Faculty of Science

The trees of Saint Mary's…and the Dean who helped plant them

A sustainable, living laboratory in Halifax’s South End

Saint Mary’s campus feels more like a park than a university. Tall trees cast long shadows across the walkways and flowering shrubs bloom near the residences, while living canopies shelter songbirds overhead. But it wasn’t always this way.

When Dr. David Richardson arrived at Saint Mary’s University in 1992 as Dean of Science, he found a campus with very few trees and little shade. Many existing trees were mature with limited species diversity. Recognizing the need for change, he spearheaded a campus greening initiative that began in 1993. It was supported by dedicated volunteers that included student technicians and science faculty.

“When I first came to Saint Mary’s, there were few trees; now there are trees of all shapes and sizes,” says Dr. David Richardson, Dean Emeritus at Saint Mary’s University. “The initial plantings cost little, often around $20 to $30 per tree, so we were able to plant quite a lot.”

A view of the McNally building

Victorian-era homes, tree-lined avenues, and coastal walks make the historic south end of Halifax and the area around SMU one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city. The proximity of Point Pleasant Park, just a five-minute walk away, and the Public Gardens, ten minutes in the other direction, gives Saint Mary’s University students access to green spaces unmatched by most campuses in Canada.

“There is a harmony between urban life and nature. Such an environment enhances academic life, attracting students and staff who value both education and quality of life.”

Dr. Richardson’s British accent, very much a part of his identity, underscores the international influence he has brought to campus. He studied at the University of Oxford, known for its architecture, picturesque landscapes and botanical gardens. It was the tree-planting initiative that brought a touch of that same timeless magic to Saint Mary’s University.

The greening efforts over the decades have turned Saint Mary’s into a living showcase of more than 100 different tree species. This biodiversity provides habitats for birds and other wildlife. The overall impact is not just aesthetically pleasing but also supports sustainability and ecological balance.

Dr. Richardson is internationally recognized for his research on lichens, small but remarkable organisms that respond to shifts in their environment.

He has published more than 100 research papers and three books, The Vanishing Lichens, The Biology of Mosses and Pollution Monitoring with Lichens, emphasize the importance of plant diversity and how it can serve as an indicator of environmental health.

His work has been recognized with the Lawson Medal from the Canadian Botanical Association, a decade of service with the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and even the naming of a species in his honour, Skyttea richardsonii.

Dr. Richardson describes the campus as "a living laboratory”, where students can learn firsthand about sustainability, ecology and environmental stewardship. Greg Baker, Research Instrumentation Technician in the Department of Geography, has produced a list of campus trees along with their GPS location.

"Every spring there are labels placed at the base of the trees. Walking across the campus you pick up a little knowledge along the way."

Saint Mary’s can stand proudly alongside universities celebrated for their beauty and botanical richness—such as the University of Western Ontario, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Victoria. Saint Mary’s is firmly part of this Canadian tradition of green campuses.

“Walking through campus can change your day. It grounds you. But things never stand still with respect to our trees. They have to withstand droughts, hurricanes, and alien diseases. It’s our responsibility to care for and cherish the natural world.”

Meet Bert, Engineering’s Chief Morale Officer

Bert makes school more fun—and lowers the stress levels of students with a wag of his tail

A key figure in the new Engineering Building at Saint Mary’s, the Chief Morale Officer has an important role in brightening the days of students and faculty.  

Bert, Chief Morale Officer in Engineering

Bert, a four-year-old Havanese-Poodle mix, rushes through the door to see his favourite students when he arrives on campus. On the third floor, he makes a beeline out of the elevator to classrooms and labs, where he provides emotional support.

“Bert is a calming presence for students, and he loves to be here,” says professor Don MacNeil, who is Bert’s owner. “Many of our students are living away from home for the first time and they’re missing home and adjusting to a new school environment. Bert really brings down the stress levels of students.”

For some students, meeting Bert is their first positive interaction with a dog.

“Several people have told me that Bert is the first and only dog they have ever petted,” says MacNeil. “They say they’re scared of all dogs—except Bert.”

Always ready for a party, Bert joined the students in dressing up for Halloween—sporting a vampire costume that matched Prof. MacNeil’s—as the students designed and 3D-printed pumpkin candle holders.

