Saint Mary's University wins the Enactus World Cup!

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team celebrates winning the World Cup

Enactus Saint Mary’s Co-President Courtney Dingle accepts an award as the team moved on to the Top 16

SMU represents Canada at the Parade of Flags at the World Cup

Team Canada with Enactus Board Chair Iain Aitken

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team has captured the global championship at the 25th Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Their 12-minute presentation on two student-run social enterprises—Alaagi and Square Roots—outperformed finalists from Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Germany. This victory marks the first world title for Saint Mary’s University, which competed against 28 national champion teams from around the globe.

Twenty-one students and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre represented Team Canada. Co-Presidents Courtney Dingle and Sarah Wheeler, along with Gabe Martin BA’25, led the team through a year of groundbreaking work.

"The true win here isn't the trophy, it's the global proof that profit and purpose can coexist,” says Courtney Dingle. “We are constantly showing that our generation is ready to redefine what a successful business looks like. We're building enterprises that heal the planet."

Alaagi: Revolutionizing packaging with seaweed

Alaagi bio-plastic developed at Saint Mary’s

Alaagi is a revolutionary bio-plastic company aiming to disrupt the global packaging industry. The student-led venture has developed an eco-friendly and fully bio-degradable plastic wrap utilizing biopolymers sourced from seaweed.

Alaagi's innovation addresses the massive problem of single-use plastic pollution by offering a viable, compostable alternative. The team profiled Alaagi’s recent advancements to create an industry-standard film suitable for challenging applications like meat and seafood packaging. As part of the World Cup-winning presentation, the team highlighted the startup’s recent success at the Hult Prize Global Accelerator in London, UK. Alaagi was named one of the top 24 student start-ups in the world in the competition for $1 million in seed funding.

Square Roots: Turning food waste into access

Square Roots offers produce boxes to communities across Nova Scotia

Addressing dual problems of food waste and food insecurity, Square Roots purchases imperfect-looking surplus directly from local farmers and sells it at affordable prices to families in need, ensuring greater access to fresh, nutritious food for those facing economic hardship. Since its inception, the initiative has expanded across Nova Scotia and has diverted over a million pounds of food from landfills while empowering local community managers as entrepreneurs.

A win for sustainability, innovation, and Canada

"We are thrilled to celebrate the Enactus Saint Mary's team bringing home the World Cup to Canada!” said Catherine Fowler, President & CEO of Enactus Canada. “Square Roots is a leading example of how a social enterprise can grow and evolve, supporting sustainability in the community and beyond. We are also incredibly inspired by the team's innovation in single-use plastic alternatives with Alaagi™, showcasing the long-term impact of investing in early-stage projects. This win truly represents the strength of our teams and program in Canada, which we couldn't achieve without the incredible support of the faculty advisors, volunteers and donors."

This recognition, winning the Enactus World Cup, is a momentous achievement for Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia and Canada, showcasing student entrepreneurship, impact and innovation on the world stage.

Enactus Saint Mary’s represented Canada in the global competition

“This world championship is a powerful reminder of what our students are capable of achieving when creative minds come together to make great things happen,” says Michael Khan, Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Their innovation, resilience and drive are changing communities here in Nova Scotia, while inspiring solutions for global challenges. The entire Saint Mary’s community are immensely proud of them.”

Saint Mary's commitment to entrepreneurship, championed by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, drives this success. The university cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, focused on problem-solving, resilience and creativity across all faculties, ensuring students like those behind Alaagi and Square Roots have the holistic support to achieve global impact.

"This global title is validation that our students aren't just learning about business, they are actively building world-class, scalable solutions for major global problems," says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. "To see Alaagi, fresh off being named a Top 24 startup at the Hult Prize in London, combined with the proven impact of Square Roots, recognized at the international level, is a source of immense pride. These students are true change makers."

Related:

• Alaagi joins Nestlé & UNESCO Top 100 Global Start-Ups

• Saint Mary’s Enactus team to represent Canada at the World Cup Exposition in Thailand

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

• One million pounds of perfectly imperfect food feeds Nova Scotians

Alaagi joins Nestlé & UNESCO Top 100 Global Start-Ups

Tyler MacLean, Vaishali Sachdeva and Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25 competed for the Hult Prize in London

Summer 2025 has been a landmark season for Alaagi, a cleantech startup founded by recent Saint Mary’s University graduate Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25.

