Saint Mary's team has impressive finish at Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan

Enactus Saint Mary’s team and faculty advisers from Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Presenters pitching at the top 16 round of competition

Co-Presidents: Paige Bigelow BComm’24, Susan MacInnis, Courtney Dingle and Gabe Martin

Accesstructure team: Hannah Meagher, Ashish Ganapathy and Aneesa Hussain

Early Stage competition presenters: Maya Campbell, Lydia Lee, Vaishali Sachdeva and Rebecca Sullivan

The Saint Mary’s University Enactus team has returned home, buoyed by the thrill of placing in the top 16 in the world, with an exceptional performance at the prestigious Enactus World Cup, held October 2-4 in Astana, Kazakhstan.  

The team's journey to the World Cup began in May 2024, when the Enactus Saint Mary’s team secured the Enactus National Championship title against 49 Canadian post-secondary institutions. This victory propelled them, for the first time in SMU history, to the world's premier stage for student-led business innovation and social impact.  

Facing fierce competition with pioneering solutions 

This year, the Cup brought together teams from 29 countries. The competition was fierce, with talented teams from Germany, Morocco, Republic of Korea and Tunisia, vying for the top prize. While Tunisia ultimately secured the top spot, Enactus Saint Mary's distinguished themselves with their innovative projects, Plastarch and Square Roots, and dedication to social good. Square Roots tackles the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity by rescuing "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded and offering it at affordable prices, and Plastarch is a pioneering enterprise to develop a sustainable bioplastic alternative for food packaging and utensils crafted from an unlikely source—discarded potatoes.  

Co-Presidents of Enactus Saint Mary's, Courtney Dingle and Gabe Martin say," To highlight a specific moment from the 2024 Enactus World Cup that was impactful to our team we would point to the cultural fair that happened before the opening ceremonies. Getting to share local snacks, play field hockey sticks with the other teams, and share our Canadian pride was an amazing experience. Being at an Enactus competition is always such a collaborative experience and that was equally true at the 2024 Enactus World Cup. Meeting teams from across the world and feeling supported by them meant so much to everyone on our team, and it was magical to be able to support students from other countries as well. The 2024 Enactus World Cup was an amazing experience for our team, to get to showcase our work on the global stage and get feedback from such diverse perspectives is something we really value. We are so grateful for all of the support we have had to get to this point and are so proud of every member of our team for their dedication and for the work they have put in to reach this level." 

Courtney Dingle

Gabe Martin

In addition to placing in the top 16 in the World Cup, a team of two Enactus Saint Mary’s team members, Aneesa Hussain and Ashish Ganapathy, and Hannah Meagher from Dalhousie placed second in the Bentley—iTwin4Good Challenge held at the Enactus World Cup with a $2,000 USD prize. Their innovative project, Accesstructure, showcased their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Accesstructure is platform that automates accessibility audits of campus facilities, identifying non-compliance issues across various legislation and standards. The groundbreaking tool ensures that campus environments are inclusive and welcoming for all students, staff and visitors.  

The Accesstructure team reflects the experience saying, “Our biggest takeaway from the competition was the cultural exchange that took place not only during the cultural exhibition but throughout the remainder of the competition and afterward too. Meeting people from different continents, and sharing food, games, and music amongst ourselves helped us broaden our horizons and gain a richer perspective. Another highlight was participating in the iTwin4Good challenge at the Enactus World Cup, where we had the opportunity to present innovative solutions that address social and environmental issues through technology. This challenge reinforced the importance of creating lasting impact and reminded us that, regardless of the differences in our cultures or backgrounds, we all share a common goal: to build a better, more inclusive future. The connections we made and the ideas exchanged throughout the competition will continue to inspire us as we work towards making a meaningful difference in our communities.” 

“We are so proud of the hard work and everything that the teams have accomplished this year. Square Roots, Plastarch and Accesstructure are leading examples of Enactus project success, the impact students can have on the UN SDG goals, and how a social enterprise can continue to grow, evolve and support sustainability in the community and beyond,” said Catherine Fowler, President and CEO of Enactus Canada. 

Team visiting Canadian Embassy in Astana

Nathaniel Collier, Tyler Hutchinson and Gabe Martin in front of Astana Opera

A student shopping at a souvenir shop

Hanging out at a park in Astana, Kazakhstan

Tyler Hutchinson, Sara Wheeler, Maya Campbell, Gabe Marting in the Astana Grand Mosque

Aneesa Hussain and Mya MacDonald at the shopping mall

Iconic Future Energy Museum Nur Alem

From Halifax to Astana: a once-in-a-lifetime journey  

The journey to the Enactus World Cup was an adventure in itself. Astana, with its futuristic architecture and vibrant culture, provided a stunning backdrop for the competition. 

