Funding and Awards

Scholarships are awarded primarily based on academic achievement and a minimum grade point average (GPA). Some scholarships may also consider additional criteria such as community involvement, volunteer experience, leadership, and essay submissions. Scholarships are typically awarded to full-time, continuing students.

• Scholarships are normally awarded to full-time students based on academic achievement and course load. 

• Undergraduate students who receive an entrance scholarship must register in at least 24 credit hours at the University of Manitoba in the current academic year to remain eligible for funding.  

• In most cases, students must register in and successfully complete at least 80% of a full course load during the academic year to remain eligible for scholarships. 

• Graduate students are not subject to credit hour minimums, provided they are registered as full-time students through the Faculty of Graduate Studies for the Fall and Winter terms. 

• Some scholarships may have exceptions to course load requirements, as outlined in the award terms set by the donor or their representative. 

Prizes are awarded after the completion of an academic term or session. They are typically based on the highest academic standing or outstanding performance in a specific course, program, competition, or activity such as a concert or competition. A minimum GPA may apply. Students are not required to apply or re-register at the University of Manitoba to be considered.

• Continuing students must be registered in a minimum of 24 credit hours in the Fall/Winter academic session prior to award selection. 

• Students must meet any minimum GPA and course load requirements specified in the award terms. 

• Eligibility is determined based on performance in the relevant course, program, or activity, as outlined in the award criteria.

Bursaries are awarded based primarily on demonstrated financial need. Academic standing (minimum GPA) is also considered, but financial need is the main criterion. Bursaries are typically available to full-time, continuing students.

• Bursaries are primarily based on financial need.
• Applications are submitted through Aurora under the Financial Aid and Awards section.
• A general bursary application is required each term and must be supported with appropriate documentation.
• Continuing students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. New students entering directly from high school must have a minimum average of 70%.
• International students in their first year of post-secondary study in Canada are not eligible for the general bursary program.
• Financial need must be clearly demonstrated and supported in the application.
• Graduate students are not subject to credit hour minimums, provided they are registered as full-time students through the Faculty of Graduate Studies for the Fall and Winter terms.
• Continuing undergraduate students must be registered in a minimum of 18 credit hours in the academic year.

Undergraduate awards and funding opportunities are generally based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, and/or financial need. Opportunities may include:

• Direct Entry Admission Scholarship

• Indigenous Direct Entry Admission Scholarship 

• Undergraduate Admission Scholarship

• Indigenous Undergraduate Admission Scholarship

• Undergraduate Initiative Prize

• Undergraduate Thesis Prize

For a complete list of scholarships and awards administered by the Riddell Faculty, please refer to the full listing here.

Graduate awards and funding opportunities are generally based on academic achievement, research excellence, leadership, community involvement, and/or financial need. Opportunities may include:

• Aboriginal Issues Press Scholarship

• D.G. & V.E. Barber Memorial Fellowship in Arctic Research

• Graduate Entrance Scholarship

• Graduate Fellowship in Sub-Arctic and Arctic Wildlife Management

• Graduate Initiative Prize

• Henley Graduate Scholarship in Natural Resources Development and Stewardship in Manitoba

• Master Thesis Prize Award

• Oakes-Riewe Environmental Studies Research Award

• Ph.D. Thesis Prize Award

• Seven Oaks Game and Fish Association Environmental Legacy Scholarship

For a complete list of scholarships and awards administered by the Riddell Faculty, please refer to the full listing here.

To be eligible for an NSERC USRA, students must meet the following requirements:

• Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• Students must be supervised by a faculty member who holds NSERC funding.
• Students from other universities are eligible to apply.
• Students must normally have been registered as full-time students, except during their final term before graduation.
• Students may apply if they have been accepted to graduate studies, but they must not have started their graduate program.
• First-year students are not eligible for this award.
• Students must be registered in a bachelor’s degree program at an eligible university at the time of application.
• Students must have been registered in at least one of the two academic terms immediately before holding the award.
• Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree may still be eligible, provided they do not already hold a higher degree in the natural sciences.  
• Students may hold a maximum of three NSERC USRAs during their university career.
• Co-op students may hold an NSERC USRA at the same time as a co-op placement.
• Students who wish to be considered for Indigenous scholar funding must self-identify as Indigenous in their application.
• Students who wish to be considered for Black scholar funding must self-identify as Black in their application.
• Co-op students are eligible to apply. The USRA may also be counted as a co-op summer work term.

