Highlighting the SMU Community during National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate people who give their time, skills and energy to strengthen communities across Canada. At Saint Mary’s, many faculty, staff, students and alumni across the university quietly give back and make a meaningful difference through volunteering.

Through initiatives such as the Co-Curricular Recognition program and Community Service Learning, volunteering has also become an important way for students to put their learning into practise while making a positive impact.

“Volunteering enriches the student experience by connecting academic content to real-world situations,” says Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead at Saint Mary’s. “It helps build professional connections and offers a meaningful way to give back to the community.”

The impact is impressive: in 2025, over 450 students volunteered a total of 22,000 hours with 111 local organizations, including the IWK Foundation, Chisholm Services for Children (Links Literacy program), Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank and more.

This week, we are highlighting just a few of our student and alumni volunteers who are committed to making things better for all. Read on to be inspired and join us in thanking volunteers across SMU for all that they do!

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Yusupha Njie

Yusupha is a third‑year Bachelor of Science student double-majoring in computer science and business administration. As Coordinator of the SMU Community Food Room, he proudly oversees a team of more than 50 volunteers, providing essential support to fellow students.

In 2025, Yusupha logged the highest number of CCR volunteer hours, contributing an exceptional 840 hours.

“To me, being part of a community means showing up for one another and ensuring everyone has the support they need to succeed.”

Deana Symes

Deana, a fifth-year Master of Science in Applied Science student, was recently named the 2025-26 Huskies Female President's Award winner for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Performance for her commitment to her rugby team and community, as well as being a five-time Academic All-Canadian and Dean's List recipient.

A leader with women’s rugby, she pairs excellence on the field with service off campus, volunteering as an assistant coach with Sackville High Rugby, supporting the SMU Community Food Room, serving as a medical responder at campus sporting events and being an active member of the Chemistry Society.

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Melissa Alvarez Del Angel

Melissa, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science Honours student majoring in psychology, is highly involved on and off campus. She has provided extensive support to students as a Senior RA and she volunteers at Peter’s Place, assisting individuals recovering from brain injuries. Melissa is also involved in the French Woodland Conservation Project and has supported initiatives at the IWK Foundation.

“Volunteering has allowed me to give back to a community that has given me so much, and to create a positive difference, even if only in a small corner of the world.”

Noah Martin

Noah has made a lasting impact through sustained volunteer leadership and community engagement. He completed a work‑integrated learning placement with Shelter Movers, which provides moving and storage services to individuals and families fleeing abuse. He continued as Lead Volunteer with Shelter Movers, mentoring students, coordinating volunteers and modelling trauma‑informed practice.

His long‑term commitment to both Shelter Movers and the Nova Scotia Environmental Network has strengthened community partnerships, built trust and ensured meaningful, ongoing learning opportunities for future SMU students.

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Naomi Onyechi

Naomi is a third-year Arts student majoring in psychology and criminology who participates in the Co-Curricular Recognition and Community Service Learning programs.

Following her CSL placement, she continued volunteering with the Halifax Association for Community Living. She is one of the first recipients to receive the Community Engaged Learning Certificate, which celebrates students who have gone beyond the classroom to meaningfully connect their academic learning with community-based work. 

“Volunteering is an invaluable experience that changed how I connected with my schoolwork, as it took theories I saw in my textbooks and showed me what it looked like in a real-life context. I got to grow with a team and learned new ways of connecting with people, which helped expand my mind on what inclusion could look like.”

Maddie Vanderlinden BA’24

While completing her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Intercultural Studies and French, Maddie built a strong sense of community through her involvement with SAGA (Students Acting for Global Awareness), the French Society, WUSC (World University Service of Canada), and as a Welcome Weeks Leader—connections that made her experience unforgettable. 

Today, she continues that connection as a member of both the Alumni Council and the Young Alumni Committee, roles she stepped into immediately after graduating. 

“I chose to continue volunteering with SMU as a way to stay connected after graduating,” she shares. “I had such a positive experience during my time there.” 