After spending August in London, UK at the Hult Prize Global Accelerator, Khan and teammates Tyler MacLean and Vaishali Sachdeva returned home to even bigger news: Alaagi has been named one of the Top 100 Global Start-ups by the Nestlé and UNESCO Youth Impact: Because You Matter program.

The recognition includes a grant and six months of mentorship designed to help young innovators strengthen sustainable food systems through regenerative agriculture, climate change solutions, and packaging innovations.

“The Hult Prize accelerator was completely transformative,” said Sheheryar Khan. “To spend a month with global leaders, investors, and other start-ups gave us insights and connections that would have taken years to build. Now, being recognized by Nestlé and UNESCO confirms our mission is resonating.”

Alaagi is developing compostable, seaweed-based bioplastic films for seafood and meat packaging. In the past year:

• Alaagi has secured over $11 million in commercial LOIs, including pilots with Sobeys and High Liner Foods.

• The company has received four purchase orders and won $165K in non-dilutive funding.

• Alaagi is being presented at Enactus World Cup, through Enactus Saint Mary’s, in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Alaagi will soon head to Paris for the Nestlé/UNESCO showcase event.

Learn more about entrepreneurship opportunities for students through SMU’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Saint Mary’s University launches AI Playground in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub

The new AI Playground space is located in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Saint Mary’s University has officially unveiled the new AI Playground, an innovative resource space designed to provide students, faculty and community members with hands‑on experience in artificial intelligence.

Located in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub within the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the room offers a collaborative environment for learning and development.

The space provides free access to different AI platforms and programs

The AI Playground is open to students, faculty, staff, businesses and community members

The space features 11 AI‑powered applications, supporting everything from organization and note‑taking to creating simple websites for small businesses. Beyond software, the room incorporates voice‑command lighting, a smart TV and visual displays.

Loona, the robot dog

A crowd‑pleaser is Loona, a smart robot dog that’s continually learning new tricks and commands, adding a playful element to the playground.

“We are thrilled to open our new AI Playground, a space where students actively tackle complex problems and innovate,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “Students won’t just learn about AI, they’ll use it as a tool to shape the future. This space is a launchpad for the next generation of problem‑solvers.”

The AI Playground is open to all students, faculty, and community members Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. To support responsible use, first‑time users must complete staff training and an AI ethics course before gaining access.

This approach reflects Saint Mary’s commitment to responsible innovation and critical thinking across teaching and community outreach.

President Michael Khan welcomes community members to the opening of the AI Playground

The Honourable Brendan Maguire, Minister of Advanced Education, was in attendance.

Visit the AI Playground

• Where: Sobeys Inspiration Hub, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

• Hours: Monday–Friday, noon–8 p.m.

• Open to: Students, faculty and the public

• How to access: Take a brief orientation + AI ethics module on your first visit

Alaagi is one step closer to $1 million

SMU sustainable business advances to the next stage of the Hult Prize Competition

Sheheryar Khan, Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean

Alaagi, a company created by recent SMU graduate Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25, is disrupting the plastic industry. Launched in July 2024, Alaagi is redefining the future of packaging.

The Alaagi team, comprised of Khan, Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean, competed against 56 international teams in the Hult Prize Competition and is one of 22 to advance to the next round.

The Saint Mary’s University student-led initiative has created a durable, fully compostable bioplastic made from seaweed. This innovative material can be used to make items like sandwich wrap and grocery bags. Additionally, the plastic film can be heat sealed to preserve freshness.

Khan demonstrates how the bioplastic is made at the Alaagi lab space on SMU campus

Alaagi bioplastic sample

Now, Alaagi is creating the world’s first bioplastic film that meets the industry-standard 10K Oxygen Transmission Rate. This bioplastic film, suitable for meat and seafood packaging, is an innovation with enormous commercial potential.

The team was named National Champions after competing against 19 other Canadian teams at the Hult Prize Competition in March, allowing them to advance to this latest round of competition.

“Being a part of the Hult Prize Global Accelerator is a dream come true,” says Vaishali Sachdeva, Saint Mary’s University arts student. “The incredible mentorship through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the Hult team has helped us accelerate our business. I am so excited to represent Alaagi and Saint Mary’s University in London this August.”

The Hult Prize competition consists of five stages. Alaagi now moves on to Stage 4: the Global Accelerator, held in person in London this August. There, 22 teams will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance and networking opportunities. Of those, only 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.

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Watch: Saint Mary’s University students transforming seaweed into compostable plastic (CTV News)

Shad students arrive at SMU

Last week, Saint Mary’s welcomed its first cohort of high-school students participating in the Shad Canada program.