Award Value

The minimum value of the award is $7,500:

• $6,000 is provided by NSERC
• At least $1,500 is provided by the research supervisor 

NSERC-USRA Supervisors may choose to contribute additional funding.

For questions or concerns, please contact Riddell.Advisor@umanitoba.ca.

Application forms are available online. Students and proposed research supervisors must work together to complete and submit the application before the deadline.

Application Process

1. Students should contact a faculty member in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and resources to discuss a potential research project and supervision for the award.

2. Students must obtain a PDF copy of their unofficial transcript.

3. Students complete Part 1 (Student Information) of the NSERC USRA Application Form. If the student is not from the University of Manitoba, they should email Riddell.Advisor@umanitoba.ca to receive the application form.

4. Students and NSERC supervisors work together to complete Part 2 (Student & Supervisor Information) of the application form and upload the unofficial transcript.

Applications must be submitted through the proposed supervisor’s home department.

Students may not hold both an NSERC USRA and a URA (Undergraduate Research Award) in the same summer term. However, students are encouraged to apply to both programs to increase their chances of receiving an award.

Dr. Karen Alley

Karen.Alley@umanitoba.ca

Research in glacier-ocean interaction
This work will focus on assessing changes in glaciers in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, or Antarctica that are driven by ocean temperature and circulation changes. Data will be derived from optical or radar satellites, and analysis will be carried out using a GIS program (such as QGIS or ArcMap) and/or in a coding language (such as Matlab or Python).

Dr. Kirstin Brink
Kirstin.Brink@umanitoba.ca

The fossil record of bones and teeth 
The Vertebrate Paleontology Lab at the UofM (kirstinbrink.weebly.com) studies the evolution, development, and ecology of bones and teeth using the fossil record and studies of living reptiles and fish. Students will work with fossil material and modern bone and otolith samples to understand how these structures form and what they can tell us about the environment. 
Potential Duties (will align with students interests and career goals):
•    Learn how to collect and analyze 3D data using a laser scanner, 3D printer, and segmentation software;
•    Prepare vertebrate fossils in the lab using pneumatic tools, sort microvertebrate fossils using a microscope;
•    Perform geochemical analyses on fossil and living animal tissues;
•    Learn histological and paleohistological techniques;
•    Assist with otolith (fish ear stone) prep and analysis;
•    Assist with fossil collection at field sites around Manitoba.
Qualifications: 
•    Patience and attention to detail
•    Background or interest in biology, development, geology, environmental science, health sciences/dentistry, geochemistry, or paleontology.

Dr. Kristina Brown
Kristina.Brown@umanitoba.ca

Researches the role of freshwater in Arctic Ocean carbon and nutrient cycling, with a focus on the southern Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Student projects could focus on questions from a variety of vantage points, including analyzing collected water samples (laboratory experience), working with geospatial data sets (GIS experience), and/or processing and interpreting hydrographic and geochemical data collected by profiling and moored instruments (data processing & interpretation experience).

Dr. Alfredo Camacho
Alfredo.Camacho@umanitoba.ca

Current research interests include origins and characteristics of fluids, phase transformations, durations of thermal pulses associated with the advection of heat, and exhumation history

Dr. Anton Chakhmouradian
Anton.Chakhmouradian@umanitoba.ca

Current research interests include detailed studies of carbonatites from Canada, Mongolia, Morocco, China, USA, and Russia.

Dr. Eric Collins
Eric.Collins@umanitoba.ca

Microorganisms (including bacteria, archaea, algae, protists, fungi, and viruses) drive the ecosystem in the ocean, and provide benefits to humans in the form of Ecosystem Services. This project will utilize metagenomic sequence analysis to explore the role of Arctic microbes in providing Ecosystem Services, and to understand how those services might change in a warmer future.

