As part of the University of Windsor’s Outstanding Scholars program, nursing student Anna Papanastassiou gains hands-on research experience in a neuroscience lab, contributing to Alzheimer’s-related genetic testing. (ROGERS KOBOJI/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Anna Papanastassiou spends most days in her nursing classes learning how to care for people.
But in a quiet neuroscience lab at the University of Windsor, she is also learning how to study the brain through hands-on genetic testing.
The second-year nursing student is part of the university’s Outstanding Scholars program, a competitive initiative that pairs high-achieving undergraduates with faculty-led research projects.
— Published on Mar 13th, 2026
Simona Brezeanu won big at the 21st Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare. (JOEL GUERIN/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
Third-year biomedical sciences student Simona Brezeanu’s undergraduate health-care research turned heads at a national student research conference this winter.
In January, Queen’s University in Kingston hosted the 21st Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare (CUCOH). The student-run conference brought together more than 150 students from more than 10 Canadian institutions to present their research.
— Published on Feb 18th, 2026
Undergraduate student Krista Abdel Sater gains hands-on research experience through Outstanding Scholars, shaping resources for future business students. (SUBMITTED BY KRISTA ABDEL SATER/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
When Krista Abdel Sater walked into her first-year classes at the University of Windsor, she never imagined her business degree would lead her into academic research — or to a high-impact co-op role at one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
— Published on Jan 22nd, 2026
Biochemistry undergraduate Nicole Vanier is in her third year of research placements in Dr. Simon Rondeau-Gagné's lab. (VICTORIA OLGA KIS/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
The journey to becoming a leader and a researcher began when biochemistry major Nicole Vanier was in high school.
Having learned about the Outstanding Scholars program from her older sister, Jeannette Vanier (BSc ’23), she began to consider research, unsure of what to expect but open to the opportunities the program offered.
— Published on Jan 6th, 2026
Mina Pairawan at the rock-climbing gym. (Photo courtesy of Mina Pairawan)
By Sara Elliott
Mina Pairawan’s brain rarely takes a break, even when she is relaxing.
During her scarce downtime, the biomedical science major goes bouldering at a local rock-climbing gym with her friends.
— Published on Dec 10th, 2025
Outstanding Scholar, Ava Mammarella, hosted a clinical sale to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society in her previous role of Nursing Society philanthropy chair (SUBMITTED BY AVA MAMMARELLA/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
When third-year nursing student Ava Mammarella reflects on her UWindsor experience, a theme comes to mind: growth.
From a first-year student discovering her path in health care to a mentor guiding others through the same transition, her journey through the Outstanding Scholars program highlights the transformative power of mentorship.
Mammarella says she has been drawn to medicine for as long as she can remember.
“I was that kid with the toy stethoscope, checking everyone’s heartbeat,” she says.
— Published on Dec 4th, 2025
Sohila Sidhu participating as a committee director for the 2025 UWindsor Model United Nations (SUBMITTED BY SOHILA SIDHU/University of Windsor)
From training in the dojo to Model United Nations, Outstanding Scholar Sohila Sidhu is balancing a lot.
At the same time, she is also laser-focused on a career in medicine.
This drive is part of what motivated Sidhu to become part of UWindsor’s Outstanding Scholars program, which facilitates research opportunities for high-achieving undergraduate students.
— Published on Dec 9th, 2025
Through the Outstanding Scholars program, Jett Shields is collaborating with Professor Nick Hector on a proof-of-concept documentary, currently in post-production. (Photo courtesy of Jett Shields)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
With a love for the art of motion pictures that extends to all facets of production, Jett Shields is already earning a reputation for his technical precision and creative drive.
The second-year film production student at the University of Windsor is hooked on 24 frames-per-second storytelling.
But it’s the meticulous craft of editing that earns his dearest affection.
“I’ve always been drawn to the behind-the-scenes work,” Shields says.
— Published on Nov 24th, 2025
Luca Mastroianni is a third-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Windsor and a participant in the Outstanding Scholars program. Through this placement, undergraduates gain paid research experience and work closely with faculty on innovative research initiatives. (Submitted by LUCA MASTROIANNI/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Luca Mastroianni has always loved building things.
From welding and woodworking projects in high school to designing automated systems in university, his hands-on approach to problem-solving has shaped his academic journey.
— Published on Nov 25th, 2025
Abby Scott is an Outstanding Scholar and plays on the Lancers women's volleyball team (FILE/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
When Abby Scott joined the Outstanding Scholars program, she was not expecting to be listed as first author on a book chapter before she finished her undergrad.
The fourth-year sport management and leadership student didn’t even know what Outstanding Scholars was until she was invited to enrol in the program during her second year as a student-athlete on the women’s volleyball team.
— Published on Nov 24th, 2025
As part of the University of Windsor’s Outstanding Scholars program, nursing student Anna Papanastassiou gains hands-on research experience in a neuroscience lab, contributing to Alzheimer’s-related genetic testing. (ROGERS KOBOJI/University of Windsor)
