TRIUMF triumph: Two Saint Mary’s science students awarded prestigious fellowships

Two Saint Mary’s University science students, Tehya Mohammed and Clara Wrightman-Dillon, will be travelling to Vancouver this summer for the Richard E. Azuma Summer Fellowships at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre.

Only two of these prestigious fellowships are awarded each year to students from TRIUMF’s 21 member universities across Canada, making it extra special that both students will be representing SMU.

The fellowships support promising Canadian undergraduate students in pursuing careers in TRIUMF’s research fields, including accelerator science and technology, detectors and instrumentation, life sciences, molecular and materials science, particle, nuclear, and theoretical physics, and scientific computing.

“Watching students succeed is the greatest reward for an educator. Having two SMU stu-dents win the only two fellowships at TRIUMF, and knowing that they competed against students from much larger institutions makes this a very proud moment.” says Dr. Sam Veres, Dean of Science. “These wins are a testament to Tehya and Clara’s dedication to their studies, and the exceptional education that our faculty and staff in the Department of As-tronomy and Physics provide.” 

Tehya Mohammed

Tehya Mohammed, from East Preston, N.S., just completed her third year of a BSc in Physics with an honours in Chemistry. She is excited to start working on a research project titled “Antimatter Physics with the ALPHA Collaboration” with Dr. Makoto Fujiwara at TRIUMF and at the CERN scientific research laboratory in Switzerland.

When she graduates in spring 2027, Tehya plans to attend graduate school; longer-term goals may see her staying in academia, teaching and doing research, and she credits her experience at Saint Mary’s with helping her land the fellowship this summer.

“I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had at Saint Mary’s,” says Tehya. “I was able to do research with my professors each summer starting after my first year. There are more opportunities available to undergraduate students at smaller schools like SMU.”

Chemistry professor Dr. Christa Brosseau is Tehya’s honours supervisor; she also worked with Dr. Rob Singer in chemistry, publishing a paper with him. She credits these experiences with helping to round out her resume for the fellowship.

Clara Wrightman-Dillon

Clara Wrightman-Dillon, a physics major from St. Andrews, N.B., will be working with Dr. Adam Garnsworthy and researchers at the University of York. Their project, titled “Decoherence of Quantum Entangled Photons,” will involve the collection, sorting and analysis of data for research that could affect PET medical imaging.

This won’t be Clara’s first visit to TRIUMF; she was there last year thanks to her work alongside Dr. Greg Christian, a professor in the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s, Clara intends to pursue a Master of Science in physics.

Tehya and Clara have both spent the previous two summers at Saint Mary’s conducting research with their professors in positions funded by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)’s Undergraduate Student Research Awards program and the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s.

The paid, four-month fellowship includes travel and a week's stay at TRIUMF House, a “home away from home for TRIUMF’s national and international visitors”. When fellowship winners complete their undergraduate degrees, a $5,000 scholarship is available to any of the 21 TRIUMF schools in Canada.

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Meson Hall at TRIUMF. Credit: triumf.ca

About TRIUMF

Established in 1968 in Vancouver, TRIUMF is Canada’s particle accelerator centre. The lab is a hub for discovery and innovation inspired by a half-century of ingenuity in answering nature’s most challenging questions.

From the hunt for the smallest particles in our universe to research that advances the next generation of batteries or develops isotopes to diagnose and treat disease, TRIUMF drives more than scientific discovery. Powered by its complement of top talent and advanced accelerator infrastructure, TRIUMF is pushing the frontiers in isotope science and innovation, as well as technologies to address fundamental and applied problems in particle and nuclear physics, and the materials and life sciences. 

Worlds colliding: Accounting, Science & Arts Interdisciplinary Colloquium

The interdisciplinary forum was held at the Sobey School of Business on April 10

Faculty and researchers gathered to hear from each other and share ideas

If you are an applied science researcher looking for solutions to combat environmental problems like, say, innovative ways to remediate legacy gold mining waste materials, the accounting standard for contaminated sites might not be on your go-to list of tools and methods.

But it could be.

This was the bold premise behind an innovative interdisciplinary event held at Saint Mary’s on April 10, 2026.  Researchers from Saint Mary’s Arts and Science Faculties were invited to share a piece of research they are working on. Professors of Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering and Astronomy and Physics took part: Linda Campbell, Valeria Montes Urrego, Karen Harper, and Athanasios Psaltis.

A team from the Accounting department of the Sobey School of Business then reflected on what methods, approaches and tools academic accounting might offer on the same project. These professors included organizers Vasiliki Athanasakou, Matthew Boland, Amna Chalwati Mohamed Drira, and Ming Liu, as well as Khin Phyo Hlaing.

