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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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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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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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

International team of 70 astronomers makes new observations about massive stars

Massive stars observed in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Of the stars studied, seventy percent (the orange diamonds) appear to accelerate and decelerate, indicating the presence of a companion. Credit: ESO/Sana et al.

Saint Mary’s University Astronomer Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet is part of a team of researchers who observed that massive stars in metal-poor galaxies often live in pairs 

In humans, twins or higher multiples are relatively rare, with single births being the norm. For massive stars, however, the opposite seems to be true: most are born and live as pairs. This was already known for massive stars in our own metal-rich Milky Way, but new observations reveal that massive stars in metal-poor galaxies also frequently have close companions.

Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet

The discovery was made by the BLOeM (Binarity at LOw Metallicity) collaboration, an international team of 70 astronomers that includes Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet from Saint Mary’s University. Using the European Very Large Telescope in Chile, the team monitored the velocities of massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Their findings are published in Nature Astronomy.

In recent years, astronomers have realized that interactions between stellar companions play a crucial role in the evolution of massive stars in the Milky Way. Until now, however, it was unclear whether massive stars in more distant, metal-poor galaxies were also part of binary systems.

“We used the Small Magellanic Cloud as a time machine,” explains Hugues Sana from KU Leuven (Belgium), the lead author of the study. “The Small Magellanic Cloud is a relatively nearby metal-poor galaxy, an environment representative of that of much more distant galaxies when the universe was only a few billion years old.”

Studying massive stars outside of the Milky Way is difficult because the stars are far away and we receive little light from them. The researchers used the FLAMES spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory in Chile. It is one of the largest telescopes on Earth. FLAMES has 132 fiber optics, each of which can be directed at a different star, which can then be observed simultaneously.

Over a period of 3 months, the researchers observed the acceleration and deceleration of 139 massive O-type stars at 9 different times. These stars have masses between 15 and 60 times that of our Sun. They are hot, shine brightly, and end their lives in supernova explosions. In the process, the star's core collapses into a black hole. The results show that over 70 percent of the observed stars accelerate and decelerate. That is a sign of a close companion.

“The fact that massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud have a partner suggests that the first stars in the universe, which we suspect were also massive, had partners, too," says co-author Julia Bodensteiner of the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands). "Perhaps some of those systems end up as two black holes orbiting each other. It’s an exciting thought."

These black holes are of particular interest to Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet and his research group at Saint Mary’s, who study their subsequent evolution in dense clusters long after their progenitor massive stars have exploded as supernovae.

Scientific article: A high fraction of close massive binary stars at low metallicity. By: Hugues Sana, Tomer Shenar, Julia Bodensteiner, et al. In: Nature Astronomy, 2 September 2025. [original | preprint (pdf)]

Star Finder program prepares NS teachers with astronomy lesson plans

The inaugural Star Finders Teachers’ Workshop was held at Saint Mary’s University for elementary and junior high teachers

An enthusiastic group of elementary and junior high educators attended the first Star Finder Teachers’ Workshop in August, and they are now ready to share an appreciation of astronomical understanding and discovery with their students across Nova Scotia.

During the two-day course the teachers were introduced to the lesson plans, performed hands-on experiments and demonstrations, attended talks by astronomers from the Department of Astronomy and Physics, learned to use the Burke-Gaffney Observatory (BGO) and took part in stargazing activities.

All teachers and their classes in Nova Scotia now have access to use the BGO remotely from their classrooms, plus an extensive archive of the observatory’s data and images.

Hands-on experiments were part of the two-day workshop

Star Finders Teachers’ Workshop participants

The Star Finder lessons were developed by Saint Mary’s University alum Andrea Misner BSc’06,  along with Astronomy & Physics undergraduate student Mackenzie Hayduk, Astronomy Technician Tiffany Fields and Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet. Focusing on space exploration and astronomy, the goal of the lesson plans is to foster enthusiasm, engagement and understanding of astronomy among school children—especially in rural and underserved communities in the province. 

Ms. Misner studied astrophysics at Saint Mary’s and later earned a master’s in education from the University of Manitoba. She teaches high school general sciences, physics and astronomy in Winnipeg, and is a recipient of a 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.    

Star Finder – The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program is funded by a $250,000 philanthropic gift from the late David and Michelle Lane. During his 29-year career as the Astronomy Technician in the Department of Astronomy and Physics and the Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory at Saint Mary’s, Dave single-handedly automated the Observatory, making it available to users worldwide through social media accounts.

Dave Lane passed away in March 2024; he is survived by his wife, Michelle. The Star Finder project was created as a way for the couple to give back to the community and share Dave’s passion for astronomy with the next generations.

“We were thrilled to connect with such passionate and dedicated educators during the two-day workshop,” says Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet, Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. “We hope this workshop is just the beginning of building a vibrant community of teachers eager to bring astronomy-related activities to their students and use the observatory remotely.”

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For teachers wanting to learn more about this program and to download the lesson plans, click here and visit the Star Finder web page for updates. These lesson plans are focused on the Grade 9 Space Exploration unit of the Nova Scotia curriculum, but they are also tied to the Grade 9 Math curriculum and can easily be adapted for other levels.

Do not hesitate to email the Star Finder team at starfinder@smu.ca with ideas and questions about accessing the Burke-Gaffney Observatory remotely, or to share your experiences after trying out some of our lesson plans and projects with your classes.

You can also sign up for the Star Finder newsletter to receive all the latest news about the program.

Related:

• Saint Mary’s introduces Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program

• Support the Star Finder program

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.

Dr. David Richardson (back) works with a volunteer to plant a tree on campus

A team of volunteers work to plant trees at SMU

Student technicians and faculty members help with the campus greening project in the early 1990’s

Trees being planted on campus near the Burke Building on Inglis St.

“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.

Japanese Maple Acer palmatum

Crimson King Norway Maple Acer platanoides

Alternate-leaved Dogwood Cornus artenifolia

Paul's Scarlet Hawthorn Crategus Laevigatus

Black Walnut Juglans Nigra

Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra

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, which 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.”

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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.

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

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

Alaagi is one step closer to $1 million

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

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.

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Watch: Saint Mary’s University students transforming seaweed into compostable plastic (CTV News)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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Sources

[1] Long Term Care | novascotia.ca

[2] Two-thirds of seniors in long-term care take 10 or more drugs: CIHI - PMC

[3] Medication Without Harm

[4] JMIR Medical Informatics - Drug-Drug Interaction Predictions via Knowledge Graph and Text Embedding: Instrument Validation Study

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)