New majors at SMU blend sport, health, business and social impact

Career-ready skills, real-world interdisciplinary learning, co-op opportunities

This September, Saint Mary’s University is launching two innovative majors, Health, Wellness and Sport in Society and Sports Business, blending innovation and opportunity in a way that feels unmistakably of this moment.  

These new interdisciplinary programs are shaped by conversations across faculties and a clear-eyed view of what students—and the job market—need next. 

Built on Saint Mary’s longstanding strengths in community engagement, athletics and business, the programs offer real-world skill-building and co-op placements and will prepare students for high-impact careers in sport.

“These majors were developed with today’s world in mind—and tomorrow’s in sight,” says Dr. Augie Westhaver, associate professor of sociology and co-creator of the new majors. “We wanted to create something practical and forward-thinking, where students leave not just with a degree, but with a resumé and a sense of how to lead real change.” 

Flexible paths, focused careers 

Students can complete co-op placements relating to Sports Business and Health, Wellness and Sport in Society

The Health, Wellness and Sport in Society major, housed in the Faculty of Arts, draws on the social sciences, humanities and business to examine health, sport, equity and wellness through a broad, socially responsible lens. Students will explore everything from ethical leadership to diversity in sport, connecting their studies to global challenges like inclusion and sustainability. 

Offered through the Sobey School of Business, the Sports Business major combines marketing, data analytics, and management with big-picture thinking around ethics, leadership, and sustainability. The program prepares students to lead in a dynamic sports industry, whether in professional sport teams, corporate partnerships, or non-profit community organizations.

The programs see sport not just as a competition, but as a platform for equity, inclusion, and global citizenship. Both majors are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and emphasize socially responsible leadership.

““I wasn’t just looking for theory. I wanted something that would connect me to real careers, real communities and real change. This program brings everything together. I’ve already started exploring the business side of sport, and next year I’ll dive into the health and social issues that really matter. It’s equipping me with practical, relevant skills—and a degree that feels practical, relevant and truly interdisciplinary.”  ”

— Kyler Knocton, a current Bachelor of Commerce student who plans to declare Sport Business as his major.

The majors also build on SMU’s existing Certificates in Sports Business and Health, Wellness and Sport in Society, allowing students to stack credentials or shift into the full major as their interests evolve. 

Real-world learning starts here 

At the heart of both majors is a commitment to learning by doing, built on an interdisciplinary structure. Throughout their studies, students will engage with guest speakers, explore industry discussions, and analyze case studies, gaining insights from professionals working in the sport industry. Sample courses will include Sports Marketing, Human Resources in Sports, Sports Law, Data Analytics in Sports, and Sport, Diversity and Inclusion.

Through co-op placements, community projects and capstone courses, students will collaborate with sports teams, health organizations and non-profits on projects that reflect real industry challenges.  

Potential career paths for graduates include Health Promotion Specialist, Facility and Recreation Manager, Sports Marketing Manager, Wellness Program Director, Performance Analyst, and Diversity and Inclusion Officer in Sport.

Connecting academics and community through sport and wellness

Both majors are anchored by the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health, of which Dr. Westhaver is the director. The Centre is an interdisciplinary hub connecting academic research, community engagement, and student learning.

In March 2024, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted “Sport Studies Outside the Classroom”, an experiential learning symposium in support of the development of sport studies on campus.

Over the years, the Centre has become a touchstone for students and scholars alike, championing mental health initiatives and creating space where community work and academic inquiry intersect. It has a rich history of hosting international conferences, supporting student-led wellness projects, and building industry partnerships that now help power these new majors.

The programs also arrive at a time when mental health in sport is gaining long-overdue attention. The Centre has supported initiatives like the Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative and Here for Peers, and both majors are designed with wellness, not just performance, in mind.

“In designing these programs, we aimed to reflect the interconnectedness of sport, health, and business in today's global landscape,” says Dr. Miguel Morales, associate professor of marketing and co-creator of the new majors. “Our goal was to equip students with the skills to navigate and lead in diverse environments, understanding that success in the sports industry now requires a blend of cultural insight, ethical leadership, and a commitment to social impact.”

Within the classroom, students are encouraged to explore the ethics of wellness, and its role in shaping both individuals and systems. Conversations around resilience, burnout and the emotional weight of high-performance sport are central to the learning, viewed through a socially conscious lens.

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New talent helping to guide centre’s growth

Jacob Glover, Managing Director at the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health

Jacob Glover is thrilled to join the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health at such a pivotal time in the expansion of its programs. Well poised to support the centre’s vision as its new managing director, Glover brings experience in sport governance and policy work along with a background in law, philosophy and restorative justice.

Since arriving at Saint Mary’s in January 2025, he has focused on working with the university community “to think about nuanced ways of proactively attending to the well-being of our student athletes,” he says. “This includes working with academic supports as well as Student Affairs and Services and Athletics and Recreation, to connect our students to the resources that help to build a culture of holistic well-being.”

