Seven exceptional Indigenous University of Winnipeg undergraduate students presented their research at the Innovation Rooted in Culture, 2025 Canada National Gathering. This year the annual Indigenous science and engineering summit was held in Toronto in early March. The UWinnipeg contingent was joined by UWinnipeg .caISES veterans, mentors, and alums Melissa Anderson and Corey Sanderson.
The presenters, Abigail (Abby) Alexander, Flora Easter, Cassidy Lamirande, Olivia Shyiak, Leena Tetrault, Madelyn Timmins, and Brandon Wittmeier, are accomplished students who are either (or both) a Pathway to Graduate Studies (P2GS) or an Indigenous Summer Scholars Program (ISSP) participant and have completed their research under the supervision of a UWinnipeg faculty member.
Corey Sanderson, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biological Sciences at UManitoba, attended as a P2GS Mentor for 2025; and Anderson attended as the ISSP Mentor for 2025. She currently is a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the UManitoba under the supervision of UWinnipeg Physics Professor Dr. Melanie Martin. Both Sanderson and Anderson are active members in UWinnipeg’s .caISES.
Participation also strengthens institutional connections and brings valuable ideas, energy, and collaboration back to our campus and communities.
Corey Sanderson
Sanderson recognizes the importance of the annual National Gathering as a vital opportunity for Indigenous students in STEM to engage with a broader network of peers, professionals, and mentors who share similar cultural experiences and academic interests.
“It allows students from UWinnipeg to feel empowered, represented, and supported in spaces where Indigenous excellence in science is celebrated,” shared Sanderson. “Participation also strengthens institutional connections and brings valuable ideas, energy, and collaboration back to our campus and communities.”
Alexander, who is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and Anthropology, aims to graduate in 2026. The highlight for Alexander was being able to share her research with a captive audience, and networking with a wide range of researchers. This experience exposed her to excellent graduate and postgrad opportunities, which she found encouraging.
“Everyone was really welcoming,” shared Alexander. “The AISES national conference is a great introduction to presenting research because you are engaging with such a welcoming community that wants to see you thrive.”
Shyiak, a Bachelor of Arts, Honours in in Psychology student, attended the conference to build her network and make connections within various STEM fields and learn about the diverse research, from across disciplines by Indigenous science students, faculty, and professionals that is happening across Canada.
“One talk in particular spoke on how Indigenous ways of knowing can be incorporated into STEM,” she said.
The UWinnipeg student team received travel support through the Robbins Ollivier grant and the assistance of UWinnipeg’s Financial Services (Research Accounting and Accounts Payable) that completed the essential paperwork.
AISES in Canada is a nonprofit organization focused on increasing the representation of Indigenous Peoples in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) studies and careers. AISES supports undergraduate and graduate students through programs, scholarships, and events, culminating each year in a National Gathering where students and professionals from across Canada create long-lasting connections.
UWinnipeg is home to one of 11 post-secondary chapters of .caISES, the Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering Society. The group meets monthly to take part in cultural activities and community events, attend leadership summits, and participate in conferences, such as the 2025 Canada National Gathering.