Innovative insights presented

In the popular imagination, “accountant” is often positioned as an opposite to “creative”, but the presentations required enormous creativity. The event gleaned rich insights, as organizer Dr. Vasiliki Athanasakou pointed out:

“In particular, the vital role of accounting and disclosure in supporting remediation and more complete recognition of environmental liabilities; the importance of accounting and taxation in enabling the economic viability of innovative environmental solutions; the remarkable wealth of natural capital data that remains underexplored in reassessing ecosystem value; and the need to embrace a mix of methods to strengthen the external validity of complex, interdisciplinary phenomena.”

There is a certain kind of power in hearing an accountant speak about the real market values of biodiversity and its effects on GDP worldwide in conjunction with the scientist pointing out the value to the ecosystem.

Panelists call for stable funding and dialogue

The lunchtime fireside discussion engaged practitioners and academics who drilled into the real barriers of tackling long-term problems with evidence-based and practitioner-informed solutions. Panelists expressed frustrations with isolated policy development and implementation while ignoring the experience of practitioners. The gap can lead to unintended consequences or simply policy failure. For their part, researchers recognized the value of the findings brought by application. All agreed that unstable funding did not support long term outcomes.

Dr. Athanasakou noted, “The fireside discussion further emphasized the importance of clarity and certainty in investment projections as a key condition for translating evidence into action; the growing need to bring together scientists, companies, investor representatives and policymakers into shared dialogues; the central role of trust and governance in making those dialogues meaningful; and the importance of policy and governance consistency in supporting sustainable, long-term decision-making.”

Panelists were:

• Adel Merabet, Professor of Engineering, SMU

• Danika van Proosdij, Geomorphologist and Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, SMU

• Timothy Bachiu, Director of Research at Net Zero Atlantic

• Donald G. LeBlanc, President of RDA Atlantic

• Rob Rashotte, President, Global Training and Education, Cato Networks and student in the Sobey Executive Doctorate of Business Administration program.

• Duncan P. Williams, President & CEO at Construction Association of Nova Scotia

Sparking new creative collisions

Interdisciplinary approaches really shine in an intimate community like Saint Mary's University. The day concluded with a cross-project discussion on opportunities for future research with doctoral students, which was also attended by a dual-credit co-op class of high school students. Interdisciplinary, intergenerational and reflecting a commitment to innovative ways to solve real-world problems.

The Accounting, Science and Arts Interdisciplinary Colloquium was, in many ways, a perfect distillation of the Saint Mary’s University promise of a world without limits.

Discovering new worlds of possibilities: Jillian Taylor BSc'22

By Krista Keough

Jill Taylor BSc’22

The first time Jillian Taylor BSc’22 went to Saint Mary’s, it was to watch a football game with her family. “I must have been seven or eight,” she said. “There’s a photo of me holding boomsticks that you clap together…my mom’s kept it.”

Little did they know that Taylor would return to Saint Mary’s as a student, and this time, she would be the one on the field.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Taylor excelled in science and played rugby throughout high school. Her former coach, Amber Davidson, was also coaching Saint Mary’s Huskies Women’s Rugby and encouraged her to apply to the university and join the team. Taylor is quick to note that the built-in friend group of players made the move to campus easier.

“What a great community of girls. To come in and have fourth-years who – this isn’t their first rodeo – they know the ropes and are able to show you around. That was really nice to have.”

Taking a step back from athletics in the years to follow to focus on her studies took Taylor in many directions.

“I switched my programs a lot. Trying to figure out my major was not linear at all. I ended up taking a lot of courses in different departments, which meant I took a little longer to finish my degree, but I got a good, well-rounded education.”

Jill participated in a SMU photoshoot

Taylor made time for extracurricular activities, such as scuba diving and participated in Model United Nations, an international conference where students learn about the UN system. “We actually went to the UN headquarters in New York City,” she said, where she made long-lasting friendships.

Ultimately, her credentials reflect her varied interests: Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Science, double major in Biology and Psychology, Co-operative Education (Honours) and minor in Political Science.

“I feel like the whole point of an undergrad is to learn how to learn, and to try to learn what you don’t know.”

Taylor’s passion for exploration led her to achieve her scuba diving certification, unlocking a new world of possibilities. “I was doing biology courses, and I thought, 'This is so cool! The ocean’s in my backyard, I want to see what it’s like’.”

Scuba diving ignited her passion for underwater videography and photography. Despite the harsh conditions, she documented our “colourful, very biodiverse waters” in the Atlantic Ocean during her time at Saint Mary’s and in St. John’s, where she later moved to pursue her Master of Science at Memorial University.