Enhancing the centre’s engagement with other sport institutions and organizations is another priority. In one project funded by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Glover is working with the Restorative Lab at Dalhousie University and Sport Nova Scotia to integrate a restorative approach to Team Nova Scotia’s culture and commitment to well-being at the Canada Games.

Glover joins the centre’s Academic Director Dr. Augie Westhaver and Operations Support Specialists Quinn MacDonald BA’24 and Cedric Ralph BA’25. On deck to help launch the new academic programs is Teaching Fellow Dr. MacIntosh Ross EMBA’96, whose own research explores the intersections of sport and human rights. Three students are on staff for the summer as varsity student-athlete research assistants: Ashley Brady, Ashley Penney and Chad Enwright. Learn more about the centre’s team.

Leaders on campus and in the community: meet the 2025 SLRA recipients

Front row: Maria Mannette, Spencer Vallis, Khuloud Saqib, Liah Christie.
Back row: Hailey Forbes, Ella Fitzgerald, Melissa Álvarez Del Angel, Audrey Salinger

Career & Experiential Learning and the Saint Mary’s University Student Association (SMUSA) hosted the annual Student Leadership Recognition Award (SLRA) ceremony on April 3, 2025. The award recognizes students who possess, display, and apply leadership qualities and skills within the Saint Mary’s University community and beyond.

The SLRA was initiated in 2012 and is awarded to a maximum of three students from each Faculty (Arts, Science, Sobey School of Business, and Graduate Studies). Learn more about the Student Leadership Recognition Award.

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Meet the award recipients

Melissa Álvarez Del Angel

Melissa Álvarez is a third-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Psychology. As an international student from Mexico, Melissa understands what it means to start over. Facing cultural shock and the silent battles of proving herself in unfamiliar spaces shaped her passion for advocacy and community care. Melissa is a Senior Residence Assistant and Chair of the Residence Wellness Team, where she leads initiatives focused on harm reduction and mental health awareness, creating spaces for students to feel seen and heard. Beyond campus, Melissa volunteers at Peter’s Place, assisting individuals recovering from brain injuries. She is also involved in the French Woodland Conservation Project, where she helps educate children about the preservation of yellow birch trees.

Liah Christie

Liah is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science Chemistry Honours student minoring in Philosophy. A dedicated leader at Saint Mary’s University, she has excelled in academics, mentorship, and research. As a Peer Success Coach, she supports student transitions through personalized coaching and learning strategy workshops. Within the Chemistry Department, Liah has worked as a Research Assistant, TA, SNAP Centre Peer Tutor, and SMU Chemistry Society Co-President, fostering academic growth and engagement for science students. Beyond the lab, Liah is deeply committed to community health and advocacy. She has volunteered over 225 hours with Ronald McDonald House Charities, co-chairs the Halifax Community Health Board, and delivers educational mental health presentations as a certified JackTalks Speaker.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a Minor in French. Ella has volunteered for three years with Students Acting for Global Awareness and served as a Teaching Assistant in the Mathematics Department. Additionally, she has volunteered as a Pack Leader with SMUSA for two years, creating a safe and welcoming community at Saint Mary’s. Ella participated in a year-long Study Abroad program at the University of Seoul in South Korea, where she joined Korean tutoring groups, volunteered as an English discussion leader, and contributed to the International Student Fellowship program, which strives to build a diverse global community. Ella also completed two spring semester exchanges in Québec. Ella will begin her Bachelor of Education program following graduation to further her goal of making education more accessible to all.

Hailey Forbes

Hailey is a third-year Bachelor of Arts Psychology student, completing the Forensic Psychology Certificate. Hailey has a strong passion for leadership, accessibility, and student success, holding various leadership positions in the Saint Mary’s community. As a Peer Success Coach for Accessibility, Hailey supports Arts students and individuals registered with the Fred Smithers Centre by facilitating learning strategy workshops and one-on-one coaching. She also serves as the Vice President of the Psychology Society, fostering connections and growth among students. Additionally, Hailey is involved with the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative, working to raise awareness of sexual and gender-based violence to promote a safer campus environment. Outside of the SMU community, Hailey volunteers every summer at Camp Triumph, a camp for children who have a sibling/parent with a chronic illness or disability.

Maria Mannette

Maria Mannette is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student, double majoring in Computing & Information Systems and Management. Graduating as Valedictorian in Spring 2025, she has been an active leader on campus, serving as a Teaching Assistant, a Peer Academic Leader, a BComm Ambassador, and the Administrative Assistant for the Sobey School of Business Commerce Society. She also played a key role in student governance as the Deputy Returning Officer for the SMUSA elections in 2023. In September 2024, Maria founded the university’s first Women In Business Society, serving as its inaugural President and igniting a legacy of female leadership, inclusion, and professional development with a growing community of over 100 members. Alongside her studies, Maria works full-time and volunteers with the Greek community.

