From classroom to career: empowering responsible AI leaders

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming higher education, not only reshaping how students learn in university classrooms but also driving innovative research across disciplines. At Saint Mary’s, our instructors are playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI advancements and the broader business community by integrating AI tools into curriculum and community-based research projects.

Find out how Saint Mary’s is supporting students and the business community navigate the fast-paced world of AI.

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Atlantic Canada AI Summit: May 1-3 at Saint Mary’s University

Organized by leading institutions, including Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, the University of New Brunswick, Acadia University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the University of Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Canada AI Summit fosters collaboration across academia and industry in Atlantic Canada. 

The Summit will showcase cutting-edge AI research, facilitate industry-academia collaboration, and highlight exceptional AI talent in the region. It will feature three days of programming, including research presentations, workshops, a healthcare data competition and a youth AI pitch competition.

The Youth AI Pitch Competition on May 3 invites youth ages 13-18 to use AI and creativity to improve the Children’s Emergency Department at the IWK hospital.

We are looking for AI-driven solutions to enhance the ER experience for kids and their families. Whether it’s making ER visits more fun, improving parent experience or advancing patient care, your ideas can make a difference!

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AI in the classroom

Preparing students for the workplace with AI learning

Anubhav Gupta and instructor Bryce Cross

Under the guidance of Sobey School of Business Lecturer Bryce Cross, who heavily incorporates large language models (LLMs) into his PhD research, Anubhav Gupta and his classmates are getting unique exposure to AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.

“Professor Cross loves talking about his research, and he tries to integrate it with the concepts he’s teaching,” Gupta shared.

This approach has allowed students to engage with AI in practical ways, such as using ChatGPT to analyze mystery companies, prompting the model to match anonymous balance sheets to the correct industry. “It was an interesting experience to see how AI and LLMs work and their limitations. You can use it, but you can’t replace the knowledge you’re learning at university.”

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Philosophy program teaches students to use critical thinking in an AI-driven world

Dr. Shelagh Crooks

With political turmoil, social divides, economic instability and the complexities of AI, the global landscape is full of challenges.

Philosophy teaches students how to think about concepts like fairness, autonomy and justice, skills that are increasingly important as we interact with AI-driven systems in the workplace. Understanding the societal impact of AI is not just a technical challenge—it’s a moral one.

“If we consume AI, we have to consume it with a critical eye,” says Saint Mary’s Philosophy professor Dr. Shelagh Crooks. “One of the things you learn in all philosophy classes is to be a skeptic…ask yourself, ‘Why should I accept this as truth?’ That is not something people do naturally.”

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Start a career in AI with SMU’s Master of Business Analytics (MBAN)

Interested in working in the growing industry of business analytics and AI? The Saint Mary’s Masters of Business Analytics (MBAN) program equips students with cutting-edge expertise and practical knowledge, emphasizing the development, evaluation, refinement and implementation of AI-powered analytics solutions to transform data into actionable insights, driving business innovation and success.

Students are eligible for an 8-month paid internship, offering hands-on experience with AI-driven tools and methodologies, strengthening their expertise and establishing a solid foundation for a successful career in business analytics and AI.

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Researchers using AI to solve real-world problems

Chris Mitchell and Shahriar Swapni of Citco with Dr. Pawan Lingras

The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) facilitates research relationships between Saint Mary’s University and external partners, such as companies, government departments and community organizations. In their 2025 report, OICE highlights a number of completed and ongoing research projects which benefit from integrating AI systems.

Harnessing Data to Reduce Food Waste

Easy Platter, a meal-planning and personal chef service, partnered with Mathematics and Computing Science professor Dr. Yasushi Akiyama to design a framework to calculate ingredient costs, potential food waste and nutritional value for selected meal plans.

Virtual Guides Transform Tourist Experiences

Fundy Language Analytics Inc., which specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning for language applications, partnered with Mathematics and Computer Science professor Dr. Somayeh Kafaie to use Large Language Models to enhance their virtual tour guide app, Strollopia.

