For the birds: Star student researchers study European starlings

European starlings are banded and studied by biology students on SMU campus

Dr. Colleen Barber and student researchers

Nest boxes can be seen around campus

For 20 years, Dr. Colleen Barber has been using a long-term study on European starlings to teach her students research skills

The Saint Mary’s University campus in Halifax’s south end is the perfect location for an interesting long-term research project on birds—specifically European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), which thrive in urban settings. There are more than 40 nest boxes scattered across the campus.

Dr. Colleen Barber has been guiding her biology students in conducting research on these resilient birds for more than 20 years. They have produced theses and published papers on the effects of climate change on this species, its songs, mate choice, parental investment, and the types and abundance of garbage found in its nests.

European starlings are not native to Nova Scotia but have been here for more than 100 years. They have adapted well to urban living, creating nests from natural and anthropogenic materials, including plastics and other litter.

“We have discovered that European starlings have many reproductive strategies—they have a very dynamic mating system,” says Dr. Barber. 

“Some nestlings belong to both parents who are feeding them (within-pair young), while other nestlings genetically belong only to the mom or dad (extra-pair maternity or paternity), and some nestlings don’t genetically belong to either parent (intraspecific brood parasitism).”

Dr. Barber’s students have used campus nest boxes to research why the starlings use garbage and feathers in their nests. Others have studied why male starlings mimic the calls of blue jays, chickadees, crows and sirens. Student teams have also examined the effects of ectoparasites that live on the birds’ skin and feathers.

Students take their first set of measurements when the nestlings are five days old. They measure the birds’ size and weight and take small blood samples to determine parentage through DNA microsatellite analysis. They return to the nest boxes when the nestlings are 11 days old, taking the same measurements to record growth rate. They also capture the parents to band and measure them and to take a small blood sample.

The research is interesting—this species is the proverbial “canary in the coal mine,” displaying the effects of climate change in its nesting, reproductive strategies and breeding success.

Dr. Barber is a calm, reassuring presence as she instructs students in taking careful measurements, banding the birds’ legs, and recording data. For her, teaching students how to do research is the overarching goal of the project.

“Seeing my students become sure of themselves as researchers—learning to do the research and interpret their results accurately is gratifying as a teacher and a mentor,” says Dr. Barber.

Watch:

Sobey School of Business earns Level 4 “Transforming” designation in Positive Impact Rating

The Sobey School of Business

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University has been recognized again in 2026 as a Level 4 "Transforming School" in the Positive Impact Rating (PIR).

The PIR is a global tool that evaluates how effectively schools prepare graduates to contribute positively to society and address complex global challenges. The evaluation is conducted by students, for students.

Achieving Level 4 places the Sobey School among a select group of business schools worldwide recognized for embedding positive impact throughout their institutional culture, governance systems and educational activities.

Students cited the school’s energizing culture as a strength, one that the Sobey School is particularly proud of. In their evaluation, students encouraged Sobey to find new and additional opportunities to further embed sustainability across all learning methods.

Rory MacDonald, Sobey Sustainability Society President

Sobey Sustainability Society President Rory MacDonald said, “Our Society respects that the Sobey School measures its sustainability impact based on student feedback and takes action on that feedback. Students are the heart of SMU, and I am proud to attend a school that values each and every person, bringing us together through our differences.” 

The Sobey School is proud to be ranked alongside peer institutions like Esade, Bologna Business School, Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, Bern University of Applied Sciences Business School, IÉSEG School of Management, Monash Business School, Australia, and Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, demonstrating the global reach of PIR recognition.

The Sobey School of Business has been an early North American leader in following the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a signatory since 2014 and a PRME Champion since 2021, and accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS. This places Sobey in the 1% of business schools in the world with both accreditations. These, along with the PRME commitment and the PIR, provide regular opportunities to assess and measure the impact and quality of the education and experiences offered to students and alumni.

Students tackle deer challenges at the ‘Oh Deer! Help Our Urban Gardens Hackathon'

Students attended the hackathon at CLARI at Saint Mary’s University

This May, post-secondary students from across Nova Scotia came together for the ‘Oh Deer! Help Our Urban Gardens Hackathon’, an entrepreneurial challenge focused on finding creative, sustainable solutions to the growing issue of urban deer populations damaging community gardens.

Hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Centre for Leadership Excellence, City of Halifax, CLARI, Common Roots Urban Farm and JustFood, the hackathon challenged students to develop practical, community-ready ideas that could help protect urban growing spaces while balancing environmental considerations. To ensure participants had a strong understanding of the problem, the experience began outside the classroom.

