Research themes
Biotargets and mechanisms of disease
This theme forms the foundation of basic molecular science in pharmacy.
Researchers in this area investigate fundamental cell biology and physiology that contribute to disease, drug-receptor interactions, and drug-induced signaling pathways.
This research covers a broad range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, obesity, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and epigenetic diseases.
This work will provide an essential understanding of biological processes that contribute to the development of novel biotherapeutic agents.
Learn more about our researchers working in this area:
Drug discovery, design, development, and delivery
This theme encompasses the disciplines of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology.
Pharmaceutics is the study of the delivery of drugs to their intended sites of action with the goal of targeting specific tissues or organs to increase efficacy and reduce adverse effects.
Medicinal chemistry includes the development of new drugs utilizing systematic approaches like computer-aided drug design, and synthetic organic chemistry, as well as the development of novel biologic drugs.
Pharmacokinetics is the study of the liberation from dosage forms, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, of drugs.
Pharmacologists study the fundamental biochemical and physiological mechanisms of drug action to produce new and improve existing drugs. Our goal is to develop new treatments for growing health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Learn more about our researchers working in this area:
Population therapeutics and health outcomes research
Study of medications’ use in the real world to generate novel evidence of their safety, effectiveness, and value.
This theme is broad and includes research in pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacogenetics, health economics, health policy, medication therapy management, pharmacy practice, clinical epidemiology, and statistical methods as applied to pharmacoepidemiology.
Students interested in these areas of research have the opportunity to obtain a concentration in pharmacoepidemiology as a part of their degree.
Learn more about our researchers working in this area:
Translational pharmacotherapy and practice
The translational pharmacotherapy and practice theme deals with the movement of pharmacotherapy knowledge and research from concept development to direct patient application.
Many of our researchers are imbedded or practice within clinical settings providing them with the unique opportunity to allow practice to inspire and form the basis of research concepts and development.
Work produced by our researchers includes studies in a broad range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, infectious diseases, renal disease, mental health, addiction medicine, diabetes, primary care, and care of older adults.
This breadth of research has fostered collaborations with other University of Manitoba research units, including many departments of medicine, as well as research partnerships with other Manitoba health care institutions and organizations such as the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy etc.
Graduate students in this area do projects in pharmacy practice, clinical pharmacogenomics, applied pharmacokinetics, knowledge translation, and patient-level and population utilization assessment for clinical and policy applications.
This work is fundamental in informing clinician scientists, front-line clinicians, and decision makers on current therapeutic progress and potential applications of optimized pharmacotherapy to patient care.
Learn more about our researchers working in this area:
College of Pharmacy Research Day
Our annual research day is focused on recognizing the accomplishments and innovations in research in the College of Pharmacy.
2024 Pharmacy Research Day
When: Thursday, March 14, 2024 | 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Apotex Centre, Bannatyne Campus
Read more about Pharmacy Research Day in UM Today.
Our researchers
Undergraduate research opportunities
College of Pharmacy PharmD Undergraduate Summer Research Experience
Offered by the College of Pharmacy, the summer research experience offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to hone their research skills and build strong relationships with faculty mentors.
Eligibility:
- Exclusively available to Year 1 and Year 2 PharmD students.
Funding allocation:
- Six students will receive financial support.
- Year 1 students: $2,000 each per month.
- Year 2 students: $2,500 each per month.
Duration of support:
- Year 1 students: Eligible for four months (16 weeks).
- Year 2 students: Eligible for two months (10 weeks), contingent upon hospital rotations.
How to apply:
- Review project descriptions
- Contact the primary investigator (PI) leading the project of interest.
- Contact Pharmacy.Research@umanitoba.ca for an application.
- Include the following documents with your application:
- Curriculum vitae
- Research description
- Print out of student grades from your Aurora account
- Research ethics approval, if applicable
Research description
The research description is a clear, concise outline of the project, which should be feasible for an undergraduate pharmacy student to execute within the 10 weeks (for 2nd year) - 16 weeks (for first year) summer work term.