These bright, young scholars will take part in a 27-day experience exploring entrepreneurship and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

Students will live on campus, immersing themselves in workshops, labs and hands-on design sessions. Daily campus life, including dormitory living and dining hall meals, will complement their academic activities.

This supportive environment encourages collaboration as students work together on innovative solutions to real-world issues such as food security, water sustainability and waste reduction.

Saint Mary’s offers a unique combination of local context and interdisciplinary learning. The experience will feature guest lectures from leading Saint Mary’s professors across multiple faculties and departments. These experts will share insights from their research, providing students with a foundational experience designed to help them explore academic pathways and future career possibilities.

Saint Mary’s is located on the coast in Halifax’s vibrant south end, offering students direct access to the natural beauty and unique culture of the Maritime region. Students will explore this firsthand through several hands-on, outdoor adventures.

Here’s to inspiring and challenging Canada’s next generation of innovators.

Not your typical research project

The CLARI space on Saint Mary’s campus allows faculty, students and community groups to work together on research projects

CLARI starts with community need, not a thesis

The Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) at Saint Mary’s University is quietly reshaping how research meets real-world needs. From mapping dementia care gaps and tackling housing insecurity to revitalizing Nova Scotia’s wool industry, CLARI-supported projects are as diverse as the communities they serve.

This spring, CLARI marks a major milestone: more than $1 million in provincial funding invested in over 130 projects. The initiative brings together faculty and students from post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia with community partners to address local social and economic challenges.

“This funding milestone reflects significant investment of post-secondary resources in Nova Scotia communities,” says Ray MacNeil, Network Manager at CLARI. “That investment includes not only funding, but also the research expertise of faculty and students. More than 150 students have gained real-world experience working directly with community partners.”

At the heart of CLARI’s model is a simple shift: community groups—not researchers—set the priorities. CLARI helps identify faculty collaborators, provides grants and supports the partnerships through to completion.

“These projects show what’s possible when we stop asking, ‘What research do we want to do?’ and start asking, ‘What support do our communities need?’” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s. “CLARI flips the usual model. It’s not about showcasing expertise, it’s about sharing it.”

Examples of projects supported through CLARI include:

CLARI researchers investigate how therapy animals can reduce isolation

• Investigating the role of therapy animals in reducing isolation in long-term care

• Creating resources to support men re-entering society after incarceration

• Making arts-based entrepreneurship programs more accessible to rural youth

• Developing trauma-informed responses for survivors of gender-based violence

• Collaborating with Mi’kmaw communities on land-based education and knowledge-sharing

CLARI is a pan-university initiative headquartered at Saint Mary’s and built on collaboration between six founding universities: Acadia, Cape Breton, Mount Saint Vincent, St. Francis Xavier, and Université Sainte-Anne, as well as the Nova Scotia Community College. The network builds partnerships together, sharing knowledge, and helping uncover issues.

As CLARI enters its next phase, the focus remains the same: helping Nova Scotians solve problems that matter with research that doesn’t stay on the shelf.

For more information on CLARI and its network or how to get involved, visit actionresearch.ca.

Can AI make medications safer? Saint Mary's prof says yes.

Medication errors cost billions and risk lives, but Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor at Saint Mary’s University, says artificial intelligence can help solve the problem.

Nova Scotia is home to one of Canada’s oldest populations, creating significant challenges for its healthcare system. By 2030, more than 25% of the province’s residents will be over the age of 65.[1]

Many older adults rely on multiple prescriptions to manage chronic illnesses, a practice known as polypharmacy. While often necessary, taking several medications simultaneously significantly increases the risk of harmful drug-drug interactions (DDIs), potentially causing serious complications and hospitalizations.

In Canada, nearly two-thirds of Canadians aged 65 and older living in long-term care facilities take ten or more prescription drugs.[2] Globally, medication errors and harmful interactions cost approximately $42 billion USD annually in avoidable healthcare expenses.[3]

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie is developing AI tools for healthcare providers to help reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions in patients

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University, is addressing this challenge using artificial intelligence (AI).  

“Our goal is not simply to use AI to flag risky drug interactions,” says Dr. Kafaie. “We want healthcare providers to clearly understand why certain interactions are problematic. By unifying drug databases and applying AI, we can identify potential issues early.”

A core component of the project is a dynamic knowledge graph, visually representing complex drug relationships and translating dense medical data into clear, actionable insights. Knowledge graphs have demonstrated promise in effectively predicting drug interactions by integrating extensive medical information.[4]

Additionally, Dr. Kafaie’s team is developing an AI-powered Q&A tool designed specifically for healthcare providers, allowing instant access to evidence-based medication guidance.

“When a doctor or pharmacist has questions about a medication interaction, our program can deliver quick, clear answers based on the latest research. AI should never replace human judgment but instead support it. Clinicians face overwhelming complexity managing medications for older patients, and our platform aims to lighten that cognitive load.”

Supported by the New Health Investigator Grant from Research Nova Scotia, Dr. Kafaie’s research aims to transform how healthcare professionals predict and prevent harmful drug interactions. Although still in early stages, the AI-driven platform has significant potential to reduce medication errors, shorten hospital stays and enhance overall patient care.

“This grant isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence,” says Dr. Kafaie. “Support like this shapes the future of healthcare research, drives innovation and develops the next generation of scientists.”

As demographics shift globally, pioneering efforts like Dr. Kafaie’s illustrate how local research at Saint Mary's University can generate meaningful, far-reaching impacts, positioning SMU as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.

About the New Health Investigator Grant

Research Nova Scotia’s New Health Investigator Grant supports early-career health researchers who are engaged in research that is focused on the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare to Nova Scotians. Funding is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

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Sources

[1] Long Term Care | novascotia.ca

[2] Two-thirds of seniors in long-term care take 10 or more drugs: CIHI - PMC

[3] Medication Without Harm

[4] JMIR Medical Informatics - Drug-Drug Interaction Predictions via Knowledge Graph and Text Embedding: Instrument Validation Study

More than a website: FSC’s new digital hub centralizes accessibility at SMU

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC) at Saint Mary’s University has launched a newly redesigned website, introducing a centralized accessibility hub designed to improve the user journey and simplify access to essential supports. While the FSC remains the core of SMU’s academic accessibility, the new site brings together accessibility-related resources across the university into one cohesive, intuitive space, ensuring students, faculty, and staff can easily find the information they need. 

This project, made possible through donor funding, reflects Saint Mary’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and equitable education while advancing the FSC’s mission to integrate Universal Design principles across higher education. It also reinforces the university’s readiness to meet the standards outlined in the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act and aligns with Access by Design 2030. 

“By prioritizing digital accessibility from the start, the redesign aligns with the FSC’s goal of creating barrier-free learning environments that benefit all students,” Kate McHugh, Manager of the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, notes. “The project team worked diligently to meet or exceed WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards, achieving AA compliance wherever possible and reaching AAA in many components.”  

Through user engagement sessions, including input from students, faculty, and staff, and comprehensive before-and-after digital accessibility audits, the project team worked to build a site that is intuitive, inclusive, intersectional, and aligned with accessibility best practices. 

A user-centered approach to accessibility 

The redesign process focused on improving the user experience by identifying pain points and making the site easier to navigate, more intuitive and more inclusive. Key enhancements include: 

• A streamlined, centralized hub where students can explore academic accommodations, assistive technology and other accessibility supports all in one place.  

• Enhanced digital accessibility features to ensure the site meets diverse user needs, removing barriers to accessing information.  

• A focus on reducing the 'unknown' for students by including clearer explanations of what to expect when accessing FSC services, from registering for accommodations to visiting the space in person. The site also reflects the warm and welcoming nature of the FSC team, ensuring students feel welcomed and supported from their first interaction. 

• Plain language and user-friendly content to ensure students, whether they are familiar with accessibility services or just beginning to explore their options, can easily discover supports and determine what accommodations or resources may be the right fit for them. 

• A dedicated faculty section to provide guidance on inclusive teaching and learning, academic accommodations and best practices for supporting students. 

Creating a more inclusive digital experience 

One of the key insights from the user consultation process was that many students who qualify for accommodations don’t always recognize that their learning challenges, health conditions, or disabilities make them eligible for support. The new site helps demystify accessibility services, offering clear explanations of who may qualify, what accommodations exist and how to access them. 

Faculty can also benefit from the new Inclusive Teaching and Learning section, designed to foster collaboration in creating accessible learning environments. With resources, FAQs and guidance on implementing academic accommodations, the site equips faculty members with the tools they need to support students effectively. 

A one-stop destination for accessibility at SMU 

While a majority of accessibility services at SMU fall under the FSC services, the new website goes beyond academic accommodations to serve as a centralized hub for accessibility across the university. From information on built environment and digital accessibility, to news, events and student life, the site ensures that anyone seeking support and community can easily connect with resources. 

