USask celebrates research excellence at 2025 Life & Health Sciences Research Expo
The University of Saskatchewan honoured student researchers and graduate mentorship at the annual event, awarding over $8,000 in prizes for outstanding research achievements.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) showcased outstanding research and mentorship achievement at the 32nd annual Life & Health Sciences Research Expo, held on May 1, 2025, in the Health Sciences Building. The event highlighted the university's commitment to advancing health science research through collaboration and mentorship.
The expo featured over 100 research poster presentations evaluated by volunteer adjudicators with PhDs or equivalent degrees. Participants included graduate students, undergraduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and dentistry and medical residents, all competing for more than $8,000 in student prizes. The event culminated in an award ceremony hosted by Adam Baxter-Jones, PhD, interim associate provost health.
Awards were presented in various categories, including basic, translational, clinical, and applied sciences, as well as social and population health. The top student-nominated supervisor was also recognized.
Best Paper awards:
- Best Basic Science Paper: Marina Bezerra da Silva, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, for "From larva to adult: In vitro rearing protocol for honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones." Supervisors: Dr. Sarah Wood (DVM, PhD) and Dr. Elemir Simko (DVM, DVSc).
- Best Translational, Clinical, or Applied Science Paper: Robin Manaloor, College of Medicine, for "Virtual multidisciplinary preoperative assessments: A multi-site formative evaluation and evidence-based guide for implementing change." Supervisor: Dr. Jon Gamble (MD).
- Best Social & Population Health Paper: Sierra Leonard, College of Medicine, for "Comparing Artificial Intelligence and Traditional Regression Models in Lung Cancer Risk Prediction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Supervisor: Dr. Scott Adams (MD, PhD).
Best Supervisor award:
- Dean Chapman (PhD), Professor, College of Medicine, nominated by Puja Rajesh.
The expo brought together students, supervisors, and judges from various USask health science colleges and schools, and also featured participation from units such as the College of Arts and Science, the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, the College of Engineering, VIDO (Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization), and SCPOR (the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research).
For a complete list of award recipients and more information about the expo, https://healthsciences.usask.ca/expo.