Sobey School recognized again for positive impact on Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Region

The Sobey School of Business, the largest business school in Atlantic Canada and one of the top business schools in Canada, has received the Business School Impact System (BSIS) designation for a second time in recognition of its intellectual and social impact on Nova Scotia and beyond. 

 “We were advised today that we have again received the BSIS designation confirming that the Sobey School’s impact reaches far beyond its economic contribution and also influences the business and cultural life of the Atlantic Region,” says Saint Mary’s University President, Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray.

“Saint Mary’s University is known for our research that addresses real-world problems and for our strong partnerships with local businesses and communities. The BSIS designation demonstrates the role of the Sobey School in fulfilling these key strategic priorities for the University.” 

In 2016, the Sobey School was the first business school in North America to be awarded the BSIS label for its economic impact, and now is the only one to receive a second affirmation, this time for its intellectual and societal impact.  An international review team using a methodology developed by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), the leading international network in the field of management education, re-examined the business school over a three-year period (2020-2022).  

Sobey School professor Ather Akbari with students on the Halifax waterfront

“This BSIS reassessment has seen SSB confirm its position as a strong and highly visible business school, firmly embedded in the business and cultural life of the region. The impact demonstrated on the impact zone since the first BSIS  assessment in 2016 is compelling in terms of scope and ambition. The commitment of the leadership team, faculty and staff has ensured that the school continues to make significant impact gains across the intellectual and societal impact dimensions.”  BSIS Final Report, July 2023 

The BSIS external review is a comprehensive and multi-dimensional assessment process that evaluated a business school's impact on its region. Reviewers examined the Sobey School faculty’s scholarly publications and a pre-visit report and then conducted a campus visit in March 2023. In their Impact Report, reviewers noted key accomplishments related to intellectual impact.

• An impressive 94% of faculty are active researchers; 70 Sobey School faculty members have produced 223 journal papers in 173 different journals. 

• Research topics are based on regional problems with a national or global relevance.  

• Conferences profile the intellectual impact of the School with significant number of conference papers and presentations and two large academic conferences hosted on campus.  

• Local managers are enthusiastic about the professional development benefits they gain from collaboration with the Sobey School. 

• The School has demonstrable strength in developing and sustaining research partnerships with regional companies and organisations (32 over the past 3 years).  

The BSIS review team also noted that the School has a growing reputation for its societal impact through research and teaching as well as its own Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives. Evidence of the School’s commitment to CSR includes: 

• 92% of business students receive instruction in CSR and sustainable development and have the opportunity to work with businesses. 

• The Sobey School is one of the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatories since 2014 and PRME champions since 2020. 

• CSR and sustainability are attractive to actual and potential students.  

• There is wide evidence of activity mapping against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (teaching, research and engagement activities).  

• Societal research is growing in impact and visibility with 48 professors focused on societal research through four research groups.  

• Service learning is a clear differentiator for the school and its students. 

• Saint Mary’s University reduced carbon emissions by an impressive 40% in 2022 and is installing one of North America’s tallest solar arrays on its path to green energy production. 

“It is gratifying to receive external validation that our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability is a distinguishing hallmark for the Sobey School. We know that this differentiator attracts students, and helps faculty and students stay connected, says Acting Dean, Mark Raymond. “Service learning is now embedded in our renewed BComm Program – it’s another example of the School’s impact on business and society.” 

In 2016, a BSIS review found that the Sobey School had a financial and economic impact of $329 million on the Province of Nova Scotia. 

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 About BSIS 

The Business School Impact System (BSIS) scheme is designed to determine the extent of a school’s impact on its local environment – the city or region in which it is located. The BSIS process is offered in collaboration between EFMD Global and FNEGE (Fondation Nationale pour l’Enseignement en Gestion des Entreprises), as a service to EFMD members in any part of the world. The impact of the business school is analysed based on the following seven areas of impact: financial, educational, business development impact as well as intellectual, societal, image, and impact within the impact zone selected by the school and its regional ecosystem. 

There are currently 63 schools across 19 countries that have received the BSIS label. 

Multi-million-dollar gift strengthens university’s leadership in sport, business and health

(L-R): Jule Naugler, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Scott McCain, Leslie McLean, Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Dr. Colin Howell at the announcement of the $3-million gift supporting the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health.