Leading the way 

With this launch, the Fred Smithers Centre is helping lead the way in creating a more accessible and equitable university experience. The new site is more than just an information hub; it’s a crucial progression toward a more inclusive Saint Mary’s, where accessibility is seamless and support is easy to find. It also establishes a strong foundation for future improvements, creating opportunities to apply the insights from this project more broadly across Saint Mary’s websites and digital communications. 

“Enhancing digital accessibility is a pivotal step in our strategic plan to foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment at Saint Mary’s University," says President Robert Summerby-Murray.  

“This new digital hub not only aligns with our commitment to accessibility and the goals outlined in Nova Scotia’s Access by Design 2030 plan, but it also exemplifies our dedication to integrating Universal Design principles across all facets of the university. By centralizing accessibility resources, we are making significant strides toward a seamless and supportive experience, positioning Saint Mary’s as a leader in digital accessibility within Atlantic Canada and beyond." 

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Explore the new Fred Smithers Centre website and let us know your thoughts! Spot an area for improvement or have other feedback? Let us know at studentcomms@smu.ca. 

Saint Mary's students win national Enactus title—again!

Halifax team to represent Canada on a global stage with world-changing projects

For the second year in a row, students from Saint Mary’s University have been named Canada’s national champions in a countrywide competition celebrating bold ideas and real-world impact.

Their win means Saint Mary’s will once again represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, this September, competing against top student teams from around the world.

The team rose to the top at the Enactus Canada National Exposition, held this week at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, where more than 600 students from over 50 post-secondary institutions across the country gathered to showcase their work. After three rounds of intense competition, Saint Mary’s emerged victorious.

At the heart of their success are two projects making a difference here at home:

• Square Roots fights food waste and hunger by rescuing “imperfect” produce and selling it affordably across Nova Scotia.

• Alaagi™ offers a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging—turning seaweed into biodegradable wrap.

In addition to the first-place national win, Enactus also place in three separate topic challenges. 

• Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni – 1st place

• Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge – 2nd place 

• TD Entrepreneurship Challenge – 2nd place 

Finally, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s Business Design Manager, Meredith Drost, was awarded the John Dobson Fellow of the Year by Enactus Canada for her dedication to advancing entrepreneurial learning and student success. 

Enactus Saint Mary’s now moves to the global stage, bringing with them Canadian innovation, East Coast spirit and a commitment to change the world.

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. 

Extraordinary leadership takes the stage at 2025 Spring Convocation

Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton, The Honourable Deborah Gass, Joyce Carter BComm’84 and Paul Davidson will receive honorary degrees from Saint Mary’s University at Spring Convocation in May

Saint Mary’s University will award honorary doctorates at the 2025 Spring Convocation to four distinguished individuals whose leadership, service and vision have made a lasting impact in Nova Scotia, across Canada and around the world.

Spring Convocation takes place from May 27-30, 2025, on Saint Mary’s campus. Visit the convocation webpage for ceremony details and links to the live stream.

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Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton

Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton

Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton is a recently retired Baptist minister with a distinguished record of service to the community. After earning a Doctor of Ministry from Acadia Divinity College and degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Rutgers University, she transitioned from a corporate IT career to full-time ministry.

In 2007, she became the first female senior pastor of Halifax’s New Horizons Baptist Church, a historic institution rooted in the African Nova Scotian community. Her early years at the church saw the launch of parenting programs and "Save Our Sons, Save Our Sisters", a preventative initiative rooted in faith-based social action.

Her leadership in opposing the sale of public land in Halifax’s North End reflects a broader movement where faith leaders are stepping into the role of civic advocate for housing and urban equity. Through actions like renaming the church in recognition of Indigenous reconciliation and collaborating with Mi’kmaq historian Daniel Paul, Dr. Britton’s ministry weaves justice, historical awareness and a commitment to healing.

Dr. Britton will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

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The Honourable Deborah Gass

The Honourable Deborah Gass

Justice Deborah Gass is a retired Supreme Court judge whose career helped reframe family law and access to justice in Atlantic Canada. A Mount Allison and Dalhousie graduate, she was called to the bar in two provinces and spent her early years leading legal aid programs focused on inmate and youth rights.

She served as a judge from 1991 to 2018, then as Deputy Judge with the Nunavut Court of Justice. In this role, she brought court proceedings to remote communities, where Inuit Elders could help shape sentencing with cultural context and community understanding.