Dive with Jill Taylor aired on Bell. Image: tv.bell.ca

While living in Newfoundland, she attended a networking event and met a director and a producer. They had watched some of her underwater scuba diving videos and pitched the idea of making a TV show together.

“That was something I’d never even thought about or conceptualized. It just honestly fell into my lap, and I’m really glad it did because it was so much fun.”

Taylor worked with the crew at Right There Productions and her partner and fellow diver, Tanner Stein, to host, produce and shoot footage for the six-episode series called Dive Newfoundland with Jill Taylor, which aired in April and May 2025 on Bell Media.

In each episode, they feature a different community and Taylor interviews local people before going underwater to film marine life.

“I think a common misconception of the North Atlantic is that there’s nothing to see here, that you have to hop on a plane and go somewhere tropical to see really cool fish species. And that’s just not the case.”

The co-operative education component of her degree at Saint Mary’s helped Taylor transition from the classroom to begin her career. “Having work terms interspersed with my school terms was the best decision I made.”

One work term, in particular, she credits with helping her land her current position as a science communicator for Coastal Action, a non-profit environmental organization based in Mahone Bay. “I worked for them as a field technician and now I’m back as permanent staff.”

These days, the 27-year-old is prioritizing her full-time job and completing her master’s degree, while honing her craft as a videographer and sharing her adventures via Instagram. Last summer, she assisted with the underwater diving portion of a major documentary and thinks it would be fun to do a second diving TV show series set in Nova Scotia.

“If the opportunity arose, I’d definitely jump at it,” she said, ready and eager to dive right in.

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This story was featured in the Fall edition of the Maroon + White alumni magazine. Visit the online magazine to read more alumni stories!

Dr. Linda Campbell ranked the No. 1 Deaf researcher in the world

Dr. Linda Campbell, a professor and researcher at Saint Mary's University, has recently been ranked as the top Deaf researcher in the world by research impact.

Dr. Linda Campbell

It’s an outstanding achievement to be recognized among such a strong group of colleagues in the Deaf research community.

The ranking is published by the website Unusualverse Stats, a site focused on key statistics about the global Deaf community and sign languages. The site measures scholarly impact and provides a view of academic activity. The website notes that the rankings may not provide the full story; the focus is to “highlight the important research contributions of Deaf scholars, many of whom face unique challenges and remain under-recognized globally.”

Dr. Campbell’s dedication to both Environmental Science and advocacy is inspiring and important for students and our community. As a key member of the Bill 59 Community Alliance, Dr. Campbell's advocacy led to the Accessibility Act being passed in Nova Scotia in 2017. Nova Scotia was the third province to enact a comprehensive accessibility law. She received a Human Rights Award for her contributions. In recognition of her work as an environmental scientist, Dr. Campbell was awarded a Professional of Distinction award at the annual Discovery Awards ceremony in Halifax in 2020.

Her lab at Saint Mary’s University, the Dynamic Environmental & Ecosystem Health Research (DEEHR) Group, studies aquatic and contaminated ecosystems in Canada and worldwide. In recent years, Dr. Campbell and her students have conducted research on the remediation of historical gold mine tailings, invasive species in lakes and ponds. She has supported many students as an advisor through their undergraduate, graduate, and PhD-level studies.

Congratulations, Dr. Linda Campbell!

New Bachelor of Engineering degree starting this fall

Saint Mary’s University is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new program, the Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Resource Engineering.

The first cohort of students will begin in September 2026 and will choose to specialize in one of two distinct streams: Mining Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering.

Designed in collaboration with industry, the new degree builds on a 100+ year history of delivering foundational engineering education at Saint Mary’s. The BEng is modern, interdisciplinary and is squarely aligned with regional and national priorities.

From the materials used in buildings and technology to the energy that powers homes and cities, engineers play a critical role in designing systems that responsibly produce and manage the resources required to support society.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering equips students to address the full lifecycle of resource development, from land use planning to construction and operation to reclamation, with a balanced curriculum that addresses technical, environmental, economic and societal considerations.

The two program specializations feature common core programming, with education in areas such as environmental impact assessment and risk management, lifecycle cost analysis, project management, geomatics and engineering design.

Students who specialize in Mining Engineering will undertake additional study in surface and underground mining methods, structural geology and rock mechanics, and environmental contaminants. Students in the Renewable Energy Engineering stream study solar and wind systems, biomass utilization, grid integration and energy storage technologies.

