Six University of Manitoba researchers receive $10,000 awards

Winnipeg, MB – Six researchers from the University of Manitoba have received Rh awards. The honours are given to researchers who are in the early stages of their research careers and who display exceptional innovation, leadership and promise in their respective fields. One award is normally made in each of the areas of applied sciences, health sciences, humanities, interdisciplinary studies, natural sciences and the social sciences. Each winner receives $10,000 for future research.

The following researchers in the science and engineering fields have received 2006 Rh awards:

1) Applied Sciences: Dr Gary Wang, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, for his research in the fields of virtual prototyping, quantitative design and advanced manufacturing.

2) Health Sciences: Dr James Blanchard, community health sciences, for his research on the characteristics of individuals, communities and large populations that contribute to the distribution of diseases.

3) Interdisciplinary: Dr Maureen Heaman, Nursing, for her multidisciplinary research in the areas of maternal and perinatal health, the experience of high-risk pregnancy, and the epidemiology of pre-term birth.

4) Natural Sciences: Dr Nazim Cicek, biosystems engineering, for his research on the biological treatment of wastewater, and the use of waste materials for the production of biofuels.

The other two award winners are in humanities categories.