Meet your Winter and Spring 2025 Valedictorians

Convocation is a special time to celebrate the hard-working graduates of Saint Mary’s University and to reflect on their achievements over their years of study. This month, six students will address their convocation classes as Valedictorian—an honour which reflects their unique journeys as students and leaders at Saint Mary’s. As Valedictorians, they are recipients of the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Awards.

Students from the graduating class of Winter 2025 will be celebrated on May 27, while Spring graduates will cross the stage from May 28 to 30. Visit the convocation website for details on the ceremony and links to the live streams.

Sheheryar Khan

After relocating from Dubai three years ago, Sheheryar Khan quickly found purpose at the intersection of science, sustainability and innovation. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Engineering, he leads Alaagi, an award-winning startup tackling plastic pollution with seaweed-based bioplastics. From winning the Hult Prize National Championship to supporting fellow changemakers through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Sheheryar is honoured to represent such a driven and ambitious graduating class and looks forward to contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

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Maxinne Nana Ama Benyiwah Baddoo

Originally from Ghana, Maxinne Baddoo was drawn to Saint Mary’s for its close-knit academic community and hands-on learning environment. She graduates with a Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation. With a background in technology and banking, she brings global experience to everything she does. She has supported cross-border projects and mentored young leaders through organizations like YouthUp Global. Passionate about purpose-driven impact, Maxinne blends technical insight with a heart for service and looks ahead to shaping change through innovation, faith and empowerment.

Maria Mannette

Born and raised in Halifax, Maria Mannette graduates magna cum laude from the Sobey School of Business with a double major in Computing and Information Systems and Management. A consistent Dean’s List student, she balances multiple jobs with demanding coursework while taking on leadership roles that enrich campus life. As the founder of the Women in Business Society, a BComm Student Ambassador and a mentor in multiple academic roles, Maria brings both heart and hustle to everything she does. With plans to pursue law school and a career in human rights, she is passionate about using her voice to advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

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Muhammad Usman

Born in Dubai and proudly rooted in Pakistani heritage, Muhammad Usman brings his entrepreneurial spirit to Canada and the Sobey School of Business. Graduating magna cum laude with multiple academic honours, he immersed himself in opportunities such as a co-op with the Halifax Wanderers FC and diplomatic dialogue at the Model UN in New York. Now preparing to launch a cultural fashion startup that celebrates diversity and innovation, Muhammad reflects the bold, borderless ambition of Saint Mary’s—and the power of family, community and purpose-driven leadership.

Lydia Hui-Qi Lee

Originally from Toronto, Lydia Hui-Qi Lee graduates summa cum laude with a double major in Economics and Marketing. From winning global case competitions to presenting research on food insecurity to Canada’s top economists, Lydia blends academic excellence with purpose-driven leadership. With plans to pursue a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration, she aims to build a career that combines corporate law with her ongoing passion for social entrepreneurship. She carries with her a deep appreciation for the mentors and communities that helped shape her journey.

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Madeline Grace Dalzell

Coming from Welland, Ontario, Madeline Dalzell graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. Over the last several years, she has become a key part of the campus sustainability movement, serving as an executive member of the Environmental Society and leading initiatives to bring environmental awareness and integrate sustainability into daily student life. Her Honours thesis on old-growth forest conservation reflects her deep commitment to protecting natural ecosystems—a passion she will continue to explore in a master’s program in Natural Resource Management at Dalhousie University this fall.

More than a website: FSC’s new digital hub centralizes accessibility at SMU

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC) at Saint Mary’s University has launched a newly redesigned website, introducing a centralized accessibility hub designed to improve the user journey and simplify access to essential supports. While the FSC remains the core of SMU’s academic accessibility, the new site brings together accessibility-related resources across the university into one cohesive, intuitive space, ensuring students, faculty, and staff can easily find the information they need. 