Food service: What's open during exam period

Please note changes to SMU Dining hours during study days and the Winter Term exam period.

April 9-23, 2026

Dockside
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
*April 18: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Last day: April 24, 8-11 a.m.

C-Store
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Gorsebrook Lounge
Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Closed
Last day: April 22

Tim Hortons
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Closed
*April 18: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Starbucks
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Closed

Late Night Delivery
Mon-Tues: Closed
Weds-Sun: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Last day: April 12

Student Centre Food Court and Sandwich Shack: Closed

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April 24-May 3, 2026

Here’s what’s open on campus between exam period and Spring Term:

Tim Hortons:
Mon-Fri: 7:30-3:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Closed

C-Store
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

All other dining options: Closed

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Check the SMU Dining website for all current operating hours.

Food service: What's open over Easter weekend

See below for a reminder of what's open for food service on campus April 3-6, or visit https://smuca.campusdish.com/

Open:

• DOCKSIDE: Fri-Mon, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

• C-STORE: Fri - Mon, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Closed

• TIM HORTONS

• STARBUCKS

• STUDENT CENTRE FOOD COURT

• GORSEBROOK LOUNGE

• SANDWICH SHACK

• LATE NIGHT DELIVERY

New exhibit at Patrick Power Library celebrates Black Canadian Histories

David Zapparoli, Dr. Michael Khan, Donna Paris and Dr. Lynn Jones

David Zapparoli and Donna Paris (center) are joined by Dr. Shannon Dea, PVPAR; Suzanne van den Hoogen, Dean, University Library and Archives; Sarah West, Librarian; Hansel Cook, Associate Dean, Library Strategy, Planning and Assessment; and Dr. Michael Khan, University President

Ayo Aladejebi and Robert Meek conduct a libation ceremony

Artists discuss the exhibit with Dr. Lynn Jones and attendees

The exhibit is on display in the Patrick Power Library until March 28

Anecia Shephard, Arts student; Danae Conrad, Black Student Ambassador; Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director, Diversity Inclusion and Wellness; Ebun Oladele, Black Student Advisor

Debbie Miller Brown

Dr. Val Johnson and Dr. Lynn Jones

Artists David Zapparoli and Donna Paris

Donna Paris and David Zapparoli (center) with Danae Conrad, Ebun Oladele, Anecia Shephard and Deborah Brothers-Scott

To mark its 50th anniversary and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, the Patrick Power Library proudly hosted the launch of Black Threads of the Canadian Tapestry, a new exhibition by artist Donna Paris and photographer David Zapparoli.

Featuring compelling portraits and accompanying audio stories, the exhibition highlights the diverse lived experiences of Black Canadians and invites visitors to engage with them in a meaningful way.

The launch event brought together students, faculty, staff and community members for an afternoon of reflection and celebration. Emceed by Associate Dean Hansel Cook, the program included remarks from Dean Suzanne van den Hoogen and Provost Dr. Shannon Dea, a moving libation ceremony by Black community members Ayo Aladejebi and Robert Meek, and a powerful spoken-word performance by second-year Arts student Anecia Shephard. Paris and Zapparoli also shared insights into the stories and artistic process behind the project.

The exhibition is now open on the first floor of the Patrick Power Library and will remain on display until Saturday, March 28. Visitors can explore a central banner and view portraits that link via QR code to personal oral‑history interviews recorded by the artists.

Black Threads of the Canadian Tapestry is supported by the Patrick Power Library and Saint Mary’s University, with contributions from the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness and the Black Student Advisor. Additional funding was provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

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Watch:

The event was featured on CTV News

Saint Mary’s graduate student uncovers hidden barriers in PEI’s rental market

When Brittany Cormier began scrolling through rental ads in Charlottetown, she was not looking for a research topic. She was trying to help people keep a roof over their heads. 

Brittany Cormier

At the time, Brittany was working in a rent-geared-to-income program on Prince Edward Island, supporting tenants who were being displaced by renovations, short-term rental conversions, or landlords reclaiming units for personal use. Helping people find alternative housing meant hours spent reviewing online rental advertisements. 

