University of Manitoba: Faculty of Science

That’s a wrap for Wawatay Summer Orientation 2026! It has been an incredible few weeks where students had the opportunity to build new friendships, strengthen their connections to the science community, and take part in a wide range of engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

As the team wrapped up another successful orientation, we're proud to celebrate the confidence, friendships, and sense of community that students have built along the way. Thank you to everyone who made Wawatay summer orientation 2026 such a meaningful experience!

Read the full article on UM Today, https://umtoday.ca/stories/campus-readiness-takes-whole-new-meaning-wawatay

When Kelsey Wog [BSc(Agr)/22, MSc/26] chose the University of Manitoba, she was choosing more than a school. She was choosing home.

By the time she was deciding where to study and swim, Wog had options well beyond Manitoba. But she was already training with the Bisons varsity coach, building momentum and surrounded by the support system that had helped shape her.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award has given Wog a chance to reflect on what persistence has meant across her career. For Wog, the recognition is about staying with something long enough to see what is possible.

Read her story on UMToday, https://umtoday.ca/stories/kelsey-wog-proves-world-class-success-can-start-home

Wawatay Summer Orientation 2026 has been an incredible journey so far. Throughout the orientation, students have had the chance to connect with one another with so much variety of hands-on learning opportunities. 🎉

For the past weeks, they participated in workshops like the science communication workshop with Kimia Shadkami, microbiology activity with Damien Rivers, math bootcamp with Darja Barr, water workshop with Ashley Wolfe, beading with Melanie Lalonde and more. They also discovered resources across the campus with a tour from both the library and buller greenhouse. Plus, they experienced the planetarium, tried electrofishing, each day definitely brought new opportunities to learn and grow.

It has been inspiring to see students build confidence, create meaningful connections, and become part of the science community. We look forward to sharing more memories and highlights as the summer continues stay tuned!👉

Applications have launched for the 2027 cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars! 🎉⁠
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Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 additional awards will be offered to candidates who demonstrate exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

What does the McCall MacBain Scholarship cover?

• Tuition and fees for one of 150+ eligible master's or professional programs at McGill University
• A living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms
• Summer funding options and a relocation grant
• Mentors, coaching, and advisors
• A leadership development program
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For more information on how to apply, https://apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org/apply/
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Join the Break the Barrier Healthcare Innovation Competition! Break the Barrier is a national, venture-backed healthcare innovation competition. The prompt is simple: identify a barrier in healthcare and use AI to build a solution.

• Eligibility: 100% free to enter. Open to all ages; compete solo or as a team.

• No Experience Needed: Zero prior business, technical, or healthcare background is required. This is designed for everyone from first-year non-technical students to senior graduate students. Additionally, your work stays yours with 100% intellectual property (IP) retention.

• The Prizes: Finalists receive cash prizes, guaranteed admission into an accelerator program, and direct investment consideration from our VC partner, Redesign Health.

• Timeline: Register today and submit by November 1st.

Learn more and join today at inventacare.com.

Turn your classroom knowledge into career experience.

The General Science Internship Program (GSIP) gives Bachelor of Science General Degree students the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on work experience while completing their degree. Through career-related internships, students can apply what they've learned in the classroom, build valuable professional skills, expand their network, and explore potential career paths.

If you're interested in learning more about the program, your eligibility, or how to apply, contact Ela Kotula, Work-Integrated Learning Specialist, during the Fall Term at [email protected]

To learn more about the program, visit https://umanitoba.ca/science/programs-of-study/general-science-internship-program

The 2026 Wawatay Summer Orientation started last week, and the students are having so much fun. Wawatay’s summer orientation offers an enriching experience, from engaging campus tours to exciting icebreakers and social events. 🥳

Some of the activities they did last week were birding with Dr. Emily McKinnon and Dr. Kevin Fraser, meeting with the Wawatay scholar speaker panel with Alyssa Kenyon, Ayden Henderson, Shana Mann, Brett Naylor, Evan Giesbrecht, Chasz Ducharme, teaching with Farelle Bernier, lunch with Acting Dean, Dr. Sean McKenna and Dr. Todd Duhamel, and they did their vision boards as well! 🎉

Stay tuned for more exciting updates with the orientation! 👉