This project, made possible through donor funding, reflects Saint Mary’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and equitable education while advancing the FSC’s mission to integrate Universal Design principles across higher education. It also reinforces the university’s readiness to meet the standards outlined in the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act and aligns with Access by Design 2030. 

“By prioritizing digital accessibility from the start, the redesign aligns with the FSC’s goal of creating barrier-free learning environments that benefit all students,” Kate McHugh, Manager of the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, notes. “The project team worked diligently to meet or exceed WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards, achieving AA compliance wherever possible and reaching AAA in many components.”  

Through user engagement sessions, including input from students, faculty, and staff, and comprehensive before-and-after digital accessibility audits, the project team worked to build a site that is intuitive, inclusive, intersectional, and aligned with accessibility best practices. 

A user-centered approach to accessibility 

The redesign process focused on improving the user experience by identifying pain points and making the site easier to navigate, more intuitive and more inclusive. Key enhancements include: 

• A streamlined, centralized hub where students can explore academic accommodations, assistive technology and other accessibility supports all in one place.  

• Enhanced digital accessibility features to ensure the site meets diverse user needs, removing barriers to accessing information.  

• A focus on reducing the 'unknown' for students by including clearer explanations of what to expect when accessing FSC services, from registering for accommodations to visiting the space in person. The site also reflects the warm and welcoming nature of the FSC team, ensuring students feel welcomed and supported from their first interaction. 

• Plain language and user-friendly content to ensure students, whether they are familiar with accessibility services or just beginning to explore their options, can easily discover supports and determine what accommodations or resources may be the right fit for them. 

• A dedicated faculty section to provide guidance on inclusive teaching and learning, academic accommodations and best practices for supporting students. 

Creating a more inclusive digital experience 

One of the key insights from the user consultation process was that many students who qualify for accommodations don’t always recognize that their learning challenges, health conditions, or disabilities make them eligible for support. The new site helps demystify accessibility services, offering clear explanations of who may qualify, what accommodations exist and how to access them. 

Faculty can also benefit from the new Inclusive Teaching and Learning section, designed to foster collaboration in creating accessible learning environments. With resources, FAQs and guidance on implementing academic accommodations, the site equips faculty members with the tools they need to support students effectively. 

A one-stop destination for accessibility at SMU 

While a majority of accessibility services at SMU fall under the FSC services, the new website goes beyond academic accommodations to serve as a centralized hub for accessibility across the university. From information on built environment and digital accessibility, to news, events and student life, the site ensures that anyone seeking support and community can easily connect with resources. 

Leading the way 

With this launch, the Fred Smithers Centre is helping lead the way in creating a more accessible and equitable university experience. The new site is more than just an information hub; it’s a crucial progression toward a more inclusive Saint Mary’s, where accessibility is seamless and support is easy to find. It also establishes a strong foundation for future improvements, creating opportunities to apply the insights from this project more broadly across Saint Mary’s websites and digital communications. 

“Enhancing digital accessibility is a pivotal step in our strategic plan to foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment at Saint Mary’s University," says President Robert Summerby-Murray.  

“This new digital hub not only aligns with our commitment to accessibility and the goals outlined in Nova Scotia’s Access by Design 2030 plan, but it also exemplifies our dedication to integrating Universal Design principles across all facets of the university. By centralizing accessibility resources, we are making significant strides toward a seamless and supportive experience, positioning Saint Mary’s as a leader in digital accessibility within Atlantic Canada and beyond." 

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Explore the new Fred Smithers Centre website and let us know your thoughts! Spot an area for improvement or have other feedback? Let us know at studentcomms@smu.ca. 

Saint Mary's students win national Enactus title—again!

Halifax team to represent Canada on a global stage with world-changing projects

For the second year in a row, students from Saint Mary’s University have been named Canada’s national champions in a countrywide competition celebrating bold ideas and real-world impact.

Their win means Saint Mary’s will once again represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, this September, competing against top student teams from around the world.

