UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

ResearchLIFEWINTER 2017 | VOLUME 1

FOLLOWING THE NOSE CAN A LIVING FOSSIL ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE? FIXING INDIAN TAX LAW Honouring the Treaties AN ACCESSIBLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING Designing for accessibility CHRONIC INFLAMMATION Getting to the root of it 24

MESSAGE WINTER 2017 | VOLUME 1 FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT (RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL) HAPPENINGS & KUDOS 4 An array of research news & events CENTRES & INSTITUTES 9 Rising Star This issue of the magazine INSIGHTS Ian Wishart, 10 Minister of Education and Training is focused on something 12 near and dear to my heart: FOLLOWING THE NOSE FEATURE graduate student research. Learning from Lake Sturgeon These students carry out 12 the majority of research in a VIEWPOINT post-secondary environment, 17 Governance of Small-scale Fisheries under the guidance of their faculty advisors. They also FIXING INDIAN TAX LAW FEATURE garner local, national and 18 Honouring the Treaties international scholarships, internships and fellowships that support the research IDEAS TO INNOVATION Power Innovators they conduct, ultimately contributing to the 22 research enterprise. AN ACCESSIBLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING FEATURE Post-secondary research is critical to economic 24 Designing for Accessibility growth, productivity, global competitiveness and innovation. In 2014, according to Statistics Canada, SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENTS Canadian universities performed $13 billion in research 28 Peace Leadership and development (R&D), accounting for 40 per cent of all R&D done in Canada. Of that, $1 billion in research GETTING TO THE ROOT was for businesses, to help build their competitive 30 OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION FEATURE advantage. Another $1.2 billion in research was 30 ON THE HORIZON conducted for the not-for-profit sector, which has Events in early 2017 nearly tripled since 2000. 34 U of M draws in more than $160 million annually JUST THE FACTS of sponsored research income (funding), mainly from 22 35 Graduate Students, by the numbers sources outside our province. We are training highly qualified individuals to meet the needs of employers in a global marketplace. These students who are themselves accomplished researchers in their own right, are making headway on societal CONTRIBUTORS: ResearchLIFE Lena Betker, Curt Cherewayko, Joana challenges like: climate change, Treaty rights, accessible Correia, Garrick Kozier, Helen Fallding, environments, chronic diseases and resolving conflicts. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE Janine Harasymchuk, Rachel Ines, I invite you to immerse yourself in the research CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Mariianne Mays Wiebe, Maureen 18 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA Matthews, Sean Moore, Ian Wishart shared in this issue. It is only a fraction of what our Office of the VP students are investigating and questioning every day (Research and International) PHOTOGRAPHY: on campus, in our city, our province and abroad. 207 Administration Building Cover and throughout: David Lipnowski. Winnipeg, MB Canada R3T 2N2 Katie Chalmers-Brooks, Joana Correia, Tel: 204-474-7300 Adam Dolman, Charles Egerton, Dan [email protected] Gwozdz, Garrick Kozier, Mike Latschislaw, —Digvir S. Jayas, PhD, PEng, PAg, FRSC Fred Munson, Arunprasanth Sakthivel VICE-PRESIDENT (RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL) Digvir S. Jayas Member of the University Research Magazine Association: www.urma.org EDITOR Janine Harasymchuk umanitoba.ca/research ART DIRECTION Carisa Laturnus Romans Publication of this magazine is supported On the cover: by funding from the Government of Baby Lake Sturgeon swim in schools in their growth chamber at DESIGN Diverge Design Canada’s Research Support Fund, as is all the U of M. Photo by David Lipnowski. See feature on page 12. ISSN# 1918-144 research at the University of Manitoba.

2 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 3 HAPPENINGS/KUDOS

“THESE STUDENTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED TREMENDOUS DEDICATION Graduate students (l-r): Chantale Cenerini, Colin TO THEIR FIELDS AND TO THEIR COMMUNITIES. NOT ONLY ARE THEY Graydon, Kayla Moore, EXEMPLARY RESEARCHERS AND OUTSTANDING LEADERS, THEY Mamneet Manghera SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE AND INSPIRATION TO OTHERS.” photo: Adam Dolman

COLIN GRAYDON, KAYLA MOORE, CIVIL ENGINEERING

MEDICAL For her undergraduate degree, Moore studied environmental science at the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, MICROBIOLOGY and Resources at the U of M. She concluded her bachelor’s degree with an international exchange at Flinders University in 2 Graydon has been incredibly 3 Adelaide, Australia. She is passionate about sharing her exper- productive with his research in tise through service to her rural community as the president medical microbiology, inves- of the Cherry Point Cottage Owners’ Association and as tigating how LAG-3, a protein a member of the Oak Lake Aquifer Management Board. that suppresses certain com- ponents of the immune system, Her doctoral research in civil engineering will investigate blocks the body’s response to the solute transport in saline aquifers and application to diseases. He is studying LAG-3 geothermal energy as a potential power source in the from the perspective of HIV Canadian prairies. Moore lives along Oak Lake and spends infection, but what is discov- a lot of time boating and floating in the summer, and ered may have implications fishing in spring and winter. in tuberculosis, cancer, autoimmunity, allergy, “Fortunately, the work I do allows me to pursue my and vaccine research. passion for research, while still living primarily in rural Manitoba. It’s an amazing opportunity,” Moore says. “As a passionate learner, I de- light in being immersed in a She plays hockey and fastball with Westman Fusion, out of Reston, Manitoba and says it’s as much a therapy session as field as intensely interesting a game most of the time. of M’s newest cohort of Vanier scholars are LINGUISTICS and immensely complex as tackling subjects as varied as Indigenous CHANTALE CENERINI, immunology,” says Graydon. languages, HIV infection, geothermal Cenerini’s research is playing a part in the revitalization of “My favourite aspect of immu- energy and Lou Gehrig's disease. Indigenous languages in Canada; her doctoral studies focus nology is its broad nature. I on understanding and supporting the vitality of Michif, the see science as exploration, no MAMNEET MANGHERA, IMMUNOLOGY U The four graduate students—Chantale language of the Métis people. As a Métis woman, she aspires different than geographical Cenerini, linguistics; Colin Graydon, medical 1 to be a role model and inspiration to Indigenous women exploration. The complex and With a perfect GPA of 4.50, Manghera has an extensive list microbiology; Kayla Moore, civil engineering and through her research and academic success and through broad nature of immunology of academic awards, distinctions, prizes and scholarships, her participation in Indigenous cultural events. leaves so much to be discov- Mamneet Manghera, immunology—are recipients including the Governor General’s Gold Medal and Sir Gor- ered, and many new maps to of Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (each “One of the things I like best about my PhD program don Wu Graduate Scholarship in 2015. Her research looks be drawn. Being a small part of 4 closely at how pieces of human DNA made up of retroviral receive $150,000 over three years). These awards, is to be able to contribute to something meaningful that discovery in a community genomes (called endogenous retroviruses) contribute to considered the Canadian equivalent of the not only to academia, but also, more importantly, to of explorers is very gratifying.” United Kingdom’s Rhodes Scholarships, help neuropathology in Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). She notes communities whose languages I am working with. Although his work with the that doing medical research provides her with a sense of recruit and retain top doctoral students from Health Sciences Graduate There has been an awakening to the need for better, healthier, purpose and direction in life, especially having witnessed across the country and around the world. Student Association is quite nation-to-nation relationships in Canada, a goal which cannot first-hand the devastating effects of the neurological demanding, Graydon says he be achieved without giving deference to language, and I am disease ALS in her community. “These students have demonstrated tremendous spends most of his free time happy to play even just a small part in this journey,” she says. dedication to their fields and to their communities,” with friends, including playing “I found my purpose and passion in medical research said Todd Mondor, acting vice-provost, graduate Cenerini is a skilled polyglot; fluent in French and English, she rugby and guitar. His volunteer aimed at elucidating the mechanisms behind education and dean of graduate studies. “Not only has knowledge of the Cree language, is literate in Spanish, has experience includes working as ALS neuropathology. functional skills in Italian and has studied German. She has vol- a scout leader, fundraising for a are they exemplary researchers and outstanding unteered as a catechist at Saint-Norbert Parish, a soup kitchen building project in Ecuador and It is extremely rewarding and satisfying to know that the work leaders, they serve as an example and inspiration worker at Souls Harbor Rescue Mission, and a resource person working on HIV/AIDS and Hepa- I do in the lab has the potential to bring a positive change in to others.” at Centre Flavie-Laurent Centre, a low-income resource centre. titis C community outreach. the health of individuals living with ALS,” she says.

