Postdoctoral Affairs
Nazanin Vafaei – President, Postdoctoral Affairs: vppa@umgps.org (She/her)
Office Hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00–1:00 PM – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello Postdocs and Research Associates!
My name is Nazanin Vafaei, and I am honoured to serve as the President of the Postdoctoral and Research Associates Organization (PDRAO) at the University of Manitoba. I hold a Ph.D. in Food and Human Nutritional Sciences from the University of Manitoba, where my research focused on sustainable extraction and functionalization of fats and proteins. I also hold advanced expertise in supercritical CO₂ extraction, enzymatic biocatalysis, and lipid structuring technologies.
Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on innovations in sustainable processing of canola oil and protein ingredients. As President of the PDRAO, my vision is to foster a strong, inclusive, and supportive postdoctoral community. I am passionate about advocating for equitable opportunities, mental health support, and professional development for all postdocs and research associates. My leadership is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and the belief that every voice matters.
Outside of research, I am actively involved in grant writing, science communication, and career development initiatives. I look forward to connecting with many of you, listening to your ideas, and working together to elevate the postdoctoral experience at the University of Manitoba.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out—whether with suggestions, questions, or simply to say hello!
Deepak Kadam – Postdoctoral Fellow Association Vice President Fort Garry
Hello Bison!
Dr. Deepak Kadam is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus, with a strong background in food biotechnology, protein chemistry, and analytical science. He earned his PhD in Food Biotechnology from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India, in 2019, where he focused on the nutraceutical potential of bioactive compounds and food proteins.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Kadam brings over three years of industrial experience as a Manager of Application Support, with expertise in chromatography and spectroscopy techniques, including LC-MS and Circular Dichroism. His experience spans both academic and industrial settings, enabling him to lead interdisciplinary research projects and contribute effectively to scientific communication and innovation.
Currently serving as the Vice President of the Postdoctoral Fellow Association at the Fort Garry campus, Dr. Kadam is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment. He actively advocates for the professional development, recognition, and overall well-being of postdoctoral fellows within the University of Manitoba community.
Armina Soleymani – Postdoctoral Fellow Association Vice President Fort Garry
Hello everyone!
I’m a postdoctoral research fellow and sessional lecturer at the Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, with a Ph.D. in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo. My research interests include sea ice, remote sensing, climate modelling, machine learning, geospatial data, climate change impacts, and environmental risk assessment—basically, if it involves the Arctic and a lot of data, I’m in.
As vice president of the postdoctoral fellow association, I’m passionate about helping our community thrive—whether that means securing funding for new initiatives, advocating for postdoc interests, supporting professional growth, or organizing events that bring people together and spark meaningful connections.
Feel free to reach out with questions, concerns, ideas, or collaborations—or just to share your best paddling spots or join me in the eternal quest to crown the world’s best cheese!
Hoda Badran & Amir Barzegar Behrooz, Postdoctoral Fellow Association Vice President Bannatyne
Dr. Hoda Badran, BSc, MSc, PhD is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba and a member of the Pediatric Emergency Research Group at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM). She holds a PhD and MSc in Clinical Pharmacy from Queen’s University Belfast and a BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ain Shams University.
Dr. Badran brings over two decades of experience in pediatric clinical pharmacy, research, and academic leadership. She previously served as Assistant Director of Pharmacy and Head of the Continuous Pharmacy Education Program at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar, where she led the accreditation of the region’s first ACPE-certified continuing pharmacy education program.
Her research focuses on pediatric pharmacotherapy, non-inferiority trials, and emergency care, with several first-author systematic reviews and Cochrane updates. She is a recipient of the Research Manitoba and IMPaCT Postdoctoral Fellowships and an active contributor to national initiatives on pediatric clinical trial policy, including RareKidsCAN and the SickKids Policy Accelerator.
Dr. Badran also serves on the Research Ethics Board at the University of Manitoba and holds leadership roles within the REACH Trainee Program and the Postdoctoral Fellow Association. Her mentorship record spans PharmD and MSc trainees across Canada, the UK, and Qatar.
Amir.BarzegarBehrooz@umanitoba.ca
“In this transient world of science and life, people come and go, but a golden heart remains.”
Hello, golden hearts!
My journey into science began not just with textbooks, but with a question: Why do some cells choose to survive, while others surrender? This curiosity first took root in Iran, where I earned my BSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology and later an MSc in Medical Physiology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. There, I became captivated by the language of cancer cells and the emerging promise of targeted drug delivery.
