University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing

Convocation spotlight: Sobia Idrees, PhD

Sobia Idrees is graduating with a PhD from the Faculty of Nursing.

Sobia Idrees came to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing after completing her master of arts in English literature and linguistics and a master of nursing in Pakistan. Passionate about teaching, leadership and the practice of educating nurses — which she has studied throughout her PhD — she received numerous awards and scholarships throughout her doctoral studies, including the Dr. Olive Yonge Teaching and Learning Graduate Scholarship and the Dr. Shirley Stinson Scholarship.

As she moves into the next phase of her career, Sobia reflects on her proudest moments and the challenges involved in obtaining a PhD, while sharing some wisdom with others considering postgraduate studies.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4oikyDE

Convocation spotlight: Zahra Kanji, MN

Zahra Kanji came to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing after completing her master of arts in English and a bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) in Pakistan. Her experiences there as a nursing educator inspired her to pursue this degree.

During her time at the U of A, Zahra has received numerous awards and scholarships as well as membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society, an honour extended to the top 15 per cent of students across undergraduate and graduate programs at the U of A.

Before she takes the next step in her career — pursuing her PhD — Zahra shares her advice for those considering a masters and reflects on her own time in the Faculty of Nursing.

Read Zahra's spotlight here: https://bit.ly/4uub8GP

Convocation spotlight: Roshant Vig, BScN (Honors) Collaborative Program

Roshant Vig is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honors) collaborative program from the Faculty of Nursing.

Roshant Vig’s time in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing fostered a passion for health equity and a commitment to culturally sensitive care, underscored by a transformative medical aid trip to Costa Rica.

Whenever things became challenging, he reminded himself of his long-term goal: to help people and make a positive impact through health care. Supported by family, friends and faith, he overcame those challenges and now plans to pursue a master’s in nursing leadership this fall — his next step in advancing equity initiatives within health care while helping break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

Read Roshant's spotlight here: https://bit.ly/4e9yb3v

Convocation spotlight: Zara Shakeel, BScN (Honors)

Zara Shakeel is graduating with a bachelor of science in nursing (honors) from the Faculty of Nursing.

She was drawn to nursing as a field of study because of its combination of sciences, critical thinking and human connection. She has always been interested in health care, and nursing felt like the perfect fit — providing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building relationships with patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

As she graduates with her bachelor of science in nursing (honors), she looks ahead to her career, excited to make a difference at the bedside and beyond, advocating for her patients and helping them navigate complex health challenges.

Read Zara's spotlight here: https://bit.ly/4of6laB

Today marks the first day of National Indigenous History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the rich history, culture, diversity and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) peoples.

National Indigenous History Month offers the opportunity to learn more about the first peoples of these lands, their achievements, lived experiences and the role those stories play in the evolving Canada.

For cardiovascular nurse Theresa Ramsfield, partnering with WCHRI-supported researchers has helped turn her personal health journey into a catalyst for change. From navigating the challenges of reproductive aging to advocating for better access to women’s health care, her story highlights the importance of listening to women’s lived experiences in shaping more compassionate, evidence-based care.
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/giving/why-give/impact-stories/wchri/seen-heard-and-valued.html

We are excited and proud to recognize the faculty's recipients of the 2026 Awards for Teaching Excellence!

Congratulations to Kathryn Durksen, Kristin Zelyck and Gillian Lemermeyer - Faculty of Nursing; Elder Bert Auger, Kokum Hazel McKennit, Kokum Alvina Lake, K.D. King - The Faculty of Native Studies, who received the Teaching Collaboration Award.

Congratulations to Emmanuel Marfo, who received the William Hardy Alexander Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

Congratulations to Neelam Punjani, who received the Provost’s Award for Early Achievement of Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

Asian Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories and perspectives that enrich the U of A community and beyond.

This May, we honour the contributions of Asian and Asian-Canadian students, faculty, researchers, staff and alumni whose work, experiences and leadership continue to shape our campuses, communities and fields of study.
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/the-quad/2026/04/honouring-asian-heritage-month.html

A full circle journey

As a parent, nurse and researcher, Kathleen Shearer (Faculty of Nursing PhD student) helps ensure families are part of shaping the care meant for them.

“I think the biggest thing is knowing right away that the research is going to be meaningful to the people it’s meant to help,” she says.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tFFFAN

Women and Children's Health Research Institute Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Alberta Health Services Alberta Women's Health Foundation