From left: Researcher Dr. Thomas Netticadan, donors Frank and Jeanne Plett, and MSc student Sunita Karki, with undergraduate student Sandrius Mirochkinov, another Plett Endowed Studentship Grant recipient.
June 20, 2025
University of Manitoba student researchers are closer than ever to making the breakthroughs they’ve dreamed of, thanks to you. Many who are studying at St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre received endowed studentship grants to support their work in 2024.
A trio of students say they are feeling “recognized and supported” after receiving their shares of the Frank & Jeanne Plett Endowed Studentship Grant last year.
Master of Science student Sunita Karki is one of them. She is researching under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Netticadan, Principal Investigator with the Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM) at St. B.
Karki is working on methods to bake healthier bread by adding a natural compound called resveratrol, which is beneficial for patients with diabetes and obesity. She is also conducting experiments to learn how consuming resveratrol affects blood sugar levels, and how everyday foods can help manage or prevent diabetes and obesity.
“Receiving this award has enabled me to focus more on research and given me the confidence to try new approaches. On a personal level, the award has been quite meaningful. It has significantly improved my motivation,” she added.
Meanwhile, Shunshun Jin, a PhD student in Animal Science, was another recipient. He studies in the Hospital’s Integrative Biology Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Karmin O, Principal Investigator with CCARM. Jin’s work focuses on the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in gut health.
“The Plett Endowed Studentship allowed me to continue my work without financial concerns,” he said. “I was able to attend scientific conferences to present my findings and receive valuable feedback from experts in the field. These opportunities not only advanced my research technically but also helped me build connections within the scientific community and refine the focus of my work.”
Jin called his grant a strong affirmation of his research direction and personal dedication. “It boosted my confidence and made me feel that my efforts in advancing gut health research were recognized and valued,” he added.
Sandrius Mirochkinov was the final recipient in 2024. An undergraduate student in Human Nutrition and Food Science, he is researching the many health benefits of different types of Omega-3 fatty acids. He is under the supervision of Dr. Harold Aukema, Principal Investigator with CCARM.
“Once I received this grant, it motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my research. It boosted my confidence as a young researcher exploring a new field, as 2024 was my very first year of research,” said Mirochkinov.