see the GSA headed toward
o f u n i v e r s i t y s e r v i ce s f r o m t h e u n i q u e
greater recognition as a political body and
perspective of an indigenous person, woman,
voice for graduate students and I wish to
and mother. I hope that we can all work
contribute towards this goal by ensuring the
together in council to advance the education
integrity and responsibility of the council
and procurement of graduate students. I wish
remains of uppermost concern. I want the
to accomplish the goals set out by the council
students to have faith in our council and be
that ensures our student body is at the
proud of it as well.
forefront of research and contributing to the advancement of society as a whole.
Photo by Beibei Lu
G: What is your background/interest in student politics?
Gradzette 11
GSA Senator Candidates Emeke Okeke, Calistus Ekenna & Gustavo Mejicanos By Marc Lagace
E
meke Okeke is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in medical immunology at the University of Manitoba. Before moving to Winnipeg in 2010, he completed a Masters degree in Chemistry at the University of Guelph.
C
alistus Ekenna is currently pursuing a master’s in social work at the U of M. He received a diploma in mass communications #om Benue State University in Nigeria. EGradzette: Why are you interested in
G
ustavo Mejicanos is a graduate student at the University of Manitoba studying for his masters degree in the department of animal science. Mejicanos earned his B.Sc. in Guatemala and a diploma in
running for a senate position?
agriculture at the University of Manitoba.
Calistus Ekenna: I would like to be able to advocate and
Gradzette: Why are you interested in running for a senate
represent the graduate students; to be able to advocate for
position?
Gradzette: Why are you interested in running for a senate position? Emeke Okeke: I am passionate about student representation
things that are of interest to graduate students.
in administration circles and have great concern for the welfare of graduate students.
Gustavo Mejicanos: I believe as a senator I can participate in Gradzette: What is your background in student politics?
activities and I can give support to other members of the team. I am a team player and I will be involved not just in my
G: What is your background in student politics?
CE: While here at the University of Manitoba, since I’ve
duties, but supporting other members of the team.
joined the graduates faculty in 2011, I’ve been the council EO: In my undergraduate days, I was the president and the
member representing the social work graduate students for
departmental voice for students through the organization
the Graduate Student’s Association council. GM: Mostly professional associations. I was president of the
called student practical and creative chemical society. G: Why should grad students vote for you? G: Why should grad students vote for you? EO: Grad students should vote for me because I have the necessary leadership qualities to effectively represent them in administration circles and to seek for their welfare while doing so. G: If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why? EO: If I could sit down to dinner with anyone (dead or alive) it would be Nelson Mandela.
G: What is your background in student politics?
Agricultural Engineers in Guatemala in the area where I was working. We had several chapters and I was president of one
CE: I’d be very consistent with the advocacy and representing
of them.
the interests of graduate students, and I’m a very passionate about making sure graduate students are well-represented.
G: Why should grad students vote for you?
G: If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (dead or alive),
GM: Experience. I am also a team player so they can expect
who would it be and why?
me to work for everybody not just for my own activities but supporting everything.
CE: My wife. She understands me very well, she’s my best friend and she’s the closest person to me. I believe that she
G: If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (dead or alive),
knows me, she knows what I stand for, and she’s somebody
who would it be and why?
that I could ask to go to something on my behalf. I see her as my better half.
GM: I would probably discuss politics with Bill Clinton.
Gradzette 12
HS GSA Presidential Candidate Melissa Rabb By Jennifer Wasko
M
elissa Rabb is a Ph.D. student with the department of
a scholarship-writing workshop. As part of this council I also sit in at
Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. She received
Med Micro departmental meetings as the student representative. I
her B.Sc. (Honours) in microbiology and immunology at
was also part of the 2012 Prairie Infectious Immunology Network
Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS. During that time she
committee. I organized transportation of graduate students to and
volunteered as the VP of the DalDance Society and had great times with the
from this conference.
Dal Outdoors club. Rabb is currently the President of the Med Micro Student Council and has enjoyed organizing social and educational events for their students. She plans to help the HSGSA council to break barriers and get more students involved. Gradzette: Why do you want to be elected HSGSA president?
G: Why should grad students vote for you? MR: Although my experience with the HSGSA council is limited, my experience on other student councils is not. As VP of DalDance, I learned strong leadership and organizational skills. As president of the Med Micro student council, I was able to put my event planning
Melissa Rabb: The previous HSGSA councils have done a really great
to the test and experience the administrative side of running a
job at maintaining the momentum of the HSGSA and it is my goal to
department. I can’t wait to start organizing more interdepartmental
keep that energy going and continue to work towards a more
events, such as a lecture series that rotates among departments and
integrated HSGSA. The diverse areas of research studied by our
workshops led by students.
g r a d u a te s t u d e n t s a t t h e Un i v e r s i t y o f Ma n i to b a p r o v i d e
Photo provided by candidate
opportunities for collaboration, education, and friendship. We hope
G: Where do you see the HSGSA headed under your leadership
to be able to break some of the invisible departmental barriers and
should you be elected?
foster greater communication within the graduate student community. G: What is your background in student politics or related activity?