4 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 5 HAPPENINGS/KUDOS

SHAPING THE LANDSCAPE MASTER CONDUCTOR LEARNING FROM CAREGIVERS OF AGING RESEARCH KATHLEEN (KATY) HARMER is the 2016 recipient of the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music’s Philipp and Anna Wiebe Scholar- ship. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a master’s student who has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5, has a strong interest in choral music and has demonstrated out- standing musical and leadership abilities in choral conducting. Harmer says she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved in choir of some kind and has always preferred singing in a group to singing solo. Her love for conducting was ignited during her undergraduate degree in music at the University of Western Ontario. “It is a whole new way to interact with music, and one that I really enjoy.” As a student in the Master of Music in Conducting program, Harmer’s schedule is packed with singing and conducting choir rehearsals: she sings in three of the faculty’s choirs—University Singers, Women's Chorus, and the Cantata Singers—meets “I APPROACH A SMALL BUNGALOW on a busy street with the intention of conducting an interview about the changes in everyday activities of a married couple who are living with dementia,” says Barbara Tallman, a PhD candidate in the Applied Health Sciences program, at a recent Café Scientifique. “As the door opens, I am generously greeted by a friendly large THE GLOBAL POPULATION IS AGING at an unprecedented rate. boxer. The older woman who answers the door shoos the dog Brooke Beatie (top), For the first time in Canada, the number of seniors aged 65 and away and invites me into her unexplainably comfortable home.” Megan Siemens over now outnumbers children under the age of 15. As aging Tallman uses stories to share the problems that people (below), master’s related issues move to the forefront, the Centre on Aging has with dementia and their family caregivers have, and to give students in played a role in promoting and supporting aging research since healthcare providers a broader range of strategies to assist psychology it was established in 1982. One focus of their support is to couples in living with dementia in the community. She defines provide annual scholarship and fellowship awards to student “couples” as a person with dementia and their family members researchers focused on aging issues. or intimately involved others. Brooke Beatie and Megan Siemens—both master’s “The couples’ everyday life is a venue to see how each students in psychology—received the Jack MacDonell person adjusts, where they struggle and how they come Scholarship in Aging and the Esther & Samuel Milmot to understand and live with their circumstances,” Scholarship, respectively. says Tallman. weekly with her advisor Elroy Friesen, and has regular practice Beatie’s research focuses on age differences in mental sessions with other choral conducting students to discuss This Café also highlighted two additional PhD candidates health help-seeking and service utilization. Siemens recently conducting gestures and try new techniques. Her course work is in the same program: Jane Karpa and Scott Kehler. defended her thesis titled: “The Effect of Aging on the Use comprised of vocal techniques—learning how to teach singing Karpa is exploring the families’ experiences living with of Featural and Geometric Cues During Reorientation in to a group of people—and diction—learning how to properly acquired brain injury (ABI), something that has reached a Virtual Environment.” pronounce the music she’s conducting. worldwide epidemic proportions. The individual experiences Maia Kredentser, a PhD candidate in clinical psychology, the ABI, but the impact on the families’ lives and how they received the Centre on Aging Betty Havens Memorial Graduate “I can't imagine my life without music in it, and make sense of their experiences living with ABI is the focus Fellowship. Her research is on psychological issues in end-of- completing a masters will allow me to go out into the of her research. life care for patients with chronic and terminal illness and community, share my passion with others, and try to Kehler studies, among other things, the impact of physical their caregivers. instill in them a love of music and singing together.” activity in adults who are frail. See page 9 for a profile of Since 1986, 88 students have been awarded nearly $214,000 his research. in various scholarships funded by the centre’s awards. “I don't know exactly where my career will go from here, but I To view a video of this Café Scientifique presentation visit: To learn more about aging research visit: umanitoba.ca/aging know that it will be musical!” — Desautels Faculty of Music umanitoba.ca/cafescientifique

6 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 7 HAPPENINGS/KUDOS CENTRES & INSTITUTES

SUPPORTING MANITOBA’S GRAD STUDENTS Garrick Kozier esearch Manitoba supports industry or within the academic Psychology, who received a Graduate Scholarships and research enterprise. Graduate Scholarship and Yufei Studentships to qualifying (Andy) Chen, a PhD candidate in master’s and PhD students, Meet two 2016 recipients: Jessica the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ who will go on to careers Summers, a master’s student in the College of Pharmacy, who received BY GARRICK KOZIER Ras independent researchers, in Faculty of Arts’ Department of a Graduate Studentship. RISING STAR

WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT: Mindful- two times more likely HEN YOU GROW UP in Winkler, Man., you eat, to comprehensively explore it with the goal of informing ness training for staff has the than men to become sleep, and play hockey. That’s just what you do. Scott Kehler the current standard of care,” says Duhamel, who is lead potential to positively influence infected with HIV through And that’s just what Scott Kehler did. He’s now a current PhD researcher on the project. “His biggest impact is his appli- the well-being of clients who rely unprotected hetero- gone from saving pucks to saving lives. candidate in the cation of kinesiology in a health research world and it’s on them for help with everyday sexual intercourse. Kehler is a current PhD candidate in the Applied Health really setting him apart. In that respect, he’s established Applied Health Sciences program and holds Sciences program himself nationally.” tasks, from bathing to going to HOW HE IS MAKING a Sir Gordon Wu Scholarship. His research is dedicated and holds a Sir Kehler is also making blips on the international radar. the grocery store. A DIFFERENCE: W to improving the long-term health outcomes of elective- Gordon Wu His research recently earned him an invite to Copenhagen, He designed and developed WHAT INSPIRES HER: The desire surgery cardiac patients by researching the benefits of Scholarship. Denmark to attend the prestigious and exclusive Saltin Inter- an IVR that can deliver a to improve the quality of life pre-surgery physical activity and exercise. It’s an area national Graduate Course in sustained and controlled for persons with developmental referred to as “Preoperative Rehabilitation,” or PREHAB. exercise physiology in health release of an immuno- disabilities through mind- A glimpse into the study: there’s typically a four-month and disease. modulatory drug called “His biggest impact fulness training. waiting period for elective cardiac surgery. The current “He’s been a part of three JESSICA YUFEI (ANDY) hydroxychloroquine is his application of standard of care does not include a referral for exercise CIHR Strategic Training WHAT SHE PLANS ON DOING NEXT: that may prevent kinesiology in a health therapy and/or educational sessions during this pre-sur- Initiative in Health Research SUMMERS After finishing her master’s CHEN HIV transmission. research world and gery time. Some patients might be told by their healthcare programs specifically degree in psychology and her it’s really setting him Board Certified Behaviour ALSO TO HIS CREDIT: Chen providers not to engage in physical activity. Other patients designed to develop the next WHAT SHE EXPLORES: The positive WHAT HE EXPLORES: Analyst certification, Summers completed a Bachelor might simply be afraid to exercise during this time. apart. In that respect, generation of outstanding effects mindfulness has on persons Ways to reduce the risk hopes to pursue a PhD in Ap- of Science in Pharmacy “We see this time as a window of opportunity he’s established scientists. There’s been a with developmental disabilities of HIV transmission. plied Behaviour Analysis while Engineering from Jilin to challenge the dogma of being physically inactive himself nationally.” lot of investment put into and the staff who care for them University in China before working as a behaviour analyst. WHAT HE FOCUSES ON: pre-surgery,” says Kehler. Scott by the university and at St. Amant, a non-profit orga- Medical devices known as coming to the U of M to The goal is to demonstrate the efficacy of PREHAB— beyond. He holds a CIHR nization supporting Manitobans ALSO TO HER CREDIT: Summers intravaginal rings (IVRs) earn his master’s degree especially in patients considered to be frail. Frail patients Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Schol- with developmental disabilities holds an honours degree in that offer an inexpensive in pharmacy. Chen is the typically recover more slowly from heart surgery. This arship, and he has extensive, high-level training in knowledge and autism. Mindfulness means psychology from the U of M alternative to condoms vice-chair of the U of M’s frailty is mostly due to muscle weakness and inactivity. translation,” says Duhamel. to be present in the moment and is the student representative and could be key in the American Association of Therefore, an exercise program before their operation “The different perspectives on health care and evidence while being aware of your for the Manitoba Association global fight to eradicate Pharmaceutical Scientists may have long-term and potentially life-saving benefits. informed practice I’ve been exposed to by being a part of the thoughts and emotions. for Behaviour Analysis. She the deadly disease. Student Chapter and a Duhamel, the director of the Health, Leisure, and Human HLHPRI and the U of M as a whole has had an impact on my presented her research at the board member of the Performance Research Institute in the Faculty of Kinesi- way of thinking about finding solutions,” says Kehler. HOW HER RESEARCH WORKS: She HOW THE DEVICE WORKS: 2015 Canadian Conference on Canadian Chapter of ology and Recreation Management—who is also Kehler’s A significant aim of the HLHPRI is to facilitate, conduct, studies the impact of a training Drug-releasing IVRs Developmental Disabilities and Controlled Release Society. supervisor—calls Kehler’s exploration into this area and disseminate research of the highest quality to advance program called Mindful Practice are inserted to reduce Autism, and was awarded the He also received the 2012 unique and novel. understanding of health, leisure and human performance. for Direct Support Providers. the woman’s risk of 2016 Shannon L. Hamm Manitoba Health Research “His master’s work (a PREHAB feasibility study that “A really great way to answer a question is to look at it contracting HIV WHAT SHE MEASURES: Staff Memorial Scholarship, Psych- Council Coordinated demonstrated preoperative physical activity improved func- from as many different lenses as you can. The institute strives during intercourse. behaviour changes and im- ology Graduate Fellowship Studentship and the 2015 tional walking ability in patients) leveraged this $620,000 to facilitate partnerships and connections with health care proved client happiness and and Research Manitoba WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT: Leslie F. Buggy Graduate CIHR PREHAB team grant [research is conducted out of experts across the university and beyond to create answers reduced challenging behaviours. Graduate Scholarship. Woman are biologically Scholarship in Pharmacy. the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre] that have impact,” Duhamel says.

8 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 9 INSIGHTS INSIGHTS: HONOURABLE IAN WISHART MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

onourable Ian S MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, It also coordinates and oversees major provincial research I recognise the key role that a strong research com- programs, and promotes partnerships between researchers Wishart was first munity can play in building a thriving province. and other partners in the province and across Canada. elected as the MLA Through research we gain a better understanding Collaboration and partnership are becoming an essential of matters important to humanity and society, aspect of research initiatives. In order to strengthen the prov- for Portage la Prai- discover new knowledge, and facilitate the dissem- ince’s innovation ecosystem we need to maximize knowledge rie in 2011. In 2016, Aination and application of knowledge. Expanding research exchange between various sectors, including governments, opportunities within the province will help increase our post-secondary institutions, businesses and not-for-profit he was re‐elected capacity to advance economic, social, cultural and environ- organizations. In fact, post-secondary institutions and H and was appointed mental interests in Manitoba. Advancing research capacity researchers in Manitoba are striving to expand their networks as Minister of Education in Manitoba is also paramount to integrating evidence- with those in other parts of Canada and internationally. Many based decision-making and to public policy development. researchers actively reach out to businesses, practitioners in and Training. The Government of Manitoba takes various approaches to various sectors, and community organizations to establish Wishart graduated from support and enhance research capacity in the province. First partnerships. Furthermore, businesses and community and foremost, the government supports our post-secondary organizations, who have not been traditionally considered as the Faculty of Agricultural researchers, are increasingly engaging in and Food Sciences at the research activities, and are seeking part- “ONE OF THE AREAS THAT I SEE A GREAT POTENTIAL IS TO FURTHER University of Manitoba. Since nerships with researchers and academic FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE RESEARCH COMMUNITY institutions. The Manitoba government is then, he has served as pres- AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR. MANITOBA MUST STRIVE TO REMAIN committed to supporting and facilitating ident and vice‐president of COMPETITIVE AS AN INNOVATIVE ECONOMY.” such collaborations and partnerships. One of the areas that I see a great Keystone Agricultural potential is to further foster partnerships Producers, as executive mem- institutions. Research and graduate studies are a significant between the research community and the private sector. aspect of university education in Manitoba. In recent years, Manitoba must strive to remain competitive as an innova- ber of the Canadian Federa- colleges are also striving to boost their research capacity. tive economy, which is essential in the face of the changing tion of Agriculture, and as a Faculty members and graduate students in Manitoba’s socio-economic needs we are experiencing. Key players in the board member of the Manito- post-secondary institutions have been key drivers in advancing private sector are increasingly realizing that the path to inno- research, with research-based, graduate-level programming. vation must involve a strong research community. I anticipate ba Crop Insurance Board and Universities in Manitoba offer graduate programs in a wide more private sector investments in every aspect of research, the Manitoba Water Council. range of disciplines, including arts, science, business, health, including innovative research initiatives and entrepreneurial agriculture, education, and fine arts. The graduate program- application of research findings. I look forward to working He and his wife Leslie have ming in the province is continuously growing in its depth with our academic and business communities to ensure that two children and live on a and breadth, attracting strong graduate students from across graduates from our post-secondary institutions have the skills Canada and internationally. Graduate students, in particular, and knowledge to succeed in the knowledge-based economy. fourth‐generation family farm represent emerging researchers who bring innovative ideas Leveraging this expertise will serve to improve Manitoba’s north of Portage la Prairie. and perspectives to the research community in Manitoba. economic prosperity. Research Manitoba is a critical tool that the provincial I recognize that building research capacity requires concerted government utilizes to enhance the research capacity in Man- efforts among the Manitoba government, post-secondary insti- itoba. The scope of its mandate includes research in health, tutions, other research institutions, and partners from various Ian Wishart talking with students at natural and social sciences, engineering and the humanities. sectors in the province. As Minister of Education and Training the 3rd Annual Children's Peace Walk, Research Manitoba provides grants and awards for initiatives I am committed to participating, facilitating and supporting August 2016. conducted by graduate students, new or established researchers. such partnerships and collaborations.