Along with coursework, the program includes 16 months of integrated co-op work placements, allowing students to connect in-class learning with real-world experience and to begin building their industry networks prior to graduation.   

“Hands-on work experience is such a critical part of engineering education,” says Dr. Sam Veres, Dean of Science at Saint Mary’s. “We’ve created a co-op program structure that’s ideal for both students and employers, where students will be able to spend 16 continuous months with a single employer, or two consecutive eight-month terms with different employers and really have the opportunity to establish themselves in the workplace, be valuable employees, and build relationships that jumpstart their careers.”

Students will study in SMU’s Engineering building, which opened in 2024

The importance of hands-on learning is apparent throughout the engineering curriculum at Saint Mary’s, with students undertaking a range of laboratory experiences and design projects beginning in first year. Students in the Resource Engineering program will get to complete five courses focused on engineering design, including an industry-based design course connected to co-op, and a two-semester-long capstone project.

“Our class sizes are strategically kept small, which gives our students opportunities for one-on-one interactions with professors for support or extra challenges, or to think about next steps in their academic and future careers,” explains Don MacNeil, the director of the Division of Engineering.

“Working in small teams facilitates the creative thinking process and encourages students to consider other perspectives, allowing them to generate innovative solutions to tackle real-life and challenging problems.”

The Division of Engineering, part of the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s, is based in the university’s new Engineering Building, located on campus at 960 Tower Road, Halifax.

Sisters in STEM: Makayla and Mia Makhlouf make multitasking look easy

Makayla and Mia Makhlouf

From her first day on campus, Mia Makhlouf had high standards to live up to. Luckily, she has an excellent role model in her sister, Makayla.

Makayla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2025. During her time as a student, Makayla was an active volunteer in student societies, organizing the first Science Gala at Saint Mary’s in November 2024—her first time managing a large event. She found sponsors, managed ticket sales, booked space, sourced decorations and many other details that made it a successful event for upwards of 150 students. She followed that success by landing a position as the Human Resources Volunteer Coordinator at the Magnetic World Music Festival, where she coordinated 100 people each day of the three-day festival in downtown Halifax.

Mia is following in her sister’s footsteps—she is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science with a Diploma in Engineering while maintaining a busy extracurricular schedule.

Along with her role as the Engineering Society’s Vice President of Media, Mia works part-time at an engineering company. She was a three-time gold medalist in public speaking with Skills Nova Scotia before returning as a coach. Her public speaking skills have also made her a valuable member of Enactus Saint Mary’s, a student-led entrepreneurial community focused on making a positive impact in their communities. She joined Enactus on Makayla's recommendation, and it has been the highlight of her time at SMU.

“One of the best things that I have done was join not just Enactus, but an extracurricular in general,” says Mia. “It can be easy to feel burnt out when you just have schoolwork all the time; being part of something else can feel like you’re accomplishing something.”

“... being part of something else can feel like you’re accomplishing something. It can also open your eyes to so many more opportunities and show you what you can do with your degree and what change you can create—like environmental or societal change.”

— Mia Makhlouf

Mia was a presenter on the national Enactus team at Saint Mary’s that won the 2025 Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand—an incredible recognition for their two student-run social enterprises, Alaagi and Square Roots. Mia’s background in public speaking began as a student at École Secondaire du Sommet, a French high school in Halifax. Her ability to apply her engineering and scientific knowledge to entrepreneurship is a key skill that allows the team to share their businesses with international judges.

Mia delivered an award-winning presentation at the Enactus World Cup in September 2025

“I didn't always realize what an important skill public speaking would be,” says Mia. “Being around my engineering peers who are very technically minded, they have such great ideas, but when it comes to presenting them, that's the hard part.”

“To explain something clearly, you must really understand it,” she says, adding that “textbook learning is one thing, but to be able to translate that into something that anyone can understand—and potentially buy into—is a real skill that's extremely valuable.”

Those public speaking skills are ones she can share with younger students. As an alumnus of the Skills Nova Scotia program, she competed at the national level for three years, delivering speeches on the value of skilled trades and technologies. She’s now a mentor and coach for high school students and will take a provincial gold medal student to the nationals.

“It was honestly better than ever winning anything to see someone that I worked with succeed…I feel like I found my calling,” says Mia.

Why Saint Mary’s?

The sisters have a family connection to the university—their aunt and uncle, Nali and Dr. Fred George, are cherished members of the Saint Mary’s community and generous donors who established scholarships in entrepreneurship and geology/business studies. Beyond that, they chose Saint Mary’s for its small classes and connected campus.