Saint Mary’s University has a rich tradition of excellence in varsity athletics, interdisciplinary undergraduate education, community-engaged research and outreach, and world-class business education. Now, thanks to a $3-million gift from Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, the university is poised to forge a stronger strategic partnership between academics, athletics, research and industry—focused in the university’s Centre for the Study of Sport and Health.

“Sport brings us together, unites us and enriches our lives and our communities,” says McCain. “Leslie and I are pleased to join with Saint Mary’s University in this transformative endeavour.”

Leslie McLean and Scott McCain

McCain and McLean each have deep connections to the areas of sport, health and business—McCain is the Chairman of McCain Foods, director of SeaFort Capital Inc., and owner of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, while McLean is a consultant, educator, researcher and advanced practice nurse who, apart from other areas of practice, has experience in public health, social determinants of health and mental health.

“It is widely recognized that sport plays an integral role in health,” says McLean. “By partnering with Saint Mary’s University, we can make a direct contribution to the lives of young people involved in sport by furthering their career goals and, in turn, watch them advance health and wellness in communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond.”

The strategic investment by McCain and McLean will build on the university’s strong track record of excellence in varsity athletics, academic rigour and community engagement. It will strengthen the school’s capacity to harness talent and invention and to train the next generation of scholars, researchers and community leaders as well as professional athletes, coaches, and sport industry professionals and entrepreneurs. It will enable dedicated resources to grow academic programs in this distinctive area and establish formal wellness, leadership and mental health programming for varsity athletes and students across all faculties. 

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, Saint Mary’s will become one of the country’s leaders in sport innovation, combining the strengths of internationally recognized researchers and dedicated faculty to create the next generation of sport industry trailblazers, health and wellness policy-makers and community leaders,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.

In recognition of the transformative donation and its impact, the Centre will be renamed in honour of Scott McCain and Leslie McLean. This gift marks continued support from these prominent philanthropists for Saint Mary’s University; they previously established the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Diversity Excellence Award in support of undergraduate Black and Indigenous students.

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How the $3-million gift will support key areas of the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health

New Curriculum for a New Generation of Experts

Dr. Madine VanderPlaat

Fueled by the philanthropic investment from McCain and McLean, Saint Mary’s will drive curriculum development to build a strong pipeline of highly qualified professionals with expertise at the intersection of sport, health, society and business. The gift will fund new academic programs available to students across the university, building on the success of the certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society from the Faculty of Arts and creating new programs in the renowned Sobey School of Business. Graduates of these programs will form new cohorts of leaders in the burgeoning sport and health industry, worth $85 billion in North America alone.

Madine VanderPlaat, Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research, says, “This strategic investment will provide new and exciting career training and opportunities for our current and future students. We know there will be strong demand and we look forward to meeting it with innovation and exciting programs and experiential learning in sport, business and health.”

Knowledge Creation and Research Impact

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald

The gift will expand research capacity and resources, enabling greater collaboration from a wider range of scholars, students, and community members, all dedicated to sport and health.  Researchers and visiting scholars will inform government policy and influence the work of practitioners and professionals working in sport development and sport business. Research outcomes, insights and recommendations will be shared through national and international forums and networks, project-specific workshops, national conferences, and speaker series.

“Through our partnership with Scott and Leslie, the Centre will grow its capacity to make global research connections, contribute to community programming, engage with varsity athletes, and expand on academic programming in Arts with a future focus in Business,” says Cheryl MacDonald, Director of the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health. “It’s an honour to have been entrusted as collaborators based on our shared vision of higher education and socially responsible approaches to sport, business, health, and wellness.”

Leadership & Wellness Programming

Leadership and social responsibility training and personal development opportunities will be offered in conjunction with SMU’s Athletics and Recreation Department with a focus on the dynamic connections between the physical, mental and social components of both individual and community well-being. The development of this programming will ensure that student-athletes are well-positioned to pursue their academic and professional goals and become impactful and healthy role models in their communities.

Julie Naugler

"The Health, Wellness and Sport in Society program at Saint Mary's has not only shaped my academic career but also instilled in me the values of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in the fields of health and sport,” says Julie Naugler, who received a Certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society and is currently an MBA student in the Sobey School of Business.

