Research Expo highlights innovation and collaboration across campus

President Michael Khan learns about a SMU research project at the Research Expo

Saint Mary’s welcomed more than 150 participants to this year’s Research Expo, a key annual event showcasing the range of research underway across campus. The Expo featured 30 exhibitors and a series of engaging three‑minute pitch presentations on topics spanning early‑literacy challenges, health and well‑being, and end‑of‑life care preferences.

The Research Expo is an annual event that allows faculty, staff, students and external partners to connect, exchange ideas and spark new collaborations. Representatives from Science, Arts, and the Sobey School of Business joined colleagues from industry, government, and community organizations to explore ongoing and emerging projects from across the university.

Dr. Bitu Hurisso, Chemistry Lab Technician, received the Staff Research Recognition Award from Dr. Adam Sarty, AVP Research and Dean of FGSR

An event highlight was the presentation of the Staff Research Recognition Award, given annually since 2010 to a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional support for faculty research. This year’s recipient, Dr. Bitu Hurisso, serves as the Chemistry Laboratory Technician and is widely recognized for his expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student and faculty success. Dr. Hurisso was praised for his solutions‑focused leadership, his expertise in maintaining advanced instrumentation, and his valued role as an instructor and mentor to students within the chemistry department.

The Research Expo is hosted by the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) within the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, which works to facilitate research partnerships between Saint Mary’s scholars and external organizations, including companies, government bodies and not‑for‑profits.

By bringing people and ideas together, the Research Expo continues to strengthen connections across campus and support the vibrant research culture at Saint Mary’s.

For more details about the presenters, visit the Research Expo website. 

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The Research Expo was featured on CTV News

Community Service Learning: Connecting coursework, communities and contributions that benefit everyone

Community Service Learning Team: Masrooq Hossain, Diego Ramos, Novella Nicchitta and Keslyn States

The Saint Mary’s Community Service Learning (CSL) program has seen unprecedented success and growth in recent academic terms, reflecting strong student and faculty interest in community-engaged learning. Through collaborative projects that address community-identified needs, CSL connects academic learning with meaningful community engagement, helping students apply their studies in practical contexts.

CSL-integrated courses at SMU span a wide range of disciplines, from history, literature and intercultural studies to computer science, environmental science, psychology and business, but share a common focus on connecting academic learning with community engagement. Thanks to expanded external funding, Community Service Learning now supports an average of 350 students each year and reached a notable 425 participants across 32 courses in 2025.

In the last year, CSL has provided 83 students with bursaries to support engagement, recognize commitment and enable meaningful community projects. Ten highly engaged students were selected for funding through the pilot Community Engaged Learning Certificate, a nationally-funded initiative supported by Career Experience and Work Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. Designed for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to CSL, the certificate recognizes deeper involvement and guides participants in reflecting on their experiences and translating that learning into resume-ready competencies with career coach support.

SMU students have many opportunities to demonstrate learning outside of the classroom, including CSL, co-operative education and co-curricular recognition

“What we’re seeing through CSL is students stepping into meaningful work and realizing how much they have to offer while they’re still learning,” said Novella Nicchitta, CSL Placement Coordinator.

“As the program continues to grow, we’re creating more opportunities for students to apply their coursework in community settings, and for faculty and partners to collaborate in ways that benefit everyone involved.”

“Students respond extremely well to the CSL option and frequently report that they 'love it' because it feels meaningful, applied and connected to real-world issues,” shared Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Assistant Professor of Psychology, who has integrated CSL into multiple courses.

“In my courses, I intentionally design CSL-related assignments that are directly relevant to the host community organization’s goals and needs so students can contribute in concrete, appropriate ways.”