A Partnership to Diversify Revenue and Reduce Risk

Citco, a global network of independent firms, partnered with Dr. Pawan Lingras, Director of the Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics (CDA) Program and his team of graduate students. Together, they developed a document scraping application powered by generative AI to diversify their revenue streams within the fund administration sector.

AI-Powered Animation Enhancing Creativity One Frame at a Time

Moonshot Rights Inc., a Canada/UK-based animation company, partnered with Dr. Jason Rhinelander, an Associate Professor in the Division of Engineering and Head of Technology and Innovation at the David Sobey Retailing Centre. Together, they are pioneering a new approach to animation by accelerating the generation of Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) computer-generated frames.

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Sharing AI insights with the business community and beyond

Arjun Asokakumar speaks at the 2024 Responsible Leadership Day

Driving responsible leadership of AI

The Sobey School of Business brought together inspiring leaders and forward-thinking students for its sixth annual Responsible Leadership Day in November 2024: The Future of Responsible Work in an AI-Driven World. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, the need for specialized knowledge remains high. Understanding how to judge the information AI provides you—and being able to evaluate its output critically—is key to using the technology responsibly.

The event included a thought-provoking keynote by Arjun Asokakumar, Director of Data Science at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), on how AI-driven automation may reshape job roles and skill requirements.

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Demystifying AI for businesses

In March, Sobey School of Business professor Dr. Yigit Aydede hosted a half-day conference titled Beyond the Code: Demystifying AI. The event featured three engaging sessions designed to educate, demonstrate and inspire action around the transformative power of AI.

Sessions covered simplifying AI concepts for both technical and non-technical users, demonstrating AI in action to illustrate how the technology is applied to solve real-world challenges, and a practical discussion with key stakeholders on how small and medium-sized businesses can effectively leverage AI to drive growth, boost productivity, and achieve long-term success.

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SMU competition supports AI innovation in healthcare

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s hosted The Arena, an annual pitch competition, in March. More than 60 student entrepreneurs from across Canada participated.

The winning project was Wonder Guard—an AI-powered Catheter Bag Module, created by McMaster University PhD student Manak Bajaj. Wonder Guard is capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIS), integrating electrochemical biosensors for real-time detection, quantification, and prediction of UTIs. This allows immediate diagnostic feedback to users and health information systems for AI-driven clinical decisions.

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Considering the impact of AI development

In fall 2024, Faculty of Arts professor Dr. Teresa Heffernan joined UofT Jackman Humanities Institute Humanities at Large podcast host Melissa Gismondi for a conversation about AI. They discuss topics like the public's perception, limitations, environmental impact, and AI’s relationship with fiction. They also touch on the need for regulation and ethical considerations in AI development.

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Guidance for students and faculty

The Patrick Power Library's Artificial Intelligence (AI) guide is designed to help students use AI responsibly and ethically in their academic work.

The Studio for Teaching & Learning has helpful guides and resources for instructors here: Generative AI in Higher Education. They also host learning events and share resources from other institutions, including an upcoming webinar series titled Mind the (Bias) Gap: Ethical AI for Inclusive Teaching, from May 28-30.

A year of innovation, impact and growth: celebrating the first year of Experience Ventures at Saint Mary’s

Last Fall, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre signed an agreement to be the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures, a national program led by The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative. Experience Ventures pairs students with businesses, giving students real-world placement opportunities and businesses access to emerging talent.

For students in Atlantic Canada, the program delivered 161 outstanding experiential learning placements with 47 businesses, ranging from startups to established enterprises. While the businesses were many and varied, all were dedicated to mentorship, training and experiential learning and keen to connect with and benefit from students’ fresh thinking and current knowledge. By participating in Experience Ventures, students added work and learning experience to their resumes and made valuable connections with industry leaders.

The collaboration extended beyond Saint Mary’s University, with post-secondary students throughout the region from Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Community College, University of New Brunswick and more participating in this dynamic initiative.

Lasting impact on students and businesses

Matthew Orr, a third-year University of New Brunswick student, worked with HomeschoolToGo, a New Brunswick company whose mission is to make bilingual, holistic homeschooling accessible to families worldwide. As part of his project-based experience placement, Matthew worked closely with HomeschoolToGo’s leadership team, assisting in financial management, auditing processes, and market analysis.

