Outstanding Rady grad students honoured with Dean’s Prize

Eunice Assem-Erhaze, a PhD student in the College of Nursing, is a three-time recipient of the Dean’s Prize. Her research looks at what it’s like for new nurses with learning disabilities to move from nursing school into the workplace and how to make that transition more supportive and inclusive.  

“A PhD involves years of learning, questioning, revising and growing, often through work that happens quietly behind the scenes, and this recognition reminds me that the work matters and encourages me to keep going,” Assem-Erhaze said.

Michael Byun, a master of science student at the College of Pharmacy and a second-year medical student at the Max Rady College of Medicine, is investigating how Omega-3 fatty acids can modify the immune system in order to help treat, and possibly prevent, metabolic disease like diabetes. He said winning the prize has been a meaningful reflection on how his academic work has contributed to his growth as a student, an individual and an aspiring clinician-scientist.  

“It has also reinforced my passion for research and my belief that evidence-based medicine is fundamental to providing patient-centered care,” Byun said.

Ashley Cels, a master’s student in the College of Nursing, is focused on closing the knowledge gap in women’s heart health for nurses within urgent care settings. She said she is extremely honoured to have been selected for the Dean’s Prize.  

“Winning this prize has reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing research and higher academic learning,” Cels said.

Nicole Herpai, a PhD student at the College of Community and Global Health, is researching how sex workers in Ukraine keep themselves safe and well during a period of conflict. She said her goal is to advance equity and justice related to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls, women and people of diverse gender identities across various communities and contexts, while translating research into meaningful systems-level change.

“Receiving this prize supports both my academic development and commitment to public health advocacy in Manitoba and beyond,” Herpai said.

Mason Hollebeke, a master’s student in pediatrics and child health at the Max Rady College of Medicine, is examining the lived experiences of adolescent girls following a sports-related concussion, with a particular focus on their mental health and return-to-sport experiences. She said women and girls remain underrepresented in sport research, making this recognition of her contributions to the field particularly significant.  

“I hope this achievement not only reflects the importance of advancing research focused on women and girls in sport, but also encourages other women and girls to pursue opportunities and careers within the sport field,” Hollebeke said.

Nafiseh Kiamanesh, a master’s student at the College of Community and Global Health, is using administrative data to look at how many medications people with intellectual and developmental disabilities take and whether that is linked to more hospital visits. She said the Dean’s Prize recognition gives her real momentum toward publishing and presenting her findings.  

“It affirms that this work matters and is worth sharing more widely, whether through peer-reviewed publication or at conferences, and that motivates me to keep pushing it forward,” Kiamanesh said.

Samuel Ogunsola, who defended his PhD in physiology and pathophysiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine in August, explored how genetic variations can disrupt an important process in our cells called splicing, which helps our cells make the proteins they need to function. He said winning the prize will undoubtedly open more doors as he enters his career, whether he pursues academia or launches a company.  

“Winning the Dean’s Prize reinforces my confidence that I have developed the expertise, skills and experience needed to excel wherever my career takes me,” Ogunsola said.

Chiemelie Onah, a second-year master of rehabilitation sciences student in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, is studying what outdoor walking means to older adults when it becomes difficult and why it’s an important part of their everyday lives. She said it’s especially meaningful to have her work recognized as she comes to the end of her graduate studies.  

“Receiving the Dean’s Prize motivates me to continue doing research that I hope will make a difference in people’s lives,” Onah said.

Calvin Reimer, who graduated with his master of physical therapy from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences Oct, 20, said he enjoyed learning alongside an amazing group of students in his program. He said his professors have been pivotal in shaping his journey as a future physical therapist.  

“They really do care about student success and often go above and beyond their roles as professors and instructors to enhance our experience as students,” Reimer said.

Mira Safa, a PhD student in pharmacoepidemiology at the College of Pharmacy, is looking at whether depression affects blood markers of brain injury in people with multiple sclerosis, and whether these markers can help better understand the disease. She is grateful and honoured to receive the Dean’s Prize.  

“It gives me encouragement to continue pursuing research that can make a meaningful difference for people living with MS and supports my goal of building a career in patient-focused research,” Safa said.