Mia loves that she got to know her professors, whose flexibility allowed her to work around Enactus competitions. The ability to take spring and summer courses also made it easier to maintain her busy schedule.

Makayla agrees, adding that she appreciates Saint Mary’s size, knowing that in the future, she’ll move to a much larger school. Makayla has been working toward becoming a doctor since high school; she is now busy studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which she’ll take in the spring. 

Choosing a career

Both Makayla and Mia have been working towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields since grade school and have mastered being well-rounded students, combining education, extracurriculars and supporting their family. They are multilingual, speaking English, French and Arabic.

“I knew that whatever field I wanted to go into, I wanted to create something of my own, whether that was interior design or fashion design,” says Mia. “I chose engineering not because I excelled at math or science, but because it challenged me. There are so many different pathways and opportunities that you can do once you're an engineer, like industry work, research or go more into entrepreneurship or leadership roles.”

Makayla’s microscopic artwork was featured in the SMU Science calendar in 2025

Makayla, who majored in biology, has aspired to study medicine for as long as she can remember. She began building a solid resume to achieve that goal while in high school, and her persistence in contacting doctors led to landing two 80-hour co-op positions in plastic surgery and physiotherapy through Nova Scotia’s O2 (Options and Opportunities) program.

“It’s a great way to see if the career you’re thinking about is the right one for you,” said Makayla, adding that she enjoyed being able to watch surgeries and meet medical students.

Makayla comes by her interest in healthcare—and community service—honestly. Their parents met when they were both volunteers with the Lebanese Red Cross in Batroun, near Beirut in northern Lebanon, before emigrating to Canada in 2000.

Their parents’ commitment to service, first through the Lebanese Red Cross and later through building a life and business in Halifax, continues to shape the sisters’ outlook and guide them as they look ahead.

As Makayla prepares for the next step toward medical school and Mia continues to balance engineering studies with leadership and mentoring, both are carrying that perspective forward. At Saint Mary’s, they found a campus where they could challenge themselves, try new things and grow into their own paths while staying grounded in the values that brought their family here in the first place.

New at SMU: Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering

Starting in fall 2026, students can earn a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Resource Engineering at Saint Mary’s. Choose between Renewable Energy Engineering and Mining Engineering.

Learn more about these exciting new programs!

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Forensic Psychology conference attracts researchers and practitioners from across the globe

Congratulations to the Department of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University for hosting the 6th Annual Canadian Forensic Psychology Virtual Conference last month! With attendance increasing every year, this annual event saw almost 600 people registered to attend from every continent (except Antarctica)!

The virtual event was an opportunity to connect with scholars and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology and learn about new, exciting work. It was a day full of presentations on research, applied insights, and critical discussion across key areas of forensic psychology, including policing, forensic mental health systems, and sexual violence prevention.

Designed for researchers, practitioners and students working in forensic psychology, justice-related fields, or with justice-involved populations, speakers included student presenters, professors from Saint Mary’s University, industry professionals and the following keynote speakers:  

Dr. Charlene Senn, University of Windsor — Reducing Sexual Violence on Campus Through Evidence-Based Prevention

Dr. Craig Bennell, Carleton University — Educating the Public About Policing: A Path to Improved Police Legitimacy

Dr. Anne Crocker, Université de Montréal — From Individual Risk to Systemic Vulnerability: Reimagining Forensic Mental Health Research for a Changing World

The conference was hosted by Dr. Veronica Stinson, Dr. Meg Ternes and a team of forensic psychology students, including Stephanie Chen and Maryann Pitre. Check our website for news about the 2027 conference.

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The Department of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level psychology programs including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, an honours program, a Certificate in Forensic Psychology, Master’s in Applied Psychology (Forensic Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology) and PhD in I/O Psychology.

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

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

Brittany Cormier

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

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

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

From lived experience to applied research 

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

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

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

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

What the ads revealed 

The findings were striking. 

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

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

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

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

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

Why it matters 

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

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

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

The Saint Mary’s influence 

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead 

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

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

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

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

Charting the universe: From Saint Mary's to the cosmos

Dr. Lousie Edwards MSc’03 is one of the first Black Canadians to earn a PhD in astronomy

By Tara Thorne

Dr. Lousie Edwards MSc’03

A quarter-century ago, Dr. Louise Edwards MSc'03 took a chance on a city she’d never visited, switched coasts and began her Master of Science in Astronomy at Saint Mary’s.

“It was on the ocean, which was familiar,” said Edwards, who grew up in British Columbia and received her undergrad at the University of Victoria. “I was very excited to go to Halifax. As a Black Canadian, I knew there was a large community of Black folks there, which in Victoria didn’t exist then. I was really excited about that.”