Lydia Ramsay

Lydia Ramsay is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce Finance and Accounting student and Sobey National Innovator Scholar. For the past two years, she has served as a Residence Assistant on campus, fostering an inclusive environment and community. Lydia leads as Events and Engagement Lead for the Women in Business Society, organizing impactful events such as the Women in Finance Panel Gala. Beyond SMU, Lydia has coordinated French leadership training for the Canadian Student Leadership Association and launched an online Student Leadership Certification Program. With involvement in SMU’s Venture Grade Program and Research Associate for the IMPACT Investment Fund, she excels in financial leadership. Lydia aims to further her leadership in finance and community impact with the Women in Business Society.

Audrey Salinger

Audrey is a fourth-year PhD candidate investigating genetic impacts on the recovery of two endangered cetacean populations. She holds a Master of Science from the University of Tromsø and a Bachelor of Science from UCLA. Audrey’s contributions to the SMU community include co-organizing the seminar and journal club series for the biology and environmental science departments and helping to facilitate the biweekly EDIA book club. Audrey works as both a teaching assistant for biology and ENVS courses and an exam invigilator for the Fred Smithers Centre. Off campus, Audrey volunteers as a student representative for the Nova Scotia Institute of Science, where she serves student interests among the broader scientific community by supporting initiatives for students to share their scientific research and learn about potential career paths.

Khuloud Saqib

Khuloud Saqib is a third-year international student majoring in Criminology with a minor in Psychology. Widely recognized on campus as the ‘purple-haired’ girl, Khuloud has made an impact through her leadership and involvement in student life. She started as a dedicated member of SMUSA’s Street Team in her first year, a role that required energy, extroversion, and direct engagement with students. She was also an active member of the SMU Cheerleading team for two years and served as the Captain of her team in her second year. Alongside this, Khuloud upheld various off-campus volunteer roles. Currently, Khuloud serves as the Vice President - Societies for SMUSA, where she plays a key role in supporting the 60 active societies, managing event risks, and ensuring policies are upheld.

Ramon Stultz

Born and raised in Jamaica, Ramon Stultz is a third-year international student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with concentrations in Finance and Management. Ramon co-founded the Premiere Emcee Team, where he draws upon his background in hosting high-profile Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events. He held the positions of Resident Assistant for two consecutive years and Research Assistant at the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, where he applied his finance expertise and passion for youth mentoring to support groundbreaking research initiatives for Black communities. Ramon also contributes to Tribe Network as an Administrative Lead. Ramon’s goal remains steadfast: to drive positive change, inspire those around him, and foster a thriving environment for learning, growth and innovation.

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Spencer Vallis

Spencer is a dedicated advocate, community organizer and leader, passionate about creating change. He is a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Social Justice and Community Studies and minoring in Sociology. Spencer has led the SMU Pride Society for the past two years, advocating for institutional change, organizing queer-centric events, and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ SMUdents. He is a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Arts and represents 2SLGBTQIA+ students on the Sexual Violence Prevention Executive Advisory Committee. In addition to his leadership on campus, he works full-time in retail management and excels academically as a two-time Dean’s List recipient. Recently, he was appointed to the Point Pleasant Park Advisory Committee with the City of Halifax.

Three-Minute Thesis winner to represent SMU at Eastern Regional Competition

Samuel Sequeira

Congratulations to Samuel Sequeira, a first-year Master of Science student in Environmental Science, who won first place and the People’s Choice award in the annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) contest at Saint Mary’s last week. His presentation was titled “Jumping into danger: Mercury, fungus, and the frog crisis.”

Abigail Battson won second place for her thesis titled “Finding a needle in a haystack: Looking for indirect evidence of black holes in star clusters.”

Hosted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the 2025 3MT event saw 11 Saint Mary’s Master’s students and PhD candidates explain their thesis research projects in three minutes using just one static PowerPoint slide, no other props and no visual aids. A panel of judges chose the first and second place winners, while audience members voted for the People’s Choice Award.

Condensing a thesis—the result of months or even years of work—into three minutes is a unique challenge, and doing it effectively is an impressive feat. Competitors are challenged to condense and communicate their work while still making it accessible to a non-expert audience, with the clock ticking.

In his master’s thesis research, Samuel is studying wetlands contaminated with mercury and arsenic, specifically the effect this contamination has on amphibians. Nova Scotia has a rich history of gold mining dating back to the mid-1800s. The processes used to extract gold from its ore produced waste materials that contained mercury and arsenic. Due to the lack of regulations at the time, these waste materials, or tailings, were discarded in low-lying areas, including wetlands. These historic gold mine tailings are a risk to several organisms, including amphibians. Since they spend their lives on land and in water, amphibians are constantly being exposed to these contaminants, which they can absorb directly through their skin and their diet.

Along with supervisor Dr. Linda Campbell, Samuel and a team of student researchers are working to determine how much mercury and arsenic are accumulating in amphibians’ tissue, and its implications for their predators, including endangered species of birds, fish and turtles. 