The team rose to the top at the Enactus Canada National Exposition, held this week at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, where more than 600 students from over 50 post-secondary institutions across the country gathered to showcase their work. After three rounds of intense competition, Saint Mary’s emerged victorious.

At the heart of their success are two projects making a difference here at home:

• Square Roots fights food waste and hunger by rescuing “imperfect” produce and selling it affordably across Nova Scotia.

• Alaagi™ offers a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging—turning seaweed into biodegradable wrap.

In addition to the first-place national win, Enactus also place in three separate topic challenges. 

• Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni – 1st place

• Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge – 2nd place 

• TD Entrepreneurship Challenge – 2nd place 

Finally, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s Business Design Manager, Meredith Drost, was awarded the John Dobson Fellow of the Year by Enactus Canada for her dedication to advancing entrepreneurial learning and student success. 

Enactus Saint Mary’s now moves to the global stage, bringing with them Canadian innovation, East Coast spirit and a commitment to change the world.

About Enactus Saint Mary's

Enactus Saint Mary’s is a student-led organization dedicated to creating a better world through entrepreneurial action. They develop and implement projects that address social, environmental and economic challenges, empowering individuals and communities to thrive. 

New majors at SMU blend sport, health, business and social impact

Career-ready skills, real-world interdisciplinary learning, co-op opportunities

This September, Saint Mary’s University is launching two innovative majors, Health, Wellness and Sport in Society and Sports Business, blending innovation and opportunity in a way that feels unmistakably of this moment.  

These new interdisciplinary programs are shaped by conversations across faculties and a clear-eyed view of what students—and the job market—need next. 

Built on Saint Mary’s longstanding strengths in community engagement, athletics and business, the programs offer real-world skill-building and co-op placements and will prepare students for high-impact careers in sport.

“These majors were developed with today’s world in mind—and tomorrow’s in sight,” says Dr. Augie Westhaver, associate professor of sociology and co-creator of the new majors. “We wanted to create something practical and forward-thinking, where students leave not just with a degree, but with a resumé and a sense of how to lead real change.” 

Flexible paths, focused careers 

Students can complete co-op placements relating to Sports Business and Health, Wellness and Sport in Society

The Health, Wellness and Sport in Society major, housed in the Faculty of Arts, draws on the social sciences, humanities and business to examine health, sport, equity and wellness through a broad, socially responsible lens. Students will explore everything from ethical leadership to diversity in sport, connecting their studies to global challenges like inclusion and sustainability. 

Offered through the Sobey School of Business, the Sports Business major combines marketing, data analytics, and management with big-picture thinking around ethics, leadership, and sustainability. The program prepares students to lead in a dynamic sports industry, whether in professional sport teams, corporate partnerships, or non-profit community organizations.

The programs see sport not just as a competition, but as a platform for equity, inclusion, and global citizenship. Both majors are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and emphasize socially responsible leadership.

““I wasn’t just looking for theory. I wanted something that would connect me to real careers, real communities and real change. This program brings everything together. I’ve already started exploring the business side of sport, and next year I’ll dive into the health and social issues that really matter. It’s equipping me with practical, relevant skills—and a degree that feels practical, relevant and truly interdisciplinary.”  ”

— Kyler Knocton, a current Bachelor of Commerce student who plans to declare Sport Business as his major.

The majors also build on SMU’s existing Certificates in Sports Business and Health, Wellness and Sport in Society, allowing students to stack credentials or shift into the full major as their interests evolve. 

Real-world learning starts here 

At the heart of both majors is a commitment to learning by doing, built on an interdisciplinary structure. Throughout their studies, students will engage with guest speakers, explore industry discussions, and analyze case studies, gaining insights from professionals working in the sport industry. Sample courses will include Sports Marketing, Human Resources in Sports, Sports Law, Data Analytics in Sports, and Sport, Diversity and Inclusion.

Through co-op placements, community projects and capstone courses, students will collaborate with sports teams, health organizations and non-profits on projects that reflect real industry challenges.  