In addition to research and solution development, students were invited to visit the Common Roots Urban Farm Bi-Hi location for a live garden drop-in experience. They had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact deer can have on urban agriculture, speak with those managing the challenge daily and gain valuable context for their projects.

The hands-on visit was followed by an interactive Ask Me Anything session with a Common Roots Urban Farm Manager, who shared insights, answered questions and helped students better understand the realities of maintaining a thriving urban garden in the face of increasing wildlife pressures.

Common Roots Urban Farm BiHi Park
Source: Common Roots

Urban deer seen in Halifax

Over the course of the hackathon, students worked collaboratively to transform their observations and research into innovative solutions. Teams explored a variety of approaches, combining entrepreneurial thinking, sustainability principles and community impact to address a real-world problem.

SMU’s winning team: Elijah Bucci, Malik Abdullahi, Wyn Go, Chloe Staple

After presenting their final pitches, Saint Mary’s University students Malik Abdullahi, Chloe Staple, Wyn Go and Elijah Bucci were awarded first place for their solution.

For winning team member Malik Abdullahi, the experience was both rewarding and eye-opening.

“The Oh Deer Hackathon was an amazing experience because we got to tackle a real issue impacting our local community. Collaborating as a team to pitch a sustainable solution after getting insights from the Common Roots Urban Farm team gave us real insight on how entrepreneurial thinking can solve environmental challenges. Winning first place was definitely a proud moment for all of us!”

A special thank you to the Centre for Leadership Excellence, the City of Halifax, CLARI, Common Roots Urban Farm and JustFood for their partnership and support in bringing this hackathon to life and providing students with a valuable real-world learning experience.

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If you are interested in joining opportunities like this in the future, sign up for the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s newsletter to learn more about future opportunities.

New major in Sustainability Management launches at Saint Mary's

“Sustainability is a competitive advantage.” – Mary Barra, CEO General Motors

Environmental responsibility and equity are key career themes for today’s students. A new Sustainability Management major in the Sobey School of Business Bachelor of Commerce program will help students address real challenges, such as climate change, responsible resource use and social impact, through a business career. Students will learn how organizations balance environmental responsibility, community and societal well-being, and economic success.

The program includes courses like Sustainable Finance, Sustainability Accounting, Reporting and Assurance, Business Ethics and Responsibility, and Economics of Sustainability, as well as elective courses in Arts and Science. While the major is a standalone program, it has been specially designed to work well as a second major alongside other disciplines such as Finance, Management or Marketing.

The program will include important experiential learning elements that deepen a student’s understanding outside of the classroom, including opportunities to work hands-on with organizations on real sustainability challenges. Graduates may pursue careers in fields like responsible investing, corporate sustainability management, ESG analysis and sustainability consulting.

The new Sustainability Management major is a natural next step for the Sobey School, as our students and alumni have long demonstrated commitment to environmental and social sustainability, through building social enterprises like Square Roots; societies like Enactus, Women in Business and the new Sustainability Society; and through participating in national and international case competitions themed for ethics, responsible leadership and sustainability.

Commitment to sustainability

The Sobey School of Business is a signatory to PRME, a United Nations initiative. Its focus is ensuring that business schools equip future leaders with the skills needed to balance economic, social and environmental goals, with particular emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sobey is a PRME Champion school, signalling a greater commitment and intention to be a thought leader in responsible leadership.

Our research centres focus on topics related to sustainability, including social entrepreneurship and impact, immigration economics, and co-operative businesses.

Saint Mary’s University has a reputation for environmental and social responsibility that is evident in everything from our research endeavours to our academic programs to many on-campus activities and initiatives. The new major joins a number of sustainability-focused undergraduate programs at the university.

Related:

• Certificate in Sustainability Business

• Bachelor of Commerce programs

• Sustainability at Saint Mary’s

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!

A new tradition: Atlantic Sustainable Marketing Case Competition debuts at Saint Mary’s

Students presented compelling pitches at the inaugural Atlantic Sustainable Marketing Case Competition hosted at Saint Mary’s

The Sobey School of Business was buzzing as students from across Atlantic Canada gathered for the inaugural Atlantic Sustainable Marketing Case Competition (ASMCC).

Twelve undergraduate teams from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, the University of New Brunswick and the University of Prince Edward Island tackled real-world marketing challenges through a sustainability lens, with more than 80 students, faculty, judges, sponsors and volunteers participating.

