Adjunct professor
Max Rady College of Medicine
Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3J7
Phone: 204-789-6022
Email: aida.sivro@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Aida Sivro, PhD
Research achievements
Research summary
Dr. Aida Sivro leads the Sexually Transmitted and Opportunistic Pathogens (STOP) Section within the STBBI Division at the National Microbiology Laboratory Branch in Winnipeg, Manitoba. STOP Section provides laboratory leadership in the detection, characterization, prevention and control of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), herpesviruses (CMV, HSV, VZV), polyomaviruses (JC and emerging polyomaviruses), Treponema pallidum (syphilis),and chlamydia/ lymphogranuloma venereum through reference and diagnostic services.
The STOP Section engages in both national and international surveillance and research aimed at monitoring disease incidence and distribution, detecting and characterizing drug-resistant variants, assessing shifts in molecular epidemiology, and advancing the development of novel screening and diagnostic methods.
Keywords
- Chlamydia
- CMV
- HPV
- HSV
- LGV
- Polyomaviruses
- Syphilis
- VZV
Research groups
Section manager, Sexually Transmitted and Opportunistic Pathogens (STOP) Section
Research affiliations
Honorary senior lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Associate scientist, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)
Leadership style
I lead with a collaborative and supportive style that values openness, shared purpose, and accountability. My team works closely together on projects, combining complementary expertise to solve problems efficiently, strengthen productivity, and accelerate scientific progress. I aim to create an environment where people feel respected, empowered to contribute ideas, and supported in taking initiative.
We focus on clear goals, strong communication, and a team-based approach to research and laboratory activities. By working collaboratively across projects and partnerships, team members learn from one another, build on each other’s strengths, and help move science forward more quickly. For prospective faculty and staff, this means joining a collegial, high-performing team that values both scientific excellence and professional growth.
Teaching philosophy
I aim to inspire learners by connecting theory to meaningful public health and research applications. I mentor students by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and growing independence. I provide clear guidance, constructive feedback, and opportunities for hands-on learning. My goal is to help learners build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop into thoughtful scientists and professionals.
Biography
Dr. Sivro obtained her PhD at the University of Manitoba under the supervision of Dr. Frank Plummer in 2014, after which she spent eight years working at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) based in Durban, South Africa.
At CAPRISA, Dr. Sivro worked as a senior scientist leading a mucosal immunology research program focused on women’s health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/TB co-infection and host immune factors influencing HIV acquisition and disease progression.
In 2022, Dr. Sivro joined PHAC’s National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. Dr. Sivro leads a laboratory which performs specialized clinical testing for Chlamydia/LGV, Human papillomavirus (HPV), herpesviruses (CMV, HSV1/2, VZV), syphilis and polyomaviruses.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba (2014)
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (First Class Honours), University of Manitoba (2007)
Awards
Research Manitoba Postdoctoral Scholarship (2017-2019)
New Investigator Award (Basic science track), The Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR), The 25th Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research, May 12-15. Winnipeg, MB, Canada (2016)
Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate (2010-2013)
Contact us
Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Max Rady College of Medicine
Room 543 - 745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada
204-789-3299
204-789-3926