Potential career paths for graduates include Health Promotion Specialist, Facility and Recreation Manager, Sports Marketing Manager, Wellness Program Director, Performance Analyst, and Diversity and Inclusion Officer in Sport.

Connecting academics and community through sport and wellness

Both majors are anchored by the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health, of which Dr. Westhaver is the director. The Centre is an interdisciplinary hub connecting academic research, community engagement, and student learning.

In March 2024, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted “Sport Studies Outside the Classroom”, an experiential learning symposium in support of the development of sport studies on campus.

Over the years, the Centre has become a touchstone for students and scholars alike, championing mental health initiatives and creating space where community work and academic inquiry intersect. It has a rich history of hosting international conferences, supporting student-led wellness projects, and building industry partnerships that now help power these new majors.

The programs also arrive at a time when mental health in sport is gaining long-overdue attention. The Centre has supported initiatives like the Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative and Here for Peers, and both majors are designed with wellness, not just performance, in mind.

“In designing these programs, we aimed to reflect the interconnectedness of sport, health, and business in today's global landscape,” says Dr. Miguel Morales, associate professor of marketing and co-creator of the new majors. “Our goal was to equip students with the skills to navigate and lead in diverse environments, understanding that success in the sports industry now requires a blend of cultural insight, ethical leadership, and a commitment to social impact.”

Within the classroom, students are encouraged to explore the ethics of wellness, and its role in shaping both individuals and systems. Conversations around resilience, burnout and the emotional weight of high-performance sport are central to the learning, viewed through a socially conscious lens.

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New talent helping to guide centre’s growth

Jacob Glover, Managing Director at the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health

Jacob Glover is thrilled to join the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health at such a pivotal time in the expansion of its programs. Well poised to support the centre’s vision as its new managing director, Glover brings experience in sport governance and policy work along with a background in law, philosophy and restorative justice.

Since arriving at Saint Mary’s in January 2025, he has focused on working with the university community “to think about nuanced ways of proactively attending to the well-being of our student athletes,” he says. “This includes working with academic supports as well as Student Affairs and Services and Athletics and Recreation, to connect our students to the resources that help to build a culture of holistic well-being.”

Enhancing the centre’s engagement with other sport institutions and organizations is another priority. In one project funded by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Glover is working with the Restorative Lab at Dalhousie University and Sport Nova Scotia to integrate a restorative approach to Team Nova Scotia’s culture and commitment to well-being at the Canada Games.

Glover joins the centre’s Academic Director Dr. Augie Westhaver and Operations Support Specialists Quinn MacDonald BA’24 and Cedric Ralph BA’25. On deck to help launch the new academic programs is Teaching Fellow Dr. MacIntosh Ross EMBA’96, whose own research explores the intersections of sport and human rights. Three students are on staff for the summer as varsity student-athlete research assistants: Ashley Brady, Ashley Penney and Chad Enwright. Learn more about the centre’s team.

Alumni-led Canadian International Peace Conference held at Saint Mary's

On April 25–26, Saint Mary’s University hosted the 2025 Canadian International Peace Conference, organized by alumni Fatu Kaba MTEI’24 through her social enterprise, HEARTS Global Network. The event brought together over 30 speakers and 20 workshops, uniting activists, academics, policymakers and students to explore inclusive and community-driven approaches to sustainable peace.

Fatu Kaba MTEI’24

Kaba is an award-winning peace activist, TEDx speaker, and the first woman in her family to earn a master’s degree. She founded HEARTS Global Network to champion global peace and gender equity through education, entrepreneurship and storytelling. Her lived experience, born during the Liberian Civil War, continues to shape her powerful work today.

The conference emphasized peace-building through clean energy, food security, gender equity and community empowerment, aligning closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and students were featured speakers at the conference. Dr. Saja Al Zoubi from the Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies spoke on a panel titled ‘The Role of Women in Peacebuilding’. Dr. Margherita Cameranesi from the Department of Psychology co-led a seminar titled ‘Gender-Based Violence and Its Impact on Refugees and their Families’. Natasha Fernandes BA’23, Business Consultant at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, and SMU student Shaneika Carter, moderated panels.