Don McNeil and Bert on Halloween

Bert supervising the robotics design competition

On a busy day near the end of term, Bert watched as second-year students raced to finish their final design assignments. As the designers worked on their remote-controlled robots to earn class points and bragging rights, he was the centre of attention—and in the centre of the track—as ping pong balls flew from the robots in the friendly competition. Adding to the excitement, a group of visiting elementary students watched the competition…and Bert, who stole the show.

Emma Smith with Bert

Bert enjoyed meeting family and friends at a gathering in the Engineering Building after convocation in the spring, and it was a chance for one last belly rub from students who will be moving on to other educational opportunities and careers.

“Even if you place last, Bert will be there; after exams, he’s there,” says Emma Smith, who recently graduated with a Diploma in Engineering. “He’ll do some zoomies and then fall asleep under a desk. We’ll be back to see him.”

Fellow graduate James Nowell agreed: “He’s an absolute legend.”


Flexible education, personalized support and a contemporary learning environment—learn why the Diploma in Engineering Program at Saint Mary’s might be right for you!

Unwelcome worms: researching invasive jumping worms in New Brunswick

Dr. Erin Cameron (Photo by Samantha Bennett

Invasive species are an increasing threat to ecosystems across Canada. In New Brunswick, the invasive jumping worm has raised concerns among scientists and conservationists. These earthworms change soil conditions and plant growth, which in turn may affect the animals that depend on them.

Dr. Erin Cameron, an Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Saint Mary’s University, researches how global changes impact where species live, how they interact with each other, and how ecosystems function. She focuses mainly on invasive earthworms and their impacts on soil, plant life, and overall soil health.

Dr. Cameron’s research team includes Dr. Helen Phillips (former postdoctoral fellow at SMU), Samantha Bennett BSc’23, and several undergraduate field assistants. The team partnered with the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council (NBISC), the New Brunswick Museum, and Laurie Manzer, who provided access to their backyard and contributed to the research.

Dr. Cameron’s team maps the local distribution of invasive earthworms, gathering data that helps conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities better understand and address the risks posed by invasive earthworms. Public education and outreach are also key in the effort to prevent the spread of invasive jumping worms.

“Over the past several years, our collaboration with Dr. Cameron and her team, along with staff at the New Brunswick Museum, has been key in enhancing our efforts to raise awareness about the spread of invasive jumping worms in New Brunswick,” said Claire Ferguson, Outreach and Communications Coordinator for NBISC. “Supporting Dr. Cameron’s research and observing these worms firsthand has provided our staff with invaluable knowledge to share with partners and the public, while also fostering stronger interprovincial collaboration.”

By combining scientific research with public engagement, this partnership is playing an important role in protecting New Brunswick’s forests and wildlife from invasive species.


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.

Alaagi is one step closer to $1 million

SMU sustainable business advances to the next stage of the Hult Prize Competition

Sheheryar, Vaishali and Tyler wear black suits with tartan ties. They pose among colourful cubes which state some of the 17 universal sustainable goals

Sheheryar Khan, Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean

Alaagi, a company created by recent SMU graduate Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25, is disrupting the plastic industry. Launched in July 2024, Alaagi is redefining the future of packaging.

The Alaagi team, comprised of Khan, Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean, competed against 56 international teams in the Hult Prize Competition and is one of 22 to advance to the next round.

The Saint Mary’s University student-led initiative has created a durable, fully compostable bioplastic made from seaweed. This innovative material can be used to make items like sandwich wrap and grocery bags. Additionally, the plastic film can be heat sealed to preserve freshness.

Khan demonstrates how the bioplastic is made at the Alaagi lab space on SMU campus

Alaagi bioplastic sample

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

The team was named National Champions after competing against 19 other Canadian teams at the Hult Prize Competition in March, allowing them to advance to this latest round of competition.

“Being a part of the Hult Prize Global Accelerator is a dream come true,” says Vaishali Sachdeva, Saint Mary’s University arts student. “The incredible mentorship through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the Hult team has helped us accelerate our business. I am so excited to represent Alaagi and Saint Mary’s University in London this August.”

The Hult Prize competition consists of five stages. Alaagi now moves on to Stage 4: the Global Accelerator, held in person in London this August. There, 22 teams will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance and networking opportunities. Of those, only eight will be selected to compete in the Global Finals in September, pitching their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges for the $1 million prize.


