Education

2 SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023 EDUCATION GUIDE Gain the experience and support you need to achieve your goals: › More interaction with your professors › A diverse and friendly community › World-class research and learning opportunities uwinnipeg.ca Start here. Teaching Excellence UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM GREATER ACCESS TO FACULTY W hen students arrive at the University of Win- nipeg, they are immersed in a vibrant learning community where they can explore new ideas and develop their interests. With its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, UWinnipeg provides students greater access to inspiring professors who can give mentorship and support. Students across the University's six faculties and more than 160 pro- grams are encouraged to explore their curiosities and examine prob- lems in new ways. Among the greatest opportunities for UWinnipeg stu- dents, however, is the chance to participate in research with faculty and understand the real-world application of ideas relevant to their studies. Gracie Grift, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Hon- ours) in Biology, can attest to undergraduate research broadening her education. Working closely with Dr. Yannick Molgat-Seon from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health, Grift investigated how sex-differences in respiratory system morphology affect breathing during exercise. Dr. Molgat-Seon's mentorship helped give Grift the confidence to present at a national conference. "In the lab, myself and the other research assistants were all given the freedom to be the project lead on our own individual projects," Grift said. "I am extremely thankful for (Dr. Mol- gat-Seon's) trust and leadership." Working with faculty not only helps students develop their existing in- terests, but also helps them dis- cover new ones. Tegan Ledoux came to UWinnipeg to study neurosciences. While participating in UWinnipeg's Path- way to Graduate Studies program, she had her eyes opened to new worlds – liter- ally and fig- uratively – by Dr. Ed Clou- tis, Professor of Geography and Director of the Centre for Terrestrial and Planetary Explora- tion. Ledoux participated in Dr. Cloutis' research on Mars and Lunar mete- orites using methods such as reflectance spectroscopy. "I was fortunate to work with Dr. Cloutis and his research team, because they were very patient and understanding as I was initially majoring in another discipline and had no prior knowl- edge of geography," she said. After her experience with Dr. Cloutis, Ledoux not only gained valuable insight into geography, but set her sights on a new goal: after completing her neurosciences degree, she plans on pursuing a master's in geogra- phy. Working with faculty can also open doors for students to make a dif- ference in their own neighbourhoods. This was the case for Sheldon Valiquette, a 2022 UWinnipeg graduate who returned to take part in the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program (ISSP). Previously involved in a variety of University programs, such as In- ner-City Work Study and the Community-based Research Training Centre, he leapt at the chance to contribute to Dr. Julie Chamberlain's research into the politics of historical buildings gifted to Indigenous groups. "The ISSP will help me improve my skills as a researcher and get me prepared for graduate studies," Valiquette said. "One of the primary values of ISSP is that it is geared toward Indigenous scholars, which is a perspective not often seen in academia." "For scholars, the opportunity to work on a research project can be a wonderful learning experience that shapes their life and career options," Dr. Chamberlain said. "Research experience can open doors to employ- ment opportunities down the road, and prepare scholars for graduate studies." Learn more about the incredible opportunities available to under- graduate, graduate, and continuing education students at the University of Winnipeg by visiting: uwinnipeg.ca/teaching-excellence SUPPLIED PHOTO University of Winnipeg campus. SUPPLIED PHOTO ISSP scholar Sheldon Valiquette discusses his research with faculty mentor Dr. Julie Chamberlain. e ISSP will help me improve my skills as a researcher and get me prepared for graduate studies." — Sheldon Valiquette, 2022 UWinnipeg graduate

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