With inspiring keynotes, performances, and hands-on workshops, the event was a bold step toward a more peaceful and just future.

AI-Powered Animation: Enhancing Creativity—One Frame at a Time

Juan Cruz Baldassare, CEO of Moonshot Rights, Dr. Jason Rhinelander, and Michael-Andreas Kuttner (standing)

Animation is evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in shaping its future.

Founded in 2021, Moonshot Rights Inc. is a Canada/UK-based animation company on a mission to revolutionize content creation. By harnessing the latest technology and working with top industry talent, they’re creating content for kids and family at a higher speed demanded by today’s digital platforms.

To achieve this, Moonshot Rights partnered with Dr. Jason Rhinelander, an Associate Professor in the Division of Engineering and Head of Technology and Innovation at the David Sobey Retailing Centre at Saint Mary’s University. Dr. Rhinelander specializes in AI, focusing his research on applying machine learning and optimization to embedded, real-time system development in hardware and software.

Together, they are pioneering a new approach to animation by accelerating the generation of Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) computer-generated frames. Their process takes existing animation assets as training data and then fills in the gaps between key events, allowing for a more efficient animation workflow.

“In today’s technology environment, where breakthroughs are announced weekly, it’s incredibly valuable to have a partner like Dr. Rhinelander to help us distinguish between what’s hype and what’s genuinely transformative,” said Juan-Cruz Baldassare, CEO of Moonshot Rights. “Collaborating with Saint Mary’s University has been instrumental in advancing our work on algorithmic upscaling, ensuring that we’re not just adopting new technologies, but truly understanding and leveraging them to create outstanding content faster.”

With AI-driven innovation and Dr. Rhinelander’s expertise, Moonshot Rights is improving visual quality, speeding up production, and expanding the possibilities of digital storytelling in animation.

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The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) at Saint Mary’s University facilitates research partnerships between the University and companies, government departments and community organizations. OICE is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external partners wishing to collaborate. The office assists with finding suitable expertise, contract development and advising on funding opportunities.

This project highlight is from the 2025 OICE Report, which features researchers from Saint Mary's University and their external partners.

Extraordinary leadership takes the stage at 2025 Spring Convocation

Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton, The Honourable Deborah Gass, Joyce Carter BComm’84 and Paul Davidson will receive honorary degrees from Saint Mary’s University at Spring Convocation in May

Saint Mary’s University will award honorary doctorates at the 2025 Spring Convocation to four distinguished individuals whose leadership, service and vision have made a lasting impact in Nova Scotia, across Canada and around the world.

Spring Convocation takes place from May 27-30, 2025, on Saint Mary’s campus. Visit the convocation webpage for ceremony details and links to the live stream.

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Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton

Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton

Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton is a recently retired Baptist minister with a distinguished record of service to the community. After earning a Doctor of Ministry from Acadia Divinity College and degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Rutgers University, she transitioned from a corporate IT career to full-time ministry.

In 2007, she became the first female senior pastor of Halifax’s New Horizons Baptist Church, a historic institution rooted in the African Nova Scotian community. Her early years at the church saw the launch of parenting programs and "Save Our Sons, Save Our Sisters", a preventative initiative rooted in faith-based social action.

Her leadership in opposing the sale of public land in Halifax’s North End reflects a broader movement where faith leaders are stepping into the role of civic advocate for housing and urban equity. Through actions like renaming the church in recognition of Indigenous reconciliation and collaborating with Mi’kmaq historian Daniel Paul, Dr. Britton’s ministry weaves justice, historical awareness and a commitment to healing.