She arrived to a small cohort of four students, two a year ahead of her, Glenn Kacprzak and Edwards.

“We all became very good friends. People were very friendly – not just in the reputation of east coasters, but also in the close-knit nature of the department,” said Edwards from Washington, DC, where she’s a Program Director at the National Science Foundation until she returns to her job as associate professor of physics at California Polytechnic State University next year. “David Clark was one of my professors. He knew we were coming across the country for school, and he invited us to his home for Thanksgiving that year.”

Edwards reached a very particular height that few other scientists can claim – while at Saint Mary’s, she was chosen to appear on a stamp as part of a Canada Post series celebrating universities.

Edwards was featured on the Saint Mary’s stamp, part of the Canadian Universities Collection (2002) by Steven Slipp Design

“Saint Mary’s has had astronomy for a very long time, and they told me they wanted to honour that tradition.” Edwards and Kacprzak were each photographed for the stamp, “and we had no idea who would get chosen until it came out.” (Spoiler: It was her.)

“I was wearing a silver chenille super-fluffy sweater. But they had Photoshopped it so I’m wearing a Saint Mary’s sweatshirt,” she laughed. “My mom bought up a whole lot of stamps.”

Since receiving her master’s in 2003, Edwards has been travelling around North America teaching and studying. Her area of focus is, humbly, the largest objects in the universe, including the brightest cluster galaxies and the cosmic web. She received her Ph.D. from Université Laval – one of the first Black Canadians to earn the degree in astronomy – and conducted her postdoctoral research at Caltech and Trent University. She taught at Mount Allison and Yale before landing at Cal Poly.

She has been based in California since 2016, but has been on leave since the summer of 2024 to serve on rotation for the National Science Foundation, where she administers funding for research in astrophysics.

Hot-button topics include instrumentation; Edwards points to a new telescope at the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile as an example. “It’s going to give us more galaxies and stars than have ever been observed in all of history.” There’s also a significant amount of research surrounding Artificial Intelligence. “AI is so much bigger than ChatGPT. It encompasses a range of computational techniques and advancements, including machine learning. Astronomers have been very involved and even crucial to the development of computation.”

Edwards’ role is to guide the process to determine which scientists should receive funding from the Foundation, which has a nearly $10 billion annual budget and accounts for a quarter of the federal funding received by American academic institutions for research. “One of the reasons that the U.S. and Canada have such strong science and economies is because there’s this investment – strong and steady in science and engineering.”

It’s a big, exciting job, and she’s having a blast doing it.

“I get to read everybody’s top ideas in the moment,” said Edwards. “I’m seeing the science everybody wants to do right now, today.”

Disclaimer: This material was written while Dr. Edwards was serving at the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the Federal government.

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This story was featured in the Fall edition of the Maroon + White alumni magazine. Visit the online magazine to read more alumni stories!

Career Week: February 3-11, 2026

Join us for SMU Career Week from February 3-11! This week-long series of activities is designed to support students and new alumni at all stages of their academic journey as they plan their professional futures.

Career Week includes both virtual and in-person events, offering insights, connections and unique perspectives from valued community partners, SMU subject matter experts, employer partners and alumni. You’ll be inspired to explore, plan and build a strong foundation for success. 

Thank you to Sobeys, our Career Week sponsor. Join the Sobeys event on February 3 to learn about a career in retail with Sobeys.

Accessibility Information: We aim to make our events inclusive for everyone. Please email cel@smu.ca with any accessibility requests or specific accommodations.  

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Career Week 2026 Events

Sobeys – Retail Reimagined

The careers you don’t expect at Sobeys    

Tuesday, February 3
4-6 p.m.
Loyola 290

“It’s all about people!” You'll hear this echo through the halls of Sobeys—and now we're inviting you to experience it firsthand. 

Join us for an evening with leaders who've shaped one of Canada's most iconic retailers, born and raised right here in Nova Scotia. Hear directly from Sobeys executives and former students who've turned internships into thriving careers. Discover what it really takes to succeed in retail, from supply chain to store operations, and everything in between. 

This isn't just another corporate presentation. It's your chance to connect with people who have walked your path, ask the questions that matter, and explore opportunities with an organization that's deeply rooted in Nova Scotia.

Come ready to connect, learn and see why at Sobeys, it really is about the people. 

Open to all students, this free, reception-style event includes food, swag bags and the chance to network directly with Sobeys recruiters. Registration is required.  

Register here.