MR: Should I be elected, the focus of our HSGSA council will be better interdepartmental graduate student relations. Environmental sustainability is an important topic that I would like to discuss more with the university and graduate students. I hope we can come up
MR: In my second year of undergrad, I was VP of the DalDance
with some solutions to make our carbon footprint a little smaller.
society, where I organized dance classes, was a liaison between
Lastly, I’d like to get more graduate students interested in the
teachers and the council, and helped to organize the year-end show.
HSGSA and the decisions we will be making because these decisions
This past year I was the president of the Medical Microbiology
can influence their graduate school experience.
Student Council. We organized social and bowling events, along with
Gradzette 13
HS GSA VP Academic Candidate Amrit Boese By David Krause mrit Boese’s academic background is
Through these opportunities I sat on various
diverse. She completed her undergraduate
committees, through which we were able to put
B.Sc. Honours in the zoology department
on two national career workshops, one in
at the University of Manitoba and a
Ottawa and one in Edmonton for the members.
chemical and biosciences technology diploma at Red
On top of that, I reviewed travel grant
River Co!ege. A(er working as a lab technician at the
applications and it was extremely helpful for my
Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal
own pursuits to see what it is like on the other
Health for three years, Boese decided to pursue a
side of the application. I hope to bring these
Master’s in the medical microbiology and infectious
insights to the graduate student body at the
diseases department, where she transitioned to a Ph.D.
University of Manitoba.
A
Gradzette: Why are you running for Health Sciences vice president academic?
G: Where do you see the HGSA headed in 2013-2014 under your leadership?
Amrit Boese: I am running for this position because I want to gain direct experience with
AB: I believe the HSGSA will benefit from my
the academic side of student life at the
wide range of experience as well as my exposure
Bannatyne campus. I want to represent students
to various different departments. I have contacts
in a way that maximizes their abilities to obtain
on the Fort Garr y Campus, the Bannatyne
academic training and opportunities. Many
campus, Saint Boniface campus and the National
students are unaware of the resources out there
Microbiology Laboratory where I conduct my
and I want to help them access those resources.
research. Being in a molecular biology laboratory that works not only on prions in the complex
Gradzette: What is your background in student
organ that is the brain, but also the emerging
politics, or related activities?
microRNA field has given me the ability to network in various fields. I enjoy what I do and I
Photo provided by candidate
AB: I have served on the PrioNet Networks of
hope that I can help others enjoy their graduate
Excellence Students and Young Professionals
s t u d i e s a s we l l w h i l e o b t a i n i n g t h e i r f u l l
Council as both Vice-Chair (2011-2012) and
potential.
Education and Training Committee (2010-2011).
Gradzette 14
HS GSA VP External Candidate Kamilla Kosciuczyk By David Krause amilla Kosciuczyk completed her
G: What is your background in student politics, or
undergraduate B.Sc. in the microbiology
related activities?
K
d e p a r t m e n t c o - o p p r o g ra m a t t h e University of Manitoba. Immediately a(er
KK: I’m a new face when it comes to student
graduation, she continued with a master’s in medical
politics. However, I have a lot of skills I feel
microbiolog y and infectious diseases. Outside the
would greatly benefit HSGSA. My five year
academic realm, Kosciuczyk enjoys dancing with the
ongoing membership to the Sokol Polish Dance
Sokol Polish Dance Folk Ensemble. Kosciuczyk commits
Folk Ensemble demonstrates my commitment and
many hours towards the function and sustainability of
ability to balance my professional and personal
the organization, mainly through fundraising events.
endeavors. I love working on a team and am continuously exposed to new environments and
Gradzette: Why are you r unning for Health
new people. I have experience in coaching,
Sciences vice president external?
coordinating social events, and I hope to fully exploit these skil ls through my role in the
Kamil la Kosciuczyk: I am r unning for this
HSGSA.
position because I want to gain more leadership experience. Most of my previous work has been
G: Where do you see the HGSA headed in
done on a smaller scale so I would love to have
2013-2014 under your leadership?
this opportunity to represent a larger population.