Dr. Alex Crawford
Alex.Crawford@umanitoba.ca

Updated Climate Description for Auyuittuq National Park
Auyuittuq National Park, on Baffin Island in Nunavut, contains some of the most remarkable glacial landscapes in the world, including the world's highest vertical cliff face (from Thor Peak). Tourism and hiking in the park are increasing, but the climate information about the park has not been updated since the 1970s. Since that time, global warming has led to noticeable climate change. Local knowledge keepers and long-time park staff know this well, but the change needs to be better quantified, and the park website needs to be updated! A student working on this project will use a combination of weather station data and atmospheric reanalysis to update the climatology for Auyuittuq National Park and help improve the climate communication on the Parks Canada website. This is a computer-based project that will help students develop skills in data analysis, computer programming, and climate communication.
Qualifications:
•    Basic Python Programming (e.g., COMP 1012)
•    Background or interest in climate science, or more broadly in environmental science/geography/earth science

Dr. Dorthe Dahl-Jensen

Dorthe.Dahl-Jensen@umanitoba.ca

Developing an understanding of the physics controlling glacial ice stream flow processes; the role of the ocean in the ice discharge at the fronts of ice streams. Use of ice core proxies to recreate past sea ice conditions in marine areas adjacent to the Greenland Ice sheet and use these to understand sea ice variability and change over longer time scales. The research will lead to better estimates of the sea level and to how the changing fresh water will influence the marine resources, sea ice, ocean circulation and atmospheric weather patterns at lower levels of our planet.

Dr. Paul Durkin
Paul.Durkin@umanitoba.ca

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
The student will conduct field work in Dinosaur Provincial Park in eastern Alberta for several weeks during the summer. The student will work closely with graduate students in the research group. Field work will include measuring stratigraphic sections, collecting paleo flow data, and mapping stratigraphic surfaces. This data will be integrated with a 3D digital outcrop model previously constructed using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. Applicants must be willing to conduct field work in rough terrain for long periods of time. Time not spent in the field will involve data compilation and analysis in the lab. Please contact Dr. Durkin for more information.

Dr. Jens Ehn
Jens.Ehn@umanitoba.ca

Research interests include the use of field observations, remote sensing and modelling to understand: Light propagation and light-matter interactions in Arctic estuarine, marine and sea ice environments; processes and feedback controlling air-ice-ocean interactions, sea ice formation and melting; seasonal evolution, trends and variability of sea ice covered environments; freshwater-marine interactions in Arctic and sub-arctic coastal and shelf waters.

Dr. Mostafa Fayek
Mostafa.Fayek@umanitoba.ca

Environmental Isotope Geochemistry and Ore Deposits
Are you interested in helping us better understand the source and fate of micro-plastics in the environment?  Current global plastic production is estimated to be 311 million metric tons annually and is increasing by 10% each year.  Plastic production will certainly increase in the very near future because of the increased use of plastics for protection against the current SARS Covid-2 virus (e.g., PPE, Plexiglas shields, food containers).  We are looking for a motivated individual who has a strong background in geology, physical geography or chemistry.  Experience with stable isotopes or stable isotopic data is an asset.  In 2021, the research in which you will be involved will include a field and lab component.  You will learn to be part of a science-focused research team and gain the skills that go with being a knowledgeable, ethical and engaged researcher. We also have projects in ore deposits and environmental isotope geochemistry. What are your interests?

No positions are currently available for students.

Dr. Andrew Frederiksen
Andrew.Frederiksen@umanitoba.ca

Characterizing the seismic noise spectrum in Winnipeg for MASW analysis
Seismic ambient noise in the Winnipeg area: this project would involve recording ambient seismic noise in the Winnipeg area, using a 24-channel instrument, low-frequency geophones, and different seismic-array geometries, in order to determine whether it is possible to measure the depth to bedrock in this manner.

Dr. John Hanesiak
John.Hanesiak@umanitoba.ca

The successful candidate will be part of the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) under the broad umbrella of the Canadian Severe Storms Lab (CSSL) that aims to improve our current tornado climatology (occurence and strength) as well as better understanding sever storm processes in Canada. The student will participate in tornado event and damage surveys across the Prairies and launch local weather balloons prior to and during severe convective storm events to aid in weather forecasting operations.
Requirements:
•    Valid driver’s license
•    Enrolled in the Environment and Geography B.Sc. atmospheric science stream (should be a second-year student or beyond)
•    Willing to travel, drive to various Prairie locations and work outdoors
•    Proficient with MS Word/Excel, having Python or Matlab programming skills is beneficial but not absolutely required
•    Works well in a team environment