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Summer Job & New Grad Career Fair

Wednesday, February 4
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Forty organizations in one room, ready to talk with students and recent graduates from Arts, Science, and Commerce. Whether you're seeking a co-op work term, internship, summer job or full-time work after graduation, this fair is for you!

• Learn more here

• Register on Career360

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Year 2 at SMU Lunch & Learn

Thursday, February 5
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Loyola Academic 178

Second year students: this session is for YOU! Learn how to separate career myths from facts and find out how you can leverage your university experience for career success.

Register here.

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Rise and Thrive: Unlocking Black Brilliance Panel

Thursday, February 5
4-6 p.m.
Sobey 422

At this panel event, you will learn about empowerment, growth and excellence in career development, as well as strategies for overcoming barriers and taking initiative in your professional life. It’s about moving beyond survival to success and flourishing in your career. Learn about the unique creativity and innovation that Black alumni bring to their respective fields as we create spaces where Black excellence is seen, valued, and elevated.

Register here.

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Get a Job with the Government of Canada

Friday, February 6
12-1 p.m.
Online event 

Join the Public Service Commission of Canada to learn about the various job opportunities for students and graduates, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program, Co-op and the Research Affiliate Program.

Learn about support programs for Indigenous students and students with disabilities, and ask about the types of careers you can pursue with the Government of Canada. 

Register here.

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Networking Event for International Students

Friday, February 6
1-3:15 p.m.
Loyola 186

Recruiters from several industries will share tips and strategies for job search success in this interactive session featuring both a larger panel presentation and smaller breakout discussion groups. Listen, ask questions, network and get the inside scoop on what employers want!

Limited spaces available.

Register here.

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Resume Development: Beyond the Basics

Friday, February 6
2-3 p.m.
Online event

Explore, learn and build a resume that truly reflects your unique self and helps you stand out from the competition! This webinar will help you develop a professional resume that reflects a collection of your strengths, experiences and skills in a way that employers can easily understand.

Register here.

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LinkedIn Photoshoot

Monday, February 9
2-4 p.m.
Student Centre 401

Elevate your LinkedIn profile with a new professional photo! Come by Career & Experiential Learning to have your headshot taken by a professional photographer, for free. Be sure to sign up for a slot in the Career360 calendar. Remember to dress in professional attire!

Register here.

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How To Help People in Your Career

You don't have to be a therapist (unless you want to!)

Monday, February 9
4-5:15 p.m.
Loyola Academic 173

Are you considering a career as a therapist because you want to help people? This session explores various options and possibilities for supporting individuals and communities, while also delving into the career pathways for different types of therapists.

Register here.

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From Student to Leader: On-Campus Jobs Explained

Tuesday, February 10
2:30-4 p.m.
Loyola Academic 277

Interested in an on-campus job or leadership role for next year or this summer? Join Peer Success Coaches to learn what roles are posted in February, hear peer tips on applying, and explore the benefits of these positions. You'll gain insights from Career Services Professionals on how to identify the skills gained from these roles and make them transferable to a professional job.

Register here.

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B.Ed. Network & Prep Fair

Tuesday, February 10
4-6 p.m.
Sobey 422

Considering applying to Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs? Have questions about admission requirements and whether you're on track? Bring your questions—and transcripts—to the B.Ed. Network & Prep Fair. Connect with representatives from B.Ed. programs across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, along with SMU Academic Advisors and Career Coaches. You'll receive personalized guidance, get confirmation that you're on track, and discover ways to strengthen your application.

Register here.

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Grad Expo

Wednesday, February 11
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons

Are you graduating in 2026? Attend the Grad Expo to learn about alumni benefits, student loan repayment, resources for new graduates, and more!  Calnen Photography will be on site for grad photos - book your session here.

Register here.

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Workplace Wellness & Accessibility

Wednesday, February 11
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom

Learn how to self-advocate at work, tips on identifying inclusive job postings and employers, as well as how to navigate and request workplace accommodations.

Register here.

Turning a diagnosis into impact: How Emma McGill is building community through Gluten Free Living

Emma McGill presents at a JA Nova Scotia event

Emma McGill sits comfortably between two worlds, science and entrepreneurship. An astrophysics and anthropology student, Emma is also the founder of Gluten Free Living. With support from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the growing initiative focuses on supporting people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

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A post shared by Saint Mary's University (@smuhalifax)

Emma’s journey into entrepreneurship began long before she ever thought of starting a business. At 12 years old, she was diagnosed with celiac disease, a moment that quickly reshaped everyday life for her and her family. Suddenly, grocery shopping became expensive and time-consuming, with gluten-free alternatives costing significantly more and often falling short in quality.