The team ventured beyond the competition, immersing themselves in Kazakh culture. They engaged with local people, visited iconic architectures, savoured traditional cuisine such as beshbarmak and shashlyk. This cultural exchange fostered understanding and appreciation. 

A visit to the Canadian Embassy in Astana further strengthened their connection with the global Canadian community. They met with embassy officials, discussing the importance of their work and the opportunities and challenges faced by Canadians abroad. 

Almost recovered from intense preparation and competition, a long transcontinental journey and significant time change, the Enactus Saint Mary’s team is already talking about the path to the next National and International championships. 

Join the Enactus Saint Mary's Team! 

Are you a passionate student looking to make a difference? The Enactus Saint Mary's team is comprised of 80 dedicated students from diverse backgrounds, all united by a passion for creating positive change, and is always looking for new members to join its ranks.  If you are interested in joining a dynamic team that tackles real-world challenges, visit their website to learn more about getting involved. 

About Enactus 

Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that empowers students to use entrepreneurial action to address social and environmental challenges. Enactus chapters around the world work together to develop and implement innovative projects that create positive change. Through Enactus, students gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurship, while also making a meaningful impact on their communities. 

Enactus can be followed @enactus. To learn more, visit enactus.org.

Business booming for BComm student

Arsh Shaikh, Bachelor of Commerce student and business owner

When you walk into any of the four Flynn’s Dairy Bar and Convenience stores in the Halifax area, you are quickly immersed in a wide-ranging world of tasty treats. From classic candy delights to rare delicacies—Flynn’s has it all:

Noodle gummies – check!

Jolly Rancher slushies – you know it!

Dunkaroos pancake mix – you bet!

This is only scratching the surface. The store is also home to creative milkshakes crafted with your favourite cookies, candy and chocolate—and let’s not forget the ice cream.

The business opened in March 2020, starting with the first location in downtown Halifax and has grown since then with a store on Spring Garden, one in North-end Halifax (5552 Kaye Street) and another in Spryfield (383 Herring Cove Road).

The stores are run by Raees Shaikh and his sons Arsh and Zaid. Arsh is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Sobey School of Business. His journey to entrepreneurial success in Halifax started with his business-minded family and he credits his grandfather and father for igniting his professional passion.

“Growing up, I wanted to be a pilot,” says Arsh with a smile. “When I was 13, my father gave me an opportunity to take on some responsibilities at one of the businesses he owned while he was away. When he got back, I was eager to take on more work and wanted to learn as much as I could.”

From there, Arsh continued to hone his business prowess. In 2018, his family made the move from India to Canada. When it was time for him to attend university, he started doing his research and learned more about the Sobey School of Business and knew it was the right fit for him.

“My professors are like family, they treat everyone really well, says Arsh. “They listen and they’re flexible and understand what’s going on with their students, they’re very caring and supportive of your education and goals.”  

The knowledge he’s gaining from his degree is providing a more solid foundation for his business expertise.

“My Bachelor of Commerce is helping me improve my writing skills,” he says. “It’s helping me be more strategic, to better understand the principles behind accounting and further enhance my relationship-building skills.”

Arsh has been able to strike a balance between maintaining his studies and running Flynn’s through clear, consistent communication with his professors as well as taking on a course load that’s right for him. When he’s done his BComm, he knows what he wants to do next.

“I’m going to pursue a master’s degree and it’s going to be at the Sobey School of Business,” he says with a smile. “I enjoy how passionate people are here and how your professors get to know you by name.”

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Pursue your passion at the Sobey School of Business

A guide for faculty and staff: five ways to support institutional accessibility

May 28-June 3 marks National Accessibility Week; an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities and highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers. At Saint Mary’s, the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (formerly the Fred Smithers Centre for Students with Disabilities) is a leader in institutional student accessibility.

This year, the theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice”. As part of our Accessibility Week initiatives, we have developed a guide with five easy steps that faculty and staff can incorporate into their practice to help enhance learner accessibility at SMU.

“With the evolving landscape of accessibility in learning, it is crucial that we take a user-centered approach to modernizing our offerings,” says Kate McHugh, Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA). “It is also imperative that we equip those on the frontlines of student education and care with knowledge and resources to put our best foot forward in accessibility and accommodation.”