“Experiential learning is a great way to stay involved and give back to your community. I was able to have experiences which deeply enriched my learning of psychology. I think it is so important to be reminded that psychology is not just theories and symptoms – my hands-on experience was a very important reminder of this. ”

— Sage Rizcallah

For many students, CSL is where coursework connects directly to community engagement. Honours Psychology student Sage Rizcallah, who took Typical and Atypical Development in Winter 2025, described their placement with Autism Nova Scotia’s Arts program as a chance to deepen their learning beyond the classroom.

The CSL program also makes experiential learning more manageable during a busy semester. “Many university students are simply too busy to be able to get applicable and course-related volunteer experience throughout the year," Rizcallah noted. "Experiential learning is a great way to get such experience, while still contributing work to an ongoing course, making it more manageable to fit into an already busy semester.”

Dr. Tatjana Takševa, Professor and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature, says CSL gives students the chance to bridge academic theory with meaningful experience.

“CSL fosters deep integrative learning and active application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, helping students connect classroom learning to authentic demands and expectations,” Takševa noted. “CSL facilitates discovery of multiple career paths, showing students how they can put to work their arts education for meaningful participation in today’s globally oriented civil society.”

Dr. Tatjana Takševa and students in WGST 6604: Contemporary Issues of Feminism

Adebola Osegbun, a master’s student in Dr. Takševa’s Transnational Feminism course, described her CSL component at The Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice as “the best and most memorable experience of my graduate studies”.

Matthew Nault at his CSL placement, and now workplace, United for Literacy

Similarly, Matthew Nault described his CSL placement with United for Literacy—connected to Dr. Takševa’s Reading and Wellness course—as “an amazing opportunity for experience and resume building that will be invaluable later in my career.”

Nault also participated in the pilot Community Engaged Learning Certificate and is one of several students whose placement roles have evolved into paid employment opportunities.

Beyond employment, CSL helps students explore potential career paths, expand their professional networks and gain clarity about what kind of experiences feel meaningful. For students like Chloe Gohier-Mossman, CSL also helped her build professional connections, gain advocacy experience and clarify her future academic goals.

“CSL opened doors for me to explore career opportunities, build professional connections and advocate for the communities I belong to, all while applying what I’m learning in my courses,” Gohier-Mossman shared about her experience working with the Chisholm LINKS Literacy Program.

Miranda Haley, Chisholm LINKS Program Manager, shared that CSL placements benefit both community partners and students. “The CSL program supports organizations like ours in filling important part-time roles, while giving students meaningful experience,” Haley said. “We value the opportunity to guide and mentor students as they develop practical skills, confidence and professional insight. At the same time, we learn from their perspectives, energy and academic knowledge, which strengthens our organization and the work we do in the community.”

To learn more about CSL opportunities for students, faculty, and community partners, visit SMU Community Service Learning, or connect with the CSL Placement Coordinator at service.learning@smu.ca.

Being There: How Stuti Sandhu is supporting older adults through preventive care

Stuti Sandhu

As a fourth-year arts student studying psychology, Stuti Sandhu is turning her passion for helping others into meaningful action. As the founder of Being There, Stuti is working to address a critical gap in community support for older adults by creating a preventive care model designed to help them maintain independence and age in place.

Her journey began long before the idea for Being There took shape. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to help people. While many children dream of becoming astronauts, engineers or superheroes, Stuti envisioned starting a nonprofit organization that would make a real difference in people’s lives. At the time, she didn’t know exactly how that dream would unfold, but she continued to pursue opportunities that allowed her to serve others.

That clarity came while volunteering in hospitals. During this experience, she encountered many older adults navigating complex health challenges and a lack of preventive support. She began to see firsthand how easily small issues, such as dehydration, missed meals or forgotten medications could escalate into serious health concerns.

Those observations sparked the idea behind Being There. The organization focuses on prevention, aiming to support older adults before health challenges become emergencies. By identifying early warning signs and providing consistent community support, Being There works to reduce avoidable emergency department visits and help older adults maintain their baseline health and independence for as long as possible.