He played a key role in refining the company’s financial operations—collaborating with bookkeepers and CPAs to address accounting discrepancies, building financial models and developing strategic projections. Matthew’s dedication and talent led to a continued role with HomeschoolToGo after completing the placement.

Matthew shared, “This program broadened my skill set, especially in venture capital and startup operations, investment rounds, projections and forecasting. It also helped me build a great relationship with my employer.”

“I am so grateful to have been considered for this program,” says Houlie Duque, CEO and founder of HomeschoolToGo. “Finding valuable talent is difficult to do while simultaneously operating a demanding business. Thanks to Matthew, I have been able to cut fractional CFO expenses for my company. He is a dedicated young professional who brings great strengths to the Financial Department at HomeschoolToGo! I look forward to continuing to work with him for many years”.

Experience Ventures: a community of collaboration

Experience Ventures owes its success to the collaboration and support from businesses that contributed their time and expertise in mentoring students and university faculty and staff who promoted the program to students and, in some cases, even participated. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre team extends a special thanks to the University of Calgary’s Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, who were instrumental in helping deliver this program, and to the students who seized the opportunities to put their learning into action, make valuable connections, and gain relevant experience for their resumes.

Business student recognized for excellence in leadership, athletics and entrepreneurship

We are thrilled to announce that Taylor Lougheed, a remarkable student in the Sobey School of Business, has received the prestigious 2025 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. In addition to this award, Taylor is also a Sobey Scholar, a recognition that highlights her exceptional academic and leadership potential.

A natural leader, Taylor has proven herself in multiple areas. As a manager at Scholar’s Edge Painting, a student-run business, she led her team to generate impressive sales and build lasting client relationships. Her experience taught her invaluable skills in communication, problem-solving and resilience—qualities that will serve her well in her future career.

Taylor embodies the perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence and athletic leadership as the Assistant Captain of the SMU Huskies Women’s Volleyball team. Her dedication and discipline shine through as she motivates her teammates and balances her studies. She is also involved in various campus organizations, including the SMU Women in Business Society and the Saint Mary’s Athletic Council. These experiences not only define her leadership style but also set the stage for an inspiring and successful career ahead.

Looking forward, Taylor aims to pursue her CPA and MBA, laying the foundation for owning a successful and financially sustainable business. With hard work and a natural ability to inspire others, she is poised to become a promising leader in the business world.

Philosophy: the smartest career move you can make

The logical choice in an AI-driven world

In every field, from medicine to business to public policy, employers are looking for graduates who can think deeply and act responsibly. Professionals are increasingly expected to make effective decisions that are morally sound. Critical thinking is among the most in-demand skills in today’s job market.

In healthcare, people face life-altering choices affecting patients. In business, companies must balance profits with social responsibility and environmental impact. Philosophy helps students approach these dilemmas with both competence and conscience.

Philosophy grads consistently outperform their peers on graduate school entrance exams like the LSAT, GRE and MCAT.

“It’s not about winning debates or getting into shouting matches,” says Angus Mancini-Miller, a third-year philosophy student. “It’s about justifying your beliefs. If you work in business and maybe you are trying to convince someone to invest, or you are pitching an idea, applying for a job, or discussing a topic in really any field… philosophy sets you up to defend your position.”

For Angus, studying philosophy is more than an academic pursuit—it is a transformative tool for understanding the world and refining the way we think. It helps students become more mindful and reflective in their personal lives, encouraging them to challenge their assumptions and understand the perspectives of others, ultimately improving relationships with family and friends.

Sam MacQuarrie, Angus Mancini-Miller and Kyle Foster founded the SMU Philsophy Society

“Even if you just take one class, philosophy makes you a better reader,” he says. “It helps you to read not just for information, but you also start noticing how things are written and why they’re written that way.”

Angus, along with fellow students Kyle Foster and Sam MacQuarrie, co-founded the SMU Philosophy Society.