From idea to reality

Katie and Chris welcome participants to the case competition

ASMCC started as a bold idea from student co-chairs Katie Murray and Chris Nemeskeri, aiming to give students hands-on experience solving real-world business challenges.

"I’m super proud of what Chris and I have built together from scratch," says Katie Murray. "Starting all of it was a learning curve, but it gave me so much experience for my future endeavours."

"Our goal was to create a platform for students to tackle real-world challenges through a sustainable and innovative lens," says Chris Nemeskeri.

With support from advisor Dr. Hao Lu and Dean of the Sobey School Dr. Michel Delorme, the team managed everything—from branding and sponsorships to logistics—turning a student-led idea into a full-scale competition

The challenge

This year’s case partner, Sprout Dwellings, challenged teams to rethink their marketing strategy as the company transitioned from business-to-consumer to business-to-business marketing while expanding into larger developments.

Students had just three days to analyze the case, submit slide decks and present their solutions to a panel of judges. The case, designed by Jocelyn Grabke and Yanting Wu, has been submitted to the Sustainability Case Writing Awards through Ivey Publishing.

After preliminary rounds, six teams advanced to the finals, showcasing creativity, strategy and professionalism.

Top honours went to:

• 1st Place – Saint Mary’s University: Vaishali Sachdeva, Trang Truong, Hazza Sujeer, Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo

• 2nd Place – Dalhousie University: Ryan Ski, Jaime Mason, Naomi Johnston

• 3rd Place – University of New Brunswick: Rahma Khanes, Domenica Vasco, Natalie Liscuna, Matthew Heans

Judges praised the level of preparation and insight. "The level of preparation and creative thinking was inspiring," said one judge.

First-place team: Saint Mary’s University

Second-place team: Dalhousie University

Third-place team: UNB

Expanding sustainability in the Sobey School of Business

ASMCC highlights Saint Mary’s growing focus on sustainability and experiential learning. Building on the competition’s success, the Sobey School of Business will launch a new sustainability-focused major in Fall 2026.

The Sustainability Management Program will prepare students to integrate responsible practices throughout a business. Students will tackle real-world challenges, develop sustainable solutions and gain the skills to lead organizations with social and environmental impact in mind. Learn more here.

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.

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

Molega Lake. Credit: Kelly Umlah

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

Molega Lake. Credit: Kelly Umlah

Kingsburg - Invasive Species Removal. Credit: Kelly Umlah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Event on campus

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

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

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

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

Celebrating 50 years of Geography and Environmental Studies

With 2025 in the rearview mirror, it’s timely to look back at the year’s highlights marking the 50th anniversary of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

Dr. Amber Silver BSc’10

Dr. Amber Silver BSc’10 was the alumni guest speaker for the department’s special anniversary event on November 20, delivering an Arts With Impact lecture on “Hazardous Weather in Atlantic Canada: Public Perceptions and Responses.”

During her talk, she recalled how studying geography got her back on track as a student and put her firmly on the path toward her dream job. Her first year at another Halifax university hadn’t worked out, so she ended up leaving school. During a break one day on her shift at a Halifax call centre, she flipped through a coworker’s Saint Mary’s University academic calendar.

A course on natural hazards jumped out, “and everything just clicked into place,” she said in a recent interview for Maroon + White. “In that moment, I decided to return to university, but this time to geography.”

Silver had loved geography in high school, but didn’t realize it was available as a university program. She was also fascinated with natural disasters and severe weather such as hurricanes. From the very first class at SMU, she knew she was in the right place. With the program’s focus on experiential learning, she has fond memories of field studies on saltwater marshes and Minas Basin mudflats with Dr. Danika van Proosdij, as well as transformative field trips to Boston and Washington.  

Dr. Amber Silver presented ‘Hazardous Weather in Atlantic Canada: Public Perceptions and Responses’ at SMU

Now Silver works in the U.S., teaching students about the human dimensions of natural disasters as an Associate Professor in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany in New York. Her current research focuses on the role of misinformation and disinformation in the public’s understanding of natural hazards and disasters.

Dr. Stephanie Rogers BA’07

Dr. Stephanie Rogers BA’07 also shares fond memories of how she stumbled into the geography program and found her passion. She had been exploring various academic interests when a schoolmate recommended a course taught by a “rockstar instructor,” Rogers recalled in a recent article, Mapping the future from the ground – and the sky. “Once I took that class, I was hooked.”

The rockstar instructor was Dr. Cathy Conrad, and Rogers remembers working with her on a river-related Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps project. She encourages students to get involved in research early. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask if a professor has openings in their lab. Without that hands-on experience I obtained in university, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. 

