Aleeza Gerstein
@acgerstein.bsky.social
Associate professor in microbiology (human fungal pathogens) & statistics (really just evolutionary genetics) at UManitoba in Winnipeg 🇨🇦
Keeps two small humans alive.
Served with a side of politics. Because it's 2025.
(she/her)
)'(
Keeps two small humans alive.
Served with a side of politics. Because it's 2025.
(she/her)
)'(
Pinned
Aleeza Gerstein
@acgerstein.bsky.social
· May 11
I wrote this in a week where it felt like professoring while parenting (and equally, parenting while professoring) was impossible. This feeling ebbs and flows. Seems like Mothers Day is as good a time as any to share, maybe it will help someone else feel less alone.
The More Paradox
1/8
The More Paradox
1/8
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
In 2024 a CPC sponsored petition of non-confidence in the 🍁Govt had ~387,000 signatures. Now an official petition for all federal party leaders to obtain top security clearance has ~31,000 signatures. What's more important than that? Signing is quick & easy. Let's keep it rolling on all SM.
Bruce Fanjoy has launched a petition to require all federal party leaders to obtain and maintain top security clearance.
It's open for a couple of months.
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
It's open for a couple of months.
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
Petition e-7148 - Petitions
www.ourcommons.ca
February 11, 2026 at 2:03 PM
In 2024 a CPC sponsored petition of non-confidence in the 🍁Govt had ~387,000 signatures. Now an official petition for all federal party leaders to obtain top security clearance has ~31,000 signatures. What's more important than that? Signing is quick & easy. Let's keep it rolling on all SM.
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
I'm going to do a thread of all the references and context behind Bad Bunny's performance and what it means for Puerto Ricans to see this on the biggest stage.
The opening title screen is a street mural in Puerto Rico that comes to life with footballs as coconuts.
Follow along!
The opening title screen is a street mural in Puerto Rico that comes to life with footballs as coconuts.
Follow along!
February 9, 2026 at 5:08 PM
I'm going to do a thread of all the references and context behind Bad Bunny's performance and what it means for Puerto Ricans to see this on the biggest stage.
The opening title screen is a street mural in Puerto Rico that comes to life with footballs as coconuts.
Follow along!
The opening title screen is a street mural in Puerto Rico that comes to life with footballs as coconuts.
Follow along!
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
Inuit delegation in Greenland for opening of Canadian consulate has a message for Trump: 'Back off' #Canada #Greenland
Canada becomes one of the first countries to open a consulate in Greenland following U.S. president's threats
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Canada becomes one of the first countries to open a consulate in Greenland following U.S. president's threats
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
‘We are one people:’ Canadian consulate set to officially open in Greenland | CBC News
A delegation of Inuit from Canada is in Greenland for the official opening of the new Canadian consulate in the capital of Nuuk, both to show solidarity with Greenlandic Inuit and to bring a stern mes...
www.cbc.ca
February 6, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Inuit delegation in Greenland for opening of Canadian consulate has a message for Trump: 'Back off' #Canada #Greenland
Canada becomes one of the first countries to open a consulate in Greenland following U.S. president's threats
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Canada becomes one of the first countries to open a consulate in Greenland following U.S. president's threats
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Public pressure works www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Jim Pattison won't sell U.S. warehouse proposed as new ICE facility | CBC News
Jim Pattison Developments has announced it will not sell an industrial building in Ashland, Va., that was set to be turned into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility.
www.cbc.ca
January 31, 2026 at 4:08 AM
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
I was maybe 2.5 years into my position as an Assistant Professor when my phone rang, and it was Kirsty Duncan, the new federal science minister, calling out of the blue. I had never met her. She asked me what she could do for early career investigators. /1
Gutted to learn of the passing of Dr Kirsty Duncan.
She was a tireless fighter for the people she served, not only her local community in Toronto but others, especially the science & research &
athletics communities too.
She championed equity, diversity, inclusion and made change happen.
🤍🙏🏻
She was a tireless fighter for the people she served, not only her local community in Toronto but others, especially the science & research &
athletics communities too.
She championed equity, diversity, inclusion and made change happen.
🤍🙏🏻
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dies at 59
OTTAWA — Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a years-long battle with cancer. Born on Oct.
www.richmond-news.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:51 PM
I was maybe 2.5 years into my position as an Assistant Professor when my phone rang, and it was Kirsty Duncan, the new federal science minister, calling out of the blue. I had never met her. She asked me what she could do for early career investigators. /1
🇨🇦 We should also push our government to end the Safe Third Party Agreement. This blocks anyone who is in the US from applying for refugee status in Canada. The US is not a safe country for refugees. People who are following the rules and doing everything right are being disappeared into ICE custody.