10 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 11 FEATURE

THE A PHD CANDIDATE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN A SERIES OF NOVEL EXPERIMENTS FOLLOWING INVESTIGATING HOW CLIMATE CHANGE WILL IMPACT THE OLFACTORY- MEDIATED BEHAVIOUR OF A FRESHWATER FISH. THE RESULTS WILL EITHER GIVE A SLIVER OF HOPE, OR PROVIDE NEW REA- SONS TO BE FRIGHTFUL OF OUR IMPACT ON NATURAL SYSTEMS.

BY SEAN MOORE David LipnowskiDavid

12 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 13 FEATURE David LipnowskiDavid

Luke Belding just finished setting up his experiment in the “This is a more challenging approach but much more rewarding, as linking both behaviour and physiology of the basement of the Duff Roblin Building. A large fan roars over the organism provides a more holistic understanding of how the sound of water trickling through a network of tubes connecting environment might shape the biology of the fish,” Anderson says. huge plastic tanks full of fish. After testing his setup, Belding If sturgeon are negatively affected, that is ominous. will begin a series of experiments this summer that will be the “It will not be a good sign,” Belding says. “If an ancient fish like this is negatively impacted by the CO2 we’re pumping first to explore how free swimming, newly hatched larval Lake into the atmosphere, after they’ve gone through 200 million Sturgeon deal with rapidly changing environments. Particularly, years of climate change, then it goes to show we are causing how they will respond to increasing CO2 and temperatures irreparable damage.” scientists predict for 2100, which, since sturgeon can live to be 100, the fish being born today will experience. “THIS IS A MORE CHALLENGING APPROACH BUT MUCH MORE REWARDING, AS LINKING BOTH BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ORGANISM PROVIDES A MORE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE ENVIRONMENT N SIMPLISTIC TERMS, the experiments will pit MIGHT SHAPE THE BIOLOGY OF THE FISH.” an animal unchanged for roughly 200 million RIGHT: Luke Belding years against human-induced climate change. Luke Belding, biologi- It will explore how environments influence cal sciences graduate But, at least through Belding’s experimental paradigm, the an animal’s physiology and behavior during student, checking on fish may show no signs of being affected, suggesting that these early development, providing us insights the Lake Sturgeon in fish have the ability to respond to this type of change. If that into if and how the Lake Sturgeon’s adaptive growth chambers. is the case, his research will unveil a corridor of doors others capacity can keep pace with a rapidly can open. changing environment. Belding is the first to undertake such a THE RIGHT STREAM OF THOUGHT study on this living fossil and his ambition Belding thought up a rough concept of his current Istands out all the more because, even though he is experimental design in 2009 while working on his under- pursuing his PhD in biology, he has not led experiments graduate degree. in the past. “We read a paper for class about climate change and fish He was considering entering veterinarian school and I said, ‘That sounds like a bad thing for fish.’ And I’m when he decided he would rather study sharks. He super interested in fish so I started brainstorming ideas,” loved the ocean—he grew up playing and exploring in Belding says. tide pools in Cape Breton—so he switched his focus to He never conducted any undergraduate research, though, marine biology. But controlled experiments on sharks and his master’s was course-based. are expensive, difficult and rare, and Belding couldn’t In 2014 he read a paper that was basically his idea from find a suitable lab to join after finishing his master’s at 2009: researchers monitored how sharks behaved when Northeastern University in Boston. Although Lake Sturgeon scent cues were introduced into their tank. Then he thought of Lake Sturgeon. They are ancient can grow up to 10 feet “I read it and was like, ‘Goddammit! They beat me to it.’ like sharks, yet barely studied. He called around to labs. long, they start small. But it did also encourage me. It really did. I was like, ‘Holy “I contacted Gary Anderson here at the U of M and The fish pictured above crap, someone else had the same idea as me, ran the exper- told him what I have been doing and what I wanted are roughly 5 months iment, and produced results I expected.’ So I knew I was on old and between the right track and should continue with my other ideas.” to do and he was super interested. And now I’m in 5-10 cm long. Winnipeg, as far away from the ocean as possible,” Thanks to funding from professor Anderson’s Industrial Belding says with a laugh. Research Chair, supported by Manitoba Hydro and NSERC, What professor Anderson liked about Belding’s Belding will now explore how different rearing environments approach was his idea to combine both behavioural may affect the neurophysiological response and olfactory- and physiological measurements of sturgeon. mediated behaviors of sturgeon.

14 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 15 FEATURE VIEWPOINT

The more CO2 in the water, the more acidic it becomes and studies on coral reef fish show this inhibits the animals’ ability to sense and thus respond to cues: impacting their ability to find food, avoid predators and respond to signals from neighbouring fish. But coral reef fish are newcomers compared to sturgeon, David LipnowskiDavid who have seen ice ages come and go and live in freshwater systems, which have temperatures and chemistries that fluctuate wildly compared to the ocean.

“IF WE’RE AFFECTING THE PLANET TO THE POINT THAT A SPECIES THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR HUNDREDS GOVERNANCE OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES: OF MILLIONS OF YEARS IS UNABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, WE MAY BE HAVING A LARGER EFFECT A WAY OF LIFE THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED BY: JOANA CORREIA ON THE PLANET THAN WE PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT.”

Will sturgeon suffer the same consequences as coral reef fish? Sturgeon are notoriously robust as juveniles and adults, but no one knows about the larval stage. If we rapidly change the rearing environment for a Lake Sturgeon during early development, can it respond, and if so, how? ISHING IS A WAY OF LIFE that connects us all. fishers had gone from working from home with From fishing practices that are passed on everyone being able to depend on fisheries, to travelling SNIFFING OUT ANSWERS from generation to generation, to social and very long distances as a result of the state’s investments, To answer these questions, Belding will raise sturgeon in cultural aspects embedded in our history, to catch fish on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. various treatments, each with different temperatures and fishing is one of the oldest ways to extract a They travelled in very poor conditions to Newfound-

