Community Food Room full after record-setting contributions

Thanks to the faculty, staff and alumni who participated in the annual Food Drive Competition hosted by the Alumni Office. As a community, we exceeded last year's record and raised more than 2,100 lbs of food and $1,475 in monetary donations—the shelves in the campus Food Room are full! 

Congratulations to the Sobey School of Business ‘Accounting Matters’ team who won the competition by contributing 455 lbs of food with just eight members! They received a trophy and pizza party. Special shout-out to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre for the most creative team name—’The IncrEDIBLES’.

Thank you to faculty, staff and alumni who made financial contributions during the competition allowing the Food Room to have some flexibility in making purchases of much-needed items. Members of the SMU community can donate to the Food Room anytime and receive a tax receipt for your donation.  

““I am thankful to every department that enthusiastically participated in the Annual Alumni Food Drive. Each participant’s passion and excitement in supporting this important cause was extremely motivating. I would want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers from the SMU Community Food Room, whose outstanding assistance was critical to the food drive’s exceptional success. Their commitment to collecting, weighing, and stacking the amazing 2,100 pounds of food was remarkable. Despite the huge workload, the persistent dedication and hard effort paid off magnificently.” ”

— Tarim Faress Alsaquaf, the Community Food Room Coordinator

Stats: 

• 13 teams (141 people including alumni) participated. 

• Food donations raised: 2,138 lbs 

• Monetary donation from faculty, staff and alumni: $1,215 

See more photos published in an Alumni Facebook album 

EDBA Excellence: Dr. Gary Ernest

Gary Ernest, medical doctor and student in the Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (EDBA) program

Throughout his 41-year medical career, Dr. Gary Ernest EMBA’97 has welcomed babies into the world and watched patients draw their last breaths. The family doctor who practices medicine in Liverpool, NS, knows all too well the importance of having access to a primary care physician.

Currently, the provincial waiting list for a family doctor has hit record highs in Nova Scotia, with over 140,000 names and more added every day—a burden also being felt in other provinces across the country.

“The provision of primary healthcare is one of the arch stones of our healthcare system,” says Dr. Ernest. “When you look at the number of people waiting for a primary care provider, it’s huge, and the implications and consequences are not hard to imagine.”

During the early stages of the pandemic, in addition to his medical practice, Dr. Ernest served as the President of Doctors Nova Scotia. It was a chaotic time to work in the medical field, and one of his primary jobs was keeping physicians engaged and supported in any way possible.

At the time, there was a lot of upheaval for doctors in the province. The pandemic prevented many of them from seeing patients in their offices and major shifts needed to be made to help doctors provide care. Other physicians lost their practices or had them greatly reduced, meaning they faced the financial consequences of a decreased practice. Some doctors were also being employed to do things outside of what they would normally do to help patients.

In June 2023, Dr. Ernest was recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his service to the public as the President of Doctors Nova Scotia. The awards were given by provincial governments across Canada to individuals who devoted themselves to the service of others during the pandemic through their job, volunteer work or contributions to their community.

“I came home one day and my wife told me a special delivery had come from the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She pulled out the medal and letter—I was shocked—it wasn’t anything I had thought about receiving.”

Helping people is at the heart of what Dr. Ernest does. So, it was natural that he further his education and help facilitate out-of-the-box solutions and address challenges facing the medical care system. In addition to being a doctor, he holds an extensive education from the Sobey School of Business—an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from 1997, a Certificate in the Directors Education Program, and he's currently in the first cohort of the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) program.

After he graduates from the EDBA program in 2025, Dr. Ernest wants to use his education to drive innovative solutions to tackle the challenges facing the strained medical system across the country.

“I’d like to do consulting work in healthcare transformation,” he says. “It’s an issue that is front and center on everyone’s agenda because it has become increasingly clear over time that although our healthcare system has many excellent qualities, there are aspects of it that need to change in order to cope with current and future demands.”

