USask celebrates Postdoc Appreciation Week

In September, institutions worldwide recognize Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) to recognize the contributions of post-doctoral scholars to research, innovation and teaching.

This fall, USask is proud to highlight the work of two award-winning post-docs who have brought their expertise to campus to push the boundaries of their fields and drive discoveries across disciplines.

“During Postdoc Appreciation Week, we celebrate the vital contributions of all of our post-doctoral scholars who elevate the research excellence of USask and I am looking forward to meeting them at the upcoming reception,” said Dr. Debby Burshtyn (PhD), dean of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS).

“Congratulations to Dr. Crystal Giesbrecht (PhD) and Dr. Fernanda Mascarenhas (PhD) on receiving the Banting and Misiwêskamik fellowships. We are very proud of your accomplishments and pleased to have recruited you to USask.”

When Giesbrecht learned that she’d been selected as a Banting fellow, she was overwhelmed by the news.

“It’s a huge honour to be chosen [for the Banting],” said Giesbrecht. “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.”

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a two-year Tri-Agency fellowship, offering $140,000 in funding. It is awarded to the very best post-doctoral scholars in Canada, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social, and research-based growth.

Giesbrecht completed her PhD at the University of Regina (U of R) in 2024, where she investigated intimate partner violence (IPV), specifically male perpetrators of IPV, and identified individual characteristics of offenders that were related to risk, recidivism, and case management recommendations. 

Giesbrecht has also worked as the director of research at the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) for the past 14 years, where she has conducted research related to survivors of IPV and the service providers who work with them.

“I was inspired to do this work because I started my career working with victims and survivors,” said Giesbrecht. “From reading the literature and working in this area, it’s clear that all individuals who use intimate partner violence are not the same.”

At USask, Giesbrecht works with Dr. Keira Stockdale (PhD) to investigate types of IPV, personality characteristics of perpetrators, rates of repeat offences, and the effectiveness of treatment and case management protocols.

“It’s important to look at people who use violence in their relationships and try to improve responses so there can be a more tailored approach to case management,” said Giesbrecht. “We want to be able to assess risk and make recommendations that work better for perpetrators with different needs.”

The Misiwêskamik International Postdoctoral Fellowship is a competitive fellowship intended to bring exceptional international postdoctoral scholars to USask.

For Mascarenhas, the Misiwêskamik award provides a renewed motivation to contribute to her field of research. 

“Being recognized with this fellowship is a tremendous honour,” said Mascarenhas. “It validates all the dedication and passion I have invested in my journey as a researcher.”

Mascarenhas is originally from Uberlandia, a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In recent years, her work has explored the brain and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

While working with supervisors Dr. Ana Paula Mendes Silva (PhD) and Dr. Tyler Wenzel (PhD) at USask, Mascarenhas is investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mascarenhas’ research focuses on microglia – the resident immune cells of the brain. When the mitochondria within microglia are altered or damaged, it can affect how the mitochondria functions, potentially resulting in inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

“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, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients and their families.”

As a Misiwêskamik fellow, Mascarenhas is excited to collaborate with USask researchers and contribute to the global scientific community studying this work.

“I am especially grateful to my supervisors, Dr. Ana Paula Mendes Silva and Dr. Tyler Wenzel, for their trust, support, and guidance,” said Mascarenhas. “It is a privilege to work alongside such inspiring professionals, and I look forward to learning and growing even more through this experience.”

As part of Postdoc Appreciation Week, CGPS is hosting a series of events to celebrate and support postdocs at USask. Learn more.