News release: Canada-U.S. team looks to genomics to guide North Atlantic right whale conservation

Philip Hamilton and his team of scientists from the New England Aquarium photograph a social group of North Atlantic right whales. (Photo: New England Aquarium, Brian Skerry)

For immediate release

July 22, 2021- Halifax, N.S.

The number of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales continues to be buffeted by high mortality rates from vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, and by a low rate of reproduction. There is now estimated to be fewer than 400 individuals left, including less than 100 breeding females. With inbreeding suspected as a major factor in the species’ low birth rate, a Canadian-U.S. team of scientists is launching a research project to assess how genetic factors are hampering the right whale’s recovery.

Dr. Tim Frasier (centre), a specialist in genetic analyses and marine mammal behaviour from Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S. is shown on the trail of North Atlantic right whales. At Saint Mary’s University he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology. (Photo: Brenna Frasier)

Conservation Genomics of the Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale is a $6 million, four-year international collaboration with Genome Atlantic and Saint Mary’s University, in Halifax, N.S., and with the New England Aquarium in Boston, Mass. Other collaborators include Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Whale Institute in Canada, along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Duke University, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, all in the United States.

This landmark project was one of eight announced today by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. The projects are the latest to attain funding through Genome Canada’s Large-Scale Applied Research Project (LSARP) Competition.

Managed by Genome Atlantic, the project is co-led by Dr. Timothy Frasier, Saint Mary’s University, who has been doing genetic analysis of the right whale for more than 20 years; and by Philip Hamilton, a leading expert on right whale biology and Senior Scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium in Boston.

The Genome Atlantic project will look at genetic factors that could explain why the reproductive rate of North Atlantic right whales is three times lower than their known potential. The team also plans to assess if, and to what degree, non-lethal encounters with vessels and fishing gear change the expression of genes in a manner that lowers the long-term health and reproduction of individuals, and to evaluate the ramifications for conservation of the species. The team will combine genomics– the study of genes and their functions–with long-term field data on North Atlantic right whales and their reproductive histories.

Recommendations, based on the project findings, will be made to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada and to the National Marine Fisheries Service (also known as NOAA Fisheries, an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in the U.S. on right whale-related recovery expectations, goals and conservation priorities. The results could have implications for marine management policies, practices and conservation plans. The two government entities are charged with managing and conserving the North Atlantic right whale population within their respective jurisdictions. Seasonal migrations, which send a portion of the right whale population through Canadian and American waters, have made recovery of the species a joint concern.

Apart from the multi-million-dollar whale watching industry that has grown around them, whales play a vital role in stabilizing marine ecosystems by helping to regulate a wide spectrum of marine organisms with their presence. The nitrogen-laden fecal matter they release when they rise to the ocean’s surface to defecate, for instance, is known to stimulate plankton growth and other microorganisms that form the foundation of the oceanic food chain, critical to the existence of marine life and for the maintenance of the fishing industry.

Besides Genome Canada funding, the international research project will receive support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Research Nova Scotia in Canada, and from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the US National Marine Fisheries Service, and the New England Aquarium in the United States.

The project is expected to start between July and September this year.

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QUOTES:

The endangered North Atlantic right whale plays an important role in our marine ecosystem, and conserving this species is of vital importance and urgency. By identifying to what degree genetic factors are influencing the whales’ recovery, this project will aid conservation efforts and help us monitor their population. Conserving endangered marine wildlife benefits our environment, our economy and our communities.”

—Dr. Steve Armstrong, president, Genome Atlantic, the Canadian non-profit corporation managing the project.

“Although inbreeding has been an important topic in population biology for over a century, our understanding of its impact in the wild, and in endangered species in particular, is still in its infancy due to a lack of good case studies. This study, where we have the ability to combine 40 years of field data with genomic data for such a high percentage of individuals, will allow us to not only quantify the impacts of inbreeding on the recovery potential of this species, but will also greatly improve our understanding of the impacts of inbreeding on wildlife populations and the subsequent implications for conservation.”

—Dr. Timothy Frasier, project co-lead and Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S.

“Since 2015, this species has experienced a precipitous decline that is unprecedented in 40 years of study. We know many are dying from vessel strikes and entanglements; We don’t know the impacts of non-lethal wounds caused by humans, or the impacts of their reduced breeding pool. We need to make bold changes to how we use the oceans and to do so, we need as much understanding of the problem and cultural support for those changes.”

—Philip Hamilton, project co-lead and Senior Scientist, Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Boston, Mass.