For Rogers, what began as a curiosity about maps evolved into a career exploring how technology can deepen our understanding of the environment. She is now an Associate Professor and runs the GeoIDEALab in the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University in Alabama. Some of her research uses geospatial data from drones and satellites to study water quality, which offers faster and more flexible methods than traditional field sampling.

Dr. Cathy Conrad is a Saint Mary’s alumna (BA’93) and the mother of a current SMU student and a SMU alumnus. She was in the spotlight during Homecoming Week in October, at a Faculty Author Reading event celebrating 50 years of both Geography and the Patrick Power Library. Conrad’s talk offered a personal autoethnography of her own lived experiences as the mother of a migrant, wife of a migrant and daughter of a migrant, and how that has influenced her own migration research.

Dr. Cathy Conrad presented a Faculty Author talk during Homecoming

Through geography field courses, students can explore physical and human geography in other parts of the world. In March, Conrad brought a class to The Gambia to learn about the West African nation's history, culture and geography. In 2027, the Geography and Environmental Studies department teams up with the History department to offer the “Difficult Heritage – Europe” field course, featuring a 10-day trip to Berlin and Paris to explore heritage sites associated with the Second World War.

Coming up this winter, a new international field course is heading to South Korea, with Dr. Min-Jung Kwak at the helm. The learning starts in seminars here on campus and the field trip will enrich students’ understanding of South Korea's physical and cultural landscapes. The course is a collaboration between the geography and Asian studies programs.

On November 7, Kwak marked Geography’s 50th anniversary by hosting Nova Scotia’s first Korean Diaspora Studies Conference, on the theme of Borders, Boundaries and Displacement. Open to the public, the event included panels and keynotes, plus a film screening and special talk on “The Predicament of (Korean) Diasporic Cinema: An Exploration of Past Lives“. The conference highlighted the growing importance of South Korea and Asia as key economic and political partners for Canada, as well as the rapidly changing demographic landscape in Nova Scotia.   

A speaker at the Korean Diaspora Studies Conference at SMU

Over the past five decades, one of the geography program’s greatest features has been the diversity it offers. Students can study geography as a major or honours in both the BA and BSc programs, and as a minor in a BA, BSc or BES degree. Geography also offers electives and concentrations to students in any program across the university. The program is closely connected to specialized research labs and institutes, such as the Wicked Problems Lab, the Maritime Provinces Spatial Analysis Research Centre, and TransCoastal Adaptations: Centre for Nature-Based Solutions.

It also offers co-op options with government agencies, consulting firms and environmental or planning organizations, such as the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), as students learned at a GIS Day event planned by student Miranda Frison, who is doing a Master of Arts in Geography.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is digital mapping with both human and environmental applications across disciplines. Two guest speakers from CSA shared their perspectives on career possibilities for students with GIS experience: Jean Bergeron, Mission Scientist for Sun-Earth System Science, and Dirk Werle, Senior Expert in Earth Observation, Utilization, and Services. 

GIS Day at SMU

“GIS Day can introduce people to the subject and how it is used in every industry in some shape and form,” said Frison. Her own thesis research focuses on threatened lichen species in Atlantic Canada; learn more in this Esri Geographical Thinking podcast. As a teaching assistant at SMU and current president of the Geomatics Association of Nova Scotia (GANS), Frison encourages students to learn how to use GIS software to expand their research horizons.

“It has been very rewarding seeing when it clicks for students and as they get excited about possible future projects,” she says.

In her lecture, Dr. Silver emphasized how geography opens up versatile career paths in public health, transportation, urban planning, education, research, policy development and so much more. She said she was honoured to acknowledge the geography program’s many accomplishments in her lecture.

“To say [the program] does a phenomenal job of preparing students for the interesting, dynamic and unique discipline of geography is an understatement. It expects a lot of its students—but it gives students so much in return,” said Silver.

Related

• Weathering the Journey: How One Alum Found Her Calling

• Learn more about Geography at SMU

• Learn more about Environmental Studies at SMU

• Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

How students reimagined sustainable retail for Hope Blooms

Students pitched their strategies to Hope Blooms at the Experience Ventures hackathon

Hackathon participants with staff from Hope Blooms, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Sobey School of Business

As part of Responsible Leadership Day, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre partnered with the David Sobey Retailing Centre and the Sobey School of Business to host the final Sustainable Retail Hackathon of the semester. The event brought together students from Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University to tackle a real challenge faced by Hope Blooms, a local social enterprise known for its youth-led urban agriculture, community impact and inspiring history.

