Meet the 2025 P2GS Scholars
Pathway to Graduate Studies Scholars participate in science education during the morning and in a paid research program under the supervision of a UWinnipeg faculty member during the afternoon throughout the four week program. Students are introduced to research opportunities in the NSE fields and to continue pursuing their interests in undergraduate programs and eventually into graduate programs.
Brandon Wittmeier 
Hi my name is Brandon Wittmeier, I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in psychology, and have done research with Dr. Evan McDonough in the Pathway to Graduate Studies (P2GS) program. Over the course of P2GS we have looked at begging of the universe according to cosmological theories. We started with the beginning of time, and now we are looking at not only how time emerged, but how the universe as a whole emerged.
Brandon is training with Dr. Evan McDonough
Ella Zychowski
Ella Zychowski is studying Environmental Science and worked with Dr. Nora Casson as her Faculty Mentor. Ella’s P2GS research project examined carbon variation in Boreal forest soils as a result of climate change. Ella loves working in a lab, playing in the mud and dirt and hopes to work for Parks Canada one day.
Ella Zychowski is training with Dr. Nora Casson
Hailey Turner
Hi! My name is Hailey Turner and I am a First Nations student at the University of Winnipeg. I just finished my second year of my neuroscience degree. For P2GS I was working in the geography lab with Dr. Ed Cloutis. My project was about non-destructive analysis of artwork. We used different types of spectroscopy to collect spectral data of pigments on various materials. I had an amazing experience in the P2GS program and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is considering a career in science or research.
Hailey Turner is training with Dr. Ed Cloutis
Jessica Ducharme 
Hello my name is Jessica Ducharme, I am currently a student at Red River College taking Medical Radiological Technology. I was a student at the University of Winnipeg for 6 years, and have since changed career paths. While in P2GS I have had the pleasure of working with my 6 year long supervisor Melanie Martin in her physics lab. During my time I have been learning the importance of having fun in academia, and still providing a polished product.
This summer, my project focuses on analyzing electron microscopy images of mouse brain slices. Specifically, I identify axons with myelinated sheaths and measure their diameters. The goal is to compare these direct measurements to those obtained via MRI when assessing axon diameter along a single direction. This research seeks to understand why MRI tends to overestimate axon diameter, as highlighted by the discrepancy between our manual measurements and MRI-derived data.
Lastly, I believe it is important to mention that the University of Winnipeg's .caiSES group has provided me with countless opportunities over the years. It has allowed me to experience university as more than just "attending classes and getting out." Through this group, I’ve been able to explore research in various imaging modalities, which ultimately guided me toward my current academic path.
Jessica is training with Dr. Melanie Martin
Kadyn McDonald 
My name is Kadyn McDonald, and I am a proud Red River Métis student. I am in my first year of a Neuroscience degree, which is the first step on my path to medical school. Living with impaired vision has shaped my interests in medicine, and more specifically, ophthalmology. I hope to become an ophthalmologist and bring more accessible eye care to the Interlake for my community. I am extremely grateful for the P2GS program and the opportunities it has provided for this year's group of students.
Kadyn is training with Dr. Natalie Richer
Tyrone Reimer 
Hello everyone, my name is Tyrone Reimer, and I am a Physics student at the University of Winnipeg. I am very grateful for the P2GS program as it can fulfill my lifelong dream of doing research!
Tyrone is training with Dr. Russ Mammei
Wayne Major 
For my P2GS research project, I conducted the synthesis of reagents used for the innovative creation of carbon-based tertiary phosphines derived from elemental phosphorus. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, focusing on foundational scientific principles. Upon graduation, I plan to further my academic journey by either entering the field of pharmacy or continuing with graduate studies.
Wayne Major is training with Dr. Roman Belli