“I am a firm believer in the transformative power of the business side of sport. With this generous donation, I am filled with joy and just a hint of envy for the new opportunities it will bring. The world of sport is in need of exceptional leaders in its boardrooms and arenas, and I have full confidence that this gift will nurture and produce them."

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Bob Dawson, leader in the fight against racism, to receive an honorary doctorate

Saint Mary’s University will recognize Bob Dawson BA’71 with an honorary doctorate in Civil Law at the 2023 Spring Convocation, celebrating his leadership in fighting racism both on and off the ice. While attending Saint Mary’s University in 1967, Dawson became the first Black athlete to play in the former Atlantic Intercollegiate Hockey League where he was often the target of verbal and physical abuse.

In 1970, he became a member of the first all-Black line in Canadian university hockey, which included Darrell Maxwell and Percy Paris. His commitment to fighting racism did not end when he left university but continues to the present day.

Bob Dawson and teammates recognized as the first all-Black line at SMU Homecoming in 2017

After completing his Masters in Social Work in 1973 at Dalhousie University, Dawson joined the Public Service of Canada in Halifax and later moved to Ottawa in 1980 where he worked for 37-years in human resources management and received several awards for contributions to employment equity and diversity. 

“We are very pleased to honour Bob Dawson,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “He has carried his commitment to fight racism beyond the hockey arena and into the wider Canadian society. He shows us what it means to be a leader and live by values that will inspire others, especially future generations.”

As a member of the Ottawa-Carleton Area Police Community Council, Dawson helped develop a community action strategy to prevent, manage and resolve critical incidents involving the police and communities of colour. While with the National Capital Alliance on Race Relations, he established and implemented the “Police-Minority Youth Program”, a community-based initiative to improve relations between the police and youth and was recognized with a Civilian Citation in 1992 and Community Service Award in 1993 from the Police Services Boards for the cities of Gloucester and Ottawa. 

Over the years, Dawson has worked with numerous community organizations and universities to organize events and conferences to address racism in hockey. One of his proudest moments came when his request to Canada Post for a stamp to commemorate the “125th anniversary of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHLM)” was approved and issued on January 24, 2020. He is currently working with the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa to create an archival collection on the CHLM. Since February 2021, Dawson has been working with students and staff at the R.I.S.E. Academy on hockey-related initiatives, which included an anti-racism campaign entitled “Blow The Whistle on Racism”.

Dawson played for the SMU Huskies from 1967-1971

An accomplished sportswriter and historian, Dawson writes extensively on Blacks in various sports, especially hockey. On January 25, 2015, he received from Black History Ottawa the John G. Dennison Award for excellence in the study, preservation, and promotion of Canadian Black history and culture. In 2022, The Hockey News recognized him as one of the Social Change Advocates Making An Impact for his work in the areas of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

On February 22, 2022, the NHL’s Ottawa Senators presented Dawson with a Senators’ jersey in appreciation for his contributions to growing the game of hockey in Ottawa. At the Carnegie Initiative Summit in January 2023 in Toronto, he was presented with the Carnegie Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to challenging the status quo to make hockey more inclusive.

In recent years, Dawson has returned to his alma mater to reunite with teammates and to host conferences devoted to ending racism and promoting equity and inclusion for Black athletes.

“Bob has been a lifelong ambassador of Saint Mary’s University as an athlete, a scholar, and a professional and he has dedicated his life to Black inclusion in Nova Scotia and beyond,” says Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Associate Director of Outreach and Instructor, Centre for the Study of Sport & Health. “His intellectual and practical contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey specifically have informed my own work as a sport scholar. I consider it a privilege to have been asked to deliver the citation for his honorary degree at the graduation ceremony in May.”

The Province of Nova Scotia makes a historic investment in healthcare data analytics and management at Saint Mary’s University

The Honourable Brian Wong, Minster of Minister of Advanced Education, at the podium.

Brian Wong talking to students and others at the funding announcement event.

The crowd at the funding announcement.

The Honourable Brian Wong, Minster of Minister of Advanced Education, and the Honourable Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, with Associate Professor Michael Zhang and a group of Master of Business Analytics students.

Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, announced today, March 8, 2023, a historic investment in Saint Mary's University for healthcare data analytics and management programs.   

“The future of patient care is increasingly dependent on new technology and innovation -- our students need to be ready so they can help provide better, faster, and more options for care across the province,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. “We’re fortunate to have post-secondary institutions, like Saint Mary’s, that are ready to help us train the workforce we need to take advantage of these modern tools.”   

The $25 million investment represents a significant step forward to support the future of healthcare in Nova Scotia. The investment also recognizes the success of Saint Mary’s unique programs and strengths in data analytics, management and leadership. 

“I want to thank Premier Tim Houston, Minister Wong, and the provincial government for putting their faith in Saint Mary’s University and our ability to improve the health and well-being of Nova Scotians through our excellence in data analytics, health research and professional development expertise,” says Alan R. Abraham, Jr. BComm'80, Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors. “Nova Scotia will become a magnet for healthcare provider management and leadership training, led by Saint Mary’s, as a result of this historic investment from the Province of Nova Scotia.”  

A diploma in healthcare data analytics, micro-credentials targeted to support healthcare administrators, office directors and family doctors, and an articulation agreement with the Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) healthcare programs to provide a Bachelor of Science are amongst the new initiatives that form this transformational healthcare investment.  

“Community is at the heart of all that we do at Saint Mary’s University,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Expanding our focus to support a vital component of any great community, its health and well-being, is an excellent part of the solution to improving healthcare in Nova Scotia.”  

“Our faculty and researchers have the expertise needed to be solutionists and help build a better Nova Scotia, and I am incredibly proud to share the news of this historic investment in our institution,” adds President Summerby-Murray. “I want to extend my gratitude to the provincial government for their support as we cultivate excellence together.”  

Saint Mary's to host CFL's Touchdown Atlantic 2023

The east coast's biggest celebration of football – Touchdown Atlantic – will return to the region on Saturday, July 29, 2023 as the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts will take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Huskies Stadium in Halifax, N.S.

"Saint Mary's University is pleased to welcome the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders to Huskies Stadium in Halifax this summer," said Scott Gray, Saint Mary's Director of Athletics & Recreation. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our campus and community, and in particular, our football program, to experience the excitement of professional football. We are very grateful to the CFL for this incredible opportunity to play host to this event."

The regular season match-up is set for Huskies Stadium on the campus of Saint Mary's University, with kick-off at 5 p.m. in Halifax (Atlantic Standard Time), which is 4 p.m. in Ontario (Eastern Time) and 2 p.m. in Saskatchewan (Central Standard Time).

"Touchdown Atlantic brings our fans together in a fun and exciting way," said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

"It's our way of showing our friends in Atlantic Canada that they're an important part of the CFL family – and inviting our fans from across the country to 'come for the game and stay for a vacation.'"

Next year's edition builds on the success of Touchdown Atlantic in 2022. Last summer's game, also played between Saskatchewan and Toronto, sold out in less than 24 hours and featured a packed house of 10,866 at Raymond Field on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S.

Through job creation and wages, event expenditures and spending by out-of-town travellers, the event supported more than $12.7 million in overall economic activity across Nova Scotia. Tourism operators say Halifax is ready for CFL football – and another strong contingent of visiting CFL fans.

The Saint Mary's University football program is one of the most successful in the country and one of the most popular in the region. The Huskies have reached the Vanier Cup nine times, winning the national championship of Canadian university football on three occasions (1973, 2001 and 2002).

"Saint Mary's University has a proud tradition of excellence for student-athletes – including in Huskies' football," adds Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. "The opportunity to host the CFL's Touchdown Atlantic football game in July 2023 is an opportunity to demonstrate this proud tradition to a national audience. We are delighted to partner with the Canadian Football League in this initiative to bring superior athletes to our campus and to Atlantic Canada."

Ticket details for Touchdown Atlantic 2023 will be announced in the new year. Fans can subscribe to the CFL Newsletter for the latest updates and information.