For Stuti, entrepreneurship has played an important role in turning her academic knowledge into real-world impact. Through her psychology program, she developed a strong understanding of research and human behaviour. However, it was through her involvement with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the World Champion Enactus Saint Mary's team that she learned how to implement ideas and build solutions that address real community needs. The business was also a part of the team that recently took third place in the 2026 Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge at the Enactus Regional Exposition this February.

She says that many students in arts and science fields are motivated by a desire to change the world, but often lack the tools to turn research into action. Entrepreneurship, she believes, provides that pathway.

Today, Being There is preparing to launch its first pilot program, marking an exciting milestone for the organization. Stuti hopes the initiative will not only support older adults in the community but also inspire greater collaboration among organizations that share a commitment to improving aging care.

As the project grows, Sandhu continues to focus on her original mission: ensuring that older adults feel supported, valued and able to live independently for as long as possible.

Interested in learning more about how entrepreneurship can blend with other areas of study? Explore programs and events at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

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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High school students explore leadership, AI and entrepreneurship in Saint Mary’s co-op

High school students received a certificate for completing the AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program at SMU

Co-op students with faculty and staff from the Sobey School of Business

Last fall, Saint Mary’s University welcomed high school students from across the Halifax region to campus for a unique AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program, offering them early exposure to academic pathways, industry insights and hands-on learning opportunities at the Sobey School of Business.

Delivered in partnership with the local school board and more than 10 high schools, the program is designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving AI space while introducing them to university life and post-secondary pathways.

As part of the experience, students participated in Leadership Day, which provided insights into leadership, innovation and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

A highlight of the program was a one-hour keynote and Q&A session led by Ben McDade, Investment Director with Invest Nova Scotia and a proud Sobey School of Business alum. McDade shared his insights from his career and discussed entrepreneurship fundamentals, offering students practical perspectives on innovation and leadership.

Throughout the program, students explored a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, generative AI, data visualization and data analytics. Sessions were delivered by SMU professors, alumni and industry professionals, including a team lead from the Data Analytics Support Centre at the Department of National Defence.

One participant, Karl, credits the program with shaping his academic future. After receiving undergraduate offers from top Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, Karl ultimately chose to pursue his undergraduate studies at the Sobey School of Business, influenced by his experience at the Saint Mary’s High School Co-op program.

Throughout the program, Karl earned credits applicable towards his future degree, gained early exposure to campus life and explored cutting-edge topics in AI and entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead, participating students will be invited to the Youth AI Pitch Competition in 2026, along with additional opportunities such as March Break camps, competition preparation programs and teaching assistant volunteer roles.

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The next cohort of students recently began their High School Dual Credit Co-op at Saint Mary’s. This term, 20 local high school students will attend weekly on-campus sessions focused on AI and Data Analytics. The program is led by Dr. Michael Zhang and graduate students in the Master’s of Business Analytics program. Students will earn AI and Data Analytics career experience and attend sessions with various industry partners. 

Retail, reimagined: Sobeys event inspires career options for students

Executives from Sobeys and Empire held a panel during SMU’s Career Week in February

As part of Career Week at Saint Mary’s, students gathered for Retail Reimagined: The Careers You Don’t Expect at Sobeys, an event that highlighted the scale, complexity, and opportunity within modern retail at Sobeys.

Panelists Steve Leslie, Vice President, Chief Auditor & Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Empire Company; Heather DeBlois, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sobeys; Jason Bennicoff, Head of Retail Media, Empire Media+ at Sobeys; and Cori Norman, Vice President, Merchandising Grocery, Lawtons, and Local Development at Sobeys, spoke directly about what drives success in retail today: curiosity, leadership, data literacy, and the ability to work across teams. Moderated by SMU student Olivian Sanderson, the discussion also featured insights from Yehansa Rupasingha, a SMU co-op student sharing her experience participating in a Sobeys co-op.