This project will also focus on whether a highly infectious fungal pathogen, which has caused the extinction of several species of frogs worldwide, has made its way to Nova Scotia.

Samuel completed his undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s and is now enrolled in the Master of Applied Science program. He will compete in the Eastern Regional 3MT Competition hosted by Memorial University in June.

The Three-Minute Thesis presentations covered a wide range of topics from the Faculties of Arts, Science, and the Sobey School of Business:  

• Abigail Battson: Finding a needle in a haystack: Looking for indirect evidence of black holes in star clusters

• Lily Binney: The structural complexity of old-growth Eastern Hemlock and Red Spruce forests in Nova Scotia

• Gary Ernest: The interaction between leadership style and calling orientation in predicting burnout in academic vs. clinical physician leaders

• Angelo George: Cosmic neighbourhoods: How environment shapes galaxies

• Gabe Kipnis: Mapping and analyzing the local food network in the HRM

• David Lewis: TRaP-ping Historic Mine Tailing Arsenic & Mercury

• Sasha MacArthur: Beyond MRI: How SHG reveals the hidden story of collagen

• Nichole Michaud-Kuszelewski": Price wars: An empirical investigation of competitive pricing

• Megan O’Brien: Finding old-growth forest in Nova Scotia

• Samuel Sequeira: Jumping into danger: Mercury, fungus, and the frog crisis

• Alex Stokes: Exploring perceptions of citizenship and place in Prince Edward Island curriculum

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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Co-op program brings Halifax high schoolers to campus to learn about AI and analytics

Through SMU’s Youth Business Analytics & AI Co-op Program, students earn a high school credit while spending several Fridays on campus, learning from the university’s faculty, student mentors and industry professionals. Organized by the Sobey School of Business, the program exposes students to university-level academics while building foundational skills in AI, machine learning, data analytics and visualization.

"I am learning about how AI is being used by businesses to visualize and interpret data,” said Peter Lutz, a grade eleven student at Charles P. Allen High School. “I am hoping to learn more about market trends and what generative AI is. I am new to this, and we are living in a time when AI is being revolutionized. I want to be able to utilize it."

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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.

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

Dr. Karly Kehoe receives King Charles III Coronation Medal

Saint Mary’s University is proud to announce that Dr. Karly Kehoe has received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. An internationally recognized advocate of science diplomacy, Dr. Kehoe is a professor of history and the university’s Canada Research Chair in Atlantic Canada Communities.

Dr. Kehoe with Alain Gagnon, President of the Royal Society of Canada

The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) nominated her for the award, presenting it to her at a March 27 ceremony at its headquarters in Ottawa.

“I am grateful to have received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from The Royal Society of Canada,” says Kehoe. “As academics, our role must be to work as hard as we can to make our societies better, smarter and more inclusive. It's been my privilege to work with these inspiring people to activate change.”

The medal honours individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

The Royal Society of Canada nominated 30 individuals who have made significant contributions to its mission over the past 25 years. Other medal recipients included Chad Gaffield, Constance Backhouse and Julia Wright.    

Kehoe is a past president of the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists (2020-2022) and is the founder and lead of RSC’s At-Risk and Displaced Academics and Artists (ARDAA) program. This program emerged out of her extensive work to support academic researchers whose work has been disrupted by war, conflict and threats of violence. In addition to ARDAA, she co-founded the At-Risk and Academic Refugee Membership programme (Young Academy of Scotland) and the At-Risk Scholar Initiative (Global Young Academy).

Also a Fellow of the International Science Council (ISC), Kehoe is a member of its Freedom and Responsibility in Science Standing Committee. She currently chairs the RSC’s Sustainable Migration statement committee for the S7 (science academies of the G7).

Research publication award

Kehoe also recently received the Peter M. Toner Research Publication Award, for her monograph Empire and Emancipation: Scottish and Irish Catholics at the Atlantic Fringe, 1780-1850 (University of Toronto Press, 2022). Administered by the University of New Brunswick, this award supports the publication of scholarly works in Irish Canadian history by scholars worldwide.

“It was wonderful to receive this news – and completely unexpected. It’s nice when really hard research work gets recognized like this,” says Kehoe.

Kehoe is the academic lead and board chairperson for the Gorsebrook Research Institute for Atlantic Canada Studies, based at Saint Mary’s. Through her own research, Kehoe explores settler colonialism and how religious minority migrants acquired and exercised colonial privilege in the north Atlantic world between c. 1750 and c. 1850. Underpinning this research is the pioneering work she has been doing since 2010 on the complex links between Catholic colonialism in the Caribbean and what would become Atlantic Canada.