“We now have a community where we can have philosophical conversations, whether about school or just ideas that intrigue us,” says Angus. “The society has grown over time, with 10 to 15 regular members. I’m living in the things I'm passionate about. I am living in my passion, which is awesome.” 

Because AI can’t think about thinking

Philosophy teaches students how to think about concepts like fairness, autonomy and justice. These skills are increasingly important as we interact with AI-driven systems in the workplace. Understanding the societal impact of AI is not just a technical challenge—it’s a moral one.

AI is revolutionizing industries and reshaping workplaces. It is already influencing our daily lives, from hiring practices to decision-making algorithms. With political turmoil, social divides, economic instability and the complexities of AI, the global landscape is full of challenges.

At Saint Mary’s, philosophy is brought to life by professors who are passionate about helping students grow. Dr. Shelagh Crooks, a member of the philosophy department, exemplifies how a great professor can shape your university experience.

Dr. Crooks is a recipient of the Dr. Geraldine Thomas Educational Leadership Award, the Father William A. Stewart, SJ Medal for Excellence in Teaching, the Association of Atlantic Universities Distinguished Teaching Award, and a 3M National Teaching Fellow.

“If we consume AI, we have to consume it with a critical eye,” says Dr. Crooks. “One of the things you learn in all philosophy classes is to be a skeptic and not to accept what you hear at face value. Instead, ask yourself, ‘Why should I accept this as truth?’ That is not something people do naturally.”

Dr. Shelagh Crooks

“One of the things you learn in all philosophy classes is to be a skeptic and not to accept what you hear at face value. Instead, ask yourself, ‘Why should I accept this as truth?’ ”

— Dr. Shelagh Crooks

“Take Descartes, for example. Doubt for him became liberating. I ask my students, ‘What does doubt feel like to you?’ Most students say, ‘When I am doubting, I feel anxious’ and that the feeling is unpleasant. But we need to doubt to know more—to know better.”

A global perspective, grounded in thought

With the support of his professors, Angus spent part of his summer abroad in a fellowship program at St. Olaf College near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The fellowship focused on philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, allowing him to dive into intensive research at the world’s most extensive Kierkegaard library.

“We would read for hours every day. Then when the library closed, we would play pool, hang out and talk about everything we read. It was probably one of the best months of my life.”

Philosophy is not just an academic discipline—it is a way of approaching the world. Whether you are passionate about technology, social justice, human resources, commerce or health sciences, studying philosophy will develop the skills to thrive in an ever-evolving and complex society.

Learn more

• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

• Master of Arts in Philosophy

AI device predicting UTIs wins $10K at The Arena

Manak Bajaj, a second-year PhD student from McMaster University, has been awarded the $10,000 grand prize in The Arena, Saint Mary’s University’s national pitch competition, for his breakthrough product, Wonder Guard—an AI-powered catheter bag module capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIs).

After 29 days of intense competition, with over 60 participants from 37 post-secondaries across Canada, Manak Bajaj won the grand prize of $10,000 for his product called Wonder Guard—an AI-powered Catheter Bag Module capable of detecting and predicting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Wonder Guard integrates electrochemical biosensors for real-time detection, quantification, and prediction of UTIs. This allows immediate diagnostic feedback to users and health information systems for AI-driven clinical decisions.

Wonder Guard app

“The Arena was a fantastic event! I profoundly enjoyed the challenges brought on by each round, and each iteration taught me so much about how to share the story of Wonder Guard,” said Bajaj. “I am grateful to be the Champion of The Arena 2025, and I’m eager to advance our efforts to create a lasting impact on patients’ lives. Thank you to all the judges who participated in my rounds—your feedback has given Wonder Guard a stronger pathway to market.”

The Arena, presented by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, is Canada’s premier national pitch competition for student entrepreneurs. This year’s event welcomed 64 students from leading institutions, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, Queen’s University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Waterloo and universities throughout Atlantic Canada.

During the month of March, students competed in a head-to-head pitch format, presenting their business ideas to panels of expert judges. In total, $17,000 in prizes were awarded: $10,000 to the first-place winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $1,000 each to third and fourth place.