QUOTES

"I am thrilled to welcome the CFL back to Halifax for the 2023 Touchdown Atlantic game. This past season we hosted several events that re-introduced fans from across the region and the country to our Atlantic hospitality as a sports city. Halifax is excited to be the host city for the rematch between the Roughriders and the Argonauts. Having the game in Halifax will allow us to give the CFL and its fans an experience that will have them coming back for more."
​– Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality

"There are few, if any, places on the planet I enjoy visiting more than Atlantic Canada. You've opened your arms to us in the past and welcomed us like family members and I celebrate your formidable history of embracing others. We once again are looking forward to your unique hospitality; a combination of warm hearts, down home music and some of the most delectable food imaginable. We look forward to being the home team on July 29, and to being the visiting team in the future when the CFL permanently calls Atlantic Canada home."
​– Michael "Pinball" Clemons, General Manager, Toronto Argonauts

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Halifax after an incredible visit for Touchdown Atlantic in 2022. The people of Nova Scotia welcomed us with open arms and it was so special to see how many of our fans traveled thousands of miles to join us. I know I speak for all Rider Nation when I say we can't wait to go back and share that amazing East Coast experience again in 2023!"
​– Craig Reynolds, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Roughriders 

"Halifax was host to many successful Touchdown Atlantic related events last year, so we're very pleased the CFL is bringing the game itself to our region. Halifax has a reputation as a great sports city, from hosting international sporting events to supporting our local teams, and the tourism sector is ready to showcase our region and hospitality to CFL fans and visitors."
​– Ross Jefferson, President and CEO, Discover Halifax

Video: Sobeys Inspiration Hub Update

The newest addition to campus—the Sobeys Inspiration Hub—opens in Fall ’23. Watch for a behind-the-scenes tour of this inspiring building in progress.

Saint Mary’s University welcomes the new Chair & Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors

Alan R. Abraham, Jr. BComm'80, Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.

Saint Mary's University is pleased to share that Alan R. Abraham, Jr. BComm'80 is the new Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors. Abraham is joined by newly elected Vice-Chair, Mark Gosine BA'95.

The Vice-President at ReGroup, Alan Abraham has over 25 years of management and operational experience in the waste and recycling industry and a background in long-distance and public warehousing. He established Green Waste Systems in 1989 and grew it into a full-service company with over 20 trucks operating in Halifax until its acquisition by Royal Environmental Group, where he continues to lead the environmental services division. Abraham is a proud Saint Mary's University alum whose commitment to community service has involved him on various boards and associations.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Saint Mary's University community," says Abraham. "I intend to continue advancing Saint Mary's role as an exemplar in social and community leadership, which has always been core to who we are. Thank you to my fellow Board Members for your votes of confidence in me and my commitment to this great institution. It is an honour."

Mark Gosine BA’95, K.C., ICD.D, Vice-Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.

Mark Gosine, K.C., ICD.D is an internationally experienced strategic executive and lawyer with a proven track record for facilitating growth through the execution of complex global transactions.  Mark has extensive legal experience both in private practice and in-house, and works closely with boards and management teams on strategic planning, exploring growth opportunities, and risk management.  Mark serves as strategic legal advisor to Mint Road Ltd., IoM Media and Meta Material Inc.  Previously, Mark played a key role in the international growth of WildBrain (formerly DHX Media) where he was Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. 

"I am proud to welcome Alan Abraham as our new Board Chair," says Saint Mary's University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Alan and our new Vice-Chair Mark Gosine have long been supporters of our university and bring extensive experience across a variety of sectors to the table. They have shown incredible passion and dedication to our university and its mission. Thank you both for your commitment to Saint Mary's University."

Saint Mary’s supports federal announcement of international students helping to address Canada’s labour shortage

Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

“International students contribute significantly to Canadian cultural diversity, society and economy,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “These students have come to Canada for the exceptional quality of our post-secondary institutions, and they contribute enormously to research, teaching excellence and the role of the academy in civil society. This announcement provides the opportunity for those students to round out their academic experience.”

“By allowing international students greater flexibility for employment while they pursue their studies, students will gain even more valuable work experience in Canada and build deeper community connections,” says President Summerby-Murray. “I want to thank the Government of Canada for their foresight to finding solutions that support the growth of post-secondary students and the Canadian economy.”

In addition to his roles as President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Summerby-Murray is also a member of the board of EduNova.

