USask Honors Postdoctoral Scholars During Appreciation Week

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is celebrating Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) this September, acknowledging the vital contributions of post-doctoral scholars to research and teaching. This year, USask is recognizing the achievements of two outstanding post-docs, Dr. Crystal Giesbrecht and Dr. Fernanda Mascarenhas, who have made significant strides in their respective fields.

Dr. Debby Burshtyn, dean of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS), expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “During Postdoc Appreciation Week, we celebrate the vital contributions of all of our post-doctoral scholars who elevate the research excellence of USask.” She added her congratulations to Giesbrecht and Mascarenhas for receiving prestigious fellowships, underscoring the university’s pride in their accomplishments.

Recognizing Excellence in Research

Dr. Crystal Giesbrecht has been awarded the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, a highly competitive two-year grant providing $140,000 in funding. This fellowship is designed for Canada’s top post-doctoral scholars who are expected to contribute positively to the nation’s research landscape. Giesbrecht, who completed her PhD at the University of Regina in 2024, focused her research on intimate partner violence (IPV), specifically examining the characteristics of male perpetrators.

“I’m grateful and proud to be one of the Banting Postdoctoral Researchers chosen. This fellowship is a tremendous opportunity to have the support to conduct this research,” Giesbrecht remarked upon receiving the award. With extensive experience as the director of research at the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), she has dedicated over 14 years to studying IPV and the dynamics surrounding it.

At USask, Giesbrecht collaborates with Dr. Keira Stockdale to explore various types of IPV, the personality traits of offenders, and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. She aims to enhance case management approaches, advocating for tailored interventions that address the diverse needs of perpetrators.

Global Impact Through Research

Dr. Fernanda Mascarenhas has also been recognized with the Misiwêskamik International Postdoctoral Fellowship, which aims to attract exceptional international scholars to USask. Originally from Uberlandia, Brazil, Mascarenhas’s research focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. She expressed her appreciation for the fellowship, stating, “Being recognized with this fellowship is a tremendous honour. It validates all the dedication and passion I have invested in my journey as a researcher.”

Working under the guidance of Dr. Ana Paula Mendes Silva and Dr. Tyler Wenzel at USask, Mascarenhas investigates the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Her research zeroes in on microglia, the immune cells of the brain, and how their altered mitochondrial function may lead to inflammation and neurodegeneration.

“By uncovering these mechanisms, my goal is to produce research that not only advances the scientific field but also supports the development of more effective, accessible, and personalized treatments,” Mascarenhas explained. She is eager to collaborate with USask researchers and contribute to the global scientific community.

As part of Postdoc Appreciation Week, the CGPS is hosting a series of events to honor and support postdoctoral scholars at USask. These initiatives highlight the importance of post-doctoral research and the critical role these scholars play in fostering innovation and advancing knowledge across various disciplines.