Dr. Christopher Bidinosti – professor
International Resonance
Medical imaging and the fundamental nature of the universe seem like very distinct subjects, but the research of UWinnipeg physics professor Dr. Christopher Bidinosti contributes to our understanding of both through the experimental technique of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
“It’s very exciting and a lot of fun to straddle these two worlds,” says Bidinosti. “And what’s best, is when work on one project gives you new ideas for the other.”
Dr. Bidinosti develops new methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with the goal of further improving the capabilities of this very important modern medical tool. He is also a member of an international collaboration that uses NMR to measure the possible electric structure of the neutron, which could provide clues to longstanding mysteries, such as the universe being dominated by matter — with little or no antimatter. Work on both projects has taken him to top research centres around the globe, most recently in Paris, Tokyo, and Osaka.
Allison Kolly
Allison Kolly – student
A matter of extreme gravity
Allison Kolly is an undergraduate physics student at UWinnipeg who will graduate this spring. She recently co-authored a paper that was published in the prestigious Physical Review Letters (PRL). The paper, entitled Stability of anti–de Sitter space in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity, was the result of research with physics professors Dr. Andrew Frey and Dr. Gabor Kunstatter and UWinnipeg alum Nils Deppe.
Kolly plans to do her Master’s in Atmospheric Science and is deciding between the University of McGill and Dalhousie University.
“I like everything about the physics department,” she says. “The professors are incredibly talented, friendly, and helpful with advice for those trying to figure out what to do after graduation. As well, undergraduate students have many opportunities to do research.”
Mark Abotossaway
Mark Abotossaway – alumni
Structural Analysis engineer
Mark Abotossaway is an Ojibwe from the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation and is a structural analysis engineer for Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company. He graduated from UWinnipeg with a BSc in physics in 2010 and obtained a dual degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Minnesota. He came to UWinnipeg as a mature student for a second try at post-secondary education after withdrawing from the University of Manitoba earlier in his life due to
the culture shock of transitioning to the city.
“UWinnipeg was the turning point in my road to success,” says Abotossaway. “The smaller class size at UWinnipeg reminded me of my education on the reservation and the faculty was encouraging. They would always gladly spend time outside of class to assist me with my coursework.”