CO2 levels, and then using a two chamber choice test to assess renewable resource. More than 90% of global land, until the cod fishery was completely depleted and behavioural responses, he will introduce various scent cues, Ffisheries are small-scale artisanal fisheries (small- closed indefinitely in 1992. such as food or predator cues. If all is well and Lake Sturgeon scale fisheries for subsistence or local, small markets, After surviving the harsh conditions of such long are not affected by the treatments, the sturgeon will spend generally using traditional fishing techniques and and dangerous trips, and losing many of its fishers more time near the food cue and avoid the predator cue. small boats. They occur around the world (particu- at sea, they began to operate under the EU-Morocco Based on all previous research, Belding suspects he will find larly in developing nations) and are vital to livelihoods fisheries agreement, initiated in 1995, and fish for Joana Correia is the opposite. and food security). hake (deep-sea completing her master’s degree at the Natural These experiments will be coupled with electro-olfactogram Fisheries governance systems tend to be hierarchical Over the years, there members of the cod recordings, where he will apply the same cues to the Lake with top governors (state or national governments) family, found on the Resources Institute in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty Sturgeon’s olfactory organ and record the neuronal activity. investing only in large-scale industrial fisheries. This has been a global trend continental shelf of Environment, Earth, and In so doing, he will be able to connect how early rearing envi- single investment predominantly allows for both of fisheries overex- and slope to depths Resources. She holds an ronment influences the fish’s ability to smell environmental national and international exploitation to take place. ploitation, as national over 1,000 metres). undergraduate degree in cues and how that results in the observed behavior of the fish Over the years, there has been a global trend of fisheries and international indus- The international marine biology and dual to the same cues. overexploitation, as national and international indus- trial fishing practices agreement expired Canadian and Portugese Belding also hopes to further investigate a mysterious cell. trial fishing practices have become the foundation for have become the foun- in late 1999 and citizenship. Her co-super- In 2016, Lauren Shute, an undergraduate student in Anderson’s governance. Without the consideration of other fishing dation for governance. was not renewed visors are Derek Johnson lab, published a study describing a unique cell she discovered practices, such as the more common artisanal fisheries, for the south of (anthropology) and Fikret in the skin of larval Lake Sturgeon. Its purpose is unknown but small fishing communities are unprepared for the Portugal. In the last Berkes (Natural Resources she surmised it probably either emits a pheromone for com- current increase in their local fishing efforts. 20 years, local fishers have had no other option but to Institute). Correia was munication with other Lake Sturgeon or it releases some foul In Fuzeta, a southeastern Portuguese fishing village, fish mainly for octopus. As one of the elder fishers puts preparing to embark on compound to deter predators. as the governance of their octopus fishery was examined, it, “This is all we have now, it is our survival, there is a research expedition to Anderson’s lab is now working with others to sequester the it was clear that the fishers’ way of life was being ignored nothing else.” Antarctica in December cell’s chemical products. Once gained, they will study what role by the state (top governor). Since the 15th century, this Providing support for such communities as well 2016: the Australian-led Homeward Bound expedi- they have. Then Belding plans to see if 2100’s increased CO has been an extremely important artisanal fishery where as adequate fisheries governance system is a hard task 2 tion is a project that brings and temperature affects this unique system too. everyone within the community is involved in the pro- that requires a holistic perspective, where governance together 78 young female Lake Sturgeon “There are a lot of people outside of the scientific community cess, from hand-making the octopus traps to the first sale. is understood as an integrated process occurring at scientists from around (Acipenser fulvescens) saying climate change isn’t happening or won’t affect anything,” With no management plan in place and no gover- multiple scales, which is in fact what connects us all. the world to connect, have survived for millions Belding says. “But if we’re affecting the planet to the point that nance framework designed to recognize the octopus A global collaborative research network called Too network and become of years in fresh- a species that has been around for hundreds of millions of years fishery as a way of life, the people of Fuzeta are con- Big To Ignore (toobigtoignore.net) and the community- leaders who will in turn water environments is unable to function normally, we may be having a larger effect cerned about their future. They recognize what following based resource management projects from U of M’s promote women and in North America. on the planet than we previously thought.” a hierarchical system did to their local practices: Fuzeta’s Natural Resources Institute funded Correia’s study. girls in science.

16 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 17 FEATURE

HONOURING TREATIES COULD FUEL THE INDIGENOUS ECONOMY

BY HELEN FALLDING

More than 140 years after Chief Jacob Berens signed off on Treaty 5, his great-great-grand-daughter is reminding Canadians that treaties can be a springboard for economic revitalization.

YRA TAIT’S reminder comes in the form of a master’s thesis devoted to tax law. “Tax is sur- prisingly sexy,” Tait discovered after working as a summer research assistant for former law dean Lorna Turnbull, who studies Mthe impact of tax policy on women. Section 87 of the Indian Act exempts the property of First Nations and their citizens from taxation but Tait says the Canada Revenue Agency interprets that exemption in a very narrow and often confusing way. In practice, it means that First Nation citizens usually pay income tax unless they’re working for a First Nation or “you never leave the reserve and you’re maybe making moccasins,” Tait says. “Where’s the incentive for economic development if I actually want to do something bigger than eke out a living?” David LipnowskiDavid

18 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 19 FEATURE

RIGHT: On the left, the silver Treaty No. 5 Medal given to Chief Jacob Berens after completing the negotiations of the Treaty at Berens River, While Tait was in law school, the Federal Court of Appeal Sept 20th, 1875. improved the situation slightly with a ruling that commercial BELOW: Embroidered Jacket On the right, the silver medal fishing by two Norway House men was tax exempt even made by Nancy Berens, the Jacob Berens received in though they fished off-reserve. But the judges said “It is easier wife of William Berens, Chief 1901 from the Duke and to say what the purpose of section 87 is not, than to state at Berens River from 1917 Duchess of Cornwall and positively what it is.” until 1947. This jacket is made York, later King George V of smoke tanned moosehide and Queen Mary, on the AIT TOOK THAT AS AN INVITATION to explore the and beautifully embroidered occasion of the first Royal purpose of the Indian Act tax exemptions, which with silk. It was made in 1912 visit to Western Canada. The might not be so mysterious after all. The Act for the Reverend Percy Jones, medal commemorates the passed one year after her treaty was signed and a friend after whom Nancy relationship generated by and William named one of long before Canadians paid income tax. Surely one Treaties between the Crown their sons. The jacket was of the Indian Act’s main purposes was to imple- and Canadian First Nations donated to the Manitoba ment the treaties, including verbal agreements that were part peoples. The medals signify T Museum in 1980. Crown promises to honour of nation-to-nation treaty negotiations, Tait argues. photos: David Lipnowsk Treaties whereas the adjacent The essence of the treaty relationship is that treaty Indians pipe signifies Indigenous were to live under their own law and settlers under theirs, she agency in Treaty making and says. “Treaty Indians would not be subject to taxation by the underlines the First Nations Canadian government.” peoples understanding that Treaties were also designed to facilitate peace and trade, the Treaties constituted a Tait says – the kind of trade that is only possible when both sacred promise. parties maintain a healthy economy.

TAIT BELIEVES TAX EXEMPTIONS SHOULD TRAVEL WITH THE INDIVIDUAL, AS HER HUNTING RIGHTS DO WHEN SHE IS OFF RESERVE. “Why couldn’t that happen in Winnipeg?” Tait “We’ve completely forgotten about the asks, pointing to the Kapyong Barracks land that treaty relationship,” she says. “I don’t see Tait believes tax exemptions should travel with the got bogged down in court after Manitoba First anybody talking about taxes and treaties.” individual, as her hunting rights do when she is off reserve, Nations requested it as partial fulfilment of out- Like Senator Murray Sinclair, Tait thinks providing an incentive for First Nation citizens to start standing Treaty 1 promises. Canadians have a rare second chance at businesses in places where they are more likely to be viable. Some of those who argue that Tait’s tax policy Reconciliation through renewal of the treaty That would require the federal government to expand section reform suggestions are unfair may be suffering relationship. “Implementing treaties is not 87 Indian Act provisions to better reflect the purpose of from historical amnesia, she says. Was it fair that for wimps.” the treaties. Such changes could propel First Nations into a her ancestors were legally prevented from selling Fortunately, Tait is no wimp. She farmed totally different economic situation, which Tait argues should for a couple of decades and juggled her be more palatable to Canadians than paying for more jails “MY HOPE IS TO REVITALIZE THE TREATY ABOVE: Chief’s Coat. undergraduate degree with raising children Red wool coat with and other consequences of widespread poverty. RELATIONSHIP DISCUSSION. IT SHOULD on her own. Her four brainy and artistic kids Details of how an individual’s exemptions would apply in navy and gold trim, were only recognized as Indian after Canada a neighbouring treaty area could be worked out between First INFUSE EVERY ASPECT OF THE INDIAN’S LIFE epaulettes and but- got rid of a law about five years ago that tons with the words Nations, Tait says. JUST LIKE THE INDIAN ACT ALWAYS HAS.” discriminated against their grandmother. “Dominion of Canada Tait’s thesis supervisor Turnbull says what we tax, how we Tait is co-editing a book with political Indians”. This coat was tax and who we tax reflect our values as a society. “Myra’s their farm products or that they received inferior given to Jacob Berens studies professor Kiera Ladner titled Surviving work invites us, maybe even requires us, to incorporate the and harmful education? Canadian courts also the day the Treaty was Canada: Indigenous Peoples Celebrate 150 values embedded in the treaties—especially the value of have an aversion to the possibility that any Indian negotiated in Berens Years of Betrayal that includes a contribu- nation-to-nation agreement making—in the tax provisions businessperson might grow wealthy. In fact, one River, September tion from activist singer Buffy Sainte- the Canadian legal system has imposed on members of of the tax law cases Tait quotes in her thesis warns 20th, 1875 and kept Marie. Tait hopes Mamawipawin (originally Indigenous communities.” against opening the door “to wealthy Natives living by the Berens family set-up with funding from the Canada Tait’s understanding of treaties is enriched by her work on reserves across Canada to place their holdings for 132 years before Foundation for Innovation and Province of with Mamawipawin, a research space on the Fort Garry into banks or other financial institutions situated they offered it to the Manitoba) will be able to secure long-term campus focused on constitutional law and Indigenous politics. on reserves… without attracting any income tax Manitoba Museum so funding, since there’s so much more work That work has taken Tait to Australia and New Zealand, on their profits.” that the story of Treaty to be done. where a former air force base in Hamilton was returned to If more wealthy people did live on reserve, it 5 could be told. “My hope is to revitalize the treaty the Maori 20 years ago as part of a land settlement. That land might instead open the door to First Nations relationship discussion. It should infuse is now home to a Maori-run shopping mall worth hundreds levying their own taxes for the benefit of the every aspect of the Indian’s life just like of millions of dollars. community, Tait says. the Indian Act always has.”

