Researchers

Dr. Az Klymiuk

Assistant Professor, Indigenous Scholar in Science

I’m a Cree Métis and Slavic first-generation scholar, nonbinary 2S autistic person, and a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta (Region 6), with family connections to Saddle Lake/Goodfish Lake First Nation (Treaty 6). I grew up in Treaty 8 Territory, near the confluence of the Peace and Notikewin rivers, where my family practised predominantly subsistence-based lifeways. I achieved a BSc. Paleontology and MSc. Systematics and Evolution at the University of Alberta, and then pursued my PhD. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Before joining the University of Manitoba in 2022, I worked at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL. My hobbies and skills outside academia include scientific illustration, gardening, writing fiction, beadwork, playing with power tools AKA “building things”, and being out on the land. And drinking coffee (I do this as a replacement activity for sleeping, which is a hobby I no longer have time to indulge in). I have a keen interest in traditional plant medicines, and am sloooowly learning nehiyawewin; ironically, I didn’t pick it up as a kid, despite having grown up around fluent speakers. We value different things at different times in our lives, I suppose.

ABBY SPRING

NSERC USRA (Indigenous) Recipient, 2023, 2024; Office of the Vice President Research and Innnovation URA Recipient 2025

I’m currently in my fourth year of a cell, molecular, and developmental biology honours degree. In my second summer in the Klymiuk lab as a USRA recipient, I will be optimizing protocol for the extraction and purification of DNA from wetland soils for the purpose of sequencing the root-endogenous fungal communities inhabiting such systems. The results of this research will inform my honours project in the upcoming academic year, in which I will assess the mycorrhizal associations of wild rice in its natural setting. In my free time, I like to read, listen to music, and hike. This summer, I look forward to fieldwork and getting more hands-on experience with different molecular biology techniques!

SHANA MANN

Indigenous Student Internship Recipient 2024; Lab Technician Winter 2025

Hello! I’m Shana and I am from Sagkeeng First Nation. I will be working in the Klymiuk Lab as a research technician this summer, as part of the U of M Indigenous Student Internship Program. I am a mother and grandmother, and I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology in the fall. In my life, family is always first, with love for the laboratory coming in close second. During my university journey, my goals have been to broaden my professional network and expand my laboratory skillset. This position with Dr. Klymiuk will allow me the opportunity to learn about plant and fungal interactions, while adding new techniques to my repertoire. Looking forward to a great summer!

LAB ALUMNI