Below are five steps for faculty and staff that can help enhance accessibility across campus.

1.     Familiarize yourself with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

We are a unique team comprised of two accessibility advisors, an education employment advisor, two exam accommodation administrators, several part-time exam and testing invigilators, an accessibility resource assistant and the FSCSA manager. Many on our team experience some form of disability so our varied experiences paired with our cumulative training and backgrounds provide a unique and well-rounded insight into supporting students who experience disability.

Within the scope of FSCSA, we work directly with students in supporting their academic journey, provide various assistive technologies, employment skills and future readiness, access to grants, educational materials and services, exam and testing accommodations and more.

We also work with stakeholders across Saint Mary’s to raise our level of accessibility pan-campus and enhance the experience for all within the SMU community who experience disability. Our efforts extend beyond the SMU walls and into the broader national institutional community. Members from the FSCSA team recently represented Saint Mary’s at the Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services (AACUSS) to present on supporting adaptive exam and testing accommodations in unprecedented circumstances.

2. Understand what is included in the scope of disability

While traditional or commercialized perceptions of disability fixate on mobility impairments, disability covers a wide range of reduced or impaired functions that can present in visible and/or invisible ways and be on a short or long-term basis. Some common disabilities that exist within the institutional landscape include but are not limited to mental illness, learning disability, ADD/ADHD, hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility impairment, medical condition and autism spectrum disorder. Students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility have provided both a detailed application and supporting medical documentation.

The FSCSA provides personalized support for each student based on their individual needs. Since disability can present itself in unique ways for each student, it is of the utmost importance to offer flexibility, options, and customized plans of action for each student. The FSCSA team, and the students it supports, rely on the flexibility and consideration of staff and faculty to achieve an inclusive learning environment that is accessible to all.

3. Take time to evaluate inclusivity

Whether in the classroom, hosting an event, preparing content, developing visual supports, or conducting assessments, there are quick considerations that can help ensure an accessible and inclusive environment. Below are some considerations:

• Work with university resources like the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, the Learning Studio and department communications staff to develop accessible course materials, documents and presentations, visual and graphic components, and more.

• When hosting an event or gathering, evaluate physical access of a space, including entrance and exit points of the building and room, accessible seating and accessible washrooms.

• Consider offering a virtual alternative for those unable to attend in person.

• Use inclusive, person-first language. Saint Mary’s provides guidance on inclusive language within the Saint Mary’s Style Guide.

• Add information on disability and accommodation to your course syllabus. Here’s a boilerplate you can copy/paste:
  “If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please ask The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility to submit your accommodations to your faculty member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. The Fred Smithers Centre determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Fred Smithers Centre’s website. Contact The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for further assistance.”

4. Refer students to the FSCSA as needed

In some instances, a student may not be registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility for whatever reason but may confide in a staff or faculty member about experiencing a disability. It is important to maintain trust and confidentiality, so please do not seek out FSCSA accommodations on their behalf. Instead, help them feel validated in their experience and provide them with information about SMU accessibility and accommodation to help them make an informed decision on whether to register with the FSCSA.

5. Keep learning

Where capacity permits, take some time to check out additional learning resources. Below are some great options:

• Saint Mary’s Learning Studio – Academic Accommodation resources (including accessible templates for slide decks, PDFs and more!).

• Atlantic OER Pressbooks Network – Accessible Teaching & Learning FAQ

• Atlantic OER Pressbooks Network - Accessible Strategies for Students With Disabilities

• Government of Canada – Inclusive Language Considerations

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Duty to Accommodate

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility team is happy to answer questions, offer guidance and provide resources for faculty and staff, in our shared effort to enhance accessibility for learners. Reach out by phone (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca, or stop by the offices in the Student Centre, 3rd floor, room 309.

Student perspective: experiencing disability and enhancing accessibility

Madison (Maddy) Brophy is a fourth-year student majoring in English and minoring in Psychology at Saint Mary’s. She also lives with an invisible disability—epilepsy—which presents in the form of grand mal or tonic-clonic seizures.

Maddy Brophy, fourth-year student

As someone who experiences disability, Brophy has the right to certain academic accommodations, but she almost didn’t register with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility after starting at Saint Mary’s due to the invisible nature of her disability.

“I had to get over my own misconceptions and barriers of what disability means,” explains Brophy. “I was diminishing my own experience because I didn’t feel like my disability was enough to warrant accommodation.”