Dr. Ernest is enjoying his time in the EDBA program, which provides him with a new challenge while preparing him for the next chapter. He appreciates the evidence-based management aspect of the program, which uses critical thinking and the best available evidence to make decisions. It’s a familiar concept to him as a respected physician helping Nova Scotians each day.

International student experience comes full circle for Shanshan Luo BComm‘07

This year marks the 21st Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This month-long celebration honours Canadians of Asian Heritage, recognizing their contributions to building a dynamic and prosperous country. Here at Saint Mary’s, diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is notable throughout our vibrant community.

Shanshan Luo BComm’07

Shanshan Luo came to Saint Mary’s in 2002 as an international student from China to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce. Throughout her time as a student, Luo received guidance and support through the International Student Centre and The Language Centre. “Saint Mary's has been very unique to me,” claims Luo. “It’s like my first point in Canada and it made me never want to leave.”

Shortly after Luo graduated in 2007, she secured a position with The Co-operative Education office as an Office Coordinator. She then moved to the International Student Centre as Office Coordinator, before transitioning to her current position as International Student Advisor. Luo has been in that role for 13 years now and is extremely passionate about supporting international students in their transition to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.

“I deal with everything from immigration guidance to student engagement,” explains Luo. “I consider myself a bit of an in-house mother for our international students, supporting them through challenges in relationships and with roommates, financial struggles, diaspora and more.”

Having spent the first half of her life growing up in Yunnan, China, and the second half of her life in Canada, Luo credits her diverse blend of cultural upbringings in forming a worldview that has been paramount in her role within the International Student Centre.

Shanshan with students at Peggy’s Cove, NS

“My identity is mixed in diverse ways which gives me an advantage when dealing with international students,” notes Luo. “My duality allows me to relate with students and assist them in more personalized ways in transitioning and accessing supports.”

In the midst of Asian Heritage Month, Luo takes time to reflect on her experience as an Asian international student and immigrant. “I have been fortunate to experience an incredibly welcoming environment at Saint Mary’s,” describes Luo. She describes her colleagues as open-minded and very inclusive, giving her a strong sense of belonging at SMU. Luo notes that it can be challenging transitioning to a new cultural norm and finding space for yourself, and she commends Saint Mary’s for acknowledging observances like Asian Heritage Month.

“Saint Mary’s University is really a number of cultures mixing and combining, and when all sides are being respectful and open-minded, we are able to be successful.”

To learn more about resources for international students visit The International Centre.

Science grads make SMU history with four-way Gold Medal tie

President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Durland, Dean Francis with Science Gold Medal winners and Governor General’s Medal winner

Abby Brouwer with President Summerby-Murray

Sumayyah Choyete with President Summerby-Murray

Jaylynn Skeete with President Summerby-Murray

Allison Vandaele with President Summerby-Murray

Abigail Battson, Governor General’s Silver Medal with President Summerby-Murray

Martin Hellmich, Governor General’s Gold Medal with President Summerby-Murray

Michael MacNeil, Diploma in Engineering Gold Medal

Dr. Zainab Almukthar with President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Durland and supervisor Michael Zhang

Dr. Thomas Steele (center) with President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Durland and supervisors Dr. Robert Singer and Dr. Susan Bjornson

Dr. Mary Sheppard (right) with Alumni Association member Fiona King and President Summerby-Murray

In a first in Saint Mary’s University history, four Spring graduates tied for the Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Gold Medal, earning the top GPA marks in the program. Abby Brouwer, Sumayyah Chotoye, Jaylynn Skeete and Allison Vandaele received their medals at the recent May convocation ceremony. Typically, only one undergraduate student in each faculty receives this award.

“We could have approached this four-way tie as a problem, but instead we celebrate the outstanding performance of these hardworking graduates whose commitment and perseverance are an inspiration to us all,” said Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research Madine VanderPlaat at the May 18 ceremony.