Panelists shared how careers evolve from finance to store operations, from merchandising to retail media, and how Sobeys invests in continuous learning through CPA pathways, analytics, supply chain innovation, and community engagement. A clear theme emerged: growth happens through people—through mentorship, collaboration, and diverse perspectives across the organization.

The discussion reinforced Sobeys’ guiding belief, It’s the people. From the more than 100,000 teammates in stores to the specialists working behind the scenes, people power the strategy, the technology, and the customer experience.

The conversation continued at the networking reception, where students connected with panellists, alumni, and executives to discuss co-op opportunities, sustainability, data, leadership, and the future of retail. The strong turnout and engaged discussions reflected what the evening was designed to showcase: real career pathways, practical advice, and meaningful connections.

The Arena 2026: Watch 64 student entrepreneurs compete on one national stage this March

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is set to welcome 64 ambitious students from across the country to The Arena, where they will compete for a total of $17,000 in prize funding. Inspired by the high-energy, bracket-style format of March Madness, this head-to-head pitch competition challenges students to present their ventures to panels of experienced judges in a fast-paced, knockout-style tournament. 

Now in its sixth year, The Arena has built a strong national profile, drawing applications from 41 post-secondary institutions across Canada. Participating schools include McMaster University, University of Waterloo, University of Calgary and institutions throughout Atlantic Canada.  

“The Arena brings unmatched energy to student entrepreneurship,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “It’s a powerful platform for emerging founders to refine their ideas, gain real-time feedback from industry leaders and compete for prize money to accelerate their ventures.” 

This year, four Saint Mary’s University students from the Sobey School of Business will compete in The Arena: Simone Boudreau, founder of CycleStrong; Ramon Stultz, founder of MazeMonk; Philip Bou Khalil, founder of Helprr; and Conrad Scotchburn, founder of Blyyss.  

The national champion will take home the $10,000 prize. The runner-up will receive $5,000, and third- and fourth-place finalists will each earn $1,000. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre gratefully acknowledges Metronomics as The Arena’s prize sponsor. Founded by Saint Mary’s University alumna Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, Metronomics reflects a legacy of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation. 

The 2026 competition runs entirely online from March 3 to April 2 and unfolds over six rounds: 

• Round One: March 3–12 

• Round Two: March 16–19 

• Round Three: March 23–24 

• Quarter Finals: March 27 

• Semi Finals: March 31 

• Finals: April 2 

Members of the Saint Mary’s University community and supporters from across Canada are encouraged to follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn to receive notifications when we go live!  

Visit here for details on all 64 competitors and the dates and times for each round of competition. 

Saint Mary’s students win VCIC in Boston, advance to global finals

SMU’s undergraduate VCIC team: Lydia Ramsay, Matthew Chapman, Katie Murray, Brennan Campbell, Vaishali Sachdeva with professor Dr. Ellen Farrell

A team of undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s University is heading to the global finals of the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) this April after earning first place at the regional competition—marking the university’s first regional win in 10 years and its first-ever invitation to the global finals.

Hosted at Boston University, the New England regional competition saw Saint Mary’s place first against top institutions, including New York University, Tufts University, Amherst College, University of Connecticut and Dartmouth College—last year’s global champion.

The team will now travel to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in April to compete in the VCIC Global Finals against leading schools from around the world.

Unlike traditional case competitions, VCIC challenges students to step into the role of venture capitalists. Over two and a half days, teams assess real startups, conduct due diligence, and make investment decisions under pressure—mirroring the realities of high-stakes investing.

“This was one of my best experiences at Saint Mary’s to date,” said student Matthew Chapman. “I started the first round of founder interviews feeling nervous, but then our team instantly clicked. We built on each other’s questions, dug deeper with every answer, and turned the conversation into real due diligence. That’s when I realized teamwork can create results bigger than any one person—and that’s exactly what carried us to the win.”

From classroom to competition

For many students, the experience highlighted the power of experiential learning at the Sobey School of Business.

“As a Sobey student, this experience was unique because it bridged the gap between classroom theory and the high-stakes reality of the startup world.”