Dr. Britton will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

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The Honourable Deborah Gass

The Honourable Deborah Gass

Justice Deborah Gass is a retired Supreme Court judge whose career helped reframe family law and access to justice in Atlantic Canada. A Mount Allison and Dalhousie graduate, she was called to the bar in two provinces and spent her early years leading legal aid programs focused on inmate and youth rights.

She served as a judge from 1991 to 2018, then as Deputy Judge with the Nunavut Court of Justice. In this role, she brought court proceedings to remote communities, where Inuit Elders could help shape sentencing with cultural context and community understanding.

Justice Gass’s work with the RCMP settlement class action and Nova Scotia’s first restorative justice programs placed her at the intersection of legal systems and social healing. As Canadian courts face renewed calls for reform and transparency, her career is a powerful example of how individuals can lead meaningful change from within.

Justice Gass will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

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Joyce Carter BComm’84

Joyce Carter BComm’84

Joyce Carter is a distinguished Saint Mary’s alumna and one of the most influential figures in Canadian aviation. As President and CEO of Halifax Stanfield International Airport Authority, she has guided the airport through major disruptions while maintaining a focus on long-term growth, inclusion and regional impact.

A 1984 Bachelor of Commerce graduate, Joyce Carter has served on major aviation and aerospace boards and is a passionate advocate for gender diversity in leadership roles across the transportation and infrastructure sectors.

Her civic contributions include work with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, Community Food Centres Canada, and the North American Indigenous Games. As an industry leader, her career shows that economic development can be a foundation for inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity.

Ms. Carter will receive a Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa.

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Paul Davidson

Paul Davidson

Paul Davidson is one of Canada’s most respected post-secondary leaders. As President of Universities Canada from 2009 to 2023, he shaped national strategy on international education, research investment and equitable access to learning across 97 institutions.

With degrees from Trent and Queen’s Universities, his cross-sectoral experience spans government, health care, publishing, and global development. Under his leadership, programs like the Global Skills Opportunity reimagined international student exchanges—not only as travel abroad, but to build intercultural fluency and inclusive global engagement.

Though he has served as an advisor and advocate for nearly every university in Canada, this will be Paul Davidson’s first honorary degree. It comes at a time when universities are re-examining their roles in society, something he has long championed as essential to rebuilding public trust and strengthening democratic institutions.

Mr. Davidson will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

Dr. John Young elected an Honorary Member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Science

The Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s is pleased to celebrate that Dr. John Clilberd O'Connor Young, Professor Emeritus, has been elected an honorary member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Science (NSIS), for his contributions to mathematics and chemistry over 75 years.

Dr. John Young began teaching chemistry at Saint Mary’s in 1970 after working in industry for 15 years. He retired in 1995 and was named professor emeritus. He holds a PhD from Imperial College at the University of London and an MBA from New York University. Dr. Young specialized in teaching environmental, inorganic, and physical chemistry courses and laboratory computerization.

Dr. Young’s many accomplishments include pioneering a computer-linked chemistry teaching lab at Saint Mary’s, many provincial, national, and international industry roles, and academic leadership positions at Saint Mary’s. His recent publications include “An Enhanced Colorimetric Integrated Rate Procedure for Determining Kinetic Reaction Order Values” (2024) and “Chemistry and the Calculus” (2024).

As just the fifth scientist to receive this honour, Dr. Young joins Dr. Arthur MacDonald, Dr. Mary Anne White, Dr. Jeffrey Dahn, and Dr. Zoe Lucas in NSIS’s group of Honorary Members.

Read more on the NSIS website.

Ignition Program brings students from across Nova Scotia to ignite entrepreneurial spirits

This winter, over 170 students from across Nova Scotia came together to explore entrepreneurship, gain new life skills and connect with like-minded peers through Ignition Winter 2025. Ignition is a multi-week virtual program hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and help students see themselves as future changemakers, whether they plan to start a business or grow their skill set.

Each week, expert speakers shared their experience with students, offering a well-rounded toolbox for personal and professional growth. Sessions included topics such as analyzing consumer behaviour and crafting the perfect pitch, using social media effectively and exploring emotional intelligence.   