Dr. Mark Hanson
Mark.Hanson@umanitoba.ca

Ecotoxicology: Stress Ecology Laboratory
Looking to better understand the fate and effects of contaminants in order to protect the environment?  We are seeking a motivated individual who has a strong background in biology, ecology, chemistry, or toxicology.  You will be part of a science-focused team and be immersed in all the skills that go with being a competent, ethical, and engaged researcher. Students will be encouraged to find their own project niche as part of their time in the lab. In 2026, you will assist with a wetland mesocosm study examining the fate and effects of ractopamine (a livestock feed additive), support fieldwork in BC and Experimental Lakes Area as needed, and contribute to other research initiatives.

Dr. Seogi Kang
Seogi.Kang@umanitoba.ca 

Advancing electromagnetic imaging for groundwater and mineral applications
My research focuses on advancing electromagnetic (EM) geophysical imaging to better characterize the Earht's subsurface. Current NSERC-supported projects include: (1) developing distributed electromagnetic survey approaches for imaging nickel sulphide deposits; (2) applying electromagnetic geophysics to characterize permafrost and its physical properties; and (3) mapping and monitoring groundwater systems using airborne and ground-based EM data. These projects emphasize computational and data-driven analysis, numerical inversion methods, and integration of geophysical results with geologicak and hydrological information.

NSERC-USRA students from geophysics, geology, environmental science, computer science, electrical engineering, applied physics and mathematics are welcome. Useful skills include quantitative problem-solving, basic programming (Python is an asset), and an interest in data analysis. Prior Experience with geophysics is not required; motivation, curiousity, and a willingness to learn are most important.

Dr. Zou Zou Kuzyk
Zouzou.Kuzyk@umanitoba.ca

Indigenous-partnered research in a multidisciplinary project studying Northern estuaries and coasts
The research involves opportunities to be involved in community-based monitoring and research activities with Cree community research partners in James Bay-southern Hudson Bay. In addition to field work opportunities aboard small boats or ships, there are opportunities to be involved in community outreach and education and to work with partners from conservation organizations and Parks Canada. The research activities will be conducted within the context of an existing multidisciplinary team and with mentorship from senior students. The topics of the research will be tailored to the student’s own background (physics, chemistry, biology, biogeochemistry, environmental studies/science). Depending on the topic, the student would gain hands-on experience in some of the following activities: waters and sediment sampling, field sensor and instrument use, data processing and modelling, data archiving, lab work, and developing communications materials. A background in environmental science, earth science, aquatic ecology or biogeochemistry, a driver’s license, and a team attitude are desirable. A keen interest in conducting science in partnership with Cree community members is essential. Indigenous students are particularly encouraged to apply.

Dr. Juliana Marini-Marson
Juliana.MariniMarson@umanitoba.ca

My research focus lies on the polar oceans, their interactions with the cryosphere and climate. In particular, I use numerical models to understand how warming and increasing freshwater input to the polar and subpolar oceans (especially from melting land ice) can change their physical and biogeochemical characteristics. I am also fascinated by icebergs, their role in ocean dynamics and primary productivity, their patterns of drift, and how they can affect marine transportation and other offshore activities.

Dr. Stephane McLachlan 
Steph.McLachlan@umanitob.ca

Are you interested in working in close collaboration with Indigenous communities regarding the environment? We are always excited about connecting with highly motivated students who are interested in making a difference through research. Most of our ongoing projects are linked to community-led monitoring initiatives in Manitoba, although we also work on other projects related to digital technologies (the Our Data Indigenous App, participatory GIS and video, data sovereignty). Many such projects center on hydro impacts although others involve mining, environmental restoration, traditional foods, land-based education with youth, and environmental justice. If you interested in working with community elsewhere, please also check out our NSERC Indigenous CREATE which has funding for Indigenous undergraduate students working with researchers across the UM  campus as well as at UCN and Lakehead University.

Dr. CJ Mundy
CJ.Mundy@umanitoba.ca

Seeks to understand variability and change in the Arctic marine ecosystem due to climate change and the resulting loss of sea ice. In particular, he studies physical and biological processes controlling the timing, location, magnitude, and fate of primary producers in the ice-covered environment.

