FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Teassa MacMartin as Program Director.
Teassa MacMartin is an Indigenous woman and mother, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and a proud member of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation on Treaty 1 Territory. She brings to VJKF a strong academic background, deep research expertise, and a long-standing commitment to Indigenous outreach and mentorship in the sciences.
Teassa completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba in 2020. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in research related to water quality in First Nations communities while working with Dr. Karen Brassinga in the Department of Microbiology. She continued this work as a research assistant and later as a graduate student, and is currently completing her PhD in Microbiology. Throughout her academic career, Teassa has presented her research at national and international conferences and has authored numerous publications, with additional work in progress.
Alongside her academic work, Teassa has consistently prioritized outreach and mentorship initiatives focused on increasing Indigenous participation in science. Her experience includes mentorship through the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program, term-based mentorship and presentations within the Science Co-op program, hiring and training students for the Indigenous Summer Student Internship program, and working with Wawatay within the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba.
“Teassa brings a rare combination of academic excellence, lived experience, and deep commitment to Indigenous student success,” said Neil Chowdhury, Executive Director of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation. “Her research background, mentorship experience, and passion for outreach align strongly with VJKF’s mission, and we are excited to welcome her into this unique role.”
Through her work, Teassa strives to build meaningful connections with young Indigenous students by learning from their experiences and sharing her own academic journey. By fostering potential and building confidence, she is committed to encouraging Indigenous youth to pursue post-secondary education in science and research, helping to inspire future generations to follow similar paths.
VJKF is delighted to welcome Teassa MacMartin as Program Director and looks forward to the continued growth and impact of its programs under her leadership.
About the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation
The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is a national charitable organization dedicated to increasing the participation and success of Indigenous students in science, engineering, and technology-related fields. Through fully funded, week-long research experiences at Canadian universities, VJKF provides Indigenous high school students with early exposure to post-secondary education, hands-on research opportunities, and mentorship from leading academics. Since its founding in 2001, VJKF has supported thousands of Indigenous students across Canada in exploring pathways to higher education and careers in STEM.