A partnership to diversify revenue and reduce risk

A Saint Mary’s team is using AI technology to provide solutions

Photo (L-R): Chris Mitchell, Shahriar Swapnil, Dr. Pawan Lingras

The Citco Group of Companies (Citco) is a global network of independent firms. To diversify their revenue streams within the fund administration sector, Citco wanted to develop a document scraping application powered by generative AI.

To bring this vision to life, Citco partnered with Dr. Pawan Lingras, a Professor in Mathematics and Computing Science and the Director of the Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics (CDA) Program, along with his team of Saint Mary’s graduate students.

The research team used AI-driven solutions to streamline information retrieval, improve response accuracy, and enhance the user experience for a diverse range of professionals including fund accountants, technical personnel, and support staff.

The ongoing project has provided dozens of graduate students in the CDA program with valuable research internships, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Many CDA graduates have transitioned into full-time roles at Citco.

“Citco is at the forefront of financial services innovation through our collaboration with Saint Mary’s University,” said Chris Mitchell, Executive Vice President, Transformation Office, Citco, and Saint Mary’s University alumnus. “By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, we are increasing operational efficiency, improving client satisfaction, and reducing risk. This partnership has also enabled us to hire top talent from the university, launching careers for many graduates and benefiting both our organization and local communities.”

Through this partnership, Citco is not only creating new revenue streams, reducing risk and costs, but also creating career opportunities for the next generation of computing professionals.


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.

A cleaner future for mining

Advancing sustainable gold extraction

Liah Christie, Dr. Christa Brosseau and Tanner George

Mining is important to Nova Scotia’s economy, but traditional gold extraction methods are based on dissolution and extraction using cyanide slurries of powdered ore, a process known as cyanidation.

With financial assistance from the Mineral Resource Development Fund (MRDF), Dr. Christa Brosseau (Tier II Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Chemistry and Materials) and Dr. Robert Singer, Professors in the Department of Chemistry, are developing sustainable alternatives to using cyanide, and in turn decreasing environmental risks. The MRDF supports research that attracts investment, creates jobs, especially in rural areas, and promotes innovation in the mining sector.

Their research into task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) offers a promising solution that will make metal extraction cleaner and more environmentally responsible. TSILs are customizable chemicals capable of efficiently and selectively removing silver and gold from base metals. Unlike cyanide, ionic liquids can be engineered to be non-toxic and biodegradable.

For graduate student Tanner George, working on this project provided a new perspective on sustainable mining.

“Having the opportunity to dedicate my time to understanding ore refinement has given me sincere respect for the challenge of effective, yet environmentally conscious and ethically sound mining practices,“ he said. “While we were not able to completely replace cyanide with ionic liquid thioureas, we recognize the need for chemists to lead the future of critical minerals mining.“

“This project reinforced my passion for research with tangible societal impacts, and gave me hands-on experience,” said Liah Christie, undergraduate researcher.

By exploring alternatives to traditional gold extraction, this research is contributing to a more sustainable mining industry and helps prepare the next generation of chemists for real-world environmental challenges


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.

Smart maps & smart phones: Virtual guides transform tourist experiences

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie and John Read, CEO and Founder, Fundy Language Analytics

Strollopia, a virtual tour guide designed to help locals and visitors explore using their phone, is an interactive, community-driven app.

Its creator, Fundy Language Analytics Inc., specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning for language applications. They found that keeping these maps current and engaging was a challenge, as manual updates are time-consuming and costly, especially for smaller communities.

When Fundy Language Analytics presented their challenge to Dr. Somayeh Kafaie a Professor in Mathematics and Computer Science, it was a perfect match for her expertise.

The research team utilized Large Language Models to engage visitors at geographic locations, sparking dialogues that generate user-driven insights. These insights are then transformed into map content, making the maps more dynamic and reflective of real experiences. The research expanded into AI-driven content generation, using real visitor impressions to create map content. The impressions were analyzed, stored, and curated by the map administrator for potential publication.