January 26, 2026 at 6:36 PM
🇨🇦 We should also push our government to end the Safe Third Party Agreement. This blocks anyone who is in the US from applying for refugee status in Canada. The US is not a safe country for refugees. People who are following the rules and doing everything right are being disappeared into ICE custody.
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
Meanwhile Carney has cut three important Agriculture Canada research stations and three long term research field stations. Short-sighted when we will need this research desperately under climate change. 665 jobs lost in agricultural research.
January 26, 2026 at 3:59 AM
Meanwhile Carney has cut three important Agriculture Canada research stations and three long term research field stations. Short-sighted when we will need this research desperately under climate change. 665 jobs lost in agricultural research.
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
this photo. minneapolis. 💜
📷️ Alex Kormann/Star Tribune
📷️ Alex Kormann/Star Tribune
January 23, 2026 at 10:04 PM
this photo. minneapolis. 💜
📷️ Alex Kormann/Star Tribune
📷️ Alex Kormann/Star Tribune
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
I met an absolutely lovely academic who asked whether my department back home is affected by ICE -- a question dramatizing how little info is getting out.
For the record, the small example I chose:
My dept has a carpool to pick up grad students of color who can't safely commute to campus alone.
For the record, the small example I chose:
My dept has a carpool to pick up grad students of color who can't safely commute to campus alone.
January 22, 2026 at 7:52 PM
I met an absolutely lovely academic who asked whether my department back home is affected by ICE -- a question dramatizing how little info is getting out.
For the record, the small example I chose:
My dept has a carpool to pick up grad students of color who can't safely commute to campus alone.
For the record, the small example I chose:
My dept has a carpool to pick up grad students of color who can't safely commute to campus alone.
Update: the sidewalk over the bridge has finally been cleared, as of this morning. Apologies for taking a photo, it was chilly. This means that for *15* days this bridge was impassable to anyone with a mobility aid or pushing a stroller. 15 days. #activeTransportation #Winnipeg
I admit I have no domain expertise in this, but surely it can't be that hard to schedule the sidewalk and bike lane plow to come after the road one? Alas, I think this is a feature, not a bug, for #Winnipeg, which purposefully prioritizes cars over #activeTransportation at every opportunity.
January 21, 2026 at 12:04 AM
Update: the sidewalk over the bridge has finally been cleared, as of this morning. Apologies for taking a photo, it was chilly. This means that for *15* days this bridge was impassable to anyone with a mobility aid or pushing a stroller. 15 days. #activeTransportation #Winnipeg
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
January 12, 2026 at 2:27 AM
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
Holy hell, what an obituary
Renfrew Christie Dies at 76; Sabotaged Racist Regime’s Nuclear Program
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Holy hell, what an obituary
Every politics/politics-adjacent journalist in every jurisdiction should ask this of their elected officials. This should have happened years ago; the next best time is today.
Thanks for asking them in Winnipeg/Manitoba, @bkives.bsky.social
Thanks for asking them in Winnipeg/Manitoba, @bkives.bsky.social
I asked Mayor Gillingham Wednesday whether he will continue to maintain an account on what used to be Twitter.
He said he’s having that discussion with his staff.
The mayor expressed dismay with the comments and vitriol on Facebook and X but said he must have means to get messages out.
He said he’s having that discussion with his staff.
The mayor expressed dismay with the comments and vitriol on Facebook and X but said he must have means to get messages out.
January 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Every politics/politics-adjacent journalist in every jurisdiction should ask this of their elected officials. This should have happened years ago; the next best time is today.
Thanks for asking them in Winnipeg/Manitoba, @bkives.bsky.social
Thanks for asking them in Winnipeg/Manitoba, @bkives.bsky.social
How did humanity get so ugly when the world is so beautiful?
January 9, 2026 at 3:04 PM
How did humanity get so ugly when the world is so beautiful?
Winter moment of zen for a world that seems to have gone crazy. Hoarfrost morning #3! This time with blue skies and a beautiful moon view.
Everyone @umanitoba.bsky.social should really take a morning walk today, it’s utterly beautiful out there.
Everyone @umanitoba.bsky.social should really take a morning walk today, it’s utterly beautiful out there.
January 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Winter moment of zen for a world that seems to have gone crazy. Hoarfrost morning #3! This time with blue skies and a beautiful moon view.
Everyone @umanitoba.bsky.social should really take a morning walk today, it’s utterly beautiful out there.
Everyone @umanitoba.bsky.social should really take a morning walk today, it’s utterly beautiful out there.