“I was told by my doctor that celiac disease was one of the easiest illnesses to live with because you just have to change your diet,” Emma recalls. “But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

As she grew older, Emma became more aware of how isolating the condition could be. Eating out with friends, attending work events or finding reliable information often came with stress and uncertainty. What stood out most was the lack of accessible, centralized support for people navigating similar experiences.

This gap is what inspired Gluten Free Living, with the platform currently growing through community events and social channels. It aims to create safe spaces where people can connect, share information and find trusted gluten-free options. In the long term, Emma envisions Gluten Free Living as a fully developed app that brings together verified health information, restaurant resources and practical financial tools, including an AI-powered assistant to help users navigate Canada’s complex celiac-related tax credits.

“The cost of gluten-free food can be two to five times higher than regular food,” Emma says. “I wanted to build something that helps people not only protect their health, but also manage the financial reality that comes with it.”

While entrepreneurship might seem far from astrophysics, Emma sees more overlap than expected. Skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork and proposal writing transfer easily between the lab and the business world. Her involvement with Enactus Saint Mary’s has further strengthened those skills, connecting her with a community of students who are driven to create a meaningful impact.

That sense of momentum has only grown following Enactus Saint Mary’s recent World Cup win in Bangkok, Thailand, which Emma believes has energized the broader entrepreneurial community both on campus and beyond. “There’s this excitement now,” she says. “People feel encouraged to build things that matter.”

For Emma, Gluten Free Living is about more than food. It’s about visibility, connection and reminding people that they’re not alone.

“You shouldn’t have to struggle quietly just because something is labelled as ‘manageable,’” she says. “Community makes a difference.”

Interested in learning more about how entrepreneurship can blend with other areas of study? Explore programs and events here.

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Watch Emma’s interview on CTV News

Women in engineering honoured during annual ceremony

A student places a white rose to honour the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique Montréal shooting

14 victims remembered

Roses to represent each victim

President Michael Khan with Mishka Hemmings, recipient of the 2025 Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship

On Monday, December 8, the Saint Mary’s community gathered to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. This annual event marks the anniversary of the 1989 mass shooting at École Polytechnique Montréal, when 14 women were killed, and others were injured, in an attack fueled by anti-feminism. The solemn event serves as an essential reminder of the ongoing issue of gender-based violence faced by many across Canada.

Dee Dooley, Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Advisor, speaks during the ceremony

“We hold this ceremony to honour the lives of the fourteen women who were lost on December 6, 1989 and all victim-survivors of gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination,” said Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor.

“Each year, a dedicated group of faculty, staff, and students collaborate to take a stand: ensuring that we remember this dark history and work towards equity and inclusion on our campus. I am proud of SMU's commitment to advancing cultural change in an effort to build a safer and more empowering world for all, on this day and every other day of the year.”

The ceremony took place during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which included a number of supportive and community-focused events.

The event also provides a moment of hope and celebration. Each year, a female engineering student is awarded the Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship. This year’s recipient is Mishka Hemmings, a first-year student in the Bachelor of Science with a Diploma in Engineering program.

Meet Mishka Hemmings

Mishka Hemmings

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mishka says she chose Saint Mary’s for its small, interactive classes, hands-on approach and availability of professors.

“I chose to study engineering because I love solving real-world problems and creating practical solutions that make life better,” says Mishka. “It allows me to blend creativity with analytical thinking.”

Mishka’s dream of becoming a civil engineer, building safe and lasting structures for people to call home, propelled her to return to school as a mature student. The recent devastation in her home country caused by Hurricane Melissa has strengthened her resolve to succeed.

“Witnessing this tragedy has transformed my dream into a mission: to help rebuild my country stronger, safer, and better than before.”

At 29 years old, it took courage and determination to overcome challenges and return to school. She had always wanted to study engineering, but limited resources and the lack of professional guidance were barriers to overcome. After more than a decade in finance and administration, she was able to pursue this goal.

“The field remains male-dominated, and stepping into it later in life came with doubts and fears, but I refused to let those barriers determine my future,” says Mishka.

Explaining her connection to the 14 women who lost their lives 36 years ago in Montréal, Mishka says she found strength in the stories of women who dared to dream beyond societal expectations.

“The story of one woman in particular, Maud Haviernick, deeply resonates with me,” she says. “Like me, she was 29 years old and already held a degree when she chose to return to her dream in engineering. I believe we shared similar struggles in making that decision, though she faced even greater gender barriers in 1989 than I do today; nonetheless, she still persevered. Her courage continues to inspire me, as she was never able to achieve her dream, but for both of us, I am determined to achieve mine.”