All four graduates received numerous awards and scholarships during their time at Saint Mary’s. Brouwer, from Hammonds Plains, NS, majored in Biology and plans to attend dental school. Chotoye, from Port Louis, Mauritius, majored in chemistry (honours) with a minor in French and is currently in the Master of Science, Applied Science program at Saint Mary’s. Skeete, from Dartmouth, NS, majored in psychology (honours) and will be entering a Masters/PhD program in clinical psychology. Vandaele, from Montague, PEI, majored in psychology (honours).

Congratulations, graduates!

More awards in the Faculty of Science

Two graduates in the Faculty of Science, Abigail Battson and Martin Hellmich, were awarded the Governor General’s Silver and Gold Medals. These awards recognize exceptional academic achievement and are given to the top undergraduate and graduate students in the academic year. Abigail graduated with a Bachelor of Science, honours astrophysics, while Martin graduated in Fall 2022 with a Master of Science, Applied Science (co-operative education). Hellmich also received the Georgia Pe-Piper Medal for Excellence in Applied Science.

Michael MacNeil received the Diploma in Engineering Gold Medal.

Natania Blair represented the Faculty of Science as the Valedictorian for the Bachelor of Science ceremony. The biology major received the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award.

Three graduates, Dr. Zainab Mahdi Almukhtar, Dr. Meftah Mohamed Elsaraiti and Dr. Thomas J. Steele, graduated with a PhD in Applied Science and received the Durland Family Doctoral Convocation Award. Dr. Almukthar also received the J. Kevin Vessey Award in Applied Science.

Faculty were also recognized at Spring Convocation, with professor Mary Sheppard receiving the Father William A. Stewart, SJ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. This award, given by the Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association and Faculty Union, was determined by nominations from current and former students and colleagues.

For a full list of convocation award recipients and Spring 2023 graduates, read the Spring Convocation program or watch recordings of the ceremonies.

Bob Dawson, leader in the fight against racism, to receive an honorary doctorate

Saint Mary’s University will recognize Bob Dawson BA’71 with an honorary doctorate in Civil Law at the 2023 Spring Convocation, celebrating his leadership in fighting racism both on and off the ice. While attending Saint Mary’s University in 1967, Dawson became the first Black athlete to play in the former Atlantic Intercollegiate Hockey League where he was often the target of verbal and physical abuse.

In 1970, he became a member of the first all-Black line in Canadian university hockey, which included Darrell Maxwell and Percy Paris. His commitment to fighting racism did not end when he left university but continues to the present day.

Bob Dawson and teammates recognized as the first all-Black line at SMU Homecoming in 2017

After completing his Masters in Social Work in 1973 at Dalhousie University, Dawson joined the Public Service of Canada in Halifax and later moved to Ottawa in 1980 where he worked for 37-years in human resources management and received several awards for contributions to employment equity and diversity. 

“We are very pleased to honour Bob Dawson,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “He has carried his commitment to fight racism beyond the hockey arena and into the wider Canadian society. He shows us what it means to be a leader and live by values that will inspire others, especially future generations.”

As a member of the Ottawa-Carleton Area Police Community Council, Dawson helped develop a community action strategy to prevent, manage and resolve critical incidents involving the police and communities of colour. While with the National Capital Alliance on Race Relations, he established and implemented the “Police-Minority Youth Program”, a community-based initiative to improve relations between the police and youth and was recognized with a Civilian Citation in 1992 and Community Service Award in 1993 from the Police Services Boards for the cities of Gloucester and Ottawa. 

Over the years, Dawson has worked with numerous community organizations and universities to organize events and conferences to address racism in hockey. One of his proudest moments came when his request to Canada Post for a stamp to commemorate the “125th anniversary of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHLM)” was approved and issued on January 24, 2020. He is currently working with the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa to create an archival collection on the CHLM. Since February 2021, Dawson has been working with students and staff at the R.I.S.E. Academy on hockey-related initiatives, which included an anti-racism campaign entitled “Blow The Whistle on Racism”.