“The calibre of world-changing ideas from these young entrepreneurs is impressive. They are inspired and inspiring,” said Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “These students are going to make their mark on our world, and the Centre is delighted to help them realize their dreams.”

The Arena is generously sponsored by Metronomics, a company founded by Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, a Saint Mary’s University alumna and successful serial entrepreneur. Susko has been recognized among Canada’s Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders and Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

Since its launch in 2021, The Arena has awarded $95,000 in prizes and showcased more than 320 student business ideas from across the country. With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is Atlantic Canada’s premier hub for cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and driving open innovation.

Student-led startup named Canadian Champion at Hult Prize National Competition

Founded by Sheheryar Khan, a soon-to-be graduate in Diploma in Engineering at Saint Mary’s University, Alaagi is on a mission to replace traditional plastics with sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Using seaweed and other marine resources, the company creates fully compostable plastics. Using seaweed and other marine resources, the company creates fully compostable plastics.

The Alaagi team—comprised of SMU students Sheheryar Khan, Gabe Martin and Vaishali Sachdeva—was named National Champion after competing against 19 other teams from across Canada at the competition held in March at McGill University.

Kate Ramirez of the Hult Prize with Vaishali Sachdeva, Sheheryar Khan and Gabe Martin of Alaagi, and Hult Prize Advisor Aarondeep (Aaron) S. Bains

Another Saint Mary’s team that competed was Sociable, an online platform founded by Olivian Sanderson and Jason Phonchareon. The platform aims to help students build meaningful relationships through shared interests and community events.

With the national win, the Alaagi team immediately moves on to the next phase of the competition, working toward the grand prize of $1 million to be awarded at the Global Finals in London in September 2025. Alaagi has been mentored through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and is currently incubated through Enactus Saint Mary’s.

““Working with the team at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre was truly transformative. They supported my vision and taught me fundamental skills like how to pitch and manage my business. But I also have to credit my mom—she sent me to Saint Mary’s and to Canada to chase my dreams.””

— Sheheryar Khan

Alaagi Founder Sheheryar Khan presents at the Hult Prize Canadian National Competition

The Hult Prize is a globally recognized social entrepreneurship competition that challenges students to tackle the world’s most pressing issues through innovative business ideas. Each year, more than 187,000 students from 113 countries and 1,324 universities participate, pitching solutions for a chance to win $1 million.

“The Canadian National Competition was competitive and exciting! It was amazing to see teams from across the country come together—not just as competitors, but as colleagues supporting one another through the process,” said Kate Ramirez, North American Regional Manager of the Hult Prize. “This was the first Canadian National Hult Prize competition, and it set the tone for what’s to come.”

The Hult Prize competition consists of five stages. With their national win, Alaagi enters Stage 3: the Digital Incubator. Alongside 60 top teams from around the world, they will refine their ideas, validate product-market fit, build proof-of-concept models, and develop go-to-market strategies. Successful teams will progress to Stage 4: the Global Accelerator, held in person in London this August, where 28 teams will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. Of those, eight will be selected to compete in the Global Finals in September, pitching their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges for the $1 million prize.

Follow the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre online for more updates on Alaagi’s journey and other student entrepreneur success stories.

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The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is Atlantic Canada’s premier hub for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and driving open innovation. Over the past five years, the Centre has supported over 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses through programs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial engagement activities.

Students build their own drones in hands-on workshop

STEAM Lab participants pose with their Wi-Fi controlled drones at Saint Mary’s University

During the winter term, a group of students took on the challenge of building fully functioning, Wi-Fi-controlled drones. The workshop was hosted by STEAM Lab, an exciting hands-on program where university students bring STEAM concepts to life by building their own projects over six interactive sessions.

Throughout the program, students enhanced their skills in electronics, programming, 3D printing, and design in a supportive environment that was open to learners from all backgrounds. At the end of the program, they kept the drones they built.

“STEAM Lab has been an incredible experience, providing hands-on learning in an engaging way,” said Abdiaziz Aden Muse. “Through this program, I’ve gained valuable problem-solving skills, collaborated on exciting projects, and explored innovative ideas that sparked my curiosity. The supportive environment and knowledgeable mentors made learning both fun and rewarding. STEAM Lab has truly inspired me to think creatively and approach challenges with confidence.”