Dr. Tim Papakyriakou
Tim.Papakyriakou@umanitoba.ca

Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Cycle Research on Lake Winnipeg
Research aims to shore up our understanding of the interconnected carbon cycles extending from southern lakes and rivers, and along the aquatic corridor from the lake to Hudson Bay and James Bay. Specifically, the goal is to characterize the greenhouse gas footprint of the lake, and the downstream river system to the bay, and impact of river carbon on the receiving marine ecosystems. The research is team oriented. The students should have an interest in carbon cycle research. The student will assist with the deployment and maintenance of aquatic sensors, sampling of water for analysis in the laboratory, assist with the preparation of sampling gear, and help maintain the project data base. Duties will require the student to occasionally work in Manitoba’s near north for short periods of time as part of a small dedicated research team and participate on ship and/or boat-based sampling in fresh and saltwater environments.
Qualifications:
•    A strong background in hydrology, aquatic chemistry and/or aquatic ecology;
•    Valid driver’s license;
•    No aversion to fieldwork in remote areas, including from a ship or boat.

Dr. Ricardo L Silva
Ricardo.Silva@umanitoba.ca

My research focuses on the physical, geochemical, and biological mechanisms controlling the production and preservation of organic matter at geological time scales and the impact of organic productivity on global elemental cycles and planetary-scale climatic and biological crises. I am looking for students eager to tackle big research questions and interested in understanding how our oceans control environmental change at various time scales. On the other hand, you will learn and develop new skills relating to laboratory work and data analysis and be part of a broad research group focusing on sedimentology and paleontology.
Qualifications: Background or interest in biology, geology, oceanography, and environmental science.

Dr. Feiyue Wang
Feiyue.Wang@umanitoba.ca

Environmental Science - Chemistry
Our research deals with environmental chemistry and biogeochemistry of legacy (e.g., mercury) and emerging (e.g., oil spills, micro-plastics) contaminants especially in the Arctic. Current research projects focus on cold-temperature chemical and biogeochemical processes in the Arctic sea ice and marine environment, marine oil spill response, and the interplay between chemical contamination and climate change. Our research is supported by the Ultra-Clean Trace Elements Laboratory (UCTEL), Sea-ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF), Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO), and research vessels and stations in the Canadian and Greenlandic Arctic.
Qualifications:
•    Academic training in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, geochemistry, and/or chemical oceanography;
•    Demonstrated experience with chemical analysis;
•    Ability to work independently and as a team;
•    Fieldwork experience is an asset.

• Applications are reviewed and ranked based on eligibility and academic merit.
• The number of awards available each year is based on the allotment provided by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
• A portion of awards is reserved for Black and Canadian Indigenous student researchers. Students who identify as Black and/or Indigenous (Inuit, First Nations, or Métis) are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
• Successful applicants will be notified by email and must accept the award by the deadline stated in the email. They will also receive instructions on next steps, including completing additional requirements through NSERC’s online portal.
• Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified by email and are encouraged to apply again in future competition cycles if they remain eligible.

The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) applicants must meet specific academic and program requirements:

• Must have completed 24 credit hours at application deadline

• Minimum GPA of 3.0, based on all credits completed at the time of application

• Cannot be held in conjunction with other competitive summer research awards such as the NSERC-USRA

• Students who will be graduating in the Spring (May/June convocation) are not eligible for this award

• This award cannot be held more than twice by any recipient during their undergraduate program(s) at UM

• Students who hold a master’s degree are not eligible for this award

• Co-op students are eligible to apply; however, the student must be enrolled in 12 credits of course work for one of the terms. Co-op students may need to provide a statement from their program coordinator stating that it is a full-time co-op program. The URA work term cannot also be used as a co-op summer work term.

• Note: some exceptions may be made in regard to meeting the eligibility requirements (i.e., reduced course load through registration with Student Accessibility Services or similar circumstances). If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please send an email.

Students interested in applying for a URA are encouraged to contact a faculty member to discuss possible research projects and supervision opportunities. A list of faculty members and the research areas can be found on the link below:

Potential Advisors for URA Students

For additional information about the URA program and application process, visit the UM Undergraduate Research Awards page.