Education

C M Y K PAGE 6 6 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 EDUCATION GUIDE A t the University of Winnipeg, students receive unique op- portunities to participate in hands-on research and aca- demics. These valuable experiences complement the faculty-student con- nections for which UWinnipeg is known. With small class sizes, caring professors, and a community-centred downtown campus, UWinnipeg offers students a warm, welcoming atmosphere that fos- ters academic and career success. Dylan Robinson harnessed every opportu- nity to grow new skills and connect with his community while studying at UWinnipeg. He was in the Pathways to Graduate Studies pro- gram, was a member of the UWinnipeg chap- ter of the Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering Society, and participated in many Aboriginal Student Services Centre events. Working in Dr. Tabitha Wood's chemistry lab grew his confidence and provided vital sup - port as he worked toward his dream of medi- cal school. "She believed in me and encouraged me to pursue further chemistry courses to help me prepare for the MCAT (Medical College Ad- mission Test)," he said. "I am thankful I had the opportunity to gain confidence working in the lab in collaboration with such a strong mentor." Stephanie Connell also points to the power of mentorship. She met Dr. Ed Cloutis in an In - tro to Earth Science class. "He was telling the class about his involve- ment in planetary missions and was talking about the NASA Curiosity rover," she said. "I couldn't believe there was a professor at UWinnipeg involved with anything to do with NASA." After emailing back and forth with Dr. Clout - is, he offered her a job in his Centre for Terres- trial and Planetary Exploration (C-TAPE) lab even though she was a first-year student with no lab experience. "I always encourage other students to ap- proach professors as they might be looking for students," she said. "If you make relationships with professors and get to know them and show interest in their research, you'll have an easier time finding a research job." Sophia Hershfield also says connections with her professors grew her confidence. From Dr. Jenny Heijun Wills who inspired her to pursue English, to many others who provided guidance and mentorship. "They really taught me to trust my intel - lectual instincts and push myself to try new things and reach new limits of what I could do and really explore ideas and concepts that were interesting to me," she said. Faculty of Education students Mikaila Col - lins and Meagan Nenka recently travelled with Dr. Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk and Dr. Yvonne Vizina, and nursery school director Karlin Mann, 10 hours north of Winnipeg to the Misipawistik and Tataskweyak Cree nations to share ToyBox Manitoba resources and learn about Indigenous and northern culture. "This journey to Misipawistik and Tataskw - eyak has been life changing," Nenka said. "The gratitude of the community and the generosity of the gifts we were presented re- flected that this visit was not just for ToyBox or for the five of us as guests. We felt that our mu- tual presence and enthusiasm to learn forged lasting connections," Skwarchuk added. After a tour of Assiniboine Park Zoo and the conservatory, UWinnipeg psychology and bi- ology student Kerianne Chant jumped at the chance to take part in research assessing the personalities of polar bears. Her work will help experts proactively manage animal problems and minimize human-wildlife conflicts. "This project highlights just how actively en - gaged our students are in undertaking work in the community that has impact and contrib- utes to the skills needed for careers," said Dr. Jino Distasio, Vice-President of Research and Innovation. Learn more about how the University of Win- nipeg delivers education with impact at uwin- nipeg.ca THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG is project highlights just how actively engaged our students are in undertaking work in the community that has impact and contributes to the skills needed for careers." — Dr. Jino Distasio, Vice-President of Research and Innovation, University of Winnipeg Build your exciting future on a firm foundation with us at Brandon University Learn more or book a tour at: BrandonU.ca/Future-Students Strong Community Solid Education Mentorship and hands-on learning lead to student success Faculty of Education students and staff recently travelled north of Winnipeg to Misipawistik and Tataskweyak Cree nations to share ToyBox Manitoba resources and learn about Indigenous and northern culture. Faculty of Education students Mikaila Collins (right) and Meagan Nenka had the opportunity to learn about educational practices in Northern Manitoba on a recent trip to Misipawistik and Tataskweyak Cree nations. Space exploration was Stephanie Connell's first love and her earliest dream. With the University of Winnipeg's help, she achieved her lifelong goal of working for NASA.

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