“The drone building, programming and collaborative environment allowed me to explore new technologies while building real-world applications,” said Michael Ofori Maccarthy.

Thanks to our partners at EurekaTec and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre for supporting this adventure in STEAM. Explore the gallery below to see the process unfold!

Highlights from the 2025 Venture Capital Investment Competition at the Sobey School of Business

Dalhousie MBA team

Queen's Smith MBA team

UNB MBA team

U of T Rotman MBA team

Waterloo Undergraduate team

Waterloo MBA team

York Schulich MBA team

Wilfred Laurier Undergraduate team

Queen's Smith MBA

Waterloo MBA team

Harvinder Kaur (SpaceBeacon)

Ugochi West

Judge

Bryn Davis Williams (DOUBL)

Kory Henn

Judge

Gena Arthur (Pure Paints Lab)

Judge

George Palikaras

Judge

Dr. Ellen Farrell

Host, Saint Mary’s University

The Sobey School of Business was thrilled to host this year’s highly anticipated Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), which brought together 72 talented graduate and undergraduate students from some of Canada’s top institutions, including the University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, Schulich School of Business and the University of Alberta.

Canada’s Venture Capital Investment Competition has become a landmark event in the venture capital industry, providing universities across the country with the opportunity to test and nurture the next generation of professionals.

All judges for the competition are venture capitalists, business angels or members of the VC program at Sobey School of Business. “The competition showcases a remarkable wealth of talent,” said Dr. Ellen Farrell, leader of the VC program, who is renowned for her innovations in venture capital. Her accomplishments include founding the Venture Grade: Student Venture Capital Fund, co-founding the Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) Program, creating InvestorQ&A, and winning the prestigious Father William A. Stewart, S.J. Medal for Excellence in Teaching.

This year, all of the featured startups were women-owned, highlighting the growing impact of women entrepreneurs in the venture capital space. Co-organizers Ellen Farrell and Andrew Ray praised the featured startups and celebrated the diverse representation from across Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.

To learn more about the undergraduate competition, visit: Undergraduate Canada VCIC

To learn more about the MBA competition, visit: MBA Canada VCIC

Pizza, jazz and sustainability

Sobey students explore global solutions in Chicago 

Eighteen students from Canada, the US and Mexico participated in the Developing Climate Leaders course, pictured here on-site at Top Pallets in Chicago

SMU students Dakota Burrows and Barbara Ellis (3rd and 4th from left) present with teammates from Dominican University and Universidad Anáhuac at Top Pallets in Chicago

Students visited Top Pallets in Chciago to learn about sustainable supply chain management

SMU students joined Sobey School of Business professor Dr. Rahman Khokhar (pictured speaking) for the Developing Climate Leaders course

Rahman Khokhar, Dakota Burrows and Barbara Ellis among other students during a visit to Top Pallets

The Dean of the Brennan Business School at Dominican University in Chicago, IL welcomes the students and instructors

The vibrant energy of jazz, the universal love for pizza and the critical need for climate change solutions—an unexpected fusion of experiences shaped the Sobey School of Business students' transformative trip to Chicago, proving despite apparent divisions, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico can unite over global sustainability. 

During February's reading week, six ambitious Bachelor of Commerce students from SMU ventured to the Windy City for the "Developing Climate Leaders" course, guided by Dr. Rahman Khokhar, Associate Professor of Finance at the Sobey School of Business.  

Now in its third year, this innovative program showcases how cross-border cooperation can further sustainable business practices. 

International efforts in action 

Teamed with peers from Dominican University (Chicago, IL) and Universidad Anáhuac (Mexico), the students dove into assessing sustainability practices at companies like Top Pallets, Wintrust Financial, and Pepper Construction. 

Their mission was clear: to bring fresh, actionable insights back from their research. This work was supported by funding from the 100k Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund and the Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust, established by Bill Linton BComm'75, DComm'22 and Marilynne Day-Linton. 