What made this hackathon especially meaningful was the story that sits at the heart of Hope Blooms. Many people in Nova Scotian remember the moment in 2013 when six youth from the organization appeared on Dragon’s Den to pitch their dream of building a greenhouse that would allow them to grow produce all year long. They asked for $10,000. They walked away with $40,000 and a deal that kept 100% of the profits in their community. One of those six youth was Kolade Boboye, who returned over a decade later to join the hackathon as a representative and judge.

The hackathon brought together 11 students from marketing, management, entrepreneurship and general business programs. While the event primarily targeted undergraduate business students interested in sustainability and retail innovation, the group brought a mix of perspectives and problem-solving styles that helped fuel collaboration.

After Hope Blooms presented their challenge—finding ways to increase public awareness of the social enterprise side of their organization—students had just three days to research, ideate and build out their recommendations. Teams then gathered to pitch strategies such as impact-based loyalty programs, QR codes that highlight real youth stories and campaigns amplifying youth voices directly. The goal wasn’t to choose a winner but to generate meaningful, actionable ideas that could support the next phase of Hope Blooms’ growth.

“The students’ attention to detail was nice to see and so was their commitment to doing the work,” said Jesse Jollymore, Executive Director at Hope Blooms.  

Students shared their own reflections as well, with MSVU student Joshua Foster explaining, “For me, it was more than the money, I was focused on the challenge and wanted to make an impact. This is a good business, and the business is smart to get students involved.” SMU student Jonah Bucci added, “I enjoyed interacting with a real business and its problems, and the short timeframe made it exciting.”

The hackathon was hosted as part of the Experience Ventures program, supported by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary. As the final hackathon of the semester, it offered students a chance to apply entrepreneurial thinking in a hands-on way and support one of Halifax’s most inspiring community organizations in the process.

Learn more about Experience Ventures at SMU.

Community, creativity and vintage fashion come together at an Innovation Sprint!

All student participants with Laura MacNutt of KingsPIER Vintage

First place team at the Innovation Sprint

Second place team in the Innovation Sprint

Third place team in the Innovation Sprint

For the final internal Innovation Sprint of the fall term, students from across Nova Scotia came together at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to collaborate with KingsPIER Vintage, a local business known for its luxury vintage and sustainable apparel, footwear and accessories. Founded by Mount Allison and NSCAD alum Laura MacNutt, KingsPIER has become a go-to spot in Halifax for people who appreciate high-quality, curated vintage pieces. Laura’s passion for sustainability began during her academic years and it now guides every part of her business. 

This Sprint carried a special excitement, especially because some students were already familiar with KingsPIER and were eager to support Laura’s work. The session brought together a diverse mix of 28 students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University and Memorial University. The group included undergraduate students, MTEI students, and master’s students from programs such as nursing, computer science, and engineering. Their variety of backgrounds created a collaborative environment filled with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. 

Shane Sayge Powell-Hayward, a SMU student from the faculty of science, says: “It was an amazing time. I really enjoyed thinking creatively and working with the team through challenges, and I would participate again.” 

Hosted in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the Sprint invited students to explore real challenges that KingsPIER is facing in inventory management, marketing and customer engagement. Students brainstormed a wide range of ideas, including hosting virtual workshops, partnering with Elevate Media (a business from a previous Provincial Innovation Sprint) and collaborating with the KingsPIER to connect with cruise ship customers visiting Halifax. 

Laura MacNutt, founder of KingsPIER Vintage, says: “I had a worthwhile afternoon at the Innovation Sprint. I learned a lot and loved seeing the creative responses and cooperation among students.” 

The winning team — Prabhath Sundarapalli and Hinesh Jayeshkumar Patel from Dalhousie University — stood out with an idea focused on virtual tours for KingsPIER’s website. Their concept included online walkthroughs, workshops and educational content to help spread awareness about the sustainable vintage market and consignment shopping. They also proposed a better inventory model that preserves the story behind each unique item. 

Second place went to the team of Jane Truong (SMU), Mo Li (Dal), and Ibrahim Haddad DipENG’23, who presented thoughtful ideas centered on customer connection and operational improvements. Third place was awarded to Adam Traore and Benjamin Harper from SMU, along with Dal student Aiden Sheppard, who suggested a membership model designed to engage loyal customers and encourage sustainable purchasing habits while also supporting consistent cash flow. Laura left with new strategies to explore, and students walked away with valuable experience working on a real local business challenge. 

Visit our website to learn more about Innovation Sprint.