Kehoe is the convenor of the Scottish Historical Review Trust and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. She co-edits the Histories of the Scottish Atlantic book series with Edinburgh University Press. Recent publications include The Scottish Highlands and the Atlantic World: Social Networks and Identities (Edinburgh University Press, 2023), co-edited with Annie Tindley and Chris Dalglish. She is a collaborator on the current SSHRC-UKRI funded research project “One People, Two Places,” looking at historic linkages between Cape Breton Island and Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Coronation medal background 

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was established to mark the 2023 Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It will be awarded to 30,000 individuals across Canada, including 4,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The medal program is administered by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, with nominations provided by a list of partner organizations.

Related:

• History professor joins International Science Council Fellowship

• Saint Mary’s University historian unveils discoveries on Catholic migration in Atlantic Canada

Event to examine the role of Acadian soldiers in the First World War

165e Batailon Acadian, 1916

The Gorsebrook Research Institute (GRI) for Atlantic Canada Studies is pleased to welcome Dr. Gregory Kennedy for a public presentation on April 3 at Saint Mary’s University.

Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada’s First World War

• POSTPONED: Date to be announced

Dr. Kennedy is a leading historian from Brandon University. The presentation will focus on his recent award-winning book about Acadian participation in the First World War, Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2024).

The event will follow an interview format with Q&A to follow. Dr. Kennedy will be in discussion with Stefanie Slaunwhite BA’14 MA’17, PhD candidate in History at the University of New Brunswick and graduate of the Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies program at Saint Mary's University.

Dr. Gregory M. W. Kennedy is Professor of History and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Brandon University. A historian of early Canada and particularly of New France and the French Atlantic World, Kennedy has published two monographs and numerous scholarly articles and book chapters. His first book, Something of a Peasant Paradise? Comparing Rural Societies in Acadie and the Loudunais, 1604-1755 (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2014), was awarded the Canadian Historical Association’s Clio prize for the best scholarly book on Atlantic Canadian history and is also available in French with Septentrion (2021).

His second book is Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2024). It was recently named winner of the New Brunswick Scholarly Book Award by the Journal of New Brunswick Studies/Revue d’études sur le Nouveau-Brunswick.

Dr. Kennedy also co-edited a collection of essays in French entitled Repenser l’Acadie dans le monde: Études comparées, études transnationales, forthcoming in May from McGill-Queen’s University Press, as part of its Rethinking Canada in the World series. A second collection of essays in English, Military Service and Society in Atlantic Canada Communities, is in progress. His current research focuses on mobility, migration, and military service in French Canada, contributing to an SSHRC-funded partnership project, “Trois siècles de migrations francophones en Amérique du Nord”.

All are welcome to attend this event in person or online. Bookmark Halifax will be on site with copies of Dr. Kennedy’s books.

GRI Lecture Series 2025

Dr. Kennedy’s event falls amid a series of spring presentations as the Gorsebrook Research Institute continues its GRI Lecture Series 2025. On March 14, the lecture series launched with "Fogs Love This Shore: Living with Fog in Atlantic Canada," with Dr. Sara Spike of the Department of History at Dalhousie University. On March 28, SMU History alumnus Alex Myrick MA’21 presented “The Meyerian Diaspora and Nova Scotian Psychiatric Reforms, 1913-1970.

Coming up on Friday, April 11: "Cousins of the Empire: Nova Scotia and Bengal, 1756-1867," with Dr. Madhuparna Gupta, Instructor, SMU Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies. Noon to 2 p.m. in McNally North room 219 and online.

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The Gorsebrook Research Institute (GRI) for Atlantic Canada Studies at Saint Mary’s University is a regional hub for research and collaborative scholarship in Atlantic Canada. Its Atlantic Canada recognizes First Nation communities and their land sovereignty, the ethnic and cultural diversity of those who were settled as part of forced immigration and colonization, and those who are here by their own choice and agency. Its mandate is to provide an interdisciplinary research environment that facilitates exchanges and partnerships among researchers at Saint Mary’s University and affiliates from many different fields who can come together to improve understandings of Atlantic Canada. Learn more on the GRI website.

Acclaimed comic artist Kate Beaton to deliver the 2025 Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture

What is the relationship between the arts and the economy? How do we value the ‘work’ of art and the business of creativity in our daily lives? 

Spend an evening with internationally acclaimed comic artist Kate Beaton as she revisits her earliest work—some never seen in public—and discusses her artistic journey so far. Join us in celebrating one of Atlantic Canada’s greatest artists as she charts her journey from Mabou, Inverness County, out to the world and back home again.

“We Were Always Working and Making Art: Rethinking the Economics and Value of Creativity”

• Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

• Scotiabank Conference Theatre (Sobey Building 201, 903 Robie Street) or watch via Zoom

• Open to the public, free to attend

Beginning with Hark! A Vagrant (2007-2018), moving through the explosive critical success of Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands (2022), on to her penetrating analysis of Bodies of Art, Bodies of Labour (2024) and her new 2025 release Shark Girl, Beaton will discuss her understanding of the essential role of the artist in our daily lives. Why have the arts always mattered to us, and why must we, especially now, continue to value and protect creative work in our contemporary culture? 