During their stay, the students presented their findings to company executives on-site and toured the facilities, gaining direct insights into operations and real-world experience. 

"Being able to interview the COO of Top Pallets opened my eyes to the critical role of green supply chains,” said Barbara Ellis, a second-year undergraduate student. “I loved collaborating with a cross-cultural group of students. We came up with solutions to practical business problems that could have a real impact."  

Halifax to Chicago: beats and eats  

The cultural experiences formed a core part of their journey. From tasting Chicago's legendary deep-dish pizza to grooving to a live jazz band, the students immersed themselves in the local scene.  

“I am starting to understand how different cultures might approach sustainability initiatives. Before this trip, my perspectives were short-sighted, but now I see the importance of hearing from different viewpoints,” said Zayna Eissa, a second-year undergraduate student and Sobey National Innovator Scholar. “I also loved trying new foods and I really admired the architecture in Chicago. That’s the beauty of international learning."  

“Just getting out of Halifax over the break,” said Cole Fraser, a third-year undergraduate student, on his highlights of the trip. “The food scene, visiting the Morton Arboretum, and the nights spent exploring downtown Chicago with a great group of students were unforgettable.” 

Empowering students as sustainable business leaders 

The course included various team efforts, including a social media campaign promoting carbon neutrality and a real-world sustainability challenge about Walmart and one of its suppliers.  

Through this exercise, students strengthened their problem-solving and presentation skills, gained insight into supplier negotiation dynamics, and explored how sustainability decisions today can significantly shape global supply chains of the future.  

The Sobey School of Business is proud of its commitment to fostering future leaders who are ready to tackle the world's pressing environmental issues with innovative, culturally informed approaches.  

Additional resources 

• Sobey School globally recognized for supporting UN initiative

• Sustainability Initiatives

• Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s

• Certificate in Sustainability Business

One million pounds of perfectly imperfect food feeds Nova Scotians

Square Roots, a Nova Scotia social enterprise founded at Saint Mary’s University, celebrates major milestone.

Students sorting donated food

Square Roots, founded by Saint Mary’s University students in 2016, buys imperfect yet perfectly edible food from local farmers and sells it directly to customers at a price that is 50% less than the grocery store. Nova Scotians benefit from getting healthy food at a more affordable price and farmers benefit because they get revenue from the food that would otherwise go to waste. This month, Square Roots celebrates the major milestone of delivering one million pounds of food since its beginning in 2016.

“We could not have done it without the student teams, the community champions and the farmers. ”

— Courtney Dingle, Square Roots president

“Square Roots is delighted to reach this one million pounds of food milestone. We could not have done it without the student teams, the community champions and the farmers. We believe this is just the beginning of what’s possible. We are currently in 16 communities and want to be in every county in Nova Scotia by April 2025 and we have a vision to take this model nationally,” says Courtney Dingle, Square Roots president and SMU business student.

Square Roots was developed by students at SMU who participate in an international student program called Enactus. Enactus marries entrepreneurial-minded students with social action. Square Roots addresses the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity. At the farm level, 30% of harvested produce is dumped into landfills due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly healthy. Square Roots rescues this "less attractive" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those with limited access to healthy food.

Working with local contacts, Square Roots is currently bringing food to over 25 communities across Nova Scotia—the newest being Port Hawkesbury, D’Escousse, Sydney, Baddeck, Cornwallis Park, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Mill Village, and Lunenburg. The team intends to be in all Nova Scotia counties by May 2025 and, in the bigger picture, has plans to expand across Canada by 2026.

The SMU Enactus team is well-recognized in Canada and around the world. They have placed top 4 in the Canadian Enactus championships 11 of the last 13 years and won the national Canadian champion in 2024. With this recognition, the team represented Canada at the global Enactus championship in Kazakhstan in October 2024. The SMU Enactus team recently earned first place in the 2025 Enactus regional competition and heads to the national competition in May 2025.

