Discover the innovative research of our 3MT finalists ahead of the Final Competition on April 6.
After a series of intense heats and remarkable displays of academic communication, the stage is set for the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final. From a field of exceptional researchers, these finalists have risen to the top, mastering the art of condensing years of complex data into just 3 minutes.
These students represent the vanguard of innovation at the University of Manitoba. They aren’t just sharing data; they are sharing a vision for a better future. Join us in celebrating the passion, the precision, and the transformative potential of our graduate community.
The clock is ticking. The stage is theirs. Let’s support our graduate students!
Chemistry, Ph.D.
Harjasmin is a biology PhD candidate working on constructing synthetic cells to produce in vivo modified antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. With a background in Biochemistry, she is driven by a lifelong fascination with the interdisciplinary nature of biology and the potential of genetically modified organisms to solve global challenges. Harjasmin has been instrumental in fostering the synthetic biology community on campus, having helped establish the university's first iGEM team and continuing to serve as a coach and mentor for new students. Looking forward, she aims to transition into the biotechnology industry, focusing on clinical trials and business development to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and clinical application.
Physics and Astronomy, Ph.D.
Kaihim is a Ph.D. candidate in the medical physics program. Driven by an interest in imaging and neuroscience, his research investigates the feasibility of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in the multimodal setting to predict lesion evolution in multiple sclerosis. He received several distinguished grants and awards, including the Canadian Graduate Scholarship - Master’s (2022), Research Manitoba Studentship Award - Ph.D. (2024). Within academia, he is passionate about knowledge translation and network building. He has volunteered in activities such as student club affairs and outreach events. He is currently a student council member of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists, organizing year-round events to help build a stronger medical physics student network. He aspires to become a medical physicist, aiming to improve clinical practice and advance the translation of research into patient care.
Indigenous Studies, M.A
Krysta is a graduate of the First Nations University of Canada and a recipient of the University of Manitoba Indigenous Studies Fellowship. Her research utilizes Ethnoautobiography to explore the decolonial connections between self, culture, and the environment through Treaty 4 narratives. By centering ancestral voices and her own 42-year journey navigating colonial policy, Krysta moves toward ethical Indigenous research spectrums that honor community and collective history. An award-winning scholar and recipient of the RBC Woman in Leadership Joely Bigeagle-Kequahtooway Award, Krsyat's dream is to serve as an educator in Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba and eventually teach in French at the Université de Saint-Boniface.
Physiology and Pathophysiology, Ph.D.
Leena is a graduate researcher in cardiac tissue engineering, developing nanomaterials that communicate with immune cells to reduce heart transplant rejection and the need for long-term immunosuppression. Her work, which integrates stem cells and biomaterials to repair heart tissue, has earned her prestigious honors including the 2026 Most Promising Bioscience Student of the Year and the Dr. Forough Khadem Scholarship. Beyond the lab, Leena is a prominent leader in the academic community, currently serving as Co-President of the Youth Enrichment Network and Co-Founder of GradShare. She aims to transition her discoveries into clinical practice to directly improve the lives of patients with critical heart conditions.
Psychology. M.A.
Madisen is a Master’s student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manitoba, where her research explores how wrist-worn wearable technology can improve both physiological and psychological responses to stress. With a background in Arts Honours, she is driven by the everyday prevalence of technology and its potential to enhance individual health and well-being. Madisen’s work aims to bridge the gap between digital tools and mental health outcomes, reflecting her long-term goal of pursuing a career that integrates clinical practice with rigorous research.
Food Science, Ph.D.
Mayuri is a Food Science Ph.D. student focused on developing sustainable, high-quality protein extraction methods from Canadian dry beans for industrial applications. With a background in Biochemistry and an MSc from the University of Mumbai, her work bridges the gap between molecular science and real-world food security. Her leadership and innovation have been recognized with first place in the 2024 Proteins of the Future Competition and the CIFST Student Leadership Award. Mayuri is an active leader in the scientific community, currently serving as Treasurer for the CIFST Manitoba Section and Vice-chair of the CIFST Student Committee. Committed to both education and industry advancement, she volunteers with Science Rendezvous and aspires to lead research that translates plant-based discoveries into impactful, global food solutions.
Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, M.Sc.
Quinton is a microbiology masters student, specializing in the development of a droplet digital PCR assay to quantify HPV viral load. His research focuses on understanding how viral dynamics can predict persistence and cervical cancer risk, driven by a deep fascination with the microscopic mechanisms that govern human health and disease. Quinton’s academic contributions have been recognized with the 2026 Sheu L. Lee Family Scholarship in Oncology Research and the 2024 Undergraduate Research Showcase Award. With a background in the University’s Science Co-op program, he aims to build a career dedicated to improving diagnostic methods and advancing our global understanding of infectious diseases.
Pharmacy, Ph.D.
Rushie is a researcher at the University of Manitoba focused on the cellular mechanisms of diabetes, specifically how stressed pancreatic beta-cells communicate via "tiny messengers" containing toxic protein clumps. By identifying these messengers, Rushie aims to develop biomarkers for the early detection of cellular damage. This research is deeply personal, rooted in a South Asian background and first-hand family experiences with the disease's impact on quality of life. She aspires to become an independent researcher dedicated to making a tangible difference in diabetes prevention and management.
Biosystems Engineering, M.Sc.
Ryan is a Biosystems Engineering student whose research investigates using bacteria to convert agricultural waste into environmentally friendly and affordable fungicides. Passionate about leveraging biology to create sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, he holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba. Ryan is a four-time recipient of the President’s Scholarship, a testament to his academic excellence. He aims to pursue a career in research and development within the biotechnology industry, focusing on innovative solutions for a greener future.
Physiology and Pathophysiology, M.Sc.
Sumha is a researcher specializing in the intersection of oncology and cardiology, with a focus on mitigating the heart failure risks associated with breast cancer treatments like DOX and TRZ. A graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Sumha is investigating whether Empagliflozin—a medication known to reduce heart failure outcomes—can play a protective role against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Driven by a lifelong passion for both cancer research and heart health, Sumha aspires to a career in translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications to improve patient survival and quality of life.
Social Work, M.S.W.
Whitney is a Master of Social Work student whose research centers on the lived experiences of Manitobans recovering from eating disorders, specifically examining barriers to outpatient treatment. Drawing from her own recovery journey and a background in fine arts and education, she advocates for trauma-informed, person-centered care that privileges first-hand experiential knowledge. Whitney’s academic excellence has been recognized with the FGPS Research Completion Scholarship and the Art Medal for the highest standing in her graduating class. Currently providing peer support services at A Little Nutrition in Winnipeg, she intends to become a registered social worker specializing in eating disorder treatment before pursuing a PhD to further advance clinical practice and research in the field.
Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, M.Sc.
Zahra is an MSc student in Genetic Counselling whose research examines the clinical integration of epigenetic risk scores in prenatal care. Drawing from over five years of research experience at BC Children’s Hospital and a Bachelor of Science from UBC, she focuses on ensuring new genetic tools are developed with clear clinical frameworks that prioritize patient autonomy and informed choice. Zahra’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship and the Genetic Counselling Entrance Scholarship. As a Student Representative for the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors and a volunteer with MitoAction, she remains dedicated to bridging the gap between emerging genetic discoveries and evidence-based clinical practice, with long-term goals of providing direct patient care while mentoring future professionals in the field.
UM is home to researchers and scholars who respond to emerging issues and lead innovation in our province and around the world. Creating knowledge that matters is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
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The Dean's Prize recognizes exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service.
