Bringing together world-class researchers to share knowledge
and move research
into action.

Jacquetta Trasler is a Distinguished James McGill Professor Emerita in the Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics at McGill University and a Senior Scientist in the Child Health and Human Development Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). She has played key leadership roles including as Director of the McGill MD-PhD Program, Director of Child Health Research at the RI-MUHC and President of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society. Her research is in the field of reproductive and developmental epigenomics. She studies how preconception and early life environmental stressors impact the epigenome to predispose children to birth defects and adverse health outcomes.

The epigenome, heritable marks on our DNA that influence gene expression, undergoes its most dynamic programming at key times that influence normal development in children. Altered epigenetic marks or epimutations can be corrected, suggesting the importance of early detection and the development of approaches to prevention. I will discuss our research on mechanisms involved in epigenetic inheritance with a special focus on men’s health and how lifestyle and the environment affect fertility and offspring health.

Nolan S. De Leon is an M.D./Ph.D. student in physiology and pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba. His work aims to unravel the causes of birth defects by examining epigenetic and transcriptomic factors, particularly circular RNAs, as regulators of disease and potential diagnostic biomarkers. His research on Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia has garnered international recognition, reflecting his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and leadership in healthcare. Nolan is the recipient of the Doctors Manitoba Top 40 under 40 Award, the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Leadership Award, and the International Michael Höllwarth Pediatric Surgery Award for Best Clinical Research (2025).

This session explores the emerging role of circular RNAs in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We will explore how circRNAs in cell-free human amniotic fluid may improve prenatal diagnosis, enable patient risk stratification for treatment decision-making, and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fetal lung development and CDH pathogenesis.

Dr. Lei Xing completed his undergraduate and masters studies at the medical school of Jilin University, China. His strong interest in neuroscience led him to University of Ottawa, where he studied neuroestrogen regulation by neurotransmitters in the adult brain during his Ph.D, under the supervision of Dr. Vance Trudeau. To further understand the role of hormones and neurotransmitters in the developing brain, Dr. Xing joined the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany in 2016, as a postdoctoral researcher. In Dr. Wieland Huttner’s lab, his work using mouse, ferret and human organoid has identified a novel role of serotonin as an extrinsic factor to promote basal progenitor proliferation in the developing human neocortex and also linked the enhanced memory flexibility to the expanded neocortex induced by the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B. In September 2023, Dr. Xing joined the Department of Biological Sciences at University of Manitoba as an Assistant Professor, his research is focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of placental factors on brain development, evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The human placenta is a specialized transient organ that plays a critical role in the health and well-being of both the fetus and its mother. Most of the essential functions of the placenta are mediated by the placental hormones and signaling molecules secreted into the maternal circulation and the fetal bloodstream. However, without a doubt, a complete and comprehensive understanding of the full repertoire of hormones and proteins the placenta secretes at specific developmental stages is lacking. My research program is to understand the contribution of placenta-derived cell-extrinsic factors to normal human brain development as well as their imbalance in leading to pregnancy-related conditions and the onset of neurological disorders using mice and human organoid models.

Julie-Anne (she/her) is a Franco-Manitoban PhD candidate in Community Health Sciences with the University of Manitoba. She has an honours degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Community Psychology. Julie-Anne is also a research assistant with the Childhood Adversity and Resilience (CARe team) led by Dr. Tracie Afifi and Dr. Ashley Stewart-Tufescu, and is a trainee representative with the Canadian Academy for Psychiatric Epidemiology. Her experiences and interests include research and program development in adverse childhood experiences, population health, Francophone minority well-being, and promoting mental health for children, youth and families.

This presentation will include information on prevalence of child maltreatment and mental health challenges among youth in Canada, as well as protective factors within the youth’s life that may protect their mental health. Data are drawn from the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth which includes youth’s self-reported experiences.

Dr. Schroth is Professor in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba and Research Scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health and a dental clinician-scientist, practicing out of two community-based clinics in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is a leading expert on early childhood caries and leads the international Early Childhood Caries Advocacy Group. He holds a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Applied Public Health Chair in Oral Health relating to “Improving Access to Oral Health Care and Oral Health Status for Children in Canada”.