The description must include the following sections:
- An introduction/background
- Hypothesis/rationale
- Study design
- A description of the your role and references
The description may be a maximum of three pages. This does not include reference pages, charts, photographs, diagrams, etc., which may be appended. Figure and table legends are limited to two lines.
Project descriptions:
A new pharmacological strategy to prevent amyloid-mediated islet inflammation and beta cell death in type 2 diabetes
Lucy Marzban, principal investigator
Short description of research
Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide and has two major types including Type 1 (T1D; Juvenile onset) and type 2 (T2D; adult onset) diabetes. In both types of diabetes pancreatic islet beta cells fail to produce enough insulin which leads to elevated blood glucose levels, but the underlying mechanisms are different. In patients with T1D, beta cells are destroyed by the body’s immune system, while in patients with T2D, progressive beta-cell dysfunction and peripheral insulin resistance cause beta cell failure.
Formation of toxic protein aggregates, named islet amyloid, is one of the important factors that contributes to islet inflammation, impaired beta cell function and death in patients with T2D. Studies in our group focus on exploring the mechanisms by which amyloid promotes islet inflammation and causes beta-cell death in T2D. The ultimate goal of our studies is to develop new pharmacological strategies to protect pancreatic islets from amyloid toxicity thereby improving islet beta cell survival and function in patients with T2D. Students who join our research group will learn how to culture islets, prepare islet sections, immunolabel live and fixed cells/tissues, and use imaging techniques.
Students will also develop problem-solving, data analysis, and presentation skills by participating in our regular lab meetings. Our lab is located at the Apotex Centre (Bannatyne Campus), a multi-disciplinary research environment that provides trainees various opportunities for interaction with scientists from different health research disciplines.
Breaking Bad 2.0: The Anticancer Chronicles
Geoffrey Tranmer, principal investigator
Short description of research
Unlike the Breaking Bad television series, an academic medicinal chemistry lab is well equipped to synthesize new drugs (anticancer) and we actually want to help people/patients. My group is in the process of synthesizing a series of anticancer compounds for the treatment of various cancers. Due to potential patent issues, we are not able to disclose the general structure of the molecules we wish to synthesize, however, I can provide a brief overview of the project below.
The summer student will synthesize new anticancer drugs and assist in the study of the anticancer properties of the compounds using various biochemical assays. This is a medicinal chemistry project where the student will synthesize new molecules on a daily basis and assist in the testing of their anticancer properties with the help of a doctoral student. Additionally, the student may also perform some in vitro cell based assays, following proper training.
Overall, the summer research project is like a G-Rated academic version of Breaking Bad, but much less glamourous, dramatic or cinematic, and a whole lot safer and intellectually rewarding.
Disclaimer: No recreational vehicles will be harmed during the completion of this project.
Patient engagement in pharmacy research: A scoping review
Anna Chudyk, principal investigator
Short description of research
Patient engagement in research refers to the meaningful and active engagement of patients and caregivers in the research process, through roles such as research advisor or research team member. Patient engagement in research is steadily evolving into a staple of Canadian health research, as championed by the establishment of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research.
However, its rate of adoption has varied widely across research disciplines, which each have their own facilitators and barriers to engagement. This study will present a student with a unique opportunity to help shape the relatively nascent field of patient engagement in pharmacy research by contributing to a scoping review of patient engagement in pharmacy research.The student will develop invaluable skills in scoping review design and conduct, which translate directly into conducting literature reviews that underlie any research study.
Pharmacogenomic Testing Options in Canada (PGx-CAN)
Abdullah Maruf, principal investigator
Short description of research
Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is the study of genetic variation in medication response both in terms of therapeutic and adverse effects. The ability to prescribe medication while limiting adverse drug reactions and promoting the best possible care for patients is essential to patient-centred health and wellness. PGx testing has the potential to optimize medication therapy for individual patients.
Given the exponential growth in the evidence base and favourable perceptions of PGx testing among clinicians, patients, and the general public, there is good reason to anticipate increases in both the supply of and demand for testing in the future. As such, healthcare providers will undoubtedly be tasked with deciding which test, if any, best suits the needs of their patients and clinical practice.