— Trang Nguyen

“A standout moment for me was the final partner meeting; the adrenaline was high, but our preparation gave us the confidence to stand our ground,” said student Trang Nguyen. “I hope to carry that same decisiveness and collaborative spirit into my future career in finance.”

The competition includes a series of intensive evaluations: interviewing entrepreneurs, drafting investment term sheets, and defending decisions before a panel of experienced venture capitalists. Each stage is judged independently, and teams remain anonymous throughout the process to ensure fairness.

Collaboration across programs

SMU’s graduate VCIC team: Brooklyn Bohach, Jacob Pitre, Mia Carey, Trang Nguyen, Jiaen Yu with Dr. Ellen Farrell

Behind the undergraduate team’s success was strong support from graduate students, who competed in a separate round and shared insights and strategies.

“We didn’t win in our round, but we’re proud of our undergraduate team,” said graduate student Jiaen Yu. “The most challenging part of the competition was encountering an industry and business structure we weren’t familiar with. We had to learn the entire industry from scratch with limited and redacted information.”

“The competition felt incredibly real,” Yu added. “During our interview with the entrepreneur, a new piece of information came up and changed everything. Since we were the first team to meet with the entrepreneur, we weren’t able to discover that beforehand. But we adapted quickly, and the judges were impressed by how we progressed with each round of feedback.”

The graduate team —Brooklyn Bohach, Jacob Pitre, Mia Carey, Trang Nguyen, and Jiaen Yu —later shared their framework and insights with the undergraduate competitors, helping reinforce a strong sense of teamwork across programs.

“We could see their confidence and belief in each other, and we are thrilled that they won,” Yu said.

A global stage ahead

The winning team—Lydia Ramsay, Matthew Chapman, Katie Murray, Brennan Campbell and Vaishali Sachdeva—will now compete on the global stage, representing Saint Mary’s against top business schools worldwide.

For Dr. Ellen Farrell, who coached the team, the milestone reflects both the students’ dedication and the strength of the university’s hands-on approach to business education.

“This is where classroom knowledge meets real-world decision-making,” she said. “Our students demonstrated not only technical skill, but the curiosity, resilience, and collaboration needed to succeed in venture capital.”

As they prepare for the global finals, Saint Mary’s students are carrying forward more than just a win—they’re bringing with them the confidence, experience, and momentum to compete at the highest level.

Students collaborate with ADDvocacy to strengthen support for neurodivergent communities

Students from universities across Atlantic Canada participated in the online Innovation Sprint

ADDvocacy began with a personal turning point. In 2009, NSCC Truro alum Keith Gelhorn received a series of late diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and challenges with processing and executive functioning. This reshaped how he understood both his past and his future. Just a few years later, in 2012, he founded ADDvocacy to ensure others navigating similar experiences would not have to do so alone.

Keith’s story became the foundation for a recent Innovation Sprint hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and NSCC Entrepreneurship. It brought together 19 students from Memorial University, University of Prince Edward Island, Mount Saint Vincent University, Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University. Working alongside ADDvocacy, students were challenged to explore practical, forward-thinking ways to strengthen supports for neurodivergent individuals at a time when many services are facing growing demand and tightening resources.

Students approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose. Ideas ranged from forming partnerships with large corporations and leveraging Lifestyle Spending Accounts to reduce financial barriers for young professionals, to integrating AI tools that could streamline administrative work, automate intake and check-ins and improve billing efficiency. Other teams focused on sustainable growth, proposing tiered revenue models, refined marketing strategies, student co-op engagement across campuses and detailed roadmaps outlining achievable goals over the next one, two and three years.

“The Innovation Sprint was an incredible four hours,” said Keith Gelhorn, founder of ADDvocacy. “I gained insights I hadn’t considered in my business and really valued the students’ ideas and perspectives. I’d highly recommend it to any entrepreneur, at any stage; it’s a powerful way to see your business through fresh eyes.”