“Working with Professor Kafaie and Saint Mary’s University has been extremely rewarding for our company,” said John Read, CEO and Founder, Fundy Language Analytics. “Dr. Kafaie’s team brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the project, and together we are making great progress on our research topic in AI and diverse uses of the technology for our business.”

With AI-powered tools like Strollopia, Fundy Language Analytics is paving the way for enhanced travel experiences, where visitors and local insights help shape the very maps they use.


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.

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

Medication errors cost billions and risk lives, but Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor at Saint Mary’s University, says artificial intelligence can help solve the problem.

Nova Scotia is home to one of Canada’s oldest populations, creating significant challenges for its healthcare system. By 2030, more than 25% of the province’s residents will be over the age of 65.[1]

Many older adults rely on multiple prescriptions to manage chronic illnesses, a practice known as polypharmacy. While often necessary, taking several medications simultaneously significantly increases the risk of harmful drug-drug interactions (DDIs), potentially causing serious complications and hospitalizations.

In Canada, nearly two-thirds of Canadians aged 65 and older living in long-term care facilities take ten or more prescription drugs.[2] Globally, medication errors and harmful interactions cost approximately $42 billion USD annually in avoidable healthcare expenses.[3]

Dr. Kafaie poses in front of a leafy wall. She wears a pink shirt and floral head scarf

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie is developing AI tools for healthcare providers to help reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions in patients

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University, is addressing this challenge using artificial intelligence (AI).  

“Our goal is not simply to use AI to flag risky drug interactions,” says Dr. Kafaie. “We want healthcare providers to clearly understand why certain interactions are problematic. By unifying drug databases and applying AI, we can identify potential issues early.”

A core component of the project is a dynamic knowledge graph, visually representing complex drug relationships and translating dense medical data into clear, actionable insights. Knowledge graphs have demonstrated promise in effectively predicting drug interactions by integrating extensive medical information.[4]

Additionally, Dr. Kafaie’s team is developing an AI-powered Q&A tool designed specifically for healthcare providers, allowing instant access to evidence-based medication guidance.

“When a doctor or pharmacist has questions about a medication interaction, our program can deliver quick, clear answers based on the latest research. AI should never replace human judgment but instead support it. Clinicians face overwhelming complexity managing medications for older patients, and our platform aims to lighten that cognitive load.”

Supported by the New Health Investigator Grant from Research Nova Scotia, Dr. Kafaie’s research aims to transform how healthcare professionals predict and prevent harmful drug interactions. Although still in early stages, the AI-driven platform has significant potential to reduce medication errors, shorten hospital stays and enhance overall patient care.

“This grant isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence,” says Dr. Kafaie. “Support like this shapes the future of healthcare research, drives innovation and develops the next generation of scientists.”

As demographics shift globally, pioneering efforts like Dr. Kafaie’s illustrate how local research at Saint Mary's University can generate meaningful, far-reaching impacts, positioning SMU as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.

About the New Health Investigator Grant

Research Nova Scotia’s New Health Investigator Grant supports early-career health researchers who are engaged in research that is focused on the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare to Nova Scotians. Funding is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.


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

Artist’s impression of the supermassive black hole PDS 456. High-speed winds—illustrated in white—are being ejected from the vicinity of the black hole. (Credit: JAXA)

Dr. Luigi Gallo and postdoc researchers Dr. Yerong Xu and Dr. Adam Gonzalez in the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s were part of an international research team led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that again published in the journal Nature. 

Their paper explains that wind, or outflow of gas ejected from supermassive black holes is behaving in an unexpected way. The black hole expels gas in bullet-like clumps, instead of in a smooth, continuous manner.  

Understanding the impact of this wind is key to understanding both the creation and evolution of black holes and their galaxies. 

The team at Saint Mary’s is part of an international X-ray space observatory project called XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) led by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in collaboration with NASA, and supported by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). (Image credit JAXA) 

Meet your Winter and Spring 2025 Valedictorians

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

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

Sheheryar Khan

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


Maxinne Nana Ama Benyiwah Baddoo

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

Maria Mannette

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


Muhammad Usman

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

Lydia Hui-Qi Lee

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


Madeline Grace Dalzell

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

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

Three men look at a laptop screen filled with animated images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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.

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

John has short grey hair and wears a grey collared shirt. He leans on a railing

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

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

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

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

Read more on the NSIS website.