St. Boniface Hospital Research is proud to announce that Meghan Kynoch, Program Coordinator at the Youth BIOlab Jeunesse, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award for her outstanding commitment to providing high-quality health or social services in French.

As the driving force behind the Youth BIOlab’s French programming, Meghan has dedicated her career to engaging students in hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom science and real-world health applications. She helped develop a fully immersive French-language experience to thousands of Francophone learners across the province since 2015 and her work has significantly fostered strong partnerships with Manitoba’s Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM) and French Immersion schools.

“Thanks to her leadership and expertise, approximately 25% of the 6,410 students who participated in Youth BIOlab programming during the 2023-2024 school year received instruction in French,” said Youth BIOlab Director, Stephen Jones.  “Through her dedication, she not only strengthens health literacy in the community but also inspires the next generation of bilingual health professionals.”

A French Immersion graduate herself, Meghan brings a deep understanding of language learning to her work. She has developed original, curriculum-aligned French content, providing students with real-world exposure to the biomedical sciences in ways that are both accessible and engaging. Her talent for making complex medical and scientific concepts understandable, even in a second language, is a testament to her creativity and dedication.

The Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award, named in honour of a pioneering figure in St. Boniface healthcare history, celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence in delivering French-language health and social services. Meghan’s tireless efforts in fostering French-language health science education make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations, Meghan, on this well-deserved honour.