Top teams were recognized for their contributions. First place and a $1,000 prize went to Saint Mary’s students Hazzaa Sujeer and Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo. Second place, earning $700, was awarded to Umit Kaan Oran from Mount Saint Vincent University, Martino Elias from Saint Mary’s University and Erick Batista from Memorial University. Third place and $300 went to Dalhousie students Prabhath Sundarapalli, Hinesh Patel and Benison Amirvin.

While the sprint marked a single moment in time, its impact extends further. For students, it demonstrated how classroom learning can translate into tangible, community-driven outcomes. For ADDvocacy, it offered fresh insight and momentum shaped by the next generation of problem-solvers.

If you’re interested in being part of a future Innovation Sprint, click here.

Students tackle solutions for gender inequity in pro sports

Dr. Ann Pegoraro, Lang Chair in Sport Management and Full Professor at University of Guelph 

Maura Martina, Facilitator at Canadian Women & Sport

Dr. Annika Voltan, Assistant Professor of Management at SMU

Students from across faculties participated in a case competition tackling gender disparity in professional and collegiate coaching

The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted its inaugural case competition last fall, bringing industry experts together to let student-athletes pave the way for a new generation of professional coaches.  

Systemic barriers for women in coaching positions still exist, and according to a 2023 report by Women’s Sports Foundation, “women in head coaching positions at the collegiate level had fallen from 90% to 41% since the implementation of Title IX [in the United States].”  

This competition was born out of a clear and necessary mission: to give students and student-athletes a dedicated space to tackle ongoing gender disparity in professional and collegiate coaching. This wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a chance for the next generation of leaders to make a direct, tangible impact on the industry they love. 

The competition 

Dr. Annika Voltan of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Ann Pegoraro from the University of Guelph and Maura Martina of Canadian Women & Sport briefed students on the case and provided the foundational insights needed to navigate the complex realities of gender inequality in professional coaching.  

This thorough brief ensured that when the competition day arrived, the solutions presented were grounded in real-world knowledge and experience.  

Taking the top spot with their pitch was "The Five R's," composed of Sophie Scully, Jill Duggan, Ashley Penney, Kara MacLean, Keyara Nelson and Leslie McLean.  

“We propose that the AUS help address systemic barriers affecting the underrepresentation of women in coaching and leadership roles by creating an AUS-wide assistant coach apprenticeship that prioritizes the recruitment of varsity women and alumnae seeking to further their education.

In this program, we envision collaborative work between the faculty of graduate studies at AUS schools and their athletic departments to provide cohorts of 10-12 graduating student athletes the opportunity to be mentored as assistant coaches while completing a master’s degree at their respective schools. Our mission aligns directly with the AUS mission: creating extraordinary, personal, and memorable student-athlete experiences – the kind that build belonging.”

“We envision a future where young women watching the bench can look at the staff and finally see themselves there too, not by exception but by expectation.”

— The Five R's team

Team The Five R’s took first place in the pitch competition

They were followed by "HERizon" in second place, featuring Charlie DaFonseca, Reid Valade, William Thompson, Mathew MacDougall and Josh Wainman, who created a solution that brought support pieces such as childcare stipends, scholarships and paid work experience into the fold.  

“Our two-year program combines rotational coaching experience, mentorship, NCCP training and access to a regional Women in Coaching Network.” 

Third place went to the team "LeadHER Atlantic", represented by Taylor Lougheed, Marisa McClocklin, Mackenzie Beggs, Jacquline Moore and Lianne Rogers. 

“Our team proposed a coaching certification and leadership advancement pathway designed to elevate women in sport. Within five years, the program aims for all women student-athletes to graduate with entry-level coaching certification in their respective sports, while each female varsity team is paired with a community woman mentor.” 