Dawson played for the SMU Huskies from 1967-1971

An accomplished sportswriter and historian, Dawson writes extensively on Blacks in various sports, especially hockey. On January 25, 2015, he received from Black History Ottawa the John G. Dennison Award for excellence in the study, preservation, and promotion of Canadian Black history and culture. In 2022, The Hockey News recognized him as one of the Social Change Advocates Making An Impact for his work in the areas of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

On February 22, 2022, the NHL’s Ottawa Senators presented Dawson with a Senators’ jersey in appreciation for his contributions to growing the game of hockey in Ottawa. At the Carnegie Initiative Summit in January 2023 in Toronto, he was presented with the Carnegie Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to challenging the status quo to make hockey more inclusive.

In recent years, Dawson has returned to his alma mater to reunite with teammates and to host conferences devoted to ending racism and promoting equity and inclusion for Black athletes.

“Bob has been a lifelong ambassador of Saint Mary’s University as an athlete, a scholar, and a professional and he has dedicated his life to Black inclusion in Nova Scotia and beyond,” says Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Associate Director of Outreach and Instructor, Centre for the Study of Sport & Health. “His intellectual and practical contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey specifically have informed my own work as a sport scholar. I consider it a privilege to have been asked to deliver the citation for his honorary degree at the graduation ceremony in May.”

SMU Model UN group returns from New York with two awards

The Saint Mary’s Model United Nations team in New York

SMU Model UN representing Saint Kitts and Nevis

An alumni connection gave extra inspiration to this year’s award-winning Model United Nations team at Saint Mary’s University. The delegation of ten undergraduate students returned from New York City on April 7 with a Distinguished Delegation Award, the equivalent of silver. Third-year students Pyper Lane and Naza Yammine also won an Outstanding Position Paper award.

The team represented the small West Indies nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis at the annual UN simulation, attended by thousands of students from around the world. As part of their advance research in Dr. Marc Doucet’s Model UN course, the group had a very helpful Zoom meeting in January with the Honourable Isalean Phillip BA'16 MA'19.

The Honourable Isalean Phillip BA’16 MA’19

Back in 2015, Phillip was a member of SMU's Model UN team, which represented Ukraine that year. Last summer, she was sworn in as a Senator in the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, where she is also the Minister of Social Development & Gender Affairs, Youth Empowerment, Ageing & Disabilities.  

“Her insights allowed us to truly come to understand the heart of a nation that was previously unfamiliar to many of us,” says Yammine, a Global Development Studies major. “Her presentation on the twin island federation’s history, political system and culture sparked ideas on how to approach research on our topic.”

The winning position paper was submitted in advance for the event’s General Assembly First Committee. It covered topics including Youth for Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Peace, and Addressing the Illicit Trafficking of Weapons to Non-State Actors.

A highlight of the week in New York was a virtual meeting with the UN Permanent Mission for Saint Kitts and Nevis, including its UN Ambassador Nerys Dockery. The island nation has a population of 53,000.  

“The meeting served to further our understanding of the country’s position in the international community, highlighting how its size is often a compelling point of departure in negotiations, which was certainly the case for us representing them at NMUN,” says Lane, a political science major going into the honours program next year.

The Saint Mary’s group included students from across Canada as well as India, Mexico and Ghana. Three political science majors were joined by a student in the environmental studies program and several from the Sobey School of Business.

“I’m really proud of what the students were able to do, and the awards are significant recognition for their hard work,” says Dr. Doucet, who aims to offer the course again next winter.

The inaugural East Coast Model UN event held at Saint Mary’s this year was another great way for the students to prepare. The pilot project drew more than 40 students from Saint Mary’s and other universities in the region, including Dalhousie, STFX and Acadia. But meeting with Senator Phillip was a huge advantage, adds Doucet.

“It was interesting for the students to connect with someone who had done an undergraduate degree here and is now in a government position. The question that’s often asked is, ‘What can you do with an Arts degree?’ Well there you go! This is what you can do!”

The experience encouraged Lane to apply for a NATO Field School hosted by Simon Fraser University, so she’ll be travelling to locations across Europe this summer.