Kate Beaton is a comic artist and cultural critic with a webcomic series and eight books written for both adults and children. A multiple past winner of the Eisner, Yale, Harvey and Doug Wright Awards, she is a regular contributor to The New Yorker magazine and her work has been translated and published around the world. She'll be a guest speaker at Harvard University next week as its Weatherhead Canada Program presents "A Visual Narrative of Labour Migration and the Environment: In Conversation With Kate Beaton.”

Beaton’s graphic memoir Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands won CBC’s Canada Reads competition in 2023. It was named a “Book of the Year” by the New York Times, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, The Washington Post, NPR, Time, Publishers Weekly and...Barack Obama! The Globe and Mail hailed Ducks as a “deeply beautiful” book that presents a “moving picture of humanity in general: lonely, disillusioned and, ultimately, redemptively, compassionate." 

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The Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture
Over the years, the Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture has welcomed many of the world’s best writers to Halifax. Past evenings have featured readings and discussions with Booker Prize-winners such as Yann Martel and Anne Enright, Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Ford and many others, including Alistair MacLeod, Anne Carson, Colm Tóibín, Dionne Brand, David Adams Richards, Wayne Johnston and the cast of CODCO. 

Throughout his 35-year career as a literature professor at Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Byrne embraced interdisciplinarity in his teaching and research. Well ahead of his time, he played a major role in establishing the university’s Atlantic Canada Studies Program in 1975 and the D’Arcy McGee Chair in Irish Studies in 1986. In recognition of the national significance of his work, Dr. Byrne was named to the Order of Canada in 1992. After his passing in 2006, this lecture was inaugurated to celebrate his memory, his scholarly vision and his fun-loving spirit.

Sponsored by the Irish Studies Program, this public lecture is presented by the Department of English Language and Literature in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts. All are welcome to attend. The Scotiabank Conference Theatre is located off the main lobby of the Sobey Building (SB on the campus map) at 903 Robie Street, Halifax, or join via Zoom: https://smu-ca.zoom.us/j/89229106318.

Faculty of Arts launches second annual Research Bulletin

The Faculty of Arts is pleased to share its second annual Research Bulletin, a compilation of research activity across its 11 departments, interdisciplinary programs and affiliated research centres.

The Faculty of Arts Research Bulletin 2023-2024 is available on the Publications page of the Faculty of Arts website for viewing online and downloading as a PDF. The 57-page digital report provides a snapshot of research highlights throughout the academic year dating from September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024.

The annual publication offers an inspiring look at "the enormous range and vitality of the research and scholarship being carried out across the Faculty of Arts at Saint Mary’s," says Dr. Sara Malton, Associate Dean of Arts (Research and Faculty Support).

"We see documented here the extensive reach, scope and impact of faculty output, whether through monographs and articles, creative works and invited talks, independent work or collaborations – both locally and across the globe,” says Malton.

“This is a testament to the energy and originality of the work being carried out by our faculty and expresses a willingness to boldly and energetically carry out that work in a manner that can, in turn, inspire our students to confront with thoughtfulness and rigour some of the most challenging issues of our times."

Scholars in the Faculty of Arts pursue innovative and impactful research and teaching across the humanities and social sciences. Their work investigates critical and creative links between human existence, our communities and the world around us. Our students learn alongside our researchers on the front lines of knowledge creation, from assisting coastal communities with the protection of their shorelines to developing policies to reduce gender-based violence in migration contexts.  

The second edition of the Research Bulletin added several new content features to celebrate faculty milestones and undergraduate and graduate student research highlights. The next edition will cover research activity from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.   

Arts faculty members publish and present regularly on a wide array of research topics. For ongoing Arts news, events and research updates, follow the Faculty of Arts on Instagram at @smuarts, on Facebook at @SMUArts and on X at @SMArts_SMU.

Anecia Shepherd: celebrating Black culture and women’s history through art

Arts student Anecia Shepherd performed at the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony at SMU on January 31

First-year Arts student Anecia Shepherd has already made an impression at Saint Mary’s with her passion, powerful writing and commanding presence. So, when her Professor, Soji Cole, recommended her to perform at the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, she saw an opportunity not only to share her words but to honour the legacy of those who came before her. 

Originally from Antigua, in the Caribbean, Anecia says she immediately felt a sense of belonging at Saint Mary’s. “SMU has this community feel that fosters not only growth but health and wellness,” she explains. She credits her professors for making efforts to connect with and support students as individuals, as well as campus initiatives like African Heritage Month programming, which helped establish a deeper sense of connection and belonging. 

“We put everything into celebrating Black culture in February back home,” Anecia explains. “The fact that SMU acknowledges February as this sacred month for Black people and celebrates that is beyond words. I think it makes all the Black students feel extremely appreciated.” 

Anecia moved the audience with her spoken word piece ‘Recalled: A Dream Had, A Dream Have’.

