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Organized by: University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science — https://www.eventbrite.com/o/15707193049Please join us for a talk from Dr. Julie Blackwood, followed by a panel discussion in the SSA Lounge.
Join us to recognize and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ STEM Day!
About the lecturer
Julie Blackwood (she/they) is an applied mathematician specializing in disease ecology and ecosystem management. Their research leverages dynamic mathematical modeling to uncover the primary drivers behind complex population dynamics and evaluate targeted ecosystem management strategies. Prior to joining the Williams College faculty in 2013, they completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. Julie holds a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of California, Davis, and a B.S. from the Rochester Institute of Technology. They serve on the Science Executive Committee and as an Environmental Studies Affiliate at Williams College, and they were awarded the Lavender Lecture Award by Spectra in 2024. Currently Julie is the William R. Kenan, Jr Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Department of Mathematics.
Dr. Blackwood's Lecture
Dr. Blackwood will present a lecture titled "Managing white-nose syndrome in little brown bats: Insights from mathematical models."
Abstract: Mathematical models provide a useful tool for both understanding the transmission dynamics and evaluating the consequences of mitigation strategies for pathogens. In this talk, I will describe how such models are developed and will focus on the case of white-nose syndrome (WNS), which is a highly lethal pathogen impacting hibernating bats and is caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. WNS was first documented in 2006 near Albany, NY and it has now been identified in 40 U.S. states as well as 8 Canadian provinces. Managing WNS requires coordination of multiple agencies as well as the use of several forms of mitigation strategies. The mathematical model that I introduce will account for multiple methods for disease control, and I will discuss how effective control depends on complexities associated with the pathogen.
2SLGBTQIA+ people in STEM panel
Right after Dr. Blackwood's seminar, join us in the SSA Lounge (209 Armes) for a coffee and conversations panel talk on the topic of breaking barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+ representation and inclusion in science.
UM community members will join Dr. Blackwood for the panel:
Alex/Alice Gislason (he/him) - Undergraduate student, Department of Microbiology
Alex is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing an honours degree in genetics with an interest in genetics in medicine. He is the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Representative of the Science Students’ Association, as well as an executive of the Synthetic Biology Club. Alex is a transgender male who came out during his university career and enjoys being involved in the queer community on campus.
Dr. Cale Gushulak (he/him) - Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Dr. Gushulak is a 2SLGBTQIA+ limnologist and assistant professor in the department of biological sciences at the University of Manitoba. He grew up in rural western Manitoba between the shores of the large lakes that dominate the landscape. This background informs and inspires his lab's research on the causes of environmental change in lake environments. Dr. Gushulak/s lab strives to conduct field-based research as inclusively as possible to ensure positive and safe experiences for researchers of any background or identity.
Lance Lecocq-Gareau (he/him) - Graduate student, Department of Chemistry
Lance is a master’s student in the Department of Chemistry. He was born and raised in rural Manitoba in a small town called Inwood. He moved to Winnipeg during COVID to pursue his Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in chemistry at the University of Winnipeg, where he was part of the Queer Student Association as well served as President of Chemistry Student Association for 4 years. Lance currently works in Dr. David Herbert's lab designing a class of iridium-based photocatalysis and understanding their properties and implications.
Juliana Osler (they/she) - Graduate student, Department of Microbiology
Juliana is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Microbiology. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, where she also completed her undergraduate BSc (Hons.) in microbiology at UM. Currently, she works in the lab of Dr. Silvia Cardona researching novel antimicrobial compounds effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Outside of the lab, she also teaches knitting classes and enjoys fibre arts of all kinds.
Panel moderator: Mubashshir Bari (Shirsho) (he/him) - Research Technician, Department of Microbiology
Shirsho/Bari is currently a research technician at the department of microbiology, following his recent graduation from the department, with a master's degree. He is a committee member of the Department of Microbiology EDIA committee for 2025-2026. He had previously served as the first "Executive-EDIA" within the microbiology graduate students association, where he was among the people who established this role, for which he was the recipient of the Faculty of Sciences' "Graduate Student Excellence Award" in 2025. Outside the lab, he enjoys supporting Winnipeg’s vibrant drag and ballroom culture, food scene and non-profit initiatives to help create inclusive spaces.
Photography Notice
This event will be photographed. UM may use photographs taken during events for publication in print and online, including social media. Please alert the photographer at the event if you do not want your photo taken.
Notice Regarding Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information by the University
Your personal information is being collected under the authority of The University of Manitoba Act. The information you provide will be used by the university for the purpose of processing your registration for the event, determining catering needs, improving future Faculty of Science events, and for further communication regarding the event. Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for other purposes, unless permitted by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, contact the Access and Privacy Office (tel. 204-474-9462), 233 Elizabeth Dafoe Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2.
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Event venue
204 Armes - University of Manitoba, 30B Sifton Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, CA, Canada
Tickets
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