Brophy’s academic experience became unpredictable due to her epilepsy. Seizure flare-ups and recovery medication can often leave her forgetful, disoriented and extremely fatigued, making it difficult to maintain academic consistency at times. Eventually, Brophy registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA) and was immediately put at ease.

“There were so many aspects of experiencing disability and suffering in silence that I had never considered,” notes Brophy. “The FSCSA team helped me feel validated in my experience and not only taught me about my rights but also taught me how to advocate for myself and my needs.”

“Accessing the accommodations available as a student with a disability has been of paramount importance to my university career,” describes Brophy, whose academic experience greatly improved with the support of the FSCSA. “It has made me realize how crucial institutional accessibility is to so many.”

With an ignited passion for student accessibility, Brophy recently secured a role with Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) as a Communications Assistant, supporting the development of student-centric communications with an emphasis on enhancing the digital accessibility of content. Working jointly with Communications and the Fred Smithers Centre, Brophy will spend the summer auditing SAAS web pages, updating content and making recommendations to raise the level of accessibility to meet or surpass Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

“There are so many barriers faced by people who experience disability,” shares Brophy. “I’m excited to be on a team that works to reduce those barriers and make our little corner of higher education more accessible to all.”

In reflecting on her own journey as a student with a disability, Brophy has an important message to share for current and future students. “The supports are here for YOU. Your experience is valid and there is no shame in asking for the support that SMU has made available for students who experience disability.”

To learn more about student accessibility and accommodations, visit The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility. 

Video: Sobeys Inspiration Hub Update

The newest addition to campus—the Sobeys Inspiration Hub—opens in Fall ’23. Watch for a behind-the-scenes tour of this inspiring building in progress.

Researching microbial-terroir and its impacts on wine flavour

A collaboration between Dr. Clarissa Sit’s chemistry lab and L’Acadie Vineyards is marrying Nova Scotia’s history of winemaking with modern chemistry. The research is exploring the effects micro-organisms have on the flavours of grapes in Nova Scotia’s vineyards. L’Acadie Vineyards owner Bruce Ewert was excited to partner with Dr. Sit to determine what unique fungi and bacteria contribute to the flavour profiles of wines produced at his award-winning, Annapolis Valley vineyard.  

“This project came about because of one of the students in my research lab,” says Sit. “After attending a research seminar, we started looking at the micro-organisms in the soil and on the surface of grapes in Nova Scotia vineyards.”   

Sit’s research presented an opportunity for L’Acadie Vineyards. The first certified organic vineyard in the province and the first biocyclic vegan winery in North America, the family-owned business specializes in an array of organic natural wines. 

While conventional wines are frequently treated with sulfites to kill microbes, natural wines rely on native yeast from the fermentation process to do so. Microbes in the soil are splashed onto the grapes during irrigation and rain events. 

“The mixture of micro-organisms on the surface of the grapes adds flavour to the wine,” says Sit. “That’s what we’re curious about, and vineyard owners are equally curious. We want to see if there are differences in the year-to-year vintages depending on how microbes affect their flavour profiles.”  

"Dr. Sit has been so supportive and encouraging. I never thought I would study wine yeasts and the complexities of natural winemaking. I love telling people I am getting a PhD in wine," says graduate student Lauren Grant, pictured above (far right).

In her research, Sit has compared soil samples from L’Acadie Vineyards with those from conventional vineyards to determine the difference between micro-organisms in the soil. These samples were brought back to the lab to isolate some of the strains for in-lab fermentation. 

“We’re adding some of those strains into sterile grape juice to see what chemical profiles they’re producing. We can analyze the strains we’ve been able to isolate to see what flavours each of the microbes are producing and create interesting new combinations.” 

While research is expected to continue for another three years, the project has the potential to grow depending on its findings, says Sit. 

“The focus will now be on the profiling and figuring out what aromatic compounds these microbes are producing and how vineyards can use them to create flavour while benefitting the environment.”

Related stories:

• Saint Mary’s chemistry professor receives federal funding for her antibiotic research

• Saint Mary’s research into sustainable agriculture and more efficient 3D modeling receives federal funding

Helping the North Atlantic Right Whale rebound

At nearly 70 tonnes, the subjects of Dr. Timothy Frasier's research are massive examples of how quickly a species can progress to the brink of extinction. North Atlantic right whales are one of the most endangered large whales globally, with fewer than 400 in existence. While protection initiatives are in place, Dr. Frasier is concerned with the whale's low reproduction rate.   