What she noticed was language that quietly shaped who felt able to apply. “There were patterns that kept repeating,” Brittany recalls. “Requirements that seemed neutral, but in practice discouraged a lot of people before they ever had a chance.” 

Those observations stayed with her. Years later, as a student in Saint Mary’s University’s Master of Applied Health Services Research (MAHSR) program, they became the foundation of a research fellowship through the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) and a published report examining discrimination and exclusion in rental housing advertisements across the capital region of PEI. 

From lived experience to applied research 

Brittany has been a student in the MAHSR program since 2018, with research focused on hidden homelessness, evictions and inequities in the rental sector. Her academic work has always been closely connected to her professional experience. 

“I was already seeing these issues on the ground,” she says. “The fellowship gave me the opportunity to study what I had been observing for years, but in a systematic way.” 

As part of the Canadian Right to Housing Research Fellowship, Brittany manually collected more than 1,800 rental advertisements over a 22-week period in 2023. Ads were gathered from Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, the two primary platforms used for rental listings on the Island. From that larger set, a representative sample was analyzed in depth. 

Each advertisement was reviewed individually, documenting rental type, pricing and language that could signal discrimination or exclusion. “That close reading is where patterns start to reveal themselves,” Brittany says. 

What the ads revealed 

The findings were striking. 

Seventy-seven percent of the rental ads in the sample contained discriminatory or exclusionary language. More than half included multiple barriers. Some of that language fell within protected grounds under the PEI Human Rights Act, such as source of income or family status. Other language did not technically violate legislation, but still discouraged certain people or groups from applying at all. 

“One of the most important distinctions in the study was between discrimination and exclusion,” Brittany explains. “Even when something is legal, it can still have real consequences for who is able to access housing.”

Even in the absence of evidence of intent or authorship, the findings highlight how the cumulative effect of exclusionary screening practices operating within a constrained housing market can meaningfully restrict access to housing. 

The type of barriers also differed by housing arrangement. For example, language related to source of income and family or marital status was more prevalent in standalone unit ads, while language related to sex and gender expression or gender identity was more prevalent in shared accommodation ads.   

Another unexpected finding was the volume of shared accommodation listings. Nearly half of all ads analyzed involved people seeking roommates. “To me, that really spoke to affordability constraints,” Brittany says. “People are sharing not because they want to, but because it’s the only way they can afford to live.” 

Why it matters 

While the research focuses on rental advertisements, Brittany is clear that the implications extend beyond housing. “Housing is foundational,” she says. “When people cannot access stable housing, the impacts show up everywhere, including health, education, and employment.” 

She points to economic exclusion as particularly urgent. Even without discriminatory language, rising rents alone are preventing low-income individuals and families from participating in the private rental market. “When housing is financially out of reach, people are left with overcrowding, unsafe arrangements or homelessness,” she says.  

For students and researchers, Brittany believes the study offers a clear example of how systemic barriers can operate quietly in everyday processes. “This isn’t just about bad actors,” she says. “It’s about how ordinary practices shape access.” 

The Saint Mary’s influence 

Brittany credits her experience at Saint Mary’s with shaping how she approaches this research.  

Supervision for her MAHSR thesis – a separate project looking at hidden and at-risk homelessness – falls under the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies, which helped her develop a human rights-based lens over time. 

“When I started my program, I didn’t fully understand the right to housing as a framework,” she says. “Through mentorship and coursework, that lens became central to my work.” 

The MAHSR program’s emphasis on applied, community-grounded research also mattered. Brittany completed the fellowship while continuing to live and work in her home community. “It meant I could study housing issues while being embedded in the place I was studying,” she says. “Small communities experience housing challenges too, but they’re often understudied.” 

Looking ahead 

While the report stops short of policy recommendations, Brittany hopes it contributes to broader conversations about housing access and fairness. 