Team HERizon took second place

Team LeadHER Atlantic took third place

One of the Centre’s benefactors, Leslie McLean, was on-site to award the prizes. Key members from SMU’s Athletics & Recreation department, the Faculty of Arts, the Sobey School of Business, and local and provincial sport organizations participated on the adjudication panel.  

Looking ahead 

By inviting student-athletes into the conversation, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health bridged the gap between those who play the game and those who will eventually manage it–demonstrating the importance of having a diverse range of voices at the table where industry-changing decisions are made.  

To get involved with sports-business initiatives that have a real impact on the world, connect with the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health and check out our Sports Business program. 

Balancing the books and the runway: Chrissy Potter’s dual path from commerce to couture

Chrissy Potter BComm’24

By Jennifer Ashton

When Saint Mary’s University alumna Chrissy Potter BComm’24 talks about balance, she isn’t just referring to her work as a universal banker at CIBC. She’s also speaking from experience, managing photo shoots in New York and runway shows in Paris. It’s a balance between precision and poise; one she’s learned to navigate with confidence.

Originally from Antigua, Chrissy learned more about Saint Mary’s through a recruiting visit to her island. Through this meeting, the choice became even clearer. Her father was an alumnus, as were several friends and family members. “The pull of family and friends led me here,” she said. “I knew it was a safe space to navigate and figure out what I wanted to do.”

Like many students entering the field of commerce, she initially thought she would pursue accounting. But it didn’t take long for her professors to open her eyes to the wider world of finance. “My great professors cultivated my love of finance. They made it interesting and easy to understand,” Chrissy recalled. That curiosity for financial systems became a launching pad for her professional life, both in the banking sector and beyond.

While her career in finance satisfies her analytical side, modelling gives Chrissy an equally important creative outlet. Signed with Soli Management in Halifax in 2023, she has since walked runways in Halifax, New York and Paris. “My work in banking has encouraged me to find a creative outlet, which I get in fashion and modelling. Each side feeds a different part of me.”

Chrissy is quick to point out that the world of personal banking isn’t as rigid as people might think. “I can tailor my meetings to the personalities of the people I’m dealing with,” she explained. “I get to be myself, and that helps make people feel comfortable talking to you.” This ability to adapt and move easily between corporate offices and fashion studios is a strength.

Her time at Saint Mary’s helped sharpen the practical skills that make this dual career possible. “Time management is a critical component of everything I do. SMU gave me the willingness to learn and encouraged me not to be afraid to ask questions.” That openness, she says, has been key to growing in both industries.

Beyond the classroom, Chrissy found community in the Black Students’ Society, where she served as finance representative on the board. “During the pandemic, it was a great way to connect with people and make friends. It was also a great way to see other Black students and build unity.”

Now, as she looks ahead, Chrissy sees both her career paths continuing to evolve. “Both can take me all over the country, and both offer excellent support systems. As far as intersecting goes, I’d love to share my financial literacy skills with other models. I think they’d see great benefits.”

Her advice to students or alumni with more than one passion is simple: “Just do it. Life is for living. Do what makes you happy. If you pursue your passions, the money will follow.”

It’s a philosophy that has guided her through international opportunities and new creative challenges.

Looking back, she’s proud of the path she’s carved, one that blends professionalism, creativity and authenticity. “Always be reflecting on the things that you’ve done while also keeping an eye on the things you want to do.”

To current business students, Chrissy offers practical advice:

““Take advantage of every opportunity given to you. Take the Canadian Securities Course while in school; it’s a great accomplishment. Network with professors, ask questions, and attend office hours—they welcome this interaction and are great people. Be kind, be authentic and build relationships.””

From balancing accounts to walking catwalks, Chrissy Potter is proof that there’s no one formula for success. With curiosity and courage, she’s showing that you can thrive in more than one world and look good doing it.

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Launching Sociable

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

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

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

Seeing the world with Enactus

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

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

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

Olivian on stage at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand

Enactus Saint Mary’s celebrates winning the World Cup

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

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

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