Justice Gass’s work with the RCMP settlement class action and Nova Scotia’s first restorative justice programs placed her at the intersection of legal systems and social healing. As Canadian courts face renewed calls for reform and transparency, her career is a powerful example of how individuals can lead meaningful change from within.

Justice Gass will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

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Joyce Carter BComm’84

Joyce Carter BComm’84

Joyce Carter is a distinguished Saint Mary’s alumna and one of the most influential figures in Canadian aviation. As President and CEO of Halifax Stanfield International Airport Authority, she has guided the airport through major disruptions while maintaining a focus on long-term growth, inclusion and regional impact.

A 1984 Bachelor of Commerce graduate, Joyce Carter has served on major aviation and aerospace boards and is a passionate advocate for gender diversity in leadership roles across the transportation and infrastructure sectors.

Her civic contributions include work with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, Community Food Centres Canada, and the North American Indigenous Games. As an industry leader, her career shows that economic development can be a foundation for inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity.

Ms. Carter will receive a Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa.

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Paul Davidson

Paul Davidson

Paul Davidson is one of Canada’s most respected post-secondary leaders. As President of Universities Canada from 2009 to 2023, he shaped national strategy on international education, research investment and equitable access to learning across 97 institutions.

With degrees from Trent and Queen’s Universities, his cross-sectoral experience spans government, health care, publishing, and global development. Under his leadership, programs like the Global Skills Opportunity reimagined international student exchanges—not only as travel abroad, but to build intercultural fluency and inclusive global engagement.

Though he has served as an advisor and advocate for nearly every university in Canada, this will be Paul Davidson’s first honorary degree. It comes at a time when universities are re-examining their roles in society, something he has long championed as essential to rebuilding public trust and strengthening democratic institutions.

Mr. Davidson will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa.

Saint Mary's University names Julia Knox as new Chair of David Sobey Retailing Centre Advisory Council

Julia Knox

Saint Mary's University proudly welcomes Julia Knox, Chief Technology and Analytics Officer and Chief Privacy Officer at Empire Company Limited, as the new Chair of the Advisory Council for the David Sobey Retailing Centre. Julia brings outstanding leadership, extensive retail expertise, and a passion for driving innovation to the Centre’s strategic direction.

Julia recently visited campus, meeting with members of the Centre’s leadership team to discuss her new role as Chair and explore exciting opportunities for collaboration. She will connect with the full Advisory Council at the upcoming meeting on May 15. Her appointment reflects the Centre's strong confidence in her ability to inspire transformative change in retail innovation and research.

“I am honoured to take on this role with the David Sobey Retailing Centre and excited to help shape the future of retail alongside such a talented, forward-thinking group,” said Julia Knox. “As retail evolves at a rapid pace, the Centre is uniquely positioned to drive real change by bridging academic insight and industry practice. I am especially passionate about helping the next generation of retail leaders build the skills, tools, and confidence they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”

In her new role, Julia will also highlight the Centre’s thought leadership as a featured speaker at two high-profile events:

• Atlantic AI Summit (May 1, 2025), hosted at Saint Mary's University, where she’ll explore how AI is revolutionizing retail.

• Canadian Retail Collective Conference (May 7, 2025) in Toronto, joining an expert panel discussing AI and tech-driven innovation in retail. The Collective aims to bridge academic research and retail practice. It is led by the David Sobey Retailing Centre in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University, McGill University, and the University of Alberta.

Julia’s extensive career includes senior leadership roles at Giant Tiger, where she drove success as Senior Vice President, E-Commerce and Chief Merchandising Officer, and strategic roles at H-E-B Grocery Company and Monitor Group in Toronto and New York.

"We are excited to have Julia Knox leading our Advisory Council,” said Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retailing Centre. “Her vision, experience, and energy are exactly what we need to advance our mission of shaping the future of retail, especially at such a pivotal time for the industry.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Julia is deeply committed to community impact: serving as past Chair of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, as a founding activator of Coralus (supporting women entrepreneurs), and as a member of GS1 Canada’s Board of Governors. She is an alumna of the Ivey Business School at Western University.

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About the David Sobey Retailing Centre
The David Sobey Retailing Centre at Saint Mary's University drives retail innovation through impactful research, education, and collaboration—bringing academia and industry together to shape the retail future.

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

Founded by Sheheryar Khan, a soon-to-be graduate in the Diploma in Engineering program 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.

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.