Funding and awards

For a student who has completed at least one year of full-time study in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, with good academic standing who has by her/his efforts and accomplishments developed, built upon and/or contributed to a local, regional, national, or international initiative that serves the greater good.

Each year, one prize valued at $1000.00 will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

1. was enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, in any General, Advanced, Major, or Honours degree program in the year in which the award is tenable;
2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.00;
3. has by his/her significant voluntary service efforts and accomplishments developed, built upon and/or contributed to a local, regional, national, or international initiative that serves the greater good. Such initiatives may target specific populations (e.g. students, youth, the elderly), specific issues (e.g. global warming, poverty, resource exploration, environmental pollution), and/or specific outcomes (e.g. policy development).

Nominations will be invited from faculty and students of the University of Manitoba and members of the community. Nominations must be accompanied by:

1. a cover letter which identifies the award for which they wish to nominate the candidate and provides a description and explanation of the initiative, the candidate’s specific roles and responsibilities, and the resulting outcomes with reference to the selection criterion (maximum 500 words);
2. the candidate’s resume or curriculum vitae;
3. two letters of recommendation (maximum 500 words each); one from a faculty member and one from a representative of the broader community most impacted by the initiative. The letters should describe how the candidate has met the requirements set out in the criterion (3) above.

For a full-time student in the Riddell Faculty, in any Honours degree program, with good academic standing, who has submitted the best undergraduate thesis.

Each year, one prize valued at $1000.00 will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

1. was enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, in any Honours degree program in the year in which the award is tenable;
    
2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.50

Nominations will be invited from faculty of the University of Manitoba and members of the community. Nominations must be accompanied by:

1. a copy of the final version of the undergraduate thesis;
    
2. a letter of support from the candidate’s thesis advisor

Each summer, students have the opportunity to work alongside professors in their research labs. These awards are intended to stimulate the interest of undergraduate students by providing them with a valuable experiential learning opportunity in a scientific research environment. Students holding one of these awards will participate in research activities during their work period.

Eligibility
Visa students are not eligible for NSERC awards. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

• NSERC applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• Supervisors for NSERC awards must be NSERC holders.
• Students from other universities are eligible for the NSERC awards.
• Students must have been registered as full-time students, except in their final term prior to graduation.
• Students may apply to graduate studies but must not have started their graduate program.
• Students in their first year are not eligible for this award.
• Students must be registered, as of the deadline date for applications at the university, in a bachelor’s degree program at an eligible university.
• Students must be registered in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible university.
• Students already in possession of a Bachelor’s degree who are studying towards a second Bachelor’s degree are eligible to hold this award, provided they do not hold a higher degree in the natural sciences.
• Students may hold a maximum of THREE of these awards throughout their university career.
• Co-op students are eligible to hold the NSERC award simultaneously with a co-op placement.
• To be considered for the Indigenous scholars funding, meritorious applicants must self-identify as Indigenous in their application.
• To be considered for the Black scholars funding, meritorious applicants must self-identify as Black in their application.

Value of NSERC USRA Awards
These awards have a minimum value of $7,500. Of this amount, $6,000 will be provided by NSERC and the remainder (at least $1,500) will be provided by the supervisor. 

Researchers can increase their contribution beyond the minimum, especially when supporting senior, experienced trainees.

Duration of Support
The duration of the NSERC USRA is 16 consecutive weeks.

Application Procedures - DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO NSERC USRA
Application forms are available online. The letter of recommendation must be completed by a knowledgeable instructor, and it should be emailed directly to Riddell.Advisor@umanitoba.ca. An official transcript is not required at this point in time, but the completed form must also be accompanied by the student’s academic web transcript.  Incomplete forms may result in a negative award decision.

Deadline for Applications: February 3, 2025.
Applications due to Riddell.Advisor@umanitoba.ca
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Riddell.Advisor@umanitoba.ca

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

Investigating Arctic Storm Events
Most precipitation (rain or snow) falling in the Arctic comes from large (synoptic scale) storm systems. Storms also can bring other hazards, such as high winds, low visibility, rain-on-snow events, and abrupt temperature swings. Students participating in this research program may explore individual case studies that had major impacts on the broader environment or human infrastructure. They may also conduct composite analysis of multiple storm events with distinct characteristics. Past projects have looked at the conditions that lead to rain-on-snow events in Alaska and the impact of synoptic-scale storms on sea ice growth in Hudson Bay. All projects provide opportunity for developing skills in computer programming, geospatial analysis, and data visualization.
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) that aims to improve our current tornado climatology (occurrence and strength) as well as better understanding severe storm processes and prediction capabilities in Canada. The student will participate in tornado event and damage surveys across the Prairies, deploy atmospheric remote sensing equipment on the UM campus for data analysis following local storm events, and launch local weather balloons prior to and during severe convective storm events.
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
•    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 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 the research.  Specifically, you will assist with a salinity study using wetland mesocosms, support fieldwork in BC and the Experimental Lakes Area as needed and contribute to a potential new mesocosm study examining the fate and effects of a fungicide.

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. Michael Schindler
Michael.Schindler@umanitoba.ca

Research interests include all kinds of nano-scale processes in the environment such as the transport of metals and metal(loid)s as nanoparticles and colloids, their retention by mineral surface coatings and their release during dissolution of minerals.

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. Julienne Stroeve
Julienne.Stroeve@umanitoba.ca

Using Satellites to Detect Spring Slush
Slush and freeze-thaw cycles during winter alter winter snowpacks with potential dire consequences for polar bears, caribou and dog sled teams, as the ice builds on their feet, making travel difficult and causing injuries. Slush conditions also hinder travel for Arctic communities, yet our abilities to map where these slush conditions may exist has yet to be explored. Satellites measuring emitted or reflected energy at microwave wavelengths is sensitive to liquid water in the snowpack and could be used to evaluate how often rain-on-snow or freeze/thaw events occur in winter. This project will be a pilot study to evaluate satellite data in regard to these events. The student should have a strong background in scientific programming (e.g. python) and some remote sensing background is desirable.

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.

The Undergraduate Research Award is open to undergraduate students in all fields and ranges of research, scholarly works or creative activities.

The awards are competitive. Students apply to be mentored for 16 weeks (full-time from May through August) by a professor of their choice. There are:

• 172 awards available across all disciplines
• 10% of awards are available for self-declared Indigenous students
• 2 awards for community-based projects
• $7,000 monetary award
• Is a recognized UM Co-Curricular Record activity