“If we ignore barriers at the earliest stages of the housing search process, we miss a critical part of the problem,” she says. “Addressing housing supply alone isn’t enough if people are discouraged before they can even apply.” 

For anyone searching for their first apartment, her advice is practical. Learn your tenant rights. Ask questions. Keep records. “It’s okay not to know everything,” Brittany says. “But having information can make a real difference.” 

As for what she hopes readers take away: “Housing discrimination doesn’t always look dramatic,” she says. “Often, it’s quiet and easy to overlook, yet its effects can shape people’s lives in lasting ways.” 

Saint Mary's-based Centre sets gold standard for shoreline protection in Atlantic Canada

Molega Lake. Credit: Kelly Umlah

Kingsburg dune plantings - Sept. 2025. Credit: Rosmarie Lohnes

Molega Lake. Credit: Kelly Umlah

Kingsburg - Invasive Species Removal. Credit: Kelly Umlah

Kingsburg - Nov. 2025 - Wattle Fence. Credit: Dawn Slack

Sometimes climate leadership looks like a homeowner choosing a thriving habitat over a quick-fix retaining wall.

TransCoastal Adaptations (TCA), the Saint Mary’s University-based Centre for Nature-Based Solutions, has announced a major milestone for coastal resilience: the first certified Green Shores for Homes projects in Atlantic Canada.

Two waterfront properties, located at Kingsburg Beach and Molega Lake in southwest Nova Scotia (Kespukwitk), have both achieved Gold-level certification, the highest standard under the program.

For decades, waterfront improvements have often involved installing rock walls or concrete that can unintentionally worsen erosion and destroy local ecosystems. The Green Shores for Homes program, coordinated in the Maritimes by the TCA team at Saint Mary’s, offers a different path.

Dr. Danika Van Proosdij, Saint Mary’s University Professor and Director of TransCoastal Adaptations

“These projects prove that climate adaptation and biodiversity protection can go hand-in-hand,” says Dr. Danika Van Proosdij, Coastal geomorphologist and professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s University, as well as the Director and Co-Founder of TCA.

“By working with natural processes rather than against them, these homeowners are protecting their properties while also strengthening the health of our coastlines,” she says.

Southwest Nova Scotia is a recognized biodiversity hotspot, home to many species at risk. These Gold-certified sites serve as practical models for how individual actions can contribute to broader environmental outcomes:

• At Kingsburg Beach, erosion mitigation and sand-capture techniques were implemented to stabilize the shoreline while maintaining natural coastal dynamics.

• At Molega Lake, a full riparian zone restoration was completed, creating a natural buffer that improves water quality and increases resilience to flooding.

“The impact of these projects extends past the property lines,” says Dr. Van Proosdij. “The homeowners on these two properties treated their certification as a starting point for advocacy, engaging with their neighbours and local communities on shoreline health.”

True to the Saint Mary’s mission of community-engaged research, these projects bring together a wide range of expertise. While TCA provided the framework, the work on the ground was supported by:

• Helping Nature Heal Inc. and CB Wetlands and Environmental Specialists (Design and implementation)

• Manzer Brothers Excavation and Landworks Inc. (On-the-ground support)

• The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute and Government of Nova Scotia biologists (Specialized knowledge of Atlantic Coastal Plain flora and endangered reptiles)

As climate pressures like rising sea levels and storm intensity continue to affect Atlantic Canada, the success of the Kingsburg and Molega Lake projects is a proven example that coastal living can be protected by working in partnership with nature, one shoreline at a time.

To learn more about Green Shores for Homes and how TransCoastal Adaptations is leading nature-based climate solutions, visit transcoastaladaptations.com.

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Event on campus

Join Dr. Van Proosdij for an upcoming event with Dr. Jonathan Fowler: "Re-imagining resilience in Bay of Fundy Dykelands." 

Thursday, February 26, 2026
6-8:30 p.m.
Unilever Lounge, 4th floor Sobey School of Business
923 Robie St.

Welcome to the first annual fireside chat in the series Reimagining Rural Resilience: Changing Landscapes and Lifescapes. Hosted by The Gorsebrook Research Institute for Atlantic Canada Studies (GRI), the TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions (TCA) at Saint Mary's University, and the Community Conservation Research Network (CCRN), this series will showcase new research on and about Nova Scotia with the public.

This is a friendly fireside chat, open to everyone. Light refreshments provided. Together, let's learn about the latest research beyond barriers of university classrooms. Register here.

Celebrating service and community at SMU

On Friday, November 28, McNally Auditorium was nearly full as faculty and staff gathered for Saint Mary’s 31st Annual Employee Recognition Awards. The event offered a chance to pause, connect, and celebrate the contributions that make our university community strong. From the opening remarks to the final photo, the atmosphere was warm and lively, with cheers ringing out as colleagues accepted their awards.

President Dr. Michael Khan opened the ceremony by reflecting on the significance of long-term commitment. “In a time when long-term service is increasingly rare, your dedication stands out. It speaks volumes about your loyalty, your passion, and your belief in the work we do together,” he said. “Your contributions have a lasting impact on our students, our colleagues, and the broader community.”

This year, Saint Mary’s recognized 15 employees marking 10 years, 21 employees reaching 25 years, and three individuals achieving 35 years of service, along with part-time faculty who have been affiliated for 15 years. These milestones represent decades of teaching, research, and support that shape the student experience.

“Today is a rare moment for us to lift our heads from our classrooms, labs, offices, and inboxes—and to come together as a community,” said Provost Dr. Shannon Dea. “We’re here not just to mark work anniversaries, but to honour the spirit of dedication and care that you bring every day.”

The ceremony also featured the President’s Awards for Exemplary Service, presented to:

• Dr. Jason Grek Martin, for leadership in Geography and Environmental Studies and advancing experiential learning.

• Kati Kilfoil, Assistant Director of Residence Life, for creating inclusive programs and mentoring student leaders.

• Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, for championing student entrepreneurship and global recognition through Enactus.

The Santamarian Awards, which celebrate contributions to workplace culture, recognized Andy Baker, Campus Store Manager, with the Individual Award, and the SMU Alumni Team with the Team Award. Honourable Mentions went to Greg Knight, Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation, and the BA Advising Centre.

As the formal program concluded, attendees lingered for refreshments and conversation, continuing the spirit of connection that defines this annual tradition. Congratulations to all honourees—and thank you for helping make Saint Mary’s a welcoming and collaborative place to learn and work.

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VIDEO: Watch the slide presentation below highlighting our award recipients!

Hope in code: How machine learning is shaping the future of lung cancer care

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor in Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University

Behind every lung cancer diagnosis is a family holding its breath, waiting for scans, for plans, for decisions, for the next step. What if advanced technology could help deliver those answers more quickly and tailored to each patient? At Saint Mary’s University, that possibility is becoming clearer. 

Data science meets patient need 

When Dr. Somayeh Kafaie speaks about her research, her voice softens. “For me, my research is about hope and progress,” she says. “It’s about making sure every patient receives the right treatment at the right time.”

An assistant professor in Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Kafaie leads the GraphML Lab, a space where data science meets human need. Supported by a Legacy Research Grant from the Lung Association of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island (LungNSPEI), her project applies machine learning to one of the most complex challenges in modern medicine: how to make radiation treatment for lung cancer faster, safer and more personalized. 

Dr. Kafaie and her team are working to help physicians improve radiation treatment plans for lung cancer patients

The work, titled “Machine Learning for Optimized Lung SBRT Dose Prescription”, explores whether artificial intelligence can help doctors predict the best radiation treatment plan for each patient based on their anatomy, medical history and the unique position of their tumour.

In collaboration with Nova Scotia Health and Cape Breton University, Dr. Kafaie and her team are using data-driven models to help physicians design more precise, individualized care plans, reducing delays and minimizing risk to surrounding organs. 

“Right now, creating a radiation treatment plan can take several days,” she explains. “It requires multiple rounds of adjustment by medical teams before it’s finalized. We’re exploring how machine learning can act as an intelligent assistant; not replacing doctors but helping them predict the right settings more efficiently and with greater confidence.” 

Improving care where it’s needed most 

Her path to this work was shaped early by her father, whose quiet encouragement to “do something meaningful” stayed with her. “He dreamed of me working at a university,” she recalls. Today, that same drive to teach, learn and help others anchors her research, utilizing knowledge to improve care where it is needed most. 

Dr. Kafaie’s passion for healthcare innovation took hold during her postdoctoral studies, when she began to see how data could drive real-world impact. “You can actually see how your work affects people,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going.”  

She grew up far from major hospitals and research centres, in a community where advanced treatment often meant travelling long distances. “Even here, in Nova Scotia, people sometimes have to travel hours or even to other provinces for specialized care,” she reflects. “If we can bring technology and expertise closer to smaller or rural communities, the impact will be enormous.” 

It’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond academic walls. Lung cancer remains one of the most aggressive and least forgiving cancers, touching almost every family in some way. For patients and their loved ones, waiting for treatment can be excruciating. A technology that shortens that wait time while improving accuracy could change outcomes and lives. 

Expanding the impact of innovation 

Dr. Kafaie’s collaboration with Dr. Mike Sattarivand at Nova Scotia Health began with a simple question: Can we make lung cancer treatment planning faster and more precise? That question has since evolved into a cross-disciplinary partnership combining medical expertise with advanced analytics.

““This is what science is. Tiny steps built on the shoulders of others, each of us adding one small improvement that, together, makes a big difference.””

— Dr. Somayeh Kafaie

At Saint Mary’s, the project also bridges disciplines and communities. Students in Dr. Kafaie’s lab gain first-hand experience in using data science to solve real-world problems, while the collaboration with Nova Scotia Health strengthens the connection between academic research and patient-centred innovation. It’s a model of what SMU does best: combining human insight with technical excellence to create tangible public value. 

“SMU provides the academic foundation in data science and machine learning that makes this research possible,” says Dr. Kafaie. “Our students work closely with clinical experts, attending our lab meetings and contributing to the computational models. It’s truly a bridge between the university and the health-care system.” 

Although the project currently focuses on lung cancer, its potential reach extends far beyond. The same algorithms could one day inform treatment planning for other cancers, or even other diseases where personalized care is critical.  

“This is just the beginning,” she says. “AI can be a support system for doctors across many areas of medicine.” 

Still, for all the science and computation, what lingers after speaking with Dr. Kafaie is the humanity. She speaks of patients she has never met with the tenderness of someone who has known loss, and of research as a quiet act of care. “We live in a world where many people feel alone,” she says. “But if we each do a little bit, in our own way, we can make things better. That’s what I want my work to say.” 

For Saint Mary’s University, this project is one of many that show how innovation and compassion can move hand in hand. In labs like Dr. Kafaie’s, data becomes more than numbers. It becomes connection, progress and, most importantly, hope.       

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Related:

• Can AI make medications safer? Saint Mary's prof says yes.     

• Mathematics at Saint Mary’s University (undergraduate)

• Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University (undergraduate)

• Graduate Science programs at Saint Mary’s

• Research News

SMU Huskies continue campus tradition with upcoming Red Tape hockey games

SMU Huskies players put red tape on their hockey sticks as a visual statement against racism in sport.

Saint Mary’s University has a deep connection with the Red Tape movement.  

The movement began in 2019, when former SMU student Logan Prosper—of We'koqma'q First Nation—was on the receiving end of racial abuse during a minor hockey game in Cape Breton (Unama’ki). Logan, and his father Phillip Prosper, started what is now an internationally recognized statement against racism, wherein hockey players wrap their sticks with red tape as a sign of solidarity with athletes in all levels of hockey.  

The movement picked up quickly, as athletes across Canada spoke out about their experiences with racism in the sport, noting the generational impact of the issue and the effect it continues to have—especially on Indigenous youth.  

SMU Huskies were early adopters of the movement, launching their first Red Tape game in January 2020 in support of the Prospers’ vision. Five years later, Saint Mary’s continues to host Red Tape games in solidarity with athletes across Canada and the world, and this year is no different.  

Former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25 hits the ice at one of last year’s Red Tape games.

This year, Ryan Francis (Saint Mary’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow) is once again working together with Athletics & Recreation and the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health to organize the Red Tape events on Saturday, November 22.  

Francis grew up in Cole Harbour—an area known for its hockey history—and is from Wasoqopa'q First Nation. He’s had his own experiences with racism during his time in hockey, and he has done exemplary work to address systemic barriers in the sport, including launching the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, a program that sees him working closely with former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25. 

Francis also founded the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, an organization that “[provides financial support] to communities, and charities in Atlantic Canada who lead initiatives that create opportunities for Indigenous women and girls to experience sport, recreation, and physical activity in a meaningful way.” 

This Saturday, November 22, Saint Mary’s will host two games – one with the women’s hockey team and one with the men’s hockey team – to raise awareness of the movement. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health will also be hosting a draw for six copies of Beyond the Rink to encourage attendees to examine the “complicated role of sports in residential school histories.”  

“What makes this matter is the ongoing commitment and recognition of this cause,” says Francis. “Showing up every year and saying that this matters and that this is a priority for the athletic community is a key part of how the university creates [more inclusive space for Indigenous athletes.]”  

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To support the movement by attending our Red Tape Games, see the Huskies website here: Saint Mary's Huskies - Universe  

For more about the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, see the website at Home | GFMF.  

Introducing the Arts Outreach Bulletin

The Faculty of Arts is delighted to share its inaugural Arts Outreach Bulletin with the SMU community. The 35-page digital report offers a summary of outreach initiatives and activities from Spring 2024 through Spring 2025.

"The projects and public events you will see in these pages reflect a passion for collaboration and exploration that enriches our academic environment and our community," Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning, said in her introductory message. "They are a testament to our collective commitment to engaged and innovative scholarship and education, on campus and beyond."  

The new publication shares highlights from innovative community collaborations, experiential learning opportunities for students, educational outreach, the Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair, the annual Social Studies Teachers Association Conference, public lectures and ongoing events through the Saint Mary's Reading Series and Let's Go to the SMUvies!

A major outreach development this past year was the launch of Arts for Everyone (A4E), a new program that invites members of the public to attend a selection of courses for free on a drop-in basis. The program has more than doubled in size for its second year ahead; it started with five courses in 2024-2025, while 11 A4E courses are on the schedule for the upcoming year.

The Faculty of Arts Outreach Bulletin 2024-2025 is available for viewing online and downloading from the Outreach page and the Publications page of the Faculty of Arts website.

The publication was released on June 30, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of Dr. Freeman’s three-year term. Dr. Rylan Higgins begins a new role in the Faculty of Arts on July 1 as Associate Dean of Outreach and Experiential Learning.

Dr. Freeman expressed her gratitude to faculty and staff members, Arts students and community partners, “whose openness and dedication made these initiatives such a success.”

Dean of Arts Dr. Mary Ingraham added, “These experiences not only enhance academic studies but also cultivate civic responsibility and professional growth. Through community-connected research, teaching and service, our faculty and students contribute to and learn from local and global perspectives.”   

For more outreach news and events throughout the year, follow the Faculty of Arts on Instagram at @smuarts and on Facebook at @SMUArts.

See some photos from our activities in 2024 and 2025 below:

Loyalist Connections Live Podcast event on campus

Loyalist Connections booth

Hands-on Mediterranean Archelogy workshop

Field course in The Gambia

Field School: Villa of Titus in Italy

Faculty of Arts booth

“From alien planets to faerie worlds: what constructed languages can tell us about human languages” with Christine Schreyer

2025 Cyril Byrne Lecture with Kate Beaton

"Upholding Sacred Obligations: Searching for the Missing and Disappeared Children" lecture with Kimberly Murray

SMU Reading Series: The Sign of Jonas

SMU Reading Series: Sue Murtaugh

SMU Reading Series: Souvankham Thammavongsa

Bright Club comedy show

Let’s Go to the SMUvies: May the Fourth

Let’s Go to the SMUvies: Queer for Fear

Not your typical research project

The CLARI space on Saint Mary’s campus allows faculty, students and community groups to work together on research projects

CLARI starts with community need, not a thesis

The Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) at Saint Mary’s University is quietly reshaping how research meets real-world needs. From mapping dementia care gaps and tackling housing insecurity to revitalizing Nova Scotia’s wool industry, CLARI-supported projects are as diverse as the communities they serve.

This spring, CLARI marks a major milestone: more than $1 million in provincial funding invested in over 130 projects. The initiative brings together faculty and students from post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia with community partners to address local social and economic challenges.

“This funding milestone reflects significant investment of post-secondary resources in Nova Scotia communities,” says Ray MacNeil, Network Manager at CLARI. “That investment includes not only funding, but also the research expertise of faculty and students. More than 150 students have gained real-world experience working directly with community partners.”

At the heart of CLARI’s model is a simple shift: community groups—not researchers—set the priorities. CLARI helps identify faculty collaborators, provides grants and supports the partnerships through to completion.

“These projects show what’s possible when we stop asking, ‘What research do we want to do?’ and start asking, ‘What support do our communities need?’” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s. “CLARI flips the usual model. It’s not about showcasing expertise, it’s about sharing it.”

Examples of projects supported through CLARI include:

CLARI researchers investigate how therapy animals can reduce isolation

• Investigating the role of therapy animals in reducing isolation in long-term care

• Creating resources to support men re-entering society after incarceration

• Making arts-based entrepreneurship programs more accessible to rural youth

• Developing trauma-informed responses for survivors of gender-based violence

• Collaborating with Mi’kmaw communities on land-based education and knowledge-sharing

CLARI is a pan-university initiative headquartered at Saint Mary’s and built on collaboration between six founding universities: Acadia, Cape Breton, Mount Saint Vincent, St. Francis Xavier, and Université Sainte-Anne, as well as the Nova Scotia Community College. The network builds partnerships together, sharing knowledge, and helping uncover issues.

As CLARI enters its next phase, the focus remains the same: helping Nova Scotians solve problems that matter with research that doesn’t stay on the shelf.

For more information on CLARI and its network or how to get involved, visit actionresearch.ca.

Addressing 2SLGBTQ+ poverty in Canada

Dr. Maryam Dilmaghani and Daniel Keays, PhD Candidate

Poverty is a significant issue for people who experience social marginalization in Canada. Many two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other (2SLGBTQ+) individuals face workplace discrimination, housing insecurity, and limited access to supportive social programs.

Dr. Maryam Dilmaghani, a Professor of Economics at Saint Mary’s University, is co-directing with Project Director Dr. Nick Mulé, Professor of Social Work and Sexuality Studies at York University, a six-year research project aimed at understanding and addressing poverty in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This national initiative explores sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, age, (dis)Ability, etc. and how they intersect with economic inequality.

“2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Well-being” brings together over 25 academic researchers and 27 community partners, to produce high-impact, policy-driven research that drives meaningful change. The project seeks to quantify the extent of 2SLGBTQ+ poverty, identify its root causes, and develop an evidence-based action plan to serve as a resource for governments, non-profits, and businesses committed to creating lasting solutions.

A key partner in this initiative is the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), a national non-profit dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people of diverse sexualities and genders. Together, they aim to close a critical gap in anti-poverty research.

“Addressing the intersection of poverty and marginalization is critical for our communities,” said Michael Kwag, Executive Director of CBRC. “This initiative amplifies community voices and shared experiences, helping us better understand systemic disparities, advocate for more equitable policies, and improve health outcomes.”

With this research underway, policymakers and organizations will have the data needed to take meaningful action toward reducing 2SLGBTQ+ poverty.

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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.