Shaping the future of science

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture, history, and impactful contributions of people of Asian origin in the Faculty of Science.

The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2026 is: “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada”. Following that theme, we are highlighting 7 faculty members in science, their cultural background, and their fascinating work at the University of Manitoba that is shaping the future of science in Canada.

Meet Dr. Lei Xing

Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences

Xing and his lab study how brains grow in different mammalian species, focusing on how neural stem cells are regulated by the signalling molecules from the placenta.

By utilizing genetically modified mouse models and stem cell-derived 3D organoids, Xing and his research group aim to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain development, evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.

“Ancient Chinese philosophy has long guided my approach to both work and life”, Xing says. “The idea of 和而不同 (harmony without uniformity) reminds me of the importance of cooperating with others while respecting divergent views.”

Xing continues to mention that rather than expecting everyone to think the same way or practice blind obedience, mutual respect and acknowledgement of differences foster an environment in which diverse perspectives and people can coexist and collaborate without necessarily agreeing on everything. 

Meet Dr. Abishek Iyer

Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and (Tier 2) Canada Research Chair in Solid-state Materials for Sustainable Energy

Iyer and his lab work on the discovery of new semiconductors through artificial intelligence and experimental synthesis for a wide range of applications, from optics to water remediation.

The picture he shared was taken during the celebration of the festival Onam (a festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India). “I love food and the feast is called Onam Sadya. Like an Onam sadya, the structured collection of many dishes, each with a role (sweet, sour, spicy, bitter), all balanced,” Iyer adds.

And this is the concept he brings into his research lab, “I feel a research lab thrives when varied skills, personalities, and projects are integrated into a coordinated system under a PI [Principal Investigator] who ensures harmony rather than dominance.” 

Meet Dr. Sadaf Salehkalaibar

Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science

Salehkalaibar is developing efficient algorithms for explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) and learning large models. Her current research focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, generative models, and information theory. She is also one of the 3 researchers in the CORE AI lab (Computer Vision, Optimization, Responsibility, AI). The lab focuses on developing intelligent systems that are efficient, transparent and impactful.

“My Haft-Sin table represents the spirit of Nowruz and the rich Persian culture that values renewal, light, and togetherness”, Salehkalaibar shares with us along with a photo of her and her Haft-Sin for the Nowruz.

Meet Dr. Xinli Wang

Instructor in the Department of Mathematics

Wang’s research and teaching interests lie in alternative grading, active learning, and an inclusive teaching and learning community. She teaches entry-level math courses and is passionate about utilizing Open Educational Resources and Open Educational Practices in her teaching.

“One thing I try to follow in my work and personal life is an old saying from Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” Wang shares. According to her, the phrase translates to, “In order to achieve a grand goal or seemingly unreachable goal, just take the first step, and the rest will follow.”  

Wang continues to mention that she has taken on various challenges, all of which seemed scary and out of reach for her. Through overcoming them, she has created a better version of herself, holding on to this mentality.  

“I know we all have such moments in our lives where we question ourselves, ‘Am I really made for this?’. Don’t! Just take the first step, and you will be surprised at what you can achieve.”

Meet Dr. Ayush Kumar

Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Associate Dean (Strategic Initiatives)

Kumar’s laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the multidrug resistance of Gram-negative pathogens Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They also study the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the environment.

One philosophy that Kumar strives to follow is a Sanskrit phrase. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam (earth is a family)”, as Kumar explains, “which means that all living beings are interconnected and should be treated with compassion and respect.” 

Meet Dr. Khodr Shamseddine

Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy

Shamseddine’s research is in non-Archimedean Analysis, which is an area of Mathematics that studies fields of numbers which are larger than the fields of real and complex numbers, contain infinitely small and infinitely large numbers, and have many applications in Physics. Shamseddine has been supervising students through MSc, PhD and undergraduate summer research programs since joining the University of Manitoba in 2008.

Shamseddine shares a photo from his family visit in Lebanon. Having grown up in Lebanon and moved to the US in 1988, he has kept his connection with his family and roots, going there every other year on average; now that his wife (Dr. Samar Safi-Hrab, also from Physics and Astronomy) and he have two teenage children, they “try to keep that connection alive so the kids get to know their extended family there and learn the culture and the Arabic language”, he says. This picture was taken at their favourite beach hotel (by the Mediterranean Sea), where they spend a few quiet days alone while spending the rest of the time near their large extended family in a small town in the mountains and enjoying visiting nice places all around that town in the mountains of Lebanon.

Meet Dr. Saman Muthukumarana

Professor and Department Head in the Department of Statistics

Muthukumarana’s research has developed methods to facilitate modelling and inference on non-standard complex data. This has led to innovative analyses in the areas of social networks, health studies, sports, customer and user behaviour analytics, and environmental and ecological studies. Among his research interests are Bayesian methods, biostatistics, data science, environmental and ecological statistics, and more.

“Sri Lankan heritage values respect, gratitude, renewal, discipline, integrity, and perseverance, which translate naturally into my workplace culture that is collaborative, resilient, and people-centred", Muthukumarana says. He continues to mention that by embedding these principles, he aims to enhance both productivity and well-being for himself, as well as for faculty, staff, and students.