I admit I have no domain expertise in this, but surely it can't be that hard to schedule the sidewalk and bike lane plow to come after the road one? Alas, I think this is a feature, not a bug, for #Winnipeg, which purposefully prioritizes cars over #activeTransportation at every opportunity.
January 5, 2026 at 3:40 PM
I admit I have no domain expertise in this, but surely it can't be that hard to schedule the sidewalk and bike lane plow to come after the road one? Alas, I think this is a feature, not a bug, for #Winnipeg, which purposefully prioritizes cars over #activeTransportation at every opportunity.
That simultaneous feeling of guilt about neither parenting well or doing the work you should be doing. I’ve clearly purposefully forgotten that particular stress of lockdown while parenting. I’m happy the kids got a snow day but I wish I could have just been a mom today instead of also prof-ing.
December 18, 2025 at 10:32 PM
That simultaneous feeling of guilt about neither parenting well or doing the work you should be doing. I’ve clearly purposefully forgotten that particular stress of lockdown while parenting. I’m happy the kids got a snow day but I wish I could have just been a mom today instead of also prof-ing.
#Winnipeg elementary and high schools closed today, as of 7:48 am. @umanitoba.bsky.social announced a closure much earlier (and a pre-emptive email during the work day yesterday with exam rescheduling info). Why did it take schools so long to announce? @winnipegfreepress.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
#Winnipeg elementary and high schools closed today, as of 7:48 am. @umanitoba.bsky.social announced a closure much earlier (and a pre-emptive email during the work day yesterday with exam rescheduling info). Why did it take schools so long to announce? @winnipegfreepress.com
Building new power plants and handing over land and water to foreign corporations/billionaires to build data centres is seriously like the premise of a dystopian novel. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.
Across Alberta, municipalities are weighing the pros and cons of hosting AI data centres. I used @nationalobserver.com's Civic Searchlight tool to figure out which towns are looking at data centres and dig into how they are thinking about the costs & benefits www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/n...
Alberta towns see AI data centres as 'second coming of oil' — but some worry at what cost
Municipalities across Alberta are trying to figure out whether they can — or should — try to cash in on the influx of AI data centre developers looking to set up shop in the province. For some council...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Building new power plants and handing over land and water to foreign corporations/billionaires to build data centres is seriously like the premise of a dystopian novel. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.
I met Jewish Australian brothers many years ago while backpacking in Guatemala. Their parents were born in South Africa and, like many other families, left there because of racism. Today I’m thinking about them and their family and their community.
December 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
I met Jewish Australian brothers many years ago while backpacking in Guatemala. Their parents were born in South Africa and, like many other families, left there because of racism. Today I’m thinking about them and their family and their community.
Winter morning zen.
Aka, a thing I saw because I biked to work in -20 °C (-30 °C with the windchill) weather!
Aka, a thing I saw because I biked to work in -20 °C (-30 °C with the windchill) weather!
December 12, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Winter morning zen.
Aka, a thing I saw because I biked to work in -20 °C (-30 °C with the windchill) weather!
Aka, a thing I saw because I biked to work in -20 °C (-30 °C with the windchill) weather!
I got a Starbucks gift card so am treating myself to a vanilla latte. I brought my own mug. They are making it in a disposable cup to pour into my mug and then throw away. I know that one reusable cup doesn’t change the systemic problems of capitalism overconsumption but this is very depressing.
December 10, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I got a Starbucks gift card so am treating myself to a vanilla latte. I brought my own mug. They are making it in a disposable cup to pour into my mug and then throw away. I know that one reusable cup doesn’t change the systemic problems of capitalism overconsumption but this is very depressing.
Reposted by Aleeza Gerstein
There are still people cutting Carney all kinds of slack on the climate front. But I now think I was naïve to believe Carney would support Trudeau-style, regulatory climate policy. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/10/o...
Mark Carney is making a cynic out of me
What to do in a political ecosystem where, for anyone concerned about climate change or whose politics run even slightly left of centre, there is precious little choice?
www.nationalobserver.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:26 PM
There are still people cutting Carney all kinds of slack on the climate front. But I now think I was naïve to believe Carney would support Trudeau-style, regulatory climate policy. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/10/o...
A lot of crazy things are happening in the world right now. And I don’t want to dilute the seriousness of all that deserves discussion. But, can we talk for a minute about JT and KP? Wtf, universe?
December 6, 2025 at 11:02 PM
A lot of crazy things are happening in the world right now. And I don’t want to dilute the seriousness of all that deserves discussion. But, can we talk for a minute about JT and KP? Wtf, universe?