EDUCATION GUIDE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2025
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Long fascinated by emerging disease treatments, Hailey Longford used her experience at UWinnipeg as a springboard into cancer research.
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Discover What Comes Next at The University of Winnipeg When Learning Transforms Lives, UWIN E ach breakthrough starts with the push to do better – for our city, our world, and ourselves. At the University of Winnipeg, students step into a vibrant, com- munity-centred environment. Here, they find the support and inspira- tion they need to push beyond what they thought was possible. BREAK BOUNDARIES DIRECT YOUR FUTURE As far back as he can recall, Ian Bawa was fascinated by the silver screen. He wanted to know everything about film. And more than that, he wanted to make his own stories and visions come to life. It wasn’t until he found UWinnipeg’s Theatre and Film Department that Ian discovered he wasn’t alone. “For me, success is doing something that I am passionate about,” said Hailey. Inspired by what she has accomplished, Hailey followed her undergraduate studies by completing UWinnipeg’s Master of Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy.
Continuing to work with Dr. Shrivastav, she helped develop a blood test to provide accurate and cost-effective detection of colorectal cancers. “When I had the opportunity to talk to patients, I shared my research, and they were really excited,” she said. “It really motivates me and reminds me that this is where I'm meant to be.” This September, Hailey is starting the next stage of her journey, beginning studies in UWinnipeg’s new PhD in Bioscience and Policy program. At the University of Winnipeg, education is more than going to classes and getting a degree—it’s about your next exciting journey, one that is entirely your own. No matter what your background or ambitions, you’ll find the support and inspiration to chase your goals, challenge the status quo, and be- come who you want to be. Ready to take your next step? Find out what comes next at uwinnipeg.ca.
“All of a sudden, I met people that were like me,” Ian said. “They were basically nerds – film nerds – and I remember sitting in my first intro to film class and hearing, two rows in front of me, these guys talking about an obscure French film. And I was like, 'Oh my God, I know that movie!
For Taylor Cangemi, studying at UWinnipeg meant leaving behind her family and friends in Calgary to take on a new challenge in a new city. However, the star volleyball player took a chance and dove in head- first—joining the UWinnipeg Wesmen and enrolling in the University’s biology program. It wasn’t always easy. Taylor began her classes during the pandemic, and she had to adjust to life in a new city from home. But she found the support she needed in her UWinnipeg community. “I grew so much as a person, and independently, coming to a university that is further from home and having to build those connec- tions with people right off the bat,” Taylor said. “And being put in so many situations where I've been uncomfortable has really caused me to build my character.” Taylor’s peers and professors pushed her to new heights. Now, as a fifth-year student in Biology, she’s engaged in high-level research with faculty members, and her academic success has earned her two major awards, the Susan A. Thompson Scholarship for Women in Leadership and Sir William Stephenson Scholarship. Thanks to her time at UWinnipeg, Taylor is now planning to head over- seas to continue her research at the graduate level. As she looks ahead to her next adventure, she is grateful to have had the support of UWinnipeg’s caring community. “The people around me and this small institution have supported me just being me,” Taylor said. “I think that's huge.”
I don't know those people, but I want to know them.’” At UWinnipeg, Ian explored his interests further.
He was given the space to create, experiment, and imagine what was possible. When his submissions to the University’s film festival in his second year were unsuccessful, Ian was encouraged to continue honing his craft. The result, in his final year, was a clean sweep: he won best film, best director, and best actor. From there, Ian hasn’t looked back. He’s carved out a successful career in film and has taken his projects to some of the biggest stages, including the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s a journey that all began with finding “his people” at UWinnipeg.
“It’s fun to sit in a group that are your peers, and also like the same things you do and nerd out on the same things you do,” Ian said. “I did not think that was possible for a long time. But that's what I found right away at UWinnipeg.” DRIVE CHANGE
Hailey Langford had long been fascinated with emerg- ing disease treatments, but it was her experience at UWinnipeg that led her to the field of cancer research. When Hailey arrived at UWinnipeg, her aim was to earn her degree in Biochemistry. But during her studies, she had the
opportunity to first learn from, and later work with, Dr. Anuraag Shrivastav, a leading cancer researcher and professor at UWinnipeg.
The people around me and this small institution have supported me just being me. I think that's huge.”
Hailey was captivated by the work, transforming classroom learning to practical effect. Seeing the real-world possibilities gave her a newfound joy.
— Taylor Cangemi
SUPPLIED PHOTO Fascinated by the silver screen for as long as he can remember, Ian Bawa found his calling in UWinnipeg's Theatre and Film department.
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