Researchers identify what could be clusters that contain the first and oldest stars in the universe

Webb’s First Deep Field. Thousandsof galaxies flood this near-infrared, high-resolution image of galaxy cluster SMACS 0723. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI

Researchers at Saint Mary’s University and the University of Toronto have identified what could be clusters that contain the first and oldest stars in the universe.  

The researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to identify the most distant globular clusters ever discovered. These dense groups of millions of stars may be relics that contain the first and oldest stars in the universe. The early analysis of Webb’s First Deep Field image, which depicts some of the universe’s earliest galaxies, is published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. 

In the finely detailed Webb’s First Deep Field image, the researchers zeroed in on what they’ve dubbed “the Sparkler galaxy,” which is nine billion light years away. This galaxy got its name for the compact objects appearing as small yellow-red dots surrounding it, referred to by the researchers as “sparkles.” The team posited that these sparkles could either be young clusters actively forming stars—born three billion years after the Big Bang at the peak of star formation—or old globular clusters. Globular clusters are ancient collections of stars from a galaxy’s infancy and contain clues about its earliest phases of formation and growth.  

From their initial analysis of 12 of these compact objects, the researchers determined that five of them are not only globular clusters but among the oldest ones known. 

“JWST’s made-in-Canada NIRISS instrument was vital in helping us understand how the three images of the Sparkler and its globular clusters are connected,” says co-author Dr. Marcin Sawicki, Canada Research Chair in Astronomy and professor in the Astronomy and Physics Department at Saint Mary’s. “Seeing several of the Sparkler’s globular clusters imaged three times made it clear that they are orbiting around the Sparkler galaxy rather than being simply in front of it by chance.”  

Dr. Marcin Sawicki

Dr. Sawicki worked with a team of researchers from the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS) team, including colleagues from at the University of Toronto and a group of six postdocs and students at Saint Mary’s.  

“The oldest clusters we found formed when the universe was just a few percent of its current age.  The stars they contain must be almost as old as the universe itself!” says SMU postdoctoral fellow Dr. Vicente Estrada-Carpenter who worked on the NIRISS data as part of the team.  “Our results show the amazing power of Webb when combined with that of gravitational lensing to study the distant universe in unprecedented detail” adds SMU team member Dr. Guillaume Desprez.  “We are excited about the discoveries that will come when Webb observes five more galaxy clusters as part of the CANUCS program.” 

The Milky Way galaxy has about 150 globular clusters, and how and when exactly these dense clumps of stars formed is not well understood. Astronomers know that globular clusters can be extremely old, but it is incredibly challenging to measure their ages. Using very distant globular clusters to age-date the first stars in distant galaxies has not been done before and is only possible with JWST.  

Until now, astronomers could not see the surrounding compact objects of the Sparkler galaxy with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This changed with JWST's increased resolution and sensitivity, unveiling the tiny dots surrounding the galaxy for the first time in Webb’s First Deep Field image. The Sparkler galaxy is special because it is magnified by a factor of 100 due to an effect called gravitational lensing — where the SMACS 0723 galaxy cluster in the foreground distorts what is behind it, much like a giant magnifying glass. Moreover, gravitational lensing produces three separate images of the Sparkler, allowing astronomers to study the galaxy in greater detail. 

JWST will observe the CANUCS fields starting in October 2022, leveraging JWST data to examine five massive clusters of galaxies, around which the researchers expect to find more such systems. Future studies will also model the galaxy cluster to understand the lensing effect and execute more robust analyses to explain the star formation histories.  

Collaborating institutions include Canada’s National Research Council, York University and institutions in the United States and Europe. The research was supported by the Canadian Space Agency and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Saint Mary’s research into sustainable agriculture and more efficient 3D modeling receives federal funding

The Science Building at Saint Mary’s University.

Research into sustainable agriculture and more data-efficient 3D modeling will benefit from newly announced federal funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

Funding for biology researcher Dr. David Chiasson will allow him to explore sustainable agriculture practices in a project titled “Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legume plants.”  