Transforming healthcare: Saint Mary’s Experience Ventures partners with Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

Students presented their ideas to the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

A student team answers questions during their presentation

Some teams from across Atlantic Canada particpated online

Representatives from the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub give feedback on presentations

A unique collaboration driving change in healthcare

From January 22 to February 26, 2025, Saint Mary’s University’s Experience Ventures program embarked on an exciting collaboration with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, engaging 15 students across Atlantic Canada. This initiative provided students with hands-on experience tackling some of the province’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

The Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub was established to do the right things for the right reasons. As the front door for innovation and partnerships within Nova Scotia’s healthcare system, it is shaping a methodical approach to innovation and bringing together partners (patients, clinicians, industry leaders, healthcare foundations, governments and academic institutions) to take the best local and global ideas and make them a reality in the pursuit of better health for all Nova Scotians.

The Experience Ventures Challenge presented three challenges to students to build solutions:

• Challenge A: Exploring innovative approaches to address mental health challenges in senior populations.

• Challenge B: Leveraging technology to enhance health outcomes for seniors and improve long-term care delivery.

• Challenge C: Identifying best-in-class frameworks, strategies, and practices from other Canadian and global jurisdictions to advance public healthcare systems.

Throughout the program, students conducted detailed due diligence reports, market scans and final recommendations, presenting solutions to help Nova Scotia Health improve its care system. This initiative provided students with an unparalleled opportunity to gain industry exposure, develop research and analytical skills and contribute to meaningful healthcare advancements. The collaboration highlighted the power of innovation and the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in healthcare transformation.

“It was my pleasure to be part of the Experience Ventures program, where I learned how to apply my skills to solving real-world problems. I also got to make friends in such a short time and collaborate with them on the project,”  said Gulizar Sheikh Muslim, phycology student at Saint Mary’s.

Celia Peters and Michael Warner, Business Development Coordinators with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, were excited by the work presented. “It was a pleasure collaborating with the future changemakers and exploring real healthcare scenarios together,” said Peters. “We were inspired by the students' innovative ideas and the potential impact they could have on both the healthcare system and patient outcomes." 

"It was inspiring to watch the final student presentations, where their passion and thoughtful approach to senior care shone through. Their innovative ideas highlighted the importance of prioritizing this area, showcasing the significant impact innovation can have on improving the status quo in senior care," said Warner.

Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations as the Experience Ventures program continues to foster innovation and create opportunities for students to lead the way in healthcare transformation.

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Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. EV is funded by the Government of Canda and delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.

Enactus Saint Mary's secures first place in Environmental Sustainability, Innovation & Impact and Entrepreneurship Competitions

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team at the Atlantic Regional Exposition in February 2025

Saint Mary's University placed first in three regional challenges at the Enactus Canada Atlantic Regional Exposition: the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge, the Innovation and Impact Challenge powered by Enactus Alumni and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The team's success solidifies its leadership position in the Enactus network for its continued dedication to positive change through entrepreneurial action and sustainable business practices.

Championing Environmental Sustainability
The judges were impressed with Square Roots and EmerAlt, two projects in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge. Square Roots provides affordable fruit and vegetables to community members across Nova Scotia. EmerAlt is creating plastic cutlery from potato starch.

Driving Innovation and Impact
In the Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni, Enactus Saint Mary's showcased its ability to identify and address real-world problems with creative solutions. Their project Alaagi, only in its first year of conception, won first place for its powerful combination of ingenuity and practical application. The judges were particularly impressed by the team's ability to develop a solution that focused on sustainability.

Empowering Entrepreneurial Spirit
In the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, the team showcased Square Roots and their ongoing growth by launching seven new locations, now totalling 16 across Nova Scotia. This expansion further proved the program's dedication to community empowerment. The team provided 25 entrepreneurs with essential skills, valuable tools and knowledge to foster entrepreneurial success within the community. 

With the recent win, Enactus Saint Mary's will compete in four competitions at the Enactus Canada National Exposition from May 6-8 in Calgary, Alberta, including defending its national championship title.  

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About Enactus Saint Mary's

Enactus Saint Mary's is a student-led organization dedicated to creating a better world through entrepreneurial action. They develop and implement projects that address social, environmental and economic challenges, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.