Taking the prize at medical physics symposium

WINNIPEG, MB – University of Winnipeg undergraduate students took the top two places at the Medical Physics Undergraduate Summer Student Symposium at CancerCare Manitoba on August 20. Heather Whittaker, BSc 2015, and Michael Honke, BSc 2015, placed first and second respectively.

Whittaker presented her research about finding a potential early biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease using magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. She has submitted the results of her research to Neuroimage* for publication.

“Thanks to the organizers of this symposium for the wonderful opportunity to learn about the work being done by other undergrads in the province, and for the encouraging prize,” said Whittaker.

Honke presented his research developing new methods for the Magnetic Resonance Microscopy centre which measure tissue susceptibility and increase contrast in magnetic resonance images. Researchers in the province of Manitoba will use his technique to study hemorrhages, strokes, and neurological disorders.

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to present my research in a scientific setting, and to learn about the innovation of others in Manitoba,” said Honke.

Both students worked with Dr. Melanie Martin, Professor of Physics at University of Winnipeg and the Director of the Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Centre at University of Manitoba. Martin said, “Michael and Heather are excellent students. It is a pleasure to see them rewarded for their fantastic research.”

The Medical Physics Undergraduate Summer Student Symposium allows undergraduate students to showcase their work using physics to solve medical problems. This year CancerCare Manitoba sponsored the symposium.

*NeuroImage, a Journal of Brain Function, provides a vehicle for communicating important advances in the use of neuroimaging to study structure-function and brain-behavior relationships.

MEDIA CONTACT

Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg

P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca