Students team up to boost local pet business through Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie joined Jenn and Winston from East Coast Dog at the recent Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University recently teamed up to help East Coast Dog, Halifax’s premium boutique pet store and grooming salon, strengthen its community engagement and brand presence. The challenge was part of the Innovation Sprint program held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, where students collaborate with local businesses to apply creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking to real-world needs.

Founded and operated by Jenn Marotta, East Coast Dog has quickly become a trusted name in the local pet care community. With a background in animal care and customer service, Jenn built her business around one goal: to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for both pets and their people. Combining professional on-leash dog walking, expert grooming and high-quality retail, she’s built a space that reflects her passion for animal well-being and community connection.

When Jenn joined the Innovation Sprint, she brought her dog Winston, who quickly became the star of the event. Students connected deeply with East Coast Dog’s mission and were curious to learn about the certifications and training programs that make the business unique. Over the course of the session, they worked in small teams to brainstorm ways to expand community engagement, attract new customers and build brand loyalty through creative programs and partnerships.

Ideas ranged from dog run clubs and reward programs to rehab coaching for retired K-9s and community training events. Many teams focused on initiatives that would deepen local connections and create memorable experiences for pet owners, while also introducing new revenue streams for the business.

The winning team took home the program’s $1,000 grand prize. To close the session, Jenn also awarded $170 in gift cards to the top three teams and $5 gift cards to all participants-a thoughtful gesture that reflected her commitment to appreciation and community spirit.

The winning team, Mila Souilliere and Patricia Tagliapietra from Dalhousie University, impressed Jenn with their creative approach to community engagement. In fact, one of the winning ideas even sparked a potential collaboration. A student who runs a local club caught Jenn’s attention and the two discussed partnering on a future event.

From experience to employable: new Experiential Badges recognize student achievements

Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services; Lyra Telles; Emily Fisher; Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead

Saint Mary’s University’s Career & Experiential Learning (CEL) team recently launched the Experiential Badge Program, a new initiative that helps students showcase their learning and leadership experiences gained outside the classroom.

These digital badges recognize students for the meaningful skills and competencies gained through campus involvement, community engagement, co-op placements, micro-experiential learning, and more. The badges appear directly on a student’s Experience Record and can easily be shared on LinkedIn or with future employers, helping to demonstrate their professional growth and employability.

“The Experiential Badges are a bridge between what students learn through applied experiences and what employers are looking for,” says Christy Starkey, Co-Curricular & Career360° Lead. “They help make the transferable skills gained at Saint Mary’s visible and credible, giving students a competitive edge on the path towards their career goals.”

What are Experiential Badges?

The Experiential Badge Program enables students to earn recognition in five distinct experience categories, each with four different levels of achievement.

• Community Leader: Demonstrate exceptional leadership and personal growth while contributing to the Saint Mary’s campus or broader community.

• Career Explorer: Learn to identify, articulate and communicate the professional skills and experiences developed throughout their degree in résumés, cover letters and interviews.

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) Champion: Engage in practices that promote inclusion, challenge inequity and advocate for social justice.

• Sport Leader: Build teamwork, organization and communication skills through sport and community engagement (open to all students, not just varsity athletes).

• Entrepreneurship: Explore how to create, evaluate and pitch innovative business ideas through experiential learning opportunities.

To start earning a badge, students can log into Career360° and track their experiences through the Experience Record, which includes Co-Curricular Recognition, Community Service Learning, Co-op, Micro Experiential Learning, and the Student Employment Initiative program.

“Keeping my record updated has been incredibly helpful when requesting reference letters,” explains Melissa Maria Alvarez, Experiential Badge recipient. “It provides supervisors with a clear, detailed overview of my roles and responsibilities, making it easier for them to write a letter on my behalf.”

Meet the First Badge Recipients

The CEL team recently awarded the first Platinum Experiential Badges to Lyra Telles and Emily Fisher at a recognition lunch with Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services. These inaugural recipients – along with another early badge earner, Melissa Maria Alvarez Del Angel – are setting an inspiring example for how students can use the Experiential Badge Program to reflect on their learning and tell their stories in meaningful ways.

Melissa Maria Alvarez Del Angel
Badge: Bronze Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (EDIA)

A fourth-year Psychology Honours student from Mexico, Melissa is passionate about mental health, belonging, and community care. Through her research on post-traumatic growth among newcomers and her leadership as a Senior Residence Assistant, she’s committed to supporting others through advocacy and research.

Her advice for building experiences: “Start small, follow your curiosity, and say yes to opportunities that feel meaningful, even if they scare you a little. Every role teaches you something new about yourself.”

Lyra Telles
Badge: Platinum Community Leader

A fourth-year Environmental Science student, Lyra’s roles as a Residence Assistant, Pack Leader, and Peer Success Coach have helped him build essential leadership and teamwork skills. He is also involved in other societies such as Saint Mary’s University Astrophysics and Ancient Studies Society.

“The CCR is such a valuable tool,” Lyra says. “It lets you record everything you’ve done in one place – your hours, skills, and references – so you’re ready for whatever comes next!”

Emily Fisher
Badge: Platinum Community Leader

A fourth-year Honours Astrophysics student, Emily has held roles such as President of the SMU Astronomy and Physics Society, Contributor for the SMU Journal, Residence Assistant, and Executive with the Ancient Studies Society. She has found confidence and connection through involvement.

“Log into Career360 and take a look at the CCR,” she says. “It only takes a few minutes, and you can create a permanent record of everything you’ve done at SMU. You might even discover new opportunities along the way.

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Congratulations to all the inaugural badge recipients for leading the way and inspiring others to take their university journey beyond the classroom!

To learn more or begin earning your own Experiential Badge, visit the Experiential Badges page on Career & Experiential Learning online.

Meet your Valedictorian: Lipika Kharbanda, BSc

Lipika Kharbanda

Originally from New Delhi, India, Lipika Kharbanda is graduating from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Since joining SMU in 2021, she has earned a place on the Dean’s List and served multiple times as a Chemistry Lab Demonstrator, helping her peers gain confidence in the subject through her guidance and enthusiasm.

Lipika’s time at Saint Mary’s has been guided by empathy and a belief in the value of human connection. She aspires to become a doctor and has recently begun her journey in healthcare as an Early Childhood Educator, continuing to demonstrate kindness and care in everything she does.

Learn more about Lipika in the Fall Convocation Program.

Q & A

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I chose Saint Mary’s University because of its small size and diverse community. The smaller campus environment allows students to focus more effectively, while professors can offer more individual attention. This creates a more personal and productive learning experience, rather than one that simply revolves around completing coursework.

How did you get involved in the SMU community?
I participated in numerous societies, contributed to the SMU Food Room, and served multiple times as a Chemistry Lab Demonstrator for various chemistry courses since my second semester. I accumulated over 900 hours of volunteering within the Saint Mary’s campus. Additionally, I have completed several online workshops that have enhanced my academic and personal growth.

Do you have a favourite space on campus?
Definitely the Patrick Power Library. Somehow, I always find myself sitting in the same spot I’ve occupied for the past four years. That library is more than just a study space; it’s a home filled with memories, friendships, meaningful conversations, and cozy corners. It truly feels like a second home to me, holding a lot of emotional significance.

Looking back, what was your favourite SMU memory?
My Pack Leader days and the fun evenings spent with students and staff, especially the bonfire nights with marshmallows and laughter, stand out as some of my best memories. I also cherish my time with the SMU Boat Club and all the experiences that came with the Pack Leader role.

What are your goals for the future?
I plan to pursue a career in healthcare, most likely in medicine, though I’m also open to following wherever life leads me. Saint Mary’s has played a meaningful role in preparing me for the future, providing a strong academic foundation, valuable volunteering opportunities, and essential life skills. It has also taught me important lessons and values that I will carry forward.

Did you or do you currently volunteer with any organizations?
I have volunteered with several organizations, including IWK Health Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, St. John Ambulance, Vedanta Hindu Temple, and the Maritime Sikh Society.

What advice would you give your younger self who was starting university?
Attend Welcome Weeks! It’s incredibly helpful and provides all the resources and guidance you need to start university life on the right foot. You’ll meet new people, find answers to your questions, and feel part of the SMU community right from the beginning.

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Fall Convocation takes place November 13 & 14. See the schedule, live stream links and more information here: smu.ca/graduation

From Pugwash to the World Cup stage: BComm student champions community, entrepreneurship and global impact

BComm student Olivian Sanderson presents at the Enactus World Cup stage in Bangkok, Thailand

Olivian Sanderson grew up in Pugwash, Nova Scotia—a rural, picturesque fishing village with approximately 800 full-time residents. In just a few short years since coming to Saint Mary’s, she’s had the chance to travel the world and make a meaningful impact in the community through her involvement with Enactus Saint Mary’s and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Growing up, Olivian learned from her parents the importance of hard work, community and seizing opportunities. She made an impression during her high school years as Chair of the Cumberland County Youth Council, Student Council President, Ambassador for the Nova Scotia International Student Program and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Award (2022) and Governor General’s Academic Medal of Canada (2023).

When considering universities, Olivian knew she wanted to experience city life and find a program that would allow her to pursue her passion for business and community building. Knowing its reputation as one of Canada’s best business schools, she applied to the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s.

She was the successful recipient of a Sobey National Innovator Scholarship, including on her application: “Looking to the future, I have big dreams and aspirations. I am passionate about understanding how the economy works and plan to use my skills to be involved in projects that support the community, as it has provided so much for me. I want to make the best world for myself and the people around me.”

Now a third-year accounting and management student, she’s made great strides toward her goals as the Co-Founder of the Sociable start-up and presenter for the global award-winning Enactus team.

Launching Sociable

Despite being very involved in high school, Olivian found the first few weeks of university difficult and lonely. Determined to find her place at Saint Mary’s, she dove headfirst into everything – trying out multiple societies and volunteering. Ultimately, it was Enactus and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre where she found her place among people who shared her passion for big dreams and doing business for good.

Olivian found community and leadership opportunities through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

During a session with Enactus Saint Mary’s, the idea for the Sociable start-up was formed. Sociable is an online community platform that helps students connect, get peer support and gain access to campus events. It builds student engagement, boosting student retention, wellness and success. Olivian and co-founder of Sociable, Jason Phonchareon BSc’25, developed the start-up to address student loneliness and mental health concerns, something they both experienced.

In 2024, Sociable won the Dream Chaser Change Maker (DCCM) Foundation Social Impact Award, which included a $10,000 prize to support business development – bringing Olivian one step closer to making a positive impact on students’ lives.  

Seeing the world with Enactus

In 2024, Enactus Saint Mary’s won the National Enactus Championship for the first time. As a member of the presentation team, Olivian had the opportunity to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, to represent Canada in the World Cup competition. While they didn’t win in Kazakhstan, it was an incredible learning experience for Olivian and her teammates.

In 2025, during Olivian’s second year as presentation team captain, the Saint Mary’s team earned their second National Championship win. This time, they travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete against 28 of the best teams from around the world in the Enactus World Championship.

The team worked around the clock on their presentation about two student-run social enterprises—Alaagi and Square Roots—practicing, editing and preparing to answer questions. Olivian applied her work ethic and passion to the Enactus presentation, sharing the inspiring work being done by students at Saint Mary’s. Facing finalists from Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Germany, their presentation wowed the judges, and the team was crowned Enactus World Champion – the first world title for Saint Mary’s University.

Olivian on stage at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand

Enactus Saint Mary’s celebrates winning the World Cup

Reflecting on her first two years at Saint Mary’s, Olivian sometimes shakes her head at how much she has experienced. Her advice to new students: get as involved as you can.

“Classes are great, but you will have life-changing experiences in extra-curricular activities. The mentorship, the soft skills, and the network – so very valuable. It’s thanks to those experiences that I’ve been able to see the world.”

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Opportunities at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre are open to all Saint Mary’s students – check out their programs and events here.

Engineering students tackle real-world medical challenge in hybrid hackathon

First-place team

Second-place team

Third-place team

When 18 undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University joined a week-long engineering hackathon this September, they weren’t just tackling a school project, they were helping shape the future of cancer care.

Through the Experience Ventures program at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, students took part in a hybrid Engineering Hackathon in partnership with Qalam Health Solutions, an Atlantic Canadian startup developing a product called the Osteoprobe: an AI-powered medical device that helps surgeons detect remaining bone cancer tissue in real time. The innovation could one day help reduce unnecessary amputations and lower relapse rates.

From September 19–26, students worked in small teams to design creative solutions for Qalam’s challenge — developing ways to improve their AI-powered medical device that helps surgeons detect bone cancer tissue in real time during surgery. Guided by Qalam’s founder and CEO, Haitham Shoman, the teams brainstormed, tested ideas and presented their final pitches at the end of the week.

One team stood out for more than just their idea. The winning team impressed Qalam so much that they were offered the chance for a future internship, a powerful reminder of how meaningful connections can be built.

“This program has been valuable to Qalam Health Solutions,” said Qalam’s founder and CEO, Haitham Shoman. “Students dove into real technical challenges mechanical, electrical and design to came up with solutions worth exploring.”

For many students, the experience was their first chance to apply classroom learning to real-world problems, working side by side with industry mentors.

“This hackathon helped me connect theory with practice,” said Aweer Yuang, a second-year Engineering student at Dalhousie. “It taught me to think like an entrepreneur and to keep finding solutions, even when things didn’t go as planned.”

The event was organized by Experience Ventures, which serves as the regional lead for Atlantic Canada. The program focuses on making hands-on opportunities accessible to all students. Over 80% of its experiences are offered virtually, allowing learners from across the region to participate and build valuable industry connections.

If you want to be a part of the Experience Ventures program or learn more, click here.

Nova Scotia students team up for first Provincial Innovation Sprint

Saint Mary’s and NSCC students participated together in an Innovation Sprint for The Dordéan Suites of Chester

Students from Saint Mary’s University and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) came together for the first-ever Provincial Innovation Sprint on September 26 at NSCC’s Lunenburg Campus in Bridgewater, NS. 

The day marked the start of a new two-year partnership between the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and NSCC, designed to connect students and local businesses across Nova Scotia through hands-on innovation challenges. 

Ten students, five from each institution, were paired up to help The Dordéan Suites of Chester, a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Their task was to develop new ideas to promote the cabin’s unique features and reach a younger audience looking for memorable, local getaways. 

Over four hours, the teams brainstormed, sketched and refined their ideas with guidance from faculty mentors and NSCC representative Nicole Osmond. Students proposed themed getaway packages, wellness experiences and ways to highlight the cabins’ story through community partnerships and social media. 

For business owners Renena and Shawn Joy, the experience was both exciting and inspiring. 

“We had a great experience participating in the Innovation Sprint,” they shared. “It was inspiring to see students bring creativity, fresh ideas and energy to the challenges at The Dordéan Suites of Chester. Their innovative solutions and thoughtful presentations were an excellent example of the value of collaboration and new perspectives.” 

By the end of the afternoon, three teams stood out. Taking first place were Caroline MacPhee and Abbigail Leslie-Bigelow, both NSCC students, whose concept drew on their Irish heritage. They envisioned transforming a common space into an area for meditation and healing activities, working with local wellness and cultural groups to bring the idea to life. Impressed by their thoughtful approach, Renena and Shawn offered them a complimentary stay at the cabin as a thank you. 

Second place went to Dwiesha Swann and Mannat Gogia from Saint Mary’s and Amber Davis from NSCC, while third place went to Hazzaa Sujeer and Kathleen Steele, both from Saint Mary’s. 

The event was a chance for students to apply what they’ve learned, collaborate with peers from another institution and see how their ideas can make a tangible difference for a local business. 

More events like this are planned across the province, giving students the opportunity to turn creativity into impact one challenge at a time. 

Learn more about Innovation Sprints and how you can get involved here. 

Saint Mary’s students help unlock black hole secrets

The most violent places in the universe are being studied right here at Saint Mary’s – by both graduate and undergraduate students

New funding from the Canadian Space Agency is helping push that research even further. $100,000 in support for Canada’s role in the XRISM mission is now backing the work of Dr. Luigi Gallo and his student team, Saint Mary’s AstrophysicS High-Energy ResearcherS or the SMASHERS.

Keegan Riggs

“Working with SMASHERS has been incredible,” says Keegan Riggs, a third-year undergraduate physics and astrophysics student at Saint Mary’s University. “The group is a mix of students and post-doc fellows. It’s been really cool getting their experience and applying it to my courses now.”

“Everyone has their own research they are working on,” says Keegan. “Every week we meet up, share our progress and bounce things off each other – we ‘smash’ our ideas together. It really helps expand our understanding.”

Dr. Gallo’s team includes graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates who take part in every part of the research process, from crafting telescope proposals and analyzing data, writing papers and presenting at international conferences.

“Students are involved right from the beginning,” says Dr. Gallo, Professor of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s University. “They write proposals, analyze the data, and carry out full projects. And now, with this new funding, they can go even deeper – including travel, publishing and presenting internationally.”

XRISM is a next-generation X-ray observatory

XRISM is an international space mission that studies black holes, exploding stars, and the chaotic cosmic environments that shape galaxies.

Led by Japan’s space agency (JAXA) with support from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), XRISM is a next-generation X-ray observatory that is now collecting data that scientists have been waiting decades to see.