Photo by Beibei Lu
With regards to the specific position, I think it is
Kamilla Kosciuczyk: The on-going theme for the
ver y important for students to realize that
past few years has been to promote departmental
although we come from various departments, we
interactions and my goal is to continue these
have very similar goals. One of the benefits of
efforts; breaking barriers, bridging borders. I
being on a multi-departmental campus is having
strongly support and fully encourage collaborative
the opportunity to interact and learn from one
environments. In addition to knowledge, I believe
another. I would like to help students optimize
networking is an important aspect to a successful
t h e i r g r a d u a te e x p e r i e n ce b y p r o m o t i n g a
career and now is the time to take advantage of
collaborative environment.
this opportunity when we have many diverse, brilliant, young minds around every corner!
Gradzette 15
HS GSA VP Internal Candidate Jessica Forbes By David Krause
J
essica Forbes completed her B.Sc. in microbiology
G: What is your background in student politics, or
a t t h e Un i v e r s i t y o f Ma n i t o ba. Sh o r t l y
related activities?
therea(er she started her M.Sc. in medical microbiology and infectious diseases. Forbes
JF: I have next to no background in student
recently transitioned to the Ph.D. program.
politics. I see this as an opportunity to grow as a
Forbes’ research project entails an investigation into the role played by the gut microbiota in several immunemediated inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Forbes’ extracurricular interests include playing soccer and running. Gradzette: Why are you r unning for Health Sciences vice president internal?
student leader. G: Where do you see the HGSA headed in 2013-2014 under your leadership? JF: I’m a ver y pa ssionate and determined individual. I thoroughly enjoy the graduate school experience and, even more so, take pride in my research. I hope to excel as VP Internal by appl ying my pa ssion and determination to
Jessica Forbes: I’m a really focused person and
continue to make the Bannatyne campus an ideal
completing my Ph.D. in a timely manner has
student community as previous executives have
always been, so to speak, number one. However, I
strived to create.
decided to run for this position to essentially get involved in student leadership. I spend most of my
time at the National Microbiology Laboratory as well as the Bannatyne campus. The Bannatyne campus has a much different vibe than that seen at the main campus, as such, graduate student needs and services should be first and foremost improved and, secondly, tailored to our students.
Gradzette 16
GSA VP St. Boniface Allison Müler
GSA VP Marketing & Events Andrew Stalker
By David Krause
A
lison Müler received her undergraduate degree in general biology at the University of Victoria and moved to Winnipeg to pursue an M.Sc. in cardiovascular physiology within the physiology department at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICS). Mü!er completed her M.Sc in October, 2012 and is now investigating the role of
A
ndrew Stalker started his master’s degree in medical microbiology and infectious disease in September, 2012. Prior to this he worked at the Bannatyne campus as a lab technician and a co-op student over the past three years. Stalker graduated #om the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. Honours in genetics with a minor in chemistry. Stalker also
microRNA in mesenchymal stem ce! differentiation for her Ph.D. within ICS.
started playing hockey and curling through HSGSA and departmental organized activities.
Gradzette: Why are you running for the vice president St. Boniface position?
Gradzette: Why are you running for the position of vice president, marketing and events?
Alison Müler: I am running for this position because I am familiar with the position. This
Andrew Stalker: I am running for the position of VP Marketing and Events because I have
is the third year I’m running and I enjoy doing it immensely.
thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in HSGSA and departmentally run events both as a grad student and during my time as a co-op student. I strongly believe that by increasing
Gradzette: What is your background in student politics, or related activity? AM: I am recognized on the St. Boniface campus as the one who knows what’s going on so students who have been around longer can point newer students to me and I can help
the communication both socially and professionally between departments that students will gain a richer, broader education and have access to a more diverse network of contacts. G: What is your background in student politics, or related activities?
them out. This level of familiarity makes my job enjoyable and I want to maintain it as well as being more involved with the Bannatyne campus. Making meaningful connections with
AS: The position of VP Marketing and Events is a new position this year. Although my
people is a crucial aspect in whatever road I decide to take in my future and this position
experience with student politics is limited, I believe I am well suited to this position
gives me exposure to all the people involved in various aspects of maintaining a university.
because of my work helping to run a summer musical theater program for children and young adults over the past five years.
G: Where do you see the HGSA headed in 2013-2014 under your leadership? G: Where do you see the HGSA headed in 2013-2014 under your leadership? AM: As I am the only candidate from the previous executive running again, I believe that I will be a guide in the first few months to help maintain the level of involvement with all
AS: I hope that through my work with the HSGSA we will see more and more students
various aspects of the executive responsibilities that was established by the previous exec
attending events from the many different health science graduate departments as well as
and continue on and improve upon the ideas from last year. I see the HSGSA continuing
students in med school. I hope through my contacts and relationships with professors
to break barriers between the different departments and faculties on the Bannatyne
and students we will be able to generate more interest in the wide variety of events the
campus and will continue to encourage St Boniface students to get involved.
HSGSA puts on. As a slate, we believe that breaking barriers between the departments will not only make everyone’s graduate studies experience more enjoyable but also more valuable.
Gradzette 17