Using genomic data, Dr. Frasier works to better understand what genetic factors limit the species' recovery. Early hypotheses suggest that low genetic variation and inbreeding could be possible factors. By determining the factors that limit reproductive success, conservation efforts can be more effective and efficient in saving the species from extinction.

Photo credit: New England Aquarium IUCN/PA

"By working with colleagues and governments in Canada and the United States, we can move fairly quickly from research results to impacts on policy and procedures," says Dr. Timothy Frasier of the Faculty of Science. "Right whales are in a very precarious situation, and we need to identify how conservation actions can be changed to improve the chances for the species to recover." 

With $6 million in new funding, Dr. Frasier and his colleagues from Genome Atlantic and the New England Aquarium can continue their research into what factors limit the reproductive success of right whales. This work will help focus conservation efforts to save these beautiful mammals.

Did you know? Each year, our Faculty of Science and the Canadian Whale Institute host a 10-day Marine Mammal Summer Camp, where teens conduct hands-on marine research in the laboratory and off the coast of New Brunswick (pictured above). 

Related stories:

• Canada-U.S. scientists to hunt for genetic clues to help struggling North Atlantic right whales rebound

Creating opportunities for Indigenous girls in sport

Creating safe and welcoming places on campus and through sport is at the forefront of everything Ryan Francis stands for. In 2019, he co-founded the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, which operates in Eskasoni, Membertou and Truro, NS (close to Millbrook First Nation and Sipkne’katik First Nation), and has seen nearly 200 school-age girls participate. He believes that representation and connection are vital for a positive experience in hockey and that helping Indigenous girls to experience the game with their peers is important.

Huskies hockey player Erin Denny (of Eskasoni First Nation) has been involved since the beginning, providing the girls with insight into her lived experience and encouraging them to feel seen, heard and understood in an environment that is comfortable and familiar.

“As a SMU hockey player, it’s great to be able to connect with the broader community,” says Denny. “Through this program, I can contribute to the development of young athletes and show these girls there is a place for Indigenous youth in sport at every level.”   

Did you know? Ryan Francis, the university’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow, works closely with our Centre for the Study of Sport and Health on initiatives that increase the knowledge and awareness of Indigenous participation in sport, such as the Red Tape Game and Indigenous Sport Week.

Related links:

• Saint Mary’s University is in Mi’kma’ki

• Hockey for everyone: Huskies host Canadian Blind Hockey for fun practice

• Ryan Francis Returns for Two-Year Indigenous Research Fellowship at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s contribution to the James Webb Telescope

“The Sparkler” galaxy—seen here in JWST’s first deep image—was found by Saint Mary’s astronomers and colleagues and hosts some of the universe’s first stars. Credit: NASA

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the most powerful space telescope ever built, has a Saint Mary’s connection. Dr. Marcin Sawicki, Canada Research Chair in Astronomy, is part of the team that developed a key part of the telescope, namely the Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS), which records data at near-infrared wavelengths invisible to the human eye. 

“Stars, galaxies and objects all have an infrared pattern, similar to a barcode” says Dr. Sawicki. “With the NIRISS, we can read the object’s bar code and figure out all sorts of properties like how old it is, how far away it is and whether it’s a galaxy or other space object.” 

Dr. Sawicki and his students have unprecedented access to the Webb telescope. “Our postdocs and students will be using JWST to observe the birth of the first galaxies soon after the Big Bang.” he says. “The potential for extremely impactful science is enormous. We’re eager to use Webb for world-leading research here in Nova Scotia.”

Did you know? “The Sparkler” galaxy—seen in JWST’s first deep image—was found by Saint Mary’s astronomers and colleagues and hosts some of the universe’s first stars. 

Related stories:

• Researchers identify what could be clusters that contain the first and oldest stars in the universe

• SMU astronomers ready to probe the Universe using most powerful space telescope ever built

Recent grad making a splash in the world of entrepreneurship

Combining passion and problem solving is the key to successful entrepreneurship, a mentality that Marlee Armour MTEI’22 embodies daily through her work. Having spent the last decade as a swim instructor, Marlee founded Summer Swim Academy in 2015, providing private backyard swim lessons and on-demand lifeguarding services across Southern Ontario. Through this endeavour, she and her team of instructors noticed a glaring issue with children’s personal flotation devices (PFDs).

“We swim with our arms, but PFDs don’t allow for this horizontal movement,” says Armour. “Typical PFDs train kids to swim vertically in what we call the drowning position. Three years ago, I started cutting the PFDs and turning them around, making it easier for the kids to learn to swim safely and properly from the beginning.” 