In addition, students earned $10 per session for their engagement and participation. Whether logging on from their dorms or squeezing in a session between classes, they were earning while learning and gaining skills that they can have for life.

“The Ignition sessions have been an eye-opening experience that provided me with practical tools for both personal and academic growth," said Mary Mach, a student from Saint Mary’s. "This program has and is continuing to empower me to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience”.

Applications for Ignition Fall 2025 are now open.  Be a part of the next wave of changemakers.

Halifax high schoolers gain skills in AI at Saint Mary’s

Co-op mixes campus life, real-world skills and credit toward graduation

Halifax high school students participate in the Business Analytics & AI Co-op at the Sobey School of Business

Dr. Yigit Aydede, Sobey School of Business Faculty in Residence

Chukwuemeka Nwankwo MTEI’25 and Simon Raymond

Participant Peter Lutz chats with MBAN Director Dr. Michael Zhang

Attendees of the ‘Demystifying AI’ event with Dr. Yigit Aydede

Saeed El-Darahali BSc’02 MBA’04, President and CEO of SimplyCast with Ayo Makanjuola, Vice-President, Finance and Administration, SMU

On March 21, students from several Halifax-area high schools gathered for the second session of a multi-week program at Saint Mary's University to experience university life firsthand and study one of today's most exciting and rapidly evolving fields—Artificial Intelligence.

Through SMU’s Youth Business Analytics & AI Co-op Program, students earn a high school credit while spending several Fridays on campus, learning from the university’s faculty, student mentors and industry professionals. Organized by the Sobey School of Business and hosted in the vibrant Sobeys Inspiration Hub, the program exposes students to university-level academics while building foundational skills in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and visualization.

Students will soon have an opportunity to showcase their skills in AI at the Atlantic Canada AI Summit Youth Pitch Competition on May 3.

Bridging Students, Research and Industry

The day opened with a presentation by Dr. Yigit Aydede, the current Faculty in Residence at the Sobey School of Business. The Faculty in Residence program strengthens collaboration between Saint Mary’s faculty and local business owners, connecting academic expertise with real-world entrepreneurship to drive innovation.

High school student Peter Lutz participated in the Youth Business Analytics & AI Co-op Program

The Co-op emphasizes real-world applications by bringing industry professionals to campus to engage directly with students. These experts, who could potentially become future employers, provide practical career advice and insights during engaging Q&A sessions. Students can openly ask critical questions about career paths, success strategies and the biggest lessons learned, offering a rare opportunity for authentic, practical mentoring.

"I am learning about how AI is being used by businesses to visualize and interpret data,” said Peter Lutz, a grade eleven student at Charles P. Allen High School. “I am hoping to learn more about market trends and what generative AI is. I am new to this, and we are living in a time when AI is being revolutionized. I want to be able to utilize it."

Showcasing Real-World AI Applications

As part of the session, Dr. Aydede introduced a series of AI-driven business applications developed by Novastorms.ai, a company he co-founded with former student Chukwuemeka Nwankwo MTEI’25. Built using publicly available data, these tools are powered by AI and are designed to empower communities by improving access to information and supporting more informed decision-making.

BComm student Simon Raymond (seated) presented to co-op students with Dr. Yigit Aydede

Dr. Aydede and his team demonstrated several of these applications, including the HRM Crime Dashboard (safe.novastorms.ai), Neighbourhood Explorer (hood.novastorms.ai), and the Nova Scotia Housing Wizard—all freely accessible to the public.

They also announced the upcoming release of In-House Insight, a new Agentic AI platform built on a secure, privacy-first architecture that processes sensitive data locally rather than through the cloud.

“When I first came to SMU, I had no idea what I wanted to do,” said Simon Raymond, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student and Co-op presenter.