Dr. David Chiasson

“A central goal of sustainable agricultural practice is to provide nutritious food and plant products while minimizing the impact on the environment,” says Dr. Chiasson. “Legume plants such as beans, alfalfa, and clover are a key component of sustainable agriculture since they do not require nitrogen fertilizer for growth. This unique group of plants forms a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria called rhizobia. Rhizobia can convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into nitrogen fertilizer for the plant in a process termed nitrogen fixation. This association therefore reduces the need for applied nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture.”

The production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers consumes vast quantities of fossil fuels, and their application leads to negative environmental outcomes such as greenhouse gas emissions and contaminated water resources. Coupled with the rising price of fertilizers, farmers are increasingly turning to legumes as a sustainable means of adding nitrogen to the soil.  

“The long-term goal of this project is to increase the productivity of legume plants,” explains Dr. Chiasson. “This research will provide the knowledge base for strategies aimed to reduce the environmental impact of the agricultural sector while increasing the productivity of our crops. An improved understanding of the nitrogen-fixation symbiosis is both timely and essential as we move towards a future of more environmentally responsible farming practices in Canada.”

Dr. Jiju Poovvancheri, a researcher in the mathematics and computing science department, received funding for a project titled “Research Infrastructure for Large-scale 3D Geometry Acquisition and Modeling.”  

“The CFI fund will be used to set up the lab and purchase research equipment including an AI server, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanner and high-performance workstations capable of acquiring and processing large-scale three-dimensional data,” says Dr. Poovvancheri.

Dr. Jiju Poovvancheri

Current practices in city modeling include acquiring raw measurements of the physical world using LiDAR sensors and turning the sensor data into three dimensional meshes. Large-scale meshes created in this manner normally contain trillions of triangles, putting a huge burden on rendering, data transfer and storage of applications. Furthermore, most of the reconstructed meshes lack geometric details and therefore do not represent a good choice for 3D navigation, and AR/VR.  

“High fidelity digital representations of cities are essential for modern-day applications such as urban planning, 3D navigation, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR),” explains Dr. Poovvancheri. “This project aims at bridging existing gaps in urban modeling pipeline by developing an AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven urban modeling software ecosystem consisting of algorithms, tools, and data for creating lightweight and highly detailed 3D urban models.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced more than $64 million to support 251 research infrastructure projects at 40 universities across Canada.

Competition to solve freshwater issues begins in Atlantic Canada

Field sampling is an important part of the work Environmental Science students do in classes and in research work with professors. Photo Credit: Dr. Linda Campbell

A competition to solve Atlantic Canadian water issues through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship begins this week. The competition is organized by AquaAction in partnership with Saint Mary’s University. 

“We are excited to bring the AquaHacking Challenge back to Atlantic Canada,” says Dr. Anne-Pascale Richardson, AquaHacking Challenge Program Manager at AquaAction. “AquaAction’s mission is to restore freshwater health in North America. We do this by engaging with local communities to empower talented young innovators and support them as they work to improve freshwater in their region. The first Atlantic Canada AquaHacking Challenge was a great success, and we look forward to this year’s competition.” 

Atlantic Canada is home to a spectacular system of dynamic freshwater and marine environments. Water is core to ecosystems and communities across the region. The Atlantic Canada AquaHacking Challenge brings students, developers, designers, scientists, programmers, engineers, technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs together to form interdisciplinary teams to tackle different freshwater challenges facing these important ecosystems. 

The issues they’ll be focusing on are:  

1. Innovations for alteration projects in Lakes and Rivers
   Water Issue Leader: Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change - Water Branch

2. Affordable Automated Water Quality Monitoring
   Water Issue Leader: Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.

3. Saltwater Intrusion
   Water Issue Leader: Clean Foundation’s Clean Coasts team

4. Aquatic Invasive species
   Water Issue Leader: Coastal Action

5. Green Infrastructure (Stormwater Prevention)
   Water Issue Leader: ACAP Saint John

“AquaHacking is the type of interdisciplinary competition that allows students and young people to apply their knowledge to practical, real-world situations,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC). “We are proud to partner with AquaAction to bring this great competition back to Atlantic Canada.” 

Participants should have an interest in problem solving, collaborating with students from various faculties and applying innovative solutions to bring impactful change to communities in the Atlantic region. They are required to be between 18-35 years of age, a resident of Canada within the Atlantic region and enrolled in a post-secondary institution or be a recent graduate. The entire team doesn’t need to be residing in the Atlantic region, but the majority of the team should be within the Atlantic region.  