20 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 21 IDEAS TO INNOVATION

ARUNPRASANTH SAKTHIVEL recently through the MITACS accelerate schol- completed his PhD and is now employed arship [and by a Manitoba Graduate at RTDS as a simulation specialist. Scholarship and Mark and Dorothy “In my PhD research, I developed a Danzker Scholarship].” As part of his systematic procedure to tune controller MITACS/RTDS funding, he spent four POWER INNOVATORS parameters of Modular Multilevel Con- months in every year of his PhD studies BY JANINE HARASYMCHUK verter based Voltage Source Converter working as an intern. “The research (MMC-VSC) systems,” says Sakthivel. MMC-VSC systems are attractive for “The fun part of my research is integrating wind and solar farms to the performing real-time simulation power system and providing better con- studies of power systems.” trol of power flow in the transmission guidance received from the staff was ABOVE: Smartpark, the university’s research network. There is an urgent global need very valuable to the successful comple- and technology park—located on the edge of in the industry for a proper procedure tion of my research.” the Fort Garry campus—has been building a to tune VSC controllers. Sakthivel says that detailed behaviour community of innovators since 2002. Created to foster university and industry research collabo- “I used the RTDS as the simulation of any complicated power system can be platform for my research,” continues ration and innovation, and nurture a culture that mathematically modelled and accurately helps keep highly-skilled students and research- Sakthivel. “My research was funded in simulated using advanced computer ers in Manitoba, the 100-acre park is now home part by the RTDS Technologies Inc. simulation tools such as RTDS. to 1,100 employees and 415,000 square feet of Sakthivel’s development of a novel research facilities. control tuning procedure was published in a popular power system journal, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery. He expects the power system industry to adopt this tuning method for practical LEFT: Arunprasanth Sakthivel RTDS simulation specialist. applications. The power system simu- lation models he developed are used by researchers at the U of M. MANITOBA’S OZENS OF U OF M graduate Council of Canada (NSERC). RTDS students participate in research not only provides initial training – POWER ADVANTAGE and development at RTDS closely guiding the research through throughout the year, gaining regular progress meetings – but also Winnipeg is an internationally recognized valuable experience and an engages with students throughout centre of expertise in power system simu- applied educational advantage. the research. lation. This reputation is based on the work OneD such student is electrical and com- “It is fun and exciting when research of the Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, puter engineering recent PhD graduate, works as I planned,” says Gurusinghe. RTDS Technologies Inc. and the Power Sys- Dinesh Gurusinghe. tems Group in the Faculty of Engineering. “I have been involved in ongoing “This research facilitated two-way RTDS Technologies Inc. is a spin-off research on novel synchrophasor appli- Dinesh Gurusinghe, electrical and technology and knowledge transfer company from the HVDC Centre and is cations [an important tool that can help computer engineering graduate, now and provided hands-on training in the world's first manufacturer of Real Time employed at RTDS Technologies. minimize large scale blackouts] and the an industrial R&D environment.” Digital Simulators (RTDS) for the power need for testing them in real-time envi- systems industry. ronments to identify various practical “The most exciting part is when I come RTDS is essentially a massively parallel implementation issues,” says Gurusinghe. up with ideas and ways to implement computer capable of solving, in real “This research facilitated two-way tech- and to test them. time, the equations which govern the RIGHT: RTDS Technologies—one of nology and knowledge transfer and pro- Some of the discoveries I make are behaviour of power systems and their vided hands-on training in an industrial 18 tenants in Smartpark—is a shining already implemented as generic appli- example of the university/industry control apparatus. The University of Man- R&D environment.” cations in real-time simulator, however, research collaboration advantage. itoba was the first university in the world Gurusinghe’s research is supported by RTDS serves the world’s major electri- if I have an opportunity I would like to to be equipped with an RTDS™. Today, RTDS Technologies as well as the Natural cal utilities, equipment manufacturers, implement them in the actual power more than 150 universities around the Sciences and Engineering Research research institutions and universities. system at least as a pilot project.” world use the RTDS in their programs.

22 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 23 FEATURE AN ACCESSIBLE LIGHTNESS

ONE GRAD STUDENT’S BOND WITH A SPECIAL TEENAGER LED HER TO RESEARCH IN ACCES- SIBILITY PLANNING AND DESIGN

BY MARIIANNE MAYS WIEBE

OF BEING

24 Winter 2017 FEATURE

will need to be retrofitted for accessibility. Another interesting factor, she says, is winter environmental conditions: snow and ice cause major problems for mobility and need to be taken into account in planning. There are also common misperceptions about the populations that utilize university Always a high achiever, Krystyl Bergen felt campuses, and accompanying attitudinal exhausted and a bit aimless after completing barriers to accessibility—which she sees as an undergraduate degree in environmental a major focus for further research. For instance, she says, “We know we have design. She needed to recuperate and regroup. this aging population [using] our facilities, She applied to do graduate studies in city and so it’s important for design to go beyond planning—but the summer before returning just your average 20-year-old able-bodied to studies, rather than seek a design job in student. And the university is [also] a community facility—people come here for her field like most of her graduating cohort, swimming lessons, and many other things. she accepted a nannying job for a teen with a It really should be a space that is open and disability. The relationship bond she formed accessible to all.” brought new purpose and direction to her studies, all applicable to a burgeoning field “IT’S BROUGHT EVERYTHING I’VE ALWAYS of research in Canada: accessibility WANTED TO DO TOGETHER, IT’S BROUGHT planning and design. FURTHER MEANING TO ME FOR THE WAY

David LipnowskiDavid SPACES ARE DESIGNED.”