Eager to explore science beyond borders, I moved to Malaysia to pursue a PhD in targeted cancer therapy at Universiti Putra Malaysia. My research focused on co-delivery systems to overcome drug resistance in brain cancer. That time taught me that science is not just about solving problems—it’s about crossing boundaries: of cells, disciplines, and nations.
I returned to Iran for my first postdoctoral fellowship at the Neuroscience Research Center, where I explored cancer neuroscience. This turning point showed me the body’s hidden conversations between systems, environments, and disease. Now, as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Manitoba’s College of Pharmacy, I investigate brain and blood cancer through the lens of metabolomics, systems biology, and epigenetic profiling. I’m particularly drawn to how metabolic signatures can shape cancer cells’ fate, offering clues to their survival and keys to their defeat.
Beyond the lab, I am honored to serve as Vice President of Postdoctoral Affairs at UMGSA. Having lived and worked in Iran, Malaysia, and Canada, I understand the unseen challenges researchers encounter—new systems, new cultures, and the weight of uncertainty. That’s why I advocate for mentorship, inclusion, and meaningful community-building as fundamental aspects of academic success.
Among all the lessons I’ve gathered across cultures and careers, the most enduring is this: titles fade and timelines shift, but the warmth of a golden heart endures beyond them all.
Manpreet Kaur, Postdoctoral Fellow Association Secretary (She/her)
Manpreet.Kaur3@umanitoba.ca
Hello Bison!
It is with great enthusiasm that I express my interest in serving as the Secretary of the Postdoctoral Fellow Association under the UMGSA. I am driven by a sincere commitment to academic excellence, student development, research innovation, and the enrichment of scholarly and co-curricular communities. Currently, I hold a postdoctoral position in the Food Proteins and Bioproducts Lab within the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. My research centres on advancing sustainable protein technologies, particularly the green extraction and modification of plant-based proteins to meet the growing global demand.
My academic journey began in India, where I also earned my Ph.D. from Punjab Agricultural University as a recipient of the esteemed Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship. I was also fortunate to expand my research horizons as a visiting scholar at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, collaborating with leading experts in food science and sustainability.
I have always been passionate about creating inclusive spaces where students and researchers can share knowledge and support each other. I believe that working together leads to real progress, helping us grow ideas, overcome challenges, and celebrate success as a community. I’m excited to be a part of the Postdoctoral Fellow Association and contribute in a meaningful way to its goals.
Thank you so much!
Ruchira Nandasiri, Postdoctoral Fellow Association Treasurer (He/him)
Hello Bison!
It is a true honor to serve as the incoming Treasurer of the University of Manitoba Postdoctoral Association (UM-PDA). As a dedicated researcher, instructor, and mentor to graduate students, I am eager to contribute to the growth of the UM-PDA by fostering meaningful collaborations and creating new financial opportunities for our association.
With extensive leadership experience spanning several institutions and organizations-including my roles as Past President of the Society of Food Science and Technology at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (2007–2008), Past President of the International Student Association, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University (2011–2012), Past Treasurer of the Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Association at the University of Manitoba (2016–2019), and currently serving as President of the Postdoctoral and Research Associates’ Organization (PDRAO) in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences (2025–2026)-I bring a wealth of organizational, financial, and leadership expertise to the UM-PDA Executive Committee.
I am deeply committed to advancing the visibility, recognition, and professional development of postdoctoral scholars at the University of Manitoba. My vision is to expand funding opportunities, enhance leadership training, and strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships across the research community. By working closely with my fellow Executive Team members, I aim to create a vibrant platform that champions the academic, professional, and personal success of all postdoctoral associates.
The University of Manitoba has long been a beacon of inclusivity, innovation, and support for its students and staff. I am excited to build on this foundation, leveraging our collective energy to foster greater collaboration both within and beyond our university community.
I look forward to serving the UM-PDA with passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, contributing toward the continued advancement of the University’s academic mission and vision.
Ruth T. Boachie, Postdoctoral Fellow Association Communication Officer (She/her)
Ruth.Boachie@umanitoba.ca
Hello Students!
My name is Ruth Boachie. I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, where I focus on the digestibility of sustainable protein alternatives.
Postdoctoral Fellows are vital members of the university community; therefore, it is essential for us to work collaboratively to provide one another with the necessary support. I possess over a decade of experience in collaborating with diverse teams. My recent roles have included serving as a Departmental Representative on my Faculty’s PhD Council and as a Communications Coordinator for a Students’ Interest Group during my PhD.
I am excited to contribute to the new executive team of the University of Manitoba Postdoctoral Fellows Association as a Communications Officer. I look forward to sharing our activities with fellow postdoctoral researchers and student communities, while also promoting the organization’s mission within the university and to relevant external stakeholders