“We now have individual genetic profiles for over 80 per cent of the whale population that has enabled researchers to identify paternity and construct family trees. We can now address the burning question: what, if any, is the impact of inbreeding on reproduction and how does that affect species recovery? In my dealings with representatives of the shipping and fishing industries, I often get asked that very question. The results of the DNA analyses will be shared with mariners to help them understand the importance of measures to reduce entanglements and ship strikes, in order to avoid further narrowing the genetic diversity of the species. Additionally, this will enable researchers to identify paternity, and therefore help reveal the family tree of these incredible creatures.”

—Dr. Moira Brown, Senior Scientist, Canadian Whale Institute, Welshpool, N.B.

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Genome Atlantic is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to help Atlantic Canada reap the economic and social benefits of genomics technologies. Since its inception in 2000, the corporation has worked with a range of private and public-sector partners to enable more than $125 million in new genomics R&D.

Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s top primary undergraduate universities–known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada’s best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary’s provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Saint Mary’s University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary’s University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world—a world without limits.

The New England Aquarium is a global leader in marine science and conservation, working to safeguard ocean animals and habitats. With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. The Aquarium’s research and rescue efforts build on the institution’s 50-year legacy of protecting the blue planet and advocating for vital and vibrant oceans. In the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, scientists conduct applied marine research that informs ocean management, policy, and industry practices, and contributes to the innovation of new technologies. Through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program, the Aquarium helps protect critically endangered and threatened sea turtle populations through rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.

New Partnership Supporting BIPOC Youth in Computer Science, Technology, Leadership and Sustainable Development

Alfred Burgesson, Founder at Tribe Network and Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University.
Photo Credit: Ian Selig

A new province-wide program available to youth ages 15 to 18 in Nova Scotia who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour and are interested in developing skills in computer science and technology, leadership, and sustainable development has launched.   

"The Brilliant Creators Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for BIPOC youth to develop new skills while practicing creativity, innovation, leadership, and learning with technology. We are committed to working with youth and empowering them to be creators of the world they want to live in," said Alfred Burgesson, Founder at Tribe Network.  

The 15 participants in the Brilliant Creators Fellowship are engaged in regular workshops, events, team-focused projects, and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Participants will develop their interpersonal skills and competencies in digital literacy, communication, sustainable development while also developing peer-to-peer networks. In addition to skill development, participants will also gain access to community leaders and industry mentors. The Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre will support youth entrepreneurship skill development throughout the initiative.   

"Saint Mary's University is committed to a world without limits. The Brilliant Creators Fellowship helps us to support and reduce barriers facing BIPOC youth, which is an important part of achieving that goal," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "We are proud to partner with Tribe Network and Brilliant Labs on this project."   

"We recognize the importance of championing diversity across all fields of research, work and study," says President Summerby-Murray. "That is why we are offering every student who finishes this program a $12,000 scholarship over four years to study computer science or business at Saint Mary's University."    

In the first year of the program, participants include youth from Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Fall River and Membertou First Nation. 

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to partner with Tribe Network, to support the participants, and to further the impact of the Brilliant Creators Fellowship for years to come.    

Saint Mary’s Looks to Future with New Brand Story

Saint Mary’s University is looking to the future with the launch of a new brand.      

“It is time for Saint Mary’s University to assert our place boldly among the top Canadian universities and proclaim our advantages at home and around the globe,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This is the brand for our university and for our times. Saint Mary’s University offers a bright, ambitious vision for the future.”  

The new brand platform results from months of qualitative and quantitative research and extensive consultation with a diverse group of more than 3,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.   

The new treatment includes a logo, wordmark and tagline, ‘World Without Limits.’    

“‘World Without Limits’ is a wonderful distillation of who we are and what Saint Mary’s strives for every day. It is about investment in people, about economies, international relations and social prosperity, changes in science, technology, environment and business. It is also about acknowledging and tackling the very real limitations placed on diverse and marginalized cultures and peoples, and addressing the mental health issues that many grapple with every day. It is about Saint Mary’s bold vision and our commitment to our university community, for Halifax and for Nova Scotia,” says President Summerby-Murray.    

“More than an updated look and feel, our new brand platform is a powerful way of telling the Saint Mary’s story,” says Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice-President, Advancement. “Saint Mary’s offers a unique experience. We are a caring community, more typically associated with smaller universities, combined with the research and student engagement opportunities of the largest institutions. We are moving the university forward in a way that reflects our traditions and values and embraces our bright future.”   

Related links

• Learn more about our new brand platform

• Learn about the Sobey School brand

• Learn about the Husky logo

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News release: Saint Mary’s Looks to Future with New Brand Story

Saint Mary’s University, one of Canada’s top primarily undergraduate universities, is launching a new brand platform that embodies the institution, known for its connected campus, international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities.   