“The preparation that we get through the Model UN course at SMU is the best of the best,” she says. “We all went in feeling prepared, confident and knowledgeable. We would not be nearly as successful if it weren’t for the support we receive from the SMU community, the Model UN course and our professor and faculty advisor Dr. Marc Doucet.”

Yammine agrees, adding she hopes to pursue a career in international law and potentially diplomacy.

“It was refreshing to apply my knowledge in a real-life setting, and to simulate how world leaders come to make certain decisions,” she says. “The Model UN course not only teaches you about resolution writing and the mandate of UN organs, but also how to excel in public speaking, negotiation and teamwork.”

New award aims to help solve wicked problems

Diego Rodrigues and Douglas Coll BComm’89

As one of the first recipients of the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Award, Diego Rodrigues has a unique opportunity. The award provides financial support to students pursuing projects related to tackling some of society’s most pressing—and most challenging—problems. For Diego, this means finding a solution to the issue of young men joining the drug trade in the slums of his home country of Brazil.

Douglas Coll BComm’89 was inspired to establish the award when he read about Saint Mary’s University’s Wicked Problems Lab in the summer of 2021. As President of LeaderVision Atlantic Ltd., Douglas works with clients around the world to develop their skills in issue-framing and divergent thinking—skills that students develop at the Lab. 

“It’s my absolute pleasure to support these incredible students at Saint Mary’s,” says Coll. “I am blown away by their intellect and the creativity of their ideas. The skills they are building through the Wicked Problems Lab will set them up for huge success in whatever career they pursue – and I’m honoured to have played a small part in their endeavours.”

The recipients of the awards will continue their work throughout the school year, and will share their findings publicly through the Wicked Problems Lab website.

For his part, Diego is grateful for the opportunity the award provides.

“Alumni and donors like Mr. Coll have a significant impact on the lives of us students,” he says, “because of their generosity in investing their time, money and, most importantly, knowledge with future generations.

“In my case, as an international student, this award allowed me to continue my studies and gain some breathing room in my tuition fees. It was a true miracle for which I will be eternally grateful.”

International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s

On Wednesday, March 8, the Saint Mary’s community joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day.

To shine a light on women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and on the work still being done towards gender equality and empowerment, we’re highlighting some of the many stories that celebrate our students, faculty and alumni.

Saint Mary’s is also hosting special lecture, titled ‘Women's Bodily Autonomy and the Right to Bare Arms’, in partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University and SMUSA. See below for details.

Learn more about International Women’s Day, and be sure watch @smuhalifax channels for more inspiring stories.

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Lecture: Women's Bodily Autonomy and the Right to Bare Arms

Wednesday, March 8
4:30—6 p.m.
Burke Theatre B 

Dr. Meredith Ralston is a professor of women’s studies and political studies at Mount Saint Vincent University and a documentary filmmaker. In her book,Slut-Shaming, Whorephobia, and the Unfinished Sexual Revolution, she examines the common denominators between the #MeToo movement, the myths of rape culture and the pleasure gap between men and women to reveal the ways that sexually liberated women threaten the traditional patriarchy. Join us for an engaging discussion on her latest book.

Stories

Science student and SMU Husky Shae Demale garners Top 8 Academic All-Canadian award

Saint Mary’s Huskies women’s hockey forward Shae Demale was honoured recently as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian for the 2021-22 season by U SPORTS.

Shae was named the most valuable player in AUS women’s hockey last season and registered a perfect 4.30 GPA in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. She is also a volunteer hockey coach with the Metro West Force Female Hockey Club in Halifax, and a volunteer in the emergency department at the IWK Health Centre. Read more.

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Dr. Benita Bunjun honoured for teaching excellence and educational leadership

Dr. Benita Bunjun’s innovative teaching methods resonate deeply with her students and colleagues at Saint Mary’s University, inside the classroom and out in the community.

