First students graduate with new masters degrees

Siavash Darbandi said UWinnipeg’s MSc in BioScience allowed him to grow into a confident researcher, and techniques learned here are serving him well at the doctoral level. “The Masters degree opened a whole new chapter for me, as I discovered how much I enjoy being a principal investigator. I especially appreciate my UWinnipeg professors, and in particular Dr. Jens Franck, who always had time for me.” Darbandi is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Molecular Biology and Developmental Neuroscience at the Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa with the goal of working in research and academia.

Damian Tryon and Maria de Guadalupe Seranno Diez (who goes by the nickname Guady) are both graduating with MAs focused in Cultural Studies.

Damian Tryon

Tryon teaches high school English at Kildonan-East Collegiate, is married to supportive wife Lisa and is the father of 4-yr old twin boys. He took a year off to return to university and liked the wide variety of courses offered by the Cultural Studies program. “I bring back to my classroom a sense of renewal, and new ways to approach text in a multi-disciplinary way,” said Tryon. “It was an intense year, with hard work, but very exciting to be crossing that stage to get a Masters degree.”

Guady is from Mexico City where she obtained her BA in Literature and worked for a decade in cultural programs presenting and facilitating workshops. She chose to focus mainly on Children’s Culture at The University of Winnipeg and discovered new skills as a Masters student. “I really wanted to learn more about digital culture, children’s literature and I found out that I enjoy graphic art as I created a graphic novel during the program. It has been very challenging and rewarding.” Guady now hopes to pursue a career in Winnipeg working with children.

Maria de Guadalupe Seranno Diez

Autumn Convocation takes place Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm, Duckworth Centre.