Anecia’s performance at the AHM Opening Ceremony took the audience on a journey through a dream, where a dove sent by her ancestors urged her to confront the past and acknowledge the towering legacy of Black culture. “What lies ahead of you is forged in the histories of those who have bled before you,” she recited from her spoken word piece, Recalled: A Dream Had, A Dream Have. 
 
Her performance reflected on the sacrifices and resilience of Black individuals, particularly Black women, and the burden of expectation placed upon them. “I can’t just be. Being is a measure of mediocrity. I gotta be strong...original...creative...revolutionary.” Her words lingered, acknowledging each stacked pressure before finally casting them off. “Forget I gotta be,” she declared, embracing both the struggles and triumphs of the legacy that shaped her. At that moment, she reclaimed her power. “I am!” 

As February’s Black History Month transitioned to March’s Women’s History Month, Anecia sees a natural connection between the two. "Black history and women’s history are deeply intertwined, woven together by stories of strength, struggle and resilience," she says. But with that legacy often comes immense pressure in the expectation to be everything to everyone and to do it all without faltering. 

Anecia’s piece also paid tribute to her grandmother, whose life was a testament to choosing fulfillment over expectation, embracing culture and living on her own terms. But beyond her personal inspiration, the poem served as a broader reflection on how Black individuals, and women in particular, face relentless pressure to fit into societal moulds, to excel without rest, and to endure without complaint. Her performance challenged that societal construct, rejecting the notion that success must come at the cost of self. 

Anecia’s love for writing extends beyond the spoken word. She hopes to use her words to explore injustice, honour her identity and find ways to influence meaningful change. “Writing feels like something I’ll do in every lifetime,” she says. 

Reflecting on both African Heritage Month and Women’s History Month, she shares a powerful message: “I’m still here…I, for myself, for my ancestors, for every Black person and woman in the wider community. We are still here...make space. Let’s work together and flourish together by building a community built on equality, love, kindness, and justice.” 

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Related:

• Celebrating International Women’s Day at Saint Mary’s

• Legacy in Action: Black Brilliance - SMU's inaugural African Heritage Month opening ceremony

• African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

• Black/African Descended Student Support online hub

• Black/African Nova Scotian SMU Community News

Master's theses round-up: African Heritage Month

Exploring themes of Black and African heritage, identity and justice

February is African Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Black and African descent. To mark this month, the Patrick Power Library is highlighting the work of Saint Mary’s graduate students whose research explores themes related to Black and African heritage, history, identity and social justice.

A Master’s thesis represents years of dedication, inquiry and original scholarship, and we’re excited to showcase these contributions to academic knowledge. This collection of graduate student theses offers valuable insights into a diverse range of subjects studied by Saint Mary’s students. More student theses can be discovered in the University Archives’ online Institutional Repository.

Read on to discover the work of our student scholars!

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"Entering the workforce in Halifax: Strategies and coping mechanisms among the African migrant community"
by Priscilla Armah, Master of Arts in Geography, 2021

This study examines the job market experiences of Sub-Saharan African migrants in Halifax, using Bourdieu’s habitus and Labour Market Segmentation theory. It explores strategies, barriers like racism and systemic discrimination, and coping mechanisms, highlighting how interconnected individual, group and systemic factors shape labour market integration.

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"Forced/coerced sterilization of HIV-positive women in the Southern African region in the context of reproductive justice and intersectional gender-based violence"
by Ogechukwu Chinenye Chukwudozie, Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies, 2024

This study examines the forced sterilization of HIV-positive women through the lenses of reproductive justice, the intersectionality framework and feminist content analysis, highlighting how poverty, age, education and racism increase vulnerability. The author amplifies victims' voices and expands intersectional scholarship in Africa, emphasizing overlooked factors in the oppression of HIV-positive women.

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"Whose revolution is televised?: Young African Nova Scotian women respond to sexual politics in hip hop culture & everyday life"
by Alecia Green, Master of Arts in the Joint Women’s Studies Programme, 2007

This qualitative study explores how young African Nova Scotian women interpret Black female body representations in hip-hop videos. Using a Black socio-feminist lens, interviews with university students reveal critical media literacy, counter-hegemonic views shaped by academics, divinity, and community, and a belief that Black female beauty comes from within.

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"Presence and perseverance: Blacks in Hants County, Nova Scotia, 1871-1914"
by David Wayne States, Masters of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies, 2002

In the early 19th century, Black refugees from the U.S. settled in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, facing harsh conditions and discrimination. This thesis traces the efforts of Black families in Hants County to adapt to these circumstances and improve conditions for their offspring's future success. States argues the agency shown by these people would result in the generations following them achieving a level of competency not thought attainable by the immigrant generation.

"The experiences and challenges of Black entrepreneurs in Halifax, Nova Scotia"
by Gabriel Nimoh, Master of Arts in Geography, 2022

Using the mixed embeddedness model and intersectionality theoretical framework, this study explores the experiences, motivations, barriers and coping strategies of Black entrepreneurs in Halifax. Findings highlight market opportunities, financial constraints, racial discrimination, and the role of mindset and social support in overcoming challenges. This study seeks to assist policymakers and practitioners in developing informed decisions that promote inclusion in the Canadian business environment.