“It is time for Saint Mary’s University to assert our place boldly among the top Canadian universities and proclaim our advantages at home and around the globe,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This is the brand for our university and for our times. Saint Mary’s University offers a bright, ambitious vision for the future.”  

President Summerby-Murray shared the new brand with the university community today in a virtual launch celebration. More virtual events and a social media campaign are planned to reach the university’s 53,000 alumni worldwide. The new brand platform results from months of qualitative and quantitative research and extensive consultation with a diverse group of more than 3,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.   

The new treatment includes a logo, wordmark and tagline, ‘World Without Limits.’  
 
“‘World Without Limits’ is a wonderful distillation of who we are and what Saint Mary’s strives for every day. It is about investment in people, about economies, international relations and social prosperity, changes in science, technology, environment and business. It is also about acknowledging and tackling the very real limitations placed on diverse and marginalized cultures and peoples and addressing the mental health issues that many grapple with every day. It is about Saint Mary’s bold vision and our commitment to our university community, for Halifax and for Nova Scotia,” says President Summerby-Murray. 

 “More than an updated look and feel, our new brand platform is a powerful way of telling the Saint Mary’s story,” says Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice-President, Advancement. “Saint Mary’s offers a unique experience. We are a caring community, more typically associated with smaller universities, combined with the research and student engagement opportunities of the largest institutions. We are moving the university forward in a way that reflects our traditions and values and embraces our bright future.”   

The impact of Saint Mary’s University has grown significantly over the past decade. The university has seen an expansion in research depth and breadth in addition to increases in externally funded research. The university embraces global partnerships and celebrates its growing number of academic all-Canadian varsity athletes. The university boasts unique professional and graduate programs and has gained new accreditation for the Sobey School of Business. Saint Mary’s is a university on the rise, as marked by the climb to fourth in Maclean’s Primarily Undergraduate University national rankings. 

More information about the Saint Mary’s University branding initiative and the new brand video may be found at smu.ca.  

About Saint Mary’s University  

Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s top primarily undergraduate universities—known for its international collaborations, engaging student experience, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada’s best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary’s provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Saint Mary’s University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary’s University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world—a world without limits. 

Study shows long-lasting impacts to lake health from old gold mines

Water on the tailing fields of the historical Montague Gold District transports contaminated materials towards Mitchell Brook, which flows into Barry's Run, and then into Lake Charles. Wind is also a mechanism of tailings transport. Credit: Linda Campbell

New findings of a multi-university team of researchers show that pollution from historical gold mining in Nova Scotia, Canada, persists at levels that impact the health of aquatic ecosystems, despite mine operations closing nearly a century ago.

“Mining activities from 100 years ago can still impact freshwater ecosystems today. Our work reveals that lakes may show signs of recovery from those impacts,” notes Saint Mary’s University Professor and co-author Dr. Linda Campbell. “Even so, we must remain vigilant about understanding and monitoring the legacy of those contaminated tailings in our modern ecosystems to support recovery processes.”

Over 350 gold mines operated throughout Nova Scotia between the mid-1800s and 1950. Urbanization and land development has taken place nearby some historical mining areas and people sometimes use these areas for recreational activities. Waste tailing materials with elevated and potentially toxic levels of arsenic and mercury often are associated with historical gold mining sites in Nova Scotia. The tailings can contaminate soil and aquatic sediments through water and wind movement.

This study used dated sediments from the bottom of two urban lakes located near one of the region’s largest historical mining operations. Lake sediments are a well-recognized and information-rich natural archive of past environments which allow the assessment of geochemical and biological conditions of lakes and their watersheds before, during, and after pollution has occurred.  

The study was recently published in the peer-reviewed international journal Science of the Total Environment and highlights how pollution from past gold mining combined with contemporary stressors such as climate change and urbanization may contribute to prevent complete lake recovery from century-old mining pollution.

“Past mining activities that occurred throughout Nova Scotia introduced considerable amounts of arsenic and mercury into the environment,” says lead author Allison Clark, from Mount Allison University. “Although the Montague Gold District closed to mining 80 years ago, lakes nearby still remain severely impacted.”

Currently, arsenic levels are still very high in the lake sediments—300 times above levels that are known to harm aquatic organisms. Mercury has returned to levels observed before gold mining began. This suggests that arsenic is behaving differently than mercury within the sediments at the bottom of tailing-impacted lakes.