Dr. Luigi Gallo

“These are the major instruments of our time,” says Dr. Gallo. “Everyone’s heard of Hubble –  but XRISM, Euclid, and James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, are the missions defining astrophysics right now. Students at Saint Mary’s are not just participating, they are leading the work.”

Black holes themselves do not emit light, but their surroundings do. XRISM captures and decodes high-energy X-rays coming from these regions, where matter is pulled in, torn apart and sometimes ejected at unimaginable speed.

“Most of my friends I see every day are also in the astronomy program and we talk about our courses and hang out. We’ve built a connection through school,” says Keegan. “I’ve always been interested in black holes, specifically supermassive black holes, AGNs, that are actively accreting materials powering the environment”.

Research with impact: why it matters

• Black holes shape the universe. Their gravitational pull and energetic outflows help form galaxies and forge the elements we rely on, like the iron in our blood and the calcium in our bones.

• XRISM is like an MRI for the cosmos. It uses X-rays to reveal the invisible, giving scientists a high-resolution view of extreme events happening thousands or even millions of light-years away.

• SMU students are at the table. This is not a simulation or classroom exercise. Students are analyzing real data from one of today's most advanced space missions.

“We think of black holes as things that suck everything in, but the reality is, they also throw material out,” says Dr. Gallo. “That material can crash into the galaxy around it, affecting how stars form and the galaxy evolves.”

Supporting student success through research excellence

Some of the most recent SMASHERS include postdoctoral fellows Yerong Xu and Adam Gonzalez, graduate students Jordan Adamski, Thomas Hodd, Margaret Buhariwalla and Cameron Semenchuck, and undergraduate students Jade Cameron, Lucienne Pothier-Bogoslowski and Keegan Riggs.

Lucy Pothier-Bogoslowski BSc’25, SMASHERS member and 2025 Governor General’s Silver Medal recipient

“These projects are hundreds of millions, even billions of dollars to build and launch,” says Dr. Gallo. “Now our students are working on the science that comes out of them.”

The XRISM funding is part of a larger $2.8 million announcement from the Canadian Space Agency, supporting space science at 14 Canadian universities.

For Saint Mary’s and the SMASHERS team, this is another example of how world-class research and hands-on student opportunity go hand in hand – blending community impact and academic excellence into a single, realized goal.

“Dr. Gallo is really kind, and he cares not only about your research but also about you as a person,” says Keegan. “He’s helped me with my research, of course, but also with everyday stuff.”

Visit smu.ca/astronomy-physics to explore research opportunities, student stories and more.

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Related:

• Saint Mary’s astrophysics researchers make surprising discovery about supermassive black holes

• President’s Award for Excellence in Research: Dr. Luigi Gallo

Alaagi joins Nestlé & UNESCO Top 100 Global Start-Ups

Tyler MacLean, Vaishali Sachdeva and Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25 competed for the Hult Prize in London

Summer 2025 has been a landmark season for Alaagi, a cleantech startup founded by recent Saint Mary’s University graduate Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25.

After spending August in London, UK at the Hult Prize Global Accelerator, Khan and teammates Tyler MacLean and Vaishali Sachdeva returned home to even bigger news: Alaagi has been named one of the Top 100 Global Start-ups by the Nestlé and UNESCO Youth Impact: Because You Matter program.

The recognition includes a grant and six months of mentorship designed to help young innovators strengthen sustainable food systems through regenerative agriculture, climate change solutions, and packaging innovations.

“The Hult Prize accelerator was completely transformative,” said Sheheryar Khan. “To spend a month with global leaders, investors, and other start-ups gave us insights and connections that would have taken years to build. Now, being recognized by Nestlé and UNESCO confirms our mission is resonating.”

Alaagi is developing compostable, seaweed-based bioplastic films for seafood and meat packaging. In the past year:

• Alaagi has secured over $11 million in commercial LOIs, including pilots with Sobeys and High Liner Foods.

• The company has received four purchase orders and won $165K in non-dilutive funding.

• Alaagi is being presented at Enactus World Cup, through Enactus Saint Mary’s, in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Alaagi will soon head to Paris for the Nestlé/UNESCO showcase event.

Learn more about entrepreneurship opportunities for students through SMU’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Undergraduate students lead groundbreaking research on refugee youth resilience

Jacqueline Moore and Melissa Álvarez Del Angel travelled to Manitoba this summer as part of their summer research project

This summer, Honours Psychology students Melissa Álvarez Del Angel and Jacqueline Moore participated in hands-on research in the Finding Your Resilience (FYRe) Lab, led by Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology.

Melissa, a Bachelor of Science student, was awarded the Dean of Science Access to Research Award. Jacqueline, a Bachelor of Arts student, was awarded the SSHRC Explore Undergraduate Summer Research Award. These competitive awards supported their involvement in the research project.

Melissa and Jacqueline flying to Manitoba

Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Department of Psychology

Through these opportunities, Melissa and Jacqueline played key roles in an SSHRC-funded, youth-led and community-directed research project involving racialized refugee youth aged 16-21 who resettled in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The research project explores mental health priorities and stories of resilience of 30 youth participants who have been recruited in partnership with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) to share their experiences post-resettlement.

Melissa and Jacqueline co-facilitated 20 walking interviews – an innovative and participatory method that allows young people to guide researchers through their neighbourhoods while sharing stories of resilience. These walking routes, chosen by the youth themselves, generated rich data through conversation, observation and photos. By allowing participants to set the pace and direction of the interviews, the method helps rebalance power dynamics and honours the voices of young refugees.

During their summer research internships, Melissa and Jacqueline collaborated with IRCOM staff, helped organize research activities and received hands-on mentorship from Dr. Cameranesi on conducting culturally responsive and trauma-informed research. They have gained invaluable skills in community-based participatory action research and in working respectfully with newcomer youth.

The next phase of the project will involve training Melissa and Jacqueline in qualitative thematic analysis, where they will interpret narrative and visual data to help identify the community supports, spaces and relationships that help refugee youth thrive.

This research exemplifies the power of student-facilitated inquiry, community partnership, and inclusive methodologies to advance mental health equity and amplify the voices of underserved youth.

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At Saint Mary’s, small class sizes and access to professors provide many opportunities for undergraduate research. Undergraduate students can experience working as a paid research assistant, taking part in field work, presenting at conferences or even pursuing their original research. Learn more about undergraduate summer research opportunities and follow @smuhalifax to hear from more of our summer research students.

Sobey MBA students gain global perspective through immersive learning in Mexico

Business looks different when you step outside your own borders. That’s precisely what Sobey MBA students discovered in Mexico this summer, where they partnered with local companies to tackle real business challenges while gaining firsthand insight into global consulting practices. In July, Sobey School of Business MBA students travelled to Mexico for their International Immersion Experience (SMBA 6500)—a mandatory, three-credit course that is a signature element of the program. Each year, a new location is chosen for this course, with Mexico selected as the 2025 destination.

Over a week, students stepped beyond the Canadian classroom to work directly with Mexican businesses to complete consulting projects. They applied the skills and frameworks developed during their first year of the program, adapting to shifting client needs and delivering professional recommendations—all while navigating cultural differences that challenged them to think in new ways. Their experience extended beyond the boardrooms, with visits to local companies, cooking sessions, guided tours and historic sites that deepened their understanding of how culture and business intersect.

The program's businesses are carefully chosen to reflect the Sobey School of Business values of entrepreneurship, cultural awareness, innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. This ensures that when students step into international settings, they encounter work that is both relevant and meaningful, broadening their perspectives while reinforcing their skills.

The International Immersion Experience is designed to replicate the realities of international consulting. Students are challenged to apply classroom learning to real-world problems while navigating cross-cultural communication, diverse business practices, and the need to pivot quickly when expectations change.

“Every time we return, students tell us this was the moment they realized how much they had grown,” said Chantal Hervieux, Associate Professor and MBA Director. “They see their skills in action, pivot with confidence and come back with a new lens on both business and the world. It’s transformational.”

Beyond consulting practice, students return with broadened perspectives, deeper cultural awareness and a more comprehensive understanding of global business. The program also works to challenge common assumptions, encouraging students to recognize the sophistication and scale of businesses outside of North America and Europe.

Unlike many business schools, where international travel is offered as an elective, the International Immersion Experience course is a required component for the Sobey MBA. This commitment ensures that every graduate leaves with hands-on international consulting experience, cultural literacy and the ability to work across borders—skills that set Sobey MBA graduates apart.

By combining rigorous academics with experiential learning, the 16-month Sobey MBA prepares students to lead with purpose and impact in today’s interconnected world.

Undergraduate students gain valuable experience with summer research

Saint Mary’s students conduct research with professors in labs across campus every year

With the start of the fall term, we’re pleased to share highlights of another successful summer of undergraduate research in labs across campus.

Every summer, students are chosen to receive research awards, which allow them to conduct research and scholarly projects with professors in their fields. These paid internships are an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn valuable skills that will serve them well in upper-level courses and eventually in their own honours or graduate-level research.

Many of these award positions are funded by federal government agencies, including the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Others are offered thanks to generous donors, grants and funding from Saint Mary’s. In most cases, awards are made possible through contributions from professors’ research grants. Those who receive awards are provided funding to undertake 12 to 16 weeks of full-time work between May and August.

Now in its second year, Saint Mary’s also offers the Access to Research Program, a unique option for summer research for students whose grades are in good standing after a year of study. These awards are jointly funded by the Dean of Science Office and various faculty grants.

“The Access to Research Program is designed for students who are ready to be engaged in an interesting project with a professor,” says Dr. Sam Veres, Dean of Science. “These projects are proposed by professor-student teams, and are intended to spark an interest in a discipline that may lead to future educational and career opportunities in science.”

This range of summer research award programs is an excellent opportunity for our students; however, there are many other opportunities for students to work alongside professors. Our professors conduct research year-round in labs and the field, and students are encouraged to connect with professors to discuss additional opportunities!

 Benefits

“Every summer our research award programs give students an opportunity to engage in research that complements their academic learning, and each year we are more and more impressed with the calibre of student resumes and their enthusiasm for taking on challenges,” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. “These awards give our most dedicated and capable students valuable experiences that have an immediate effect on their skill and depth of knowledge in their upcoming courses—while also strengthening their prospects when pursuing graduate education or entering the workforce.”

“Many professors begin their academic careers through undergraduate research opportunities like these,” says Dr. Sarty, adding that offering a competitive salary for these roles helps to level the playing field for students who need to work each summer to support their studies. “This way, we are helping reduce their financial burden as they balance their finances and education.”

How are students chosen?

Most positions are earned based on academic record, breadth of experience and background, and the student’s application letter. Students can apply after their first year of full-time study. Applications for all faculties are funnelled through one portal, with students indicating their academic background and department preferences. If chosen, they are matched with a professor whose work is a fit for their desired research.

Can students win multiple times?

Previous wins aren’t considered in the selection process; however, strong students with top academic records can earn positions in multiple years. Many Saint Mary’s students have gone on to pursue graduate studies, thanks in part to the experience gained during their summer work on campus.

Interested in applying for a summer research award for next year? Visit this website for updates later in the term, and follow your faculty’s social media for news and deadlines.

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This year’s team of student researchers includes:

Mohammed Abbas
Year at SMU: Third
Major: Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir
Description: I studied Japanese medaka fish by measuring anal fins and recording their behaviours to better understand their biology.

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Melissa Alvarez Del Angel
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Bachelor of Science, Honours in Psychology 
Supervisor: Dr. Margherita Cameranesi 
Description: I contributed to a SSHRC-funded research project in the city of Winnipeg, MB, where I co-facilitated 20 walking interviews with racialized refugee youth. These interviews sparked conversations and visual storytelling about the people, places, and resources that support well-being after resettlement. We analyzed the data to uncover the everyday strengths and supports that help refugee youth thrive. This project demonstrated the impact of community-engaged learning and student leadership in advancing mental health equity and refugee inclusion.
Plans: My plans are to complete my thesis, continue learning, and immerse myself in spaces where I can help create meaningful change, even if it’s just in a small corner of the world.

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Madelaine Arsenault
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Chemistry
Supervisor: Dr. Jane Ferguson
Description: Studied how rare earth elements behave in water by measuring their electrical conductivity. The rare earth elements are widely used in clean energy technologies, and understanding their properties can help create a more environmentally friendly extraction process and can support the safe management of nuclear waste.  
Favourite spot at SMU: the 2nd floor of the science building

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Megan Barkhouse
Year at SMU: Third
Major: Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Anne Dalziel
Description: I studied how fourspine stickleback fish adapt to different salinities by looking at marine and freshwater populations.
Favourite spot at SMU: The atrium

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Sarah Chiasson
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Environmental Science
Supervisor: Dr. Colleen Barber
Description: I studied European Starlings as part of my Honours project, which examines a reproductive strategy whereby females lay eggs in the nest of other European Starlings. The project will involve DNA analysis to identify females that take part in this reproductive strategy and to determine the potential motivation behind this strategy. 
Favourite feature at SMU: The trees in the campus quad, especially during the spring when they're all blooming.

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Claire Cullinan
Year: Fourth
Major: Biology with a Certificate in Forensic Science 
Supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau
Description: I am working on developing a sensitive, low-cost, and visually detectable colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy based diagnostic assay using nanobody functionalized gold nanoparticles for the detection of HER2 (a breast cancer biomarker) to enable more accessible breast cancer diagnostics.
Favourite spot at SMU: the quiet floor of the library.

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Lila Gechtman
Year at SMU: Graduated with a Diploma of Engineering, spring 2025
Major: Mechanical Engineering 
Supervisor: Dr. Mitja Mastnak
Description: Researching simultaneous triangularization (linear algebra) with the hopes of gathering material to write a paper.
Favourite spot at SMU : The second booth in the Atrium (love the sunlight)
Plans: Continuing my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Dalhousie University

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Mackenzie Hayduk
Year at SMU: Second
Major: Astrophysics
Supervisor: Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet
Description: Orbital modelling of high-velocity stars in Omega Centauri to investigate an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole.
See Mackenzie’s day-in-the-life video on @smuhalifax!

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Rohen Hayne
Year: Second
Supervisor: Dr. David Chiasson
Description: Assisted with research projects aimed at identifying key regulators and transporters involved in bacteria-legume symbiosis.
Favourite spot at SMU: The Atrium
See Rohen’s video about his day-to-day as a summer researcher on @smuhalifax!

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Noha Jereen Hoque
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Physics
Supervisor: Dr. Marcin Sawicki
Description: Since the start of its science operations in 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revolutionized our understanding of the early universe. Building on this success, my research aimed to push even further into the cosmic frontier by uncovering galaxies so faint and distant that they are virtually invisible, even in JWST’s deep images. This research explores existing, ultra-deep multi-wavelength JWST datasets to detect such elusive galaxies using image stacking techniques. By combining observations taken through different filters, we will enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and reveal sources too faint to be seen at individual wavelengths. We will strategically group filters to isolate specific spectral lines at various redshifts, letting us identify and characterize ultra-faint populations of early ‘baby galaxies’ in the very distant universe.
Favourite spot at SMU: My favourite spot is the undergraduate common room in the Department of Astronomy and Physics. It’s a space that feels both intellectually energizing and personally comforting.

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Yacklin Huang
Year at SMU: Third
Major: Computing Science
Supervisor: Dr. Somayeh Kafaie
Description: Enhancing NL2Cypher via Out-of-LLM system design and Fine-Tuned LLM combined Approach, under a bigger project mentioned in Can AI Make Medications Safer? Saint Mary’s Prof Says Yes.
Favourite spot at SMU: My Lab (SH420)

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Ella Jackson
Year at SMU: Second
Major: Double Major in Astrophysics and Math
Supervisor: Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet
Description: Used spectroscopic data to determine the central velocity dispersion and binary fraction of the globular cluster Palomar 5, in attempt to discern between models which explore the initial conditions of the cluster.

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Katie Kennedy
Year at SMU: Third
Major: Chemistry
Supervisor: Dr. Jason Masuda
Description: My research this summer involved synthesis and characterization of novel ligands.
Favourite spot at SMU: 5th floor of the student centre.

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George Lawless
Year at SMU: Fourth
Plans: Master’s degree
Your major: Chemistry w/ forensic science certificate
Supervisor: Dr. Jason Clyburne
Description: Synthesizing and characterizing novel compounds via organic spectroscopy.
Your favourite spot or feature at SMU: 2nd floor of the Patrick Power Library.

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Alicia MacDonald
Year at SMU: Fourth
Plans: Starting my honours degree 
Major: Psychology 
Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad
Description: We conducted research about childhood and adult literacy skills such as reading and spelling.
Favourite spot at SMU: My favourite spot is the Atrium! 

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Sarah MacDonald
Year at SMU: Third
Your major: Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir
Description: Studied and cared for medaka in the SMU Fish Lab
Favourite spot at SMU: the Library quiet zone or the campus Tim’s!

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Zoë MacDonald
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Honours psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad
Description: Investigated the science of reading! We're testing some newly developed comprehension stories as a team and collating data from a few years back to be analyzed later. Individually, I've been reading more specifically about dyslexia and its relation to mental health as well as resiliency research.
Plans for next year: Graduating spring 2026, deciding between various grad school options or working for a year in a social work/helping professional position.
Favourite spot at SMU: The staff/environment at the Fred Smithers Centre is one of the reasons I opted for SMU and my favourite study spot is either the quiet floors of the library or the newer area next to Tim’s with all of the natural lighting!

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Claire MacLean
Year at SMU: Fourth
Your major: Chemistry
Supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau
Description: Used a technique called electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to examine various inorganic complexes in nonaqueous environments.
Favourite spot at SMU: The fifth floor of the Student Center

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Kaley MacMullin
Year at SMU: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts ‘25 
Major: Honours in Sociology with a minor in history
Supervisor: Dr. Heather Green 
Description: This summer I worked with Dr. Green on her mining dangers research. I looked at Black Lung Disease, accidents and injuries, and mining disasters in Nova Scotia coal mines. I sourced both secondary and primary resources for this project. What I enjoyed most about this topic is getting to know all about Nova Scotia's once thriving economic sector of coal mining, while focusing in on how miners were affected by their working conditions within the mines. 
Favourite spot at SMU: I thoroughly enjoy studying in the quiet zones within the Patrick Power library as they provide a space where students can go and truly focus without many distractions. I also enjoy studying in the cubicle chairs by the windows in the Entrepreneurship Centre. This spot allows me to focus on my work at hand while enjoying the very comfortable chairs and the view of the trees. 

Becky Mason
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Accounting/Economics
Supervisor: Dr Thomas/Dr Hlang
Description: We created an experiment to see how people report their financial earnings compared their taxable earnings, and I learned how to program an experiment in Otree.
Favourite spot at SMU: I love sitting in the Atrium by the living wall and studying. 

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Jorge Meza
Year at SMU: Fourth
Your major: Astrophysics
Supervisor: Dr. Rob Thacker
Description: I have begun using computer simulations to study how galaxies and clusters of galaxies form, starting from a few hundred thousand years after the Big Bang to today. The simulations need very accurate starting conditions, so my research focuses on reducing unwanted structure in the starting conditions that can affect the final results. I have developed tools for creating 3D visualization movies of the simulations and will be using these movies to better understand the underlying physics of how cosmological structures, like galaxies, form.

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Tehya Mohammed
Year at SMU: Third
Major: Chemistry and Physics Major
Supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau
Description: I made very thin, functional surfaces on copper metal to prevent corrosion or to use for detection purposes, then analyzed these surfaces with a laser. 
Favourite spot at SMU: The Oaks

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Janine Mombourquette
Year at SMU: Graduated Bachelor of Science ‘25
Major: Honours Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Colleen Barber
Description: I worked in the field and laboratory, studying the genetic relationships between adult European Starlings and their nestlings. I also conducted regular nest checks, including surveying for anthropogenic materials.
Favourite spot at SMU: Any tree on campus with a nest box!
Plans: I started a Master of Science in Applied Science at Saint Mary's University in September 2025.

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Jacqueline Moore
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Honours Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Margherita Cameranesi
Description: I contributed to a SSHRC-funded research project in the city of Winnipeg, MB, where I co-facilitated 20 walking interviews with racialized refugee youth. These interviews sparked conversations and visual storytelling about the people, places, and resources that support well-being after resettlement. We analyzed the data to uncover the everyday strengths and supports that help refugee youth thrive. This project demonstrated the impact of community-engaged learning and student leadership in advancing mental health equity and refugee inclusion.

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Molly Munroe (she/her)
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Linguistics
Supervisor: Dr. Marisa Brook
Description: The focus of my research placement was sociolinguistics, the study of how language and society interact. In particular, I collected interviews from speakers of the local English dialect, known as Canadian Maritime English or CME. We collected data and analyzed it for features of speech and vocabulary particular to the local community, with a view to create the most comprehensive account yet of our city’s unique variety of English.
Favourite spot at SMU: In warmer weather, I love sitting outside on the quad under the shade of the trees, watching the sunshine filter through the leaves and sipping a coffee while I do my work.

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Douglas Mutch
Year at SMU: Graduated, Bachelor of Arts ‘25
Major: Sociology
Description: Qualitative analysis of a large sample of newspaper articles relevant to multiculturalism in Canada, to produce a research paper on the subject.
Favourite spot at SMU: Much of my time at SMU has been spent in the McNally Arts Commons so it holds a special place in my heart.
Plans: Graduate school in Toronto

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Khoi Nguyen 
Year at SMU: Second
Major: Engineering
Supervisor: Jane Ferguson
Description: Determining the density of molten salt using customized apparatus.
Favourite spot at SMU: Engineering 301

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Jeremy O'Connell
Year: Fourth
Plans: I graduate in 2026 and then pursue a master's in mathematics.
Major: Mathematics and Economics 
Supervisor: Dr. James Rickards 
Description: I worked on Apollonian circle packings, which are a bunch of circles tangent to one another packed inside of a larger circle in a way which depends on the radius of each circle. I am trying to prove that in each circle packing that allows, there are more perfect square radii than what we expect there to be.
Favourite spot at SMU: room AT214 (The math room)

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Chloe Oxner
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Earth Science
Supervisor: Jacob Hanley (jacob.hanley@smu.ca)
Description: My work involved producing geological maps with GIS software, sample preparation and organization, petrographic analysis completed by optical and electron microscopes, conducting field work to collect rock samples for projects, and data management. The work helped with the projects in Dr. Hanley’s lab group. These projects are focused on understanding the factors that influence the deposition of tin and tungsten in granitic magmatic systems in the Appalachians, which will help revise exploration models for these types of systems.
Favourite spot at SMU: The Oaks! It's the perfect quiet spot on campus to enjoy some of the nature on campus. The Geology department has made an interactive installation that shows all the different rocks and how they were formed!  

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Rozana Rashid
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Global Development Studies
Supervisor: Dr. Gavin Fridell
Description: Assessed fair trade on SMU campus to create a report for the SMU community.
Favourite spot at SMU: The community room at the Homburg Centre

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Keegan Riggs
Year at SMU: Third
Major: Astrophysics
Supervisor: Dr. Luigi Gallo
Description: Used the fractional variability spectrum to detect ultra-fast outflows in AGN.
Favourite spot at SMU: Burke Building

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Sarina Scoville
Year at SMU: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Spring 2025 
Major: Biology
Supervisor: Dr. David Chiasson 
Description: My research encompassed isolating and characterizing proteins of the symbiosome membrane to further understand the symbiotic relationship between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. 
Favourite spot at SMU: Sobeys Inspiration Hub
Plans: Genetics Technology Program at The Michener Institute

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Minh Vo
Year at SMU: Second 
Major: Economic
Supervisor: Hany Fahmy
Description: Performed textual analysis to construct a news-based measure of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) risk and assess its impact on financial markets.
Favorite spot at SMU: I like to go to the library. I usually go there when I need to study or run on deadlines.

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Lucas Wright
Year at SMU: Second
Major: Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir 
Description: Fish facility maintenance & observed mating-related behavioural patterns among different sex ratios of Japanese Medaka.
Favourite spot at SMU: The atrium! The skylight is awesome. 

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Clara Wrightman-Dillon
Year at SMU: Third year
Major: Astrophysics
Supervisor: Dr. Greg Christian
Description: I used a combination of experimental data and simulations to determine a resonance energy of the 22Ne(α,γ)26Mg reaction by analyzing gamma-ray spectra. This reaction occurs in AGB and massive stars, and is important for the synthesis of elements heavier than iron. The recoil mass spectrometer, DRAGON, at TRIUMF supplied the experimental data while simulations were run using GEANT.
Favourite spot or feature at SMU: Currently, the physics undergrad room in the Atrium is my favourite spot. It’s a nice, cool room to get work done with other research students around.

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Laryssa Wysoczanskyj
Year at SMU: Second 
Major: Anthropology
Supervisor: Dr. Margaret MacDonald
Description: Research for Dr. MacDonald's upcoming book on the education of Christianity in the Early Roman Empire. My work involved a lot of reading and organization of photographs of artefacts and features.
Favourite spot at SMU: 2nd floor of Patric Power library, where all my favorite books that I will never have time to read are. (But if you ask the librarians, they will say my favorite spot is doing the library puzzle...)

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 Katherine Zinck
Year at SMU: Fourth
Major: Chemistry
Supervisor: Dr. Danielle Tokarz
Description: Used laser microscopy to investigate the structure of biological samples, including starch, collagen fibrils, and teeth.
Favourite spot at SMU: The second floor of the science building.
Plans: Dental school at Dalhousie University

Saint Mary’s Enactus team to represent Canada at the World Cup Exposition in Thailand

Enactus Saint Mary’s won the National Championship in 2025

Saint Mary’s students head to Bangkok, Thailand, to represent Canada for the second year in a row at the Enactus World Cup Exposition

Last May, Enactus Saint Mary’s competed against 50 Canadian schools to win the Enactus Canadian National championship and the honour of being the only university to represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup Exposition from September 25-28 in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the second year in a row that the Saint Mary’s team has been named national champions and represented Canada on the world stage.   

Enactus, the world's largest student leadership organization, empowers its members to use entrepreneurial action to solve environmental, social and economic issues. Teams from around the world tackle global problems and showcase their successes in regional, national and worldwide competitions.  

“Enactus Saint Mary’s University is a model for innovation and social entrepreneurship, and we are proud to have them represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup,” says Catherine Fowler, President and CEO, Enactus Canada. “From their leadership on Square Roots to their innovation on alternatives to single-use plastics with Alaagi, we are confident the team will be a top competitor amongst the 32 countries represented at the World Cup.” 

Enactus Saint Mary’s entrepreneurial actions enabled them to create social, environmental and economic impact. This year, their success comes from a passionate commitment to fostering positive change through two key ground-breaking projects: 

Alaagi 

Launched in July 2024, Alaagi is redefining the future of packaging. This student-led initiative has created a durable, fully compostable bioplastic made from seaweed. This innovative material can be used to make items like sandwich bags and grocery bags.  

Now, Alaagi is pioneering the world’s first industry-standard 10K Oxygen Transmission Rate bioplastic film suitable for meat and seafood packaging—an innovation with enormous commercial potential.  

Most recently, Alaagi has secured over $155,000 in non-diluted funding and was one of the top 24 teams in the world competing for the Hult Prize of $1 million in start-up funding.  

Square Roots 

Square Roots is a standout Enactus Saint Mary’s initiative and one of the longest-running projects in the Enactus Canada network. Founded in 2016, this Community Interest Corporation tackles two major issues—food waste and food insecurity—by rescuing surplus produce and providing it to customers in need at reduced prices.  
The project sources “seconds”—fresh produce that’s often discarded due to slight imperfections in appearance—directly from local farmers. Square Roots Community Managers then distribute it affordably across Nova Scotia.   

Starting with two locations in Halifax, Square Roots has expanded to 27 locations across Nova Scotia and has provided over 1 million pounds of fresh produce to community members. 

The team, led by Co-Presidents and accounting students Courtney Dingle and Sarah Wheeler, along with Gabe Martin BA’25, features 62 students from the Sobey School of Business, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science. Twenty-one students will make the trip to the World Cup, along with staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Saint Mary’s is the only university representing Canada in this competition. 

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of every student who has made up this team,” says Co-President Courtney Dingle. “Their dedication to making the world around them better has earned us the title of National Champion for the second consecutive year, and we are excited to watch them take on the 2025 Enactus World Cup in Thailand.” 

This year, third-year accounting student and team captain Olivian Sanderson, third-year accounting and global business management student Becca Sullivan and second-year engineering student Mia Makhlouf take center-stage along with tech team Maya Campbell BComm’25 and criminology student Prateek Tamta. The team will compete in three rounds before a world champion is named. In addition, Saint Mary’s University will also represent Canada in the early-stage competition, comprised of account and business management student Kavya Shah, finance and accounting student Zach Collier and the tech team, accounting and finance student Hanna Johnson and marketing student Leah McNamara.

Follow the team’s journey on the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Enactus Canada social media channels.