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"In vivo facial tissue depth measurements of African Nova Scotian children for 3-D forensic facial reconstruction"
by Meaghan Alexandria Huculak, Master of Science in Applied Science, 2021

Partnering with the African Nova Scotian community, this student researcher collaboratively created the first African Canadian facial tissue depth database for identifying missing children. Using ultrasound technology on 54 participants (ages 3–18) showed age, sex, and nutrition contributed to tissue depth. This student’s thesis discusses the application of the findings in multiple forensic contexts.

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"Performing diversity: Black bodies in Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions"
by Itai Ashley Kuwodza, Master of Arts in Atlantic Canadian Studies, 2024

Kuwodza argues that the Black student experience in Atlantic Canada is explicitly limited by racist practices. The thesis traces the historical roots of exploitation and analyzes how colonial legacies, racial biases and economic disparities have contributed to the marginalization of Black individuals in Atlantic Canadian education and sport.

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"Where are the black female faculty?: Employment equity policy failures and the overrepresentation of whiteness"
by Isalean Phillip, Master of Arts in Women & Gender Studies, 2018

Philip’s thesis critiques employment equity and diversity practices at two Atlantic Canadian universities, using intersectionality and critical race feminism as theoretical frameworks. Through critical race feminist discourse analysis and interviews with Black women scholars, Philips analyzes the persistence of systemic racism and sexism, highlighting how the institutionalization of liberal feminist equity policies, diversity discourses and white patriarchal hegemony all sustain institutional practices of racialized gendered omission, erasure and misrepresentation.

Sprinting for spa solutions

Students pitch ideas to help local business The Wine Spa at recent Innovation Sprint challenge

Students pitch their business ideas to The Wine Spa

Students pitch their business ideas to The Wine Spa

Students pitch their business ideas to The Wine Spa

Students pitch their business ideas to The Wine Spa

The Wine Spa Founder, Angela and Will reviewing students' pitches

Last week, 26 enterprising students worked in teams with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and The Wine Spa on an Innovation Sprint, a fast-paced event focused on generating creative solutions to business challenges. The Wine Spa marries fine wine, delicious food, and luxury spa experiences to offer a one-of-a-kind social spa experience.

As the name suggests, an Innovation Sprint is a short, high-energy sprint during which students generate rapid-fire ideas and solutions to real-world business problems. Each sprint brings students and businesses together for live problem-solving and idea generation. Students practice their learning and skills, and businesses get access to current, fresh thinking. Everybody wins!  

Participants heard from The Wine Spa Founder Angela Szubielski, who briefed them on the product offering and shared insights and challenges, including finding new ways to utilize the space and identifying new markets and clients.

The participating students brought fresh ideas, new perspectives and solutions ranging from inviting senior homes for a spa day to curated packages for bachelorettes and special events, and corporate employee appreciation retreats.

The winning team included arts student Stuti Sandhu and business student Kris Ram. Their winning idea involved collaboration, unique events and expanding the target market to drive awareness and revenue for The Wine Spa. Reflecting on the competition, Stuti said, “We really got to think creatively, and that was amazing. It's also really rewarding to help our community succeed. That’s what I really love about Innovation Sprints.”

Echoing Stuti’s enthusiasm, Kris said, “Innovation Sprints are really inspiring. I get to learn about a real-world business problem and solve it hands-on. This is an experience many don't get to have and I'm very fortunate to be able to be exposed to that.”

Innovation Sprint students with Angela and Will, Founders of The Wine Spa

The Wine Spa team was enthusiastic about the students’ ideas and impressed with the results. “Everybody was so professional,  courteous and bright. To other businesses, I would absolutely recommend joining an Innovation Sprint,” said Szubielski from The Wine Spa. “I knew [the students] would brainstorm and present ideas, but we benefitted from their different cultures, perspectives and experiences. I don't spend a lot of time talking to university students at this stage in my life or as a business owner. So, to be able to see many different perspectives in one room was excellent.”

At the end of the Sprint, businesses choose the winning teams. First-place winners received $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate to The Wine Spa. Second-place winners received $700, and third-place winners received $300.

Find out how to participate in an Innovation Sprint here.

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About Innovation Sprint

Innovation Sprint is a short, focused event that brings business and keen, creative students together to generate ideas and solutions to business problems.  During the Innovation Sprint, participants:

• engage in time-sensitive bursts of intensive problem-solving and developing business solutions;

• receive insightful resources and mentorship, helping them address business challenges; 

• learn how to facilitate rapid and effective outputs to challenges they may face in their business. This is a unique entrepreneurial experience that can be translated into their own chosen fields;

• collaborate with students from across Atlantic Canada from various faculties and disciplines.