Armour entered Saint Mary’s Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MTEI) program as a passionate entrepreneur. Her instructors gave her the knowledge and confidence to solve this problem and make the SwimTrainer a reality. Armour also benefited from the entrepreneurial expertise of the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC), which she says played an integral role in helping her learn to pitch her product, supported her with networking opportunities and broadened her horizons through events.

With over five years of entrepreneurial experience under her belt, Armour has now developed a prototype for SwimTrainer and looks forward to applying her knowledge from Saint Mary's to her business.

Did you know? Each year, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre organizes a national entrepreneurship competition for post-secondary students across Canada. Modelled after the NCAA basketball competition, March Madness sees 64 participants compete to win $10,000 toward their business. With SwimTrainer, Marlee Armour MTEI’22 tied for third place in the 2022 competition.

Related stories:

• Breaking down barriers for women

• International students connect to the start-up community and industry leaders at Volta Labs

• Double-silver at VCIC: Students’ success highlights a unique entrepreneurial environment

Telling unheard stories: unlocking museum collections

The soul of a community is embodied by culture and the telling of stories, but what happens when the stories told are not aligned with lived experiences? Partnering with the Association of Nova Scotia Museums and communities across Nova Scotia, Dr. Kirrily Freeman is working to help museums unlock their collections and ensure that history is told accurately. Her students gain experience ensuring that the history and heritage of African Nova Scotian, Acadian, Gaelic and Mi’kmaq communities are better represented in Nova Scotian museums.  

“Community engagement is integral to the whole process,” says Dr. Freeman. “Communities are telling us what is needed, what is missing and what needs to be done to move forward. This knowledge will influence not just how we proceed but hopefully will shape the future of museum work in the province.” 

Maggie MacIntyre, Executive Director of the Association of Nova Scotia Museums, is excited about the short and long-term benefits of this partnership with Saint Mary's.

“Working with students is giving us the capacity to move community-centered work forward,” she says. “In the long run, we see it playing a big role in creating the next generation of museum professionals.”   

Dr. Freeman says their priority is to ensure marginalized groups have access to their communities’ histories and material culture. “We all benefit from having a more inclusive, more nuanced, more comprehensive representation of the past.”

Did you know? Dr. Kirrily Freeman is piloting two new courses, ‘Museum Fundamentals: Unlocking Community Collections’ and ‘Heritage Field Placement’, as part of a newly proposed Public Humanities and Heritage major in the Faculty of Arts.  

Related stories:

• In her own words: An inspiring introduction to the Lynn Jones Collection

• Faculty of Arts appoints Dr. Kirrily Freeman as Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning

• What’s in a name? For the Ta’n Weji-sqalia’tiek Mi’kmaw Place Names Project, a Lot

50 years of research, education and outreach

A quick 22-storey elevator ride is all it takes to be transported from the heart of a bustling campus into another galaxy at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. Currently celebrating 50 years in operation, the observatory recently welcomed a new management team in Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet and Tiffany Fields BSc’17 MSc’19. Operating one of two professional-grade telescopes in Atlantic Canada, this duo is steadfast in fulfilling their mission to provide astronomy and astrophysics education, research and outreach to communities locally and worldwide. 

“We are incredibly lucky to have the Burke-Gaffney Observatory here on campus,” says Fields. “It allows students to participate in science outreach and it also allows our community to experience the universe here at Saint Mary’s.”  

Fields has always felt the gravitational pull of the observatory. During her time as a student at Saint Mary’s, she worked at the observatory before becoming its technician. Similar to her own experience, she wants to give students the opportunity to learn how to use the state-of-the-art observational astronomy equipment with the hopes of preparing them for careers in astronomy and data science. Dr. Hénault-Brunet agrees.

"For generations, Nova Scotians have been enlightened by the universe after a visit to the Burke-Gaffney Observatory," he says. "We also know students come to study astronomy and astrophysics at Saint Mary's because of our observatory." 

Sitting atop the Loyola building for half a century, the Burke-Gaffney Observatory has celebrated many milestones and continues to look to the future. The observatory is the location where the first supernova was discovered and continues to sit high in the sky as a beacon of generosity and the pursuit of a better understanding of our universe. 

Did you know? The Burke-Gaffney Observatory has allowed many to explore the universe thanks to the generosity of our supporters, including Dr. Ralph Medjuck LLD’13, whose philanthropic gift in 2014 helped upgrade the telescope.

Related stories:

• Researchers identify what could be clusters that contain the first and oldest stars in the universe