Maha Jahangir wins CBA Prize at 2024 Ontario Biology Day
This past weekend, at the 2024 Ontario Biology Day, Maha Jahangir, 3rd year undergrad student, won the prestigious Canadian Botanical Association (CBA) award for her poster on "The Impact of Flower Removal Timing on Fruit Abortion Rates in Heliconia tortuosa." Jahangir's poster presentation caught the eye of the judging committee, who awarded her for the best botanical poster.
The CBA, a leading association for young scientists interested in botany, including fungi and lichens, presents this award annually at the Ontario Biology Day. Jahangir's achievement highlights her dedication to botanical research and her innovative approach to studying plant reproduction.
"I'm Maha Jahangir, currently in my third year at UTM, pursuing a double specialist degree in Biology and Neuroscience. Since April 2023, I've had the incredible opportunity to be a part of an ROP in Dr. Wagner's lab, focusing on the fascinating reproductive mechanisms of Heliconia Tortuosa. This experience has been immensely enriching, guided by the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Wagner and Ferne Kotlyar, [PhD student] who have significantly contributed to my development as a researcher. I'm deeply appreciative of them, everyone in the Wagner lab and UTM's supportive environment. It's a true honour to have my work recognized by the Canadian Botanical Association at the Ontario Biology Day!"
The Research Opportunity Program (ROP) provides students in second to fourth year with the chance to participate in the research of a faculty member while earning course credit. Students in the program have the valuable opportunity to become involved in practical, cutting-edge research, working one-on-one with the University's leading faculty members across a range of academic units. Through the ROP, students gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to careers or toward future graduate studies. Students use these experiences to build strong relationships with instructors, learn about exciting new developments in their research field, and explore new areas of interest. More info on Experiential Education Unit/ROP
Congratulations, Maha Jahangir, on this well-deserved recognition!