“My first year, I was still figuring things out. In my second year, I took a machine learning class and started working with Professor Yigit more and more. That’s when I really started to fall in love with this field of work—econometrics, data engineering and machine learning. Everything was real. Everything was practical."

Preparing for the Future

Beyond academic learning, these sessions offer a window into campus life, giving students the opportunity to interact with professors, connect with peers and imagine themselves as future university students.

The program wraps up with a Pitch Competition on May 3, where participating high school students will showcase their AI-powered ideas to peers, faculty, family, and industry judges. The Pitch Competition serves as a capstone to the SMU Co-op Program, offering students the chance to put their new skills to the test after eight weeks of immersive learning.

The competition is part of the larger Atlantic Canada AI Summit 2025, a three-day conference hosted at Saint Mary’s that brings together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Key areas include healthcare, ethics, ocean tech, and climate solutions. The Summit positions Atlantic Canada as an emerging global hub for AI innovation.

With its blend of academic rigour, real-world relevance, and career-focused mentorship, SMU’s Youth Business Analytics & AI Co-op Program is empowering the next generation to step confidently into the fast-evolving world of AI and analytics.

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Related:

• Atlantic Canada AI Summit: May 1-3, 2025

• From classroom to career: empowering responsible AI leaders

• Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) at Saint Mary’s

• Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) at Saint Mary’s

Introducing the SMU Wellness Challenge!

Join us in making well-being a priority

The People and Culture team at Saint Mary’s is excited to introduce the Staff/Faculty Wellness Challenge! This initiative is designed to empower employees to prioritize their well-being in a way that is flexible, inclusive, and engaging.

Over three weeks (May 5 – May 25), the Wellness Challenge encourages faculty and staff to complete daily wellness activities across eight key areas, promoting mindfulness, physical well-being, social connection, and more.

The activities are intentionally small and simple; for example, taking five minutes to focus on your breath, sharing a healthy recipe with a friend, or increasing your daily water intake. You can see a full list of activities and helpful links at this printable activity tracker.

To participate, register anytime at this link until May 2. You will receive an email with a link to the online tracking form and additional instructions.You can participate individually or sign up as a team (must have 5 members). Note: If needed, you can submit your activities via a paper form. Please request this form directly from Wellness@SMU.ca.

Let’s build some healthy habits together!

SMU team wins 2025 International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition

Student winners! Ashish Ganapathy Venkatasubramanian (Accounting), Robert Nolan Francis (Finance, Management), Lydia Lee (Economics/ Marketing) and Jonzel Robichaud-Lorde (Accounting/ Global Business Management).

L-R: Team coach Dr. Amna Chalwati, students Ashish Ganapathy Venkatasubramanian, Lydia Lee, Jonzel Robichaud-Lorde, Robert Nolan Francis, and coach and part-time SMU lecturer Jeff Muton pose for a photo in Los Angeles.

A student team from the Sobey School of Business won first place in all three categories at the highly competitive 2025 International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition (IBESCC), which took place at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles from April 7 to 11.

Students Robert Nolan Francis, Lydia Hui-Qi Lee, Jonzel Isaiah Robichaud-Lorde and Ashish Ganapathy Venkatasubramanian competed against 32 other teams from around the world, and won in three segments: a 25-minute presentation, a 10-minute ethical analysis, and a 90-second sustainability pitch. The judges praised the team's comprehensive approach and innovative solutions.

The annual competition aims to help students explore the moral imperatives of sustainable development. Topics must be business-related and have an ethical component linking to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The experience provides a platform for students to tackle real-world business issues, focusing on ethics, law, finance, and sustainability.

"This event wasn't just a competition but a valuable learning experience that allowed our students to apply their classroom knowledge on a global stage,” says Dr. Amna Chalwati, Associate Professor of Accounting at the Sobey School of Business, one of the team coaches. “We are so proud to have represented Saint Mary’s on this international platform and grateful for the support that made this achievement possible.”

A huge congratulations to these students for their remarkable accomplishments!