“Our students are excited and ready to challenge the freshwater issues facing Atlantic Canada,” says Adam Khamis, the Project Coordinator of Skills, Development and Training with SMUEC. “This competition is a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship, social action and science that offers students a unique opportunity to work with people in areas they may not otherwise have discovered.”  

After working on their pitches for nine months, all teams will have the opportunity to pitch their solution during the AquaHacking semi-final event. The top teams are selected from these pitches to go on to phase two of the program.  These finalists receive $2,000 to support the continuation of their work as they refine their solution in preparation for their pitch at the AquaHacking finale. All five finalist teams are winners, receiving kick-start business training, leadership training, a spot in a local incubator, Lavery Lawyers credits and seed funding based on their final ranking. 

For more information about the challenge, how to participate and the great partners that support the competition, visit https://aquaaction.org/challenge/atlantic-canada-2022-23/.  

About AquaAction 

AquaAction is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the health of freshwater by engaging young innovators in solutions creation and supporting the activation of their technologies. Its flagship program is the AquaHacking Challenge, a tech innovation competition which aims to engage university students in developing new solutions to water issues. Recently AquaAction developed the AquaHacking alumni and AquaEntrepreneur Québec. Across Canada, 36 water technology startups have emerged from the Challenge. AquaAction was established by the De Gaspé Beaubien Foundation in 2015, is powered by the RBC Foundation since 2018, accelerated by Ovivo since 2017 and supported by several partners including IBM Canada, Lavery Lawyers, and Mitacs. 

Pioneering N.S. filmmaker Margaret Perry focus of three-night event series with FIN, N.S. Archive

Margaret Perry

The career work of pioneering Nova Scotia filmmaker Margaret Perry is being showcased with a digital release, artist interventions, and three nights of events from the Atlantic International Film Festival, the Nova Scotia Archives and a team led by a Saint Mary's University researcher.

"Margaret Perry is one of the most influential yet unknown people in Nova Scotia in the 20th century. Her promotional films about the province offer us a glimpse into how Nova Scotia saw itself in the 40s, 50s and 60s, or at least how the government wanted others to see the province," says Saint Mary's University Associate Professor Dr. Jennifer VanderBurgh, and the lead organizer behind the events. "Although these are technically government films, they are also documentaries and artist-made works. Perry's influence can be felt in all her films. She was very interested in highlighting women's labour, cooperative labour, and how things were done or made. The films reflect her interests and understanding of Nova Scotia."

The event series, Activating an Archive: Margaret Perry and the Nova Scotia Film Bureau, mark the digital release of the career work of Margaret Perry, one of Canada's most important and least-known woman filmmakers and early film bureaucrats.

The events are:

• Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • A reception at the Public Archives of Nova Scotia.

• Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at 6:10 p.m.

  • A sample screening of Perry’s work in film and a Q&A at FIN, the Atlantic International Film Festival.

• Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at 7 p.m.

  • A talk by Dr. Jennifer VanderBurgh at the Halifax Central Library, discussing the collection, the process of digitizing/activating it (and some related ethical complexities), and the discovery of materials that shed new light on Perry’s artistic development and filmmaking practice. 

Dr. Jennifer VanderBurgh

Starting out in New Brunswick as a wartime projectionist where she taught herself to make short films about everyday life, Perry went to Ottawa to work with John Grierson at the National Film Board of Canada. In 1945, Perry moved to Halifax to become Director of the Nova Scotia Film Bureau, where between 1945-1969 she made and oversaw the production of over fifty promotional films that depicted Nova Scotia as a tourist destination, an industrial and agricultural centre, and a complex site of cultural heritage.

"For a long time, this collection has been ignored, often without being seen, on charges of being boring government film,” says Dr. VanderBurgh. “In reframing and animating this collection as artist-made works, we're reconsidering the significance of these films, what they remember, and some of the ethical considerations and responsibilities of activating the collection in Nova Scotia today."

More information about Margaret Perry and the Nova Scotia Film Bureau Films and the research of Dr. Vanderburgh and her research team.