To be determined

Dr. Jennifer Leason is an off-reserve member of Minegoziibe Anishinaabe Nation, Manitoba, currently living in Treaty 6 Territory. She is an artist, writer, community-based researcher, farmer and proud mother to Lucas and Lucy.

Dr. Leason is a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Canada Research Chair, Tier II, Indigenous Maternal Child Wellness and a Professor at the University of Calgary. Her research aims to address perinatal and maternal-child health disparities and inequities by examining maternity experiences, healthcare utilization, and social-cultural contexts of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous maternal child health and wellness.

Join Dr. Leason as she shares her stories and experiences, teachings, research and data in Indigenous maternal child health over the last 2 decades. Through data, art, love and laughter, this session aims to inform and inspire hope and a new vision for a shared future.

For more information about Dr. Leason and her program of teaching, artwork, research and scholarship, please visit: https://www.jenniferleason.com

Dr. Lawford is an Anishinaabe midwife and enrolled member of Lac Seul First Nation. She is a registered midwife in Ontario and holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Midwifery at McMaster University. Her health systems research advances comprehensive, gender-inclusive sexual and reproductive health grounded in Indigenous theories, methodologies, and methods. A founding member of the National Council of Indigenous Midwives and the Global Council of Indigenous Midwives, she works to influence policy, program, and systems change aligned with the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and RCAP recommendations. Her scholarship centers Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, and culturally grounded care.?

Relationality is a foundational aspect of Indigeneity. Drawing on research and experience, I will discuss the implications of relationality in maternal and child healthcare and how its application would benefit everyone within and outside this care setting.

Carina Venter is an allergy dietitian and professor of allergy specializing in immunonutrition, the microbiome, and food allergy prevention and management. She has held academic roles in the UK and US, including at the University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Her research focuses on early-life nutrition, diet diversity, and tolerance development. She has contributed to international guidelines with EAACI, AAAAI, NICE, and NIAID. Carina leads innovative work on food ladders, maternal diet, and microbiome-based strategies, and is actively building a clinical practice translating science into practical care for families.

Nutrition foundations for lifelong health will begin before birth. We will discuss maternal diet quality, diversity, and key nutrients shaping the infant microbiome and immune development. Emphasis will be placed on early nutritional exposures as critical building blocks influencing allergy risk, growth, and long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Karinne Muniz is a Pediatrician specializing in Neonatology, with years of experience in newborn care acquired in Brazil. Currently pursuing an MSc in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba, she combines her clinical expertise with a research-oriented approach to advance knowledge of breastfeeding and human milk.

My research investigates seven key colostrum immune proteins during the first 72 hours of lactation. Using samples from a clinical trial in Pakistan, I analyzed how maternal factors, including nutritional status, age, parity, and delivery mode, are associated with these bioactive components following pregnancy-related nutritional and antibiotic interventions.

Dr. Mariette Chartier is a Senior Scholar in the College of Community and Global Health at the University of Manitoba. Her main research interests are in the area of child and adolescent health, population mental health, and intervention research. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 23 non-peer-reviewed reports. She has led government-funded reports on the Mental Health of Children in Manitoba, Mental Illness Among Adult Manitobans and the Health and Well-Being of First Nations Children.

This presentation will focus on lessons learned from evaluating two mental health promotion strategies for children and families. These include the cultural adaption and evaluation of the PAX-Good Behaviour in Northern First Nations schools and communities and through Manitoba’s public health system, the development and evaluation of the Towards Flourishing mental health promotion strategy for new parents.

Dr. Jo Ann Unger is a registered lifespan clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba, and Section Head of the Clinical Health Psychology Child and Adolescent Service. Her research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of evidence-based resources in novel ways including in low-intensity formats, in particular providing families with the resources they need to support healthy child development and mental health. She is passionate about helping parents and caregivers develop the tools and skills to better support their children with a wide range of challenges including screen use.

Given the ubiquity of screen time as a focal point for family stress, we developed workshops to support parents and caregivers in applying evidence-based parenting strategies to this issue. These workshops were provided to caregivers in a Winnipeg school division. Pilot data from this project will be presented.