HE IDEA WAS JUST TO HAVE a summer With 30,000 students and about 10,000 off, says Bergen—“a great experience and faculty and staff, however, there’s a good a chance to hang out with this wonderful chance that accommodation is required for girl.” She had no idea the relationship was those who are here, and not just the extended going to have the impact it did. “She has community that comes to visit, she says. influenced my life a lot…. We’d go walking The can opener started with an idea to accommodate those with law in Manitoba in December 2013, she shifted her focus Her research methods include literature and I’d see things that would challenge limited hand mobility. And everybody liked it, she notes. It was a Krystyl Bergen in her to accessibility planning. Under the new law, organizations reviews and policy analysis for how accessibility her. Simple things, that shouldn’t have universally-accepted product that accommodated everyone. “The design studio in the are required to develop plans with strategies to identify, is defined compared to how it’s experienced, been an issue, oversights in design. concept starts with something that accommodates people beyond Faculty of Architecture. prevent and remove barriers to accessibility. and how compliance can be monitored and It really changed my perspective.” the typical, able-bodied person,” she explains. The AMA will be implemented over time and includes reinforced. She will also conduct walking Accessibility in planning and design Universal design, also known as inclusive design, generally applies five main standards with individual timeframes, to be interviews in order to provide an experiential Tsuddenly became a very concrete problem to Bergen. As she to design in buildings, products and environment that works for all, addressed in order: customer service, employment, component and to re-establish the experience points out, a disability can happen to anyone at any time. information and communication, transportations and that sparked her passion for the subject and And because we are all aging, gradually issues of accessibility built environment. The implementation deadline for provided her with an accessibility lens. will affect nearly all of us. “SHE HAS INFLUENCED MY LIFE A LOT…. WE’D GO WALKING AND the first standard is 2017. Her hope is that others will be persuaded Currently in Canada, one in six of us have a disability— I’D SEE THINGS THAT WOULD CHALLENGE HER. SIMPLE THINGS, She’s drawn to the holistic nature of accessibility —and moved—as she was by the need for, our aging population means that by 2030 that number THAT SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE, OVERSIGHTS IN DESIGN. planning, with its underscoring of comprehensive com- and the wisdom of, accessibility planning. will go up to one in five, or 20 per cent of the population. IT REALLY CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE.” munity health and inclusion. With a mother who’s a “It’s brought everything I’ve always “It’s very interesting,” she says. “I did my undergrad[uate health care provider, Bergen herself considered nursing wanted to do together,” she notes. “It’s degree] in environmental design, which made me more and is very interested in matters of health and wellness. brought further meaning to me for the aware of designed spaces, and it made me more aware of regardless of ability. But it doesn’t typically include an overview To narrow her focus, she decided to limit her research way spaces are designed.” She points out design and community intention, of why design is the way of how systems work together for greatest accessibility. to accessibility planning at the university, which, like an uneven wheelchair ramp. “Even the fact it is—but not necessarily what’s done to accommodate “Accessibility planning and design applies to a larger scope than other organizations in the province, was preparing to that there is a ramp in here but it has a huge people that are using the space.” just a defined internal or external space or product. It’s about how implement the first accessibility standard. bump. Even when accommodations have A research breakthrough came when she started looking a system works together to provide accessibility,” she explains. As she puts it, “The university is like a small-scale city. been made, it’s not always in a way that’s beyond the familiar principles of universal design and to Adds Bergen, “I had [looked] into universal design and inclusive It’s got every resource here… and pretty much everything helpful to people.” accessibility legislation. design, but neither were related to planning—overall planning. And that can be applied to campus planning can be applied “Walking through some daily activities of The term “universal design”—used more commonly in that’s when I came to the legislation [and accessibility planning]…. to city planning.” students walking on campus and identify[ing] the U.S.—had its genesis in certain kinds of product design, It’s the way things have evolved in Canada.” She likes the community dynamic of students, faculty …barriers, I want to give people the sense of says Bergen. Examples are the universal remote control and Spurred by her research on the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and other employees, all at large, sprawling campuses these barriers [so that they can] see and feel the can opener. (AMA), which followed similar legislation in Ontario and passed into with a mix of new and old buildings, some of which what those barriers are like,” she says.

26 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 27 SPOTLIGHT PEACE

Aziz Rahman, LEADERSHIP Chairman of PACSSA Confer- ence Committee BY LENA BETKER and PhD student in Peace and Conflict Studies at Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice.

T WAS PHD CANDIDATE AZIZ RAHMAN who had the initial idea to host a con- ference, seeing it as a way to showcase RIGHT: Participants the program and the work of current present after the

and past PACS graduate students. last session at the Charles Egerton “We haven’t had any conferences in University of Winnipeg. theI department since it started, so I thought, ‘Why not have something done by students?’.” When Rahman took his proposition to the PACS department in autumn 2015, they were immediately onboard. The planning committee started meeting in February 2016 and solidified a conference theme: peace leadership. To the group’s knowledge, there has never been a conference linked to this subject. to the theme was incredible: origi- colleagues from across the globe, including Nigeria, “Both terms—peace and leadership—are nally meant to be a one-day event, LEFT: Key Note Russia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and the U.S. very abstract concepts, yet with some real- the committee received so many Speaker: Andrew Obasesam Okoi, a PhD candidate in the PACS life implications,” says Christina Reinke, a submissions that they decided to Thompson, adjunct program, was proud to present his paper on the role candidate in the department’s joint master's add a second full day of speakers. assistant professor of engineers in world peace in a panel titled Arms, program with the University of Winnipeg, of political science, Disarmament & War Technologies. “It allowed me to and a member of the conference’s plan- University of introduce a new idea in the world and contribute to the “I saw the passion from the Waterloo. ning committee. “We wanted to explore students. People expressed literature in the field,” he says. The real highlight of the THE PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (PACS) these implications of leadership. We often their minds, they reflected conference for Okoi, though, was seeing the engagement know what we don't want in leaders and in of the attendees. “I saw the passion from the students. program celebrated its 10TH anniversary on the issues critically, they leadership, but what does peace leadership LEFT: (L-R) People expressed their minds, they reflected on the issues with its first ever international graduate actually look like?” shared insights on what they Indigenous peace- critically, they shared insights on what they learned and student conference this fall. Peace Lead- Not only is the theme of peace leader- learned and shared new ideas.” building session shared new ideas.” ship unique for a conference, it’s also an with presenter Reinke agrees, “It was so exciting to see people come ership: International Peace and Conflict underdeveloped area in scholarship in Andrew Thompson, adjunct Peter Genger and from all over the world to discuss issues around peace moderator Mary- Studies Graduate Student Conference, general: very little literature exists on the assistant professor of political leadership. It was also neat to see how all the participants topic. Taking this in stride, the team created science at the University of Waterloo, Anne Clarke, both were really involved and interested in the various panels held October 21 and 22 at the University their own theoretical framework for peace and senior fellow with the Global PACS PhD students. and presentations. Their interest was contagious and I leadership called the “ICE Model,” which is Security and Politics program at the am so glad that we were able to provide the space and of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg, an acronym for Innovation, Communica- Centre for International Governance opportunity for the exchange of ideas.” tion and Empowerment—three pillars they Innovation, opened the conference Inspired by the resounding success of the conference, was the result of a lot of hard work and LEFT: (L-R) Sean believe to be essential to successful peace with a key note address titled, positive feedback from attendees and encouragement from dedication by a team of graduate students Bryne, director of leadership. They used the ICE Model to “Peace Leadership in Uncertain the Mauro Centre for the PACS department, the team is already thinking ahead in the PACS program. guide the conference, calling on interdisci- Times.” Panels on a diverse array of Peace and Justice, to next year’s conference. They’ve also decided to proceed plinary submissions relating to innovative, topics followed, ranging from youth and Paul Cormier, with a special edition journal where they’ll publish the communicative and empowering processes extremism and youth activism to a graduate of the work that was presented at the conference. "The support for transforming, managing and resolving refugee issues. PACS graduate stu- PACS PhD program, from the students, the department and the community conflicts at all levels of society. The response dents presented their work alongside in discussion. was remarkable. It was a miracle, I'd say," says Rahman.