An associate professor in the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies and the Women and Gender Studies program, Dr. Bunjun is “invested in envisioning programs, curricula and resources that promote alternative and diverse perspectives and knowledge systems which have predominantly been omitted, silenced and excluded from academic spaces of learning.”
Read more.

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Multiple degrees enhance the family business for mother and daughter

Simultaneous studies in Arts and Commerce added up to the perfect combination for Elora Gehue of Halifax—and for her mother, Olwyn Terris-Gehue.

“It’s been a great experience, honestly,” says Gehue, herself a mother of two young sons. “I think it made us closer too, being able to learn and grow with each other.”

The mother and daughter share an appreciation for the interdisciplinary learning options at Saint Mary’s. They took quite a few classes together, and are graduating with an unusual combination of credentials. Read more.

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More inspiring women

• Creating opportunities for Indigenous girls in sport: Student and SMU Husky Erin Denny

• Decolonizing museum collections: Dr. Kirrily Freeman

• Recent grad making a splash in the world of entrepreneurship: Marlee Armour MTEI’22

• Pioneering N.S. filmmaker Margaret Perry focus of series with FIN, N.S. Archive: Dr. Jennifer VanderBurgh

• Competition to solve freshwater issues begins in Atlantic Canada: Dr. Linda Campbell

• Breaking down barriers for women with the Women’s Empowerment Conference: Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC)

• Alumna creates bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous women: Keisha Turner BA’12

• Dr. Catherine Loughlin Recognized for Research Excellence

• Celebrating excellence: Dr. Danika van Proosdij elected as a new Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada

The Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women

Keisha Turner BA’12.

Saint Mary’s is proud to offer a new bursary to African Canadian and Indigenous women through the generosity of SMU alumna, Keisha Turner BA’12.

The Turner Bursary reflects Keisha’s identity as a community leader and her own lived experience as a Black female entrepreneur:

"I am so excited to be able to offer this bursary over the next five years. It was bursaries just like these that allowed me to succeed and finish my degree with the stability and support I needed to get where I am today.  It is with great pride and gratitude that I am able to do the same for the next generation of Black and Indigenous leaders."  

During her time at Saint Mary’s, Keisha studied Sociology and won an AUS Championship with the women’s volleyball team in 2010. She has since established an impactful career as an entrepreneur and consultant in Ontario and Nova Scotia. With her husband Michael Polak BComm’14, she has formed Akwekon – a consulting firm that guides Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in the reconciliation of colonial and Indigenous practices.

It is in this spirit of cultivating positive change that Keisha invests in Saint Mary’s students, and in turn strengthens our community and the world beyond.  

Read more about Keisha’s story in Maroon + White

New award will help support grieving students

Paul Hollingsworth BA’94

Saint Mary’s alumni Paul Hollingsworth BA’94 is giving back to support new students who have experienced the loss of a sibling or parent. 

Paul knows well the impact of such grief. He was young student in the Faculty of Arts at Saint Mary’s when his older brother Bryce took his life in 1991. 

He credits the support he received from professors and the Saint Mary’s community as integral to helping him move ahead and continue pursuing his degree as he navigated his loss. 

Paul went on to graduate and now enjoys a successful career as a well-known reporter for CTV Atlantic and TSN.   

Last year, Paul suffered another loss in his family, with the sudden passing of his sister Lauren. Motivated by grief and memories of how the Saint Mary's community supported him 30 years ago, he decided to establish an award which would help future students going through the same thing. 

Each year, the Hollingsworth Family Award, valued at $1,000, will be given to a first-year student who has lost a parent or sibling.

On February 1, Paul spoke movingly on-air about his decision to establish the award. The story clearly struck a chord with many in the community; since the award was announced, several donations have been received, including one of $5000. To date, the total donations top $8000, an amount that Hollingworth plans to increase with his own fundraising efforts.  

“I love Saint Mary’s,” he said in an interview with CTV writer Alex MacIssac. “So to do this and to put some of the pieces back together from my family’s life and to do it and wrap it around my university, Saint Mary’s, I’m so pleased.” 