“Mining is both a blessing and a curse,” notes Mount Allison University Associate Professor and co-author Dr. Joshua Kurek. “Society benefits but past mining activities practiced throughout Nova Scotia continue to harm ecosystems and citizens are now left with the clean-up costs.”

Additionally, invertebrates that live on and interact with the lake’s sediment have become less diverse compared with a similar reference lake, likely due to the mining pollution as well as other recent watershed stressors. Loss of key organisms may affect lake food webs, leading to issues with water quality.

Funding for this research was provided by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Genome Atlantic.

SMU Research Partnership Rewriting History of Pre-Contact North American Copper Trade

Cape d’Or and the surrounding areas are where much of the copper examined for this research originated. (Photo - Communications Nova Scotia)

A Saint Mary's University research partnership with the Nova Scotia Museum has uncovered evidence that may rewrite North American understanding of the pre-contact trade of copper across the continent.

The lead Saint Mary's researcher on this project, Dr. Jacob Hanley, is a geologist who studies ore deposits and is a member of Algonquins of Greater Golden Lake First Nation in Ontario, Canada. After an exciting discussion with a colleague regarding prehistory in Atlantic Canada, Dr. Hanley began to take an interest in where the Indigenous people of Atlantic Canada sourced their pre-contact metals.

"One of the most important metals to the Indigenous population of North America was copper. It was an essential material for toolmaking and working that also held a spiritual significance," says Hanley. "The prevailing understanding of copper in North America during the Late Archaic Period to Early Woodland Period, that is to say, is 4,500 years ago to 500 A.D, is that the copper originated from deposits from Lake Superior, the Lake Superior Basin, and Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. Our findings strongly suggest this is not the case and that a site in the Bay of Fundy played a much bigger role in history."

The lead Nova Scotia Museum researcher is Dr. Katie Cottreau-Robins, Curator of Archaeology. Additional project collaborators include Roger Lewis, Curator of Mi'kmaq Cultural Heritage, Nova Scotia Museum, and the New Brunswick Archaeological Services Branch. The project itself would not have been possible without the permission and participation of the Metepenagiag First Nation and Mainland Mi’kmaq Grand Council members who allowed the team to examine significant cultural artifacts.

"This copper comes from Cape d'Or, located in the Bay of Fundy, a place of extreme significance in terms of the history of Mi'kma'ki," says Lewis. "To get to these outcrops, you can only approach from the water or climb down the cliffs. We hope to support more research to examine whether the act of gathering the copper itself may have had an additional cultural significance due to the danger and the level of skill required to gather it successfully."

Unlike traditional methods of analyzing artifacts, the team uses a new method usually reserved for finding ore deposits for mining purposes. This new to archeology method is non-invasive and more accurately reads the chemical make-up of the copper while leaving the artifacts completely intact.

"Our data suggests that Cape d'Or and the Bay of Fundy was the main source of copper for the Mi'kmaq people and beyond," says Cottreau-Robins. "All the artifacts we have examined, and initially described as having come from the Lake Superior region, actually originated in the Bay of Fundy. This suggests that much of the copper artifact collection in the northeastern region, believed to have come from the Lake Superior area, may have an Atlantic origin. The implications of this are huge, as it means reshaping our understanding of pre-contact trade across Atlantic Canada, Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States and re-examining the role copper played cultural in the history of Atlantic Canada's Indigenous peoples."

This project recognizes the importance of the artifacts they are working with to the Metepenagiag First Nation and have ensured that they are analyzed in New Brunswick, so they remain in their province of origin and can be returned swiftly.

"Saint Mary's University takes pride in doing world-class research that creates new knowledge and disseminates it to the world," says Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President, Academic and Research. "The work of Dr. Jacob Hanley and his team is an exemplar of this commitment and takes community-based research collaboration to a new level. We are proud to be a part of this collaboration across provinces and with the Metepenagiag First Nation."

Hanley and Cottreau-Robins have written about their research findings in a chapter of the upcoming anthology Far Northeast 3000BP to Contact, which can be found here.

Saint Mary’s University hosts The Hockey Conference featuring Hockey Hall of Fame member Angela James

Over sixty presenters and guest speakers from across North America and Europe are expected to meet virtually to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Hockey Conference, an academic conference on ice hockey that was founded at Saint Mary’s University twenty years ago. Hosted by the Saint Mary’s University Centre for the Study of Sport & Health, the theme for this year’s conference is hockey in a changing world. 