28 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 29 30 Winter 2017 UNDERSTANDING THEROOT CAUSES OF CHRONIC

David Lipnowski “law,” Newton’s law suggests will havewill an and equal Newton’s third law states ASTHMA ANDARTHRITIS AILMENTS SUCHAS CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY ABOUT THEORIGINOF A NEWUNDERSTANDING RESEARCH ISLEADINGTO VIDYANAND ANAPARTI'S respond insome way. As a isn't always predictable. that any action particular the wayrespondsthe body the law to physics the pertains of motion, but be can also opposite reaction. That or stress—and its likely to body—be it climate diet, body—be any force external on the applied exert to physiology: a level of predictability, but BY CURT CHEREWAYKO

ResearchLIFE 31 FEATURE FEATURE

AKE THE IMMUNE system for At one time, these neuronal receptors example: it's the body's primary BELOW: Anaparti were thought to be exclusively found in defense mechanism, but it is loading protein samples the brain but have since been discovered sometimes prone to overreact. in each of the wells [this in the lungs. In the brain, these receptors, An over-reactive immune is called gel electropho- known as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) system is believed to result in resis, a technique used receptors, are located on the surface of to separate proteins in neurons, which are the primary channels inflammatory illnesses such as a sample based on the asthma and arthritis. molecular weight and for sending and distributing informa- Vidyanand Anaparti has charge on the protein]. tion related to learning and memory. spent the last six years trying photos: David Lipnowski Information moves through the brain to understand the underlying causes of chronic when one neuron releases an amino Tinflammation and the complex physiological pro acid known as glutamate and another cesses that manifest it. In October 2015, Anaparti neuron receives it via the NMDA recep- completed his PhD at the University of Manitoba's tors on its surface. The disruption or department of immunology where he examined deterioration of these neuron channels the role of a group of neuronal receptors. or their NMDA receptors can lead to neurological ailments such dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While the

WITH FURTHER RESEARCH, HIS FINDINGS COULD HELP LEAD TO NEW TREATMENTS FOR ASTHMA.

role of NMDA receptors in the brain “By that point of time, I had completed all require- U of M: where he is now examining the role that epi- is understood, little was known about ments for the PhD program and was at a crucial juncture ABOVE: Different genetic processes—external factors that influence gene why these same receptors are located in my research,” said Anaparti. “Moqbel’s demise was a wells in a gel expression—have in the development of rheumatoid in the lungs or what role they play. huge loss, both at a personal and professional level. The electrophoresis. arthritis in Indigenous populations. Using mice models, Anaparti's PhD lab was decommissioned, project funds withdrawn, and Indigenous peoples are at a three-fold risk of devel- research showed that NMDA receptors my research came to a complete standstill. It was the oping rheumatoid arthritis, which is a disease in which are located in airway smooth muscle biggest moment of crisis in my life. Nobody knew what the immune system mistakenly attacks the membranes cells, where they mobilize and receive action to take,” said Anaparti. that line the body's joints, resulting in pain and inflam- calcium. Airways are specialized tube- Andrew Halayko, a professor of physiology and mation. Little is understood about why this happens like structures that allow air to pass internal medicine and a member of Anaparti's PhD and what role existing genetic traits have in the devel- back and forth in the lungs. Airway opment of rheumatoid arthritis versus external factors smooth muscle cells surround these “THERE IS STILL A LOT TO BE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT such as diet, stress, lifestyle and infections. airways and help in the contraction RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, BUT IT DOES APPEAR TO “We all carry some genetically susceptible traits for and relaxation of airways. When a many diseases, but do we end up with those diseases? receptor receives calcium, the mineral BE HEREDITARY. I HAVE A DAUGHTER AND I DON'T Most often, no.” said Anaparti. “Typically, our body is is distributed throughout these cells in WANT HER TO SUFFER FROM THE SAME DISEASE.” resilient enough to withstand those susceptible traits. the lungs, causing airways to contract There is more to the enigma of rheumatoid arthritis or relax. committee, became his new co-advisor and gave him than simply saying genetics.” With further research, his findings access to his lab for continuing with his research. His postdoctoral fellowship research on rheumatoid could help lead to new treatments for Anaparti had to reorient his research project goals, as arthritis is a slight departure from his PhD research on asthma, which is an immunological originally planned with Moqbel. Instead of human neuronal receptors in the lungs. But there is a common ailment that causes inflammation in tissue samples, he now had to work with mice models thread: both veins of his research are attempting the lungs. This inflammation causes in Halayko's lab. to understand the origin of chronic inflammation, airway smooth muscles in the lungs to Anaparti partly attributes his resilience and adapt- whether it occurs in the lungs (in the case of asthmat- contract, making it difficult for those ability to the seven years of private sector lab experience ics) or in the joints (in the case of people suffering suffering from asthma to breathe. that he gained in India, his country of origin. He from arthritis). Anaparti's five years of research worked there between 2002 and 2009 for three different One of the motivations that drives his research is into lung-based neuronal receptors biotechnology companies before arriving in Canada in at a personal level. was almost derailed two years into the 2010 to begin his PhD research. Five of those private “My wife is suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. program, when Prof. Redwan Moqbel, sector years were with Imgenex India, where he helped I see her suffer day in and day out.” said Anaparti. the principal investigator for his proj- setup a lab for developing antibodies using a hybrid- “There is still a lot to be understood about rheuma- ect, died after a protracted battle with cell cloning process. toid arthritis, but it does appear to be hereditary. cancer. Moqbel's death left the project In September 2015, on the heels of his PhD research, I have a daughter and I don't want her to suffer in limbo with grant financing halted. Anaparti was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at the from the same disease.”

ResearchLIFE 33 ON THE HORIZON JUST THE FACTS

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SPEAKER SERIES OUR GRADUATE STUDENTS, BY THE NUMBERS

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA HOSTS SEVERAL SPEAKER SERIES, BOTH ON AND OFF CAMPUS, ENGAGING AND INFORMING THE COMMUNITY ABOUT ONGOING RESEARCH AND ISSUES OF INTEREST. 3,700 1,118 136 Graduate students International Graduate programs: 49 doctoral, 86 CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE (master’s and doctoral) graduate students master’s and one diploma program Join us in talking and learning about different health topics and related research. These Café Scientifiques bring together experts with non-researchers (you, me, neighbours and friends) in a Canada Graduate Scholarships - master's. Funded by three federal granting agencies: relaxed atmosphere at McNally Robinson Booksellers, to talk • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) about their research and the questions it raises. Come and • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) join the discussion! 93 • Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) UMANITOBA.CA/CAFESCIENTIFIQUE 49 27 12 Research Manitoba graduate Canada Graduate Scholarships- NSERC Postgraduate studentships and scholarships doctoral (current) funded by Scholarships-doctoral (current) THREE MINUTE THESIS (3MT®) (awarded in 2016) NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR Hear our innovative, trailblazing graduate students explain their research—in three minutes or less. Challenging? You bet it is. It takes years for a thesis to be researched and finalized, never mind condensing it and presenting in front of our panel of judges and a live audience. Cheer on the competitors and 11 14 7 vote for the people’s choice winner! CIHR Canada Graduate SSHRC Doctoral Vanier Canada Graduate UMANITOBA.CA/3MT Scholarships-master's Fellowships (current) Scholarships-doctoral (current)

Master of social work student Eun Kyeong (left) and Centre on Aging supporter Harry Paine (right) build intergenerational VISIONARY CONVERSATIONS connections through research and discus- What is more powerful than a good conversation? Join us on sion of aging issues. campus or in the community: Come learn, debate and discuss alongside experts and community leaders. UMANITOBA.CA/VISIONARYCONVERSATIONS

34 Winter 2017 ResearchLIFE 35 David LipnowskiDavid

ResearchLIFE

Embroidered Jacket made in 1912, of smoke tanned moosehide and beautifully embroidered with silk (see page 20).