 Give to the Hollingsworth Family Award 

SMU researchers working with US government to recover remains of lost service personnel

Dr. Aaron Taylor and Dr. Jonathan Fowler work with a 500 Noggin ground-penetrating radar, shown here

A Saint Mary’s University archaeology team is assisting the US government in identifying and recovering the remains of service personnel lost on foreign battlefields.

The Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) is the US government agency responsible for locating, recovering and identifying the remains of unaccounted-for US Department of Defense personnel from past conflicts. This project will focus on World War II (WWII) battlefields and aircraft crash sites. Saint Mary’s is the first university in Canada to partner with DPAA on a project of this nature.

“We have been developing our remote sensing expertise at Saint Mary’s University for several years now, providing assistance to different organizations across Canada,” says Dr. Jonathan Fowler, a professor in the Department of Anthropology.

“For us, these are more than projects. In many instances, we work with people looking for closure and do our best to provide them with that. This is about people who have been lost and bringing them home.”

Dr. Fowler is one of Canada’s leading researchers in archaeological geophysics and remote sensing. His ground-penetrating radar research has successfully mapped burials associated with the 1873 sinking of the SS Atlantic and identified nearly 300 unmarked graves in the pre-Deportation Acadian cemetery at Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Dr. Fowler has also worked with the Sipekne'katik First Nation in recent years related to the former Shubenacadie Residential school site.

The first search project with DPAA is in the final planning stages. It will offer opportunities to students for archaeological field experience in France this summer. Dr. Aaron Taylor BA'09 MA'12 will direct the project.

“Students will participate in excavations of a downed WWII US aircraft in an attempt to recover the remains of an aircrew member who perished in the crash,” says Taylor. “Students will be trained in archaeological field methods and best practices while following forensic archaeology techniques meeting DPAA protocols and guidelines.”

More on this story:

• Canadian Press/CBC article, “Halifax university's technology to help U.S. find missing soldiers on former European battlefields”

• Interview on The Todd Veinotte Show (hour three)

• To find out more about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), visit dpaa.mil

Graduate Profile: Josh Jackman BSc’22, Faculty of Science

Congratulations to Josh Jackman, a Fall ’22 graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology.

After leaving SMU as a business student, Josh later returned to Saint Mary’s as a mature student and discovered his love of geology after taking a first-year course called “Understanding the Earth,” in which students study minerals, rocks, soils, fossils and geological structures in class and in labs.

After completing his honours thesis in his third year and winning several awards, including best presentation at the undergraduate geoscience conference, he’s now working on a Master of Science degree at Saint Mary’s.

Preferred Name: Josh Jackman 

Program/degree: Bachelor of Science, Geology

Hometown: Petersfield, UK

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?

The geology program at Saint Mary's has a great reputation, and Halifax is such a nice place to live. 

How did you decide on Geology?

Geology holds the key to understanding all of Earth's processes, the nature of life upon it, and the interaction of human cultures throughout history. 

What was your favourite class?

Geology 1200 and 1201 will change the way you think. It made me see the fourth dimension, how the world changes over time.

What was your thesis title and description? Why did this research appeal to you?

“Fluid inclusion systematics of polymetallic (Sb-Pb-Zn-As-Ag-Au) mineralization at the Lansdowne Occurrence, Digby County, Nova Scotia.” Fluid inclusions are an example of something very small, which can meaningfully represent enormous events.

Were you involved in the SMU Community (ie societies, clubs, sports, research)?

I was chair of the D. Hope Simpson Geology Society.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?

Dr. Pierre Jutras, Dr. Erin Adlakha, and Dr. Jacob Hanley have had a profound impact on my mind and attitude. Dr. Victor Owen (now retired) has been a great inspiration for me.

Did you receive any awards or recognition from the university or other organizations during your time as a student here?

Bob Grantham Award, Mark Deptuck Award, Gordon Fader Award, and Award of Academic Excellence.

What advice would you give your younger self who was just starting university?

Wait until you're ready. You won't succeed unless you're having fun.