The study aims to identify and assess PGx testing options in Canada as of May 2024. Our critical evaluation hopefully will assist healthcare providers in this decision-making process in choosing a PGx test.
Synaptic loss after knockdown of astrocyte NMDA receptors
Jill Stobart, principal investigator
Short description of research
The Stobart lab has reduced the expression of NMDA receptors in astrocytes and found that they are critical for astrocyte calcium signaling and nearby neuronal activity that regulates sensory perception. Our preliminary results suggests that neuronal synapses are lost after astrocyte NMDA receptors are decreased. However, it remains unclear what type (excitatory or inhibitory) synapses are lost and how this affects nearby neuronal circuits.
The summer student will conduct an immunohistochemistry staining project to stain both inhibitory and excitatory synapses in mouse brain tissue with and without a reduction in astrocyte NMDA receptors. The candidate will learn the tissue staining techniques, confocal microscopy and the quantification of synaptic integrity from the acquired images. Students will also have a chance to participate in other types of imaging and electrophysiology experiments, as well as the Stobart lab journal club and group research meetings.
How to apply
To apply, contact Pharmacy.Research@umanitoba.ca for full application for the Undergraduate Summer Research Award.
Funding and resources
The College of Pharmacy is committed to funding research and supporting our principal investigators. Here are some examples of places to start looking for funding.
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Office of Research Services funding database
Check the searchable database for major funding opportunities. It includes local, provincial, national, and international options and is updated every week.
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Funding application approval form (FAAF)
After finding funding, complete the Funding Application Approval Form. This form is needed for a compliance review and to get the necessary signatures.
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Ethics
The College follows all ethical guidelines and protocols set by the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance.
Safety training for research personnel
Overview
At the College of Pharmacy, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all our researchers and students. Whether you’re just starting or expanding your expertise, our safety training ensures you are equipped to thrive in a secure research environment.
Safety training is mandatory for all new research personnel, helping you take the first step toward meaningful, impactful research.
Internal personnel - wet lab
Before your first day in the lab, follow these steps to ensure you're ready:
Register for safety courses on UM Learn
- College of Pharmacy lab safety training course
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS)
- Biosafety training
After completing each course, submit your certificates to the lead lab technician.
- Schedule your in-person training
- Book a session with the lead lab technician to complete the laboratory safety checklist and ensure you’re fully prepared.
On or after your first day:
- Ensure you have card access to the building.
- Complete and submit the swipe card application to the lead lab technician.
- Join a guided tour of our research facilities.
- Attend autoclave training if your research requires it.
Non-pharmacy personnel
Are you from outside the College of Pharmacy? Here’s how to start your research:
- Secure a sponsoring researcher
Browse our faculty directory to find a principal investigator who can sponsor your research within our labs. - Complete your application
Contact the lead lab technician to receive your application package. Submit the completed form along with your certificates for WHMIS and biosafety training.
Note: The associate dean (research) will review your application. You’ll be contacted with next steps once a decision has been made.
Non-university personnel
Researchers from outside the University of Manitoba must have a principal investigator within the College sponsor their application. Follow these steps to get started:
- Find your sponsor
Review our faculty directory to find a researcher to guide your work in our labs. - Complete the sponsored account application
Use your UMNetID to register for WHMIS and biosafety courses on UM Learn, and submit your certificates to the lead lab technician.
Non-Lab Research
For those performing research outside the lab environment, we offer tailored orientations. This applies to:
- Summer students from the College and the university
- Volunteers
- Incoming graduate students
International Visitors
We encourage international researchers to contact the University of Manitoba International Centre for assistance with visa applications.
You may also be looking for
Events
View more eventsContact us
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Dr. Ted Lakowski
Associate dean (research) and professor -
Charity Pascual
Research and graduate program coordinator
Pharmacy.Research@umanitoba.ca
College of Pharmacy
Apotex Centre
750 McDermot Avenue West
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5 Canada