The conference, happening online June 4-6, will feature keynote speaker Angela James, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and a trailblazer for women’s hockey and Black hockey players in Canada. Other guest speakers include Kaleb Dahlgren, who survived the Humboldt Broncos bus crash; Kurtis Gabriel, an athlete in the National Hockey League; Jessica Platt, the first transgender woman to play professional hockey; Kieran Block, the first Black parahockey athlete on the Canadian National Paralympic team, and Rhonda Taylor, the first woman to sit on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (which eventually became part of Hockey Canada).

“We had to postpone by a year as a result of the pandemic and move it online, but I think we’ve still managed to come up with a solid event despite the setbacks,” says conference organizer Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, who is also the Associate Director of Outreach at the Centre for the Study of Sport & Health. “My main goal was to celebrate Dr. Colin Howell, who founded the conference in 2001 and just retired after 50 years at Saint Mary’s, so I’m glad we can still make that happen for him.” Dr. Howell will be giving the inaugural Dr. Colin Howell Distinguished Lecture at the conference as part of the celebrations.

Local guest speakers will include Ryan Francis, a member of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw community, Nicole Durand of the parahockey community, Serge LeBlanc of the Acadian community, and Savannah Newton from Hockey Nova Scotia’s female high-performance program. SMU men’s hockey alumni Bob Dawson, a member of the first all-Black line in Canadian university ice hockey, will also be speaking briefly about Black hockey in the Maritimes as he introduces Angela James’ keynote speech.

The Hockey Conference is an interdisciplinary event held every two years in a different city. It brings together scholars and community members and facilitates a range of analyses and discussions on the sport in its many forms. Presenters have come from diverse fields such as history, economics, sociology, human kinetics, and business. Notable guest speakers have included Jean Beliveau, Hazel McCallion, Ken Dryden, Jenn Botterill, Billy Bridges, and Ted Nolan.

The conference is free for observers, and all are welcome. Registration is required on the conference website at www.thehockeyconference.ca.

Saint Mary's University hosts March madness pitch competition

It is pitch season. The Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) is hosting a new pitch competition styled after the famous NCAA March Madness basketball competition. Sixty-four student entrepreneurs from 25 post-secondary institutions across Canada have been selected to compete head-to-head as they strive to be declared the best in the country.  

“When we began planning for our latest pitch competition, we asked ourselves, how do you engage students in an online world? How do you make things exciting and interesting? This competition is our answer,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, SMUEC. “Students will share their business ideas before panels of expert judges made up of successful entrepreneurs from across the country. The event will have a big match feel, with prizes to match.”

Student participants will receive the date and time of their pitch session, a pre-existing pitch rubric, and a list of questions that will be randomly posed at presentation time. Participants will have development sessions to prepare them for their month-long battle to victory. After the final events, the student entrepreneur with the best idea or business will win the grand prize.

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), provided SMUEC with a $132,111 non-repayable contribution to carry out this competition along with other student entrepreneurship and business skills training activities.  

“Students and young entrepreneurs breathe new life into the start-up community,” says Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax. “Our support for projects like this one helps new ideas take shape, builds a diverse economy and sets our business leaders of tomorrow up for success.” PS Fillmore made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

“Metronome United is honoured to be presenting the March Madness Pitch Competition in partnership with Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre,” says Shannon Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, SMUEC Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and the Founder & CEO of Metronome United. “I love having the opportunity to help young entrepreneurs get focused on their business. I remember being a young entrepreneur in my early 20’s and I want to ensure that no one goes through the struggles I went through growing my companies. This is a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurs to take the next step in becoming the leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to seeing all applications come through and work with the winning recipients.”  

The brackets, along with times for the Facebook Live event for each head-to-head battle, will be posted in the competition bracket located on the competition page of the SMUEC website. All times are set at the competition’s outset allowing students who make it through each round to encourage friends, family, and other supporters to log on to view their next pitch. This also allows the pitch competition to become a spectator sport, with anyone from the community can watch any head-to-head matchup.

To participate, or learn more, visit https://smuec.ca/march_madness/.

Saint Mary’s scientists enter into five-year partnership with Atlantic Gold to research remediation of historic gold mine tailings in wetlands

Dr. Linda Campbell and Dr. Emily Chapman in their research lab at Saint Mary’s University.

Saint Mary’s University’s research into environmentally sustainable and cost-effective remediation of historic gold mine sites across Nova Scotia is receiving a boost in the form of a five-year partnership with Atlantic Gold, a wholly owned subsidiary of St Barbara Ltd, based in Australia.

 “St Barbara is a global gold company and is proud to own and operate the Atlantic Gold Operations in Nova Scotia,” says St Barbara Managing Director and CEO, Craig Jetson. “As we operate our business and care for our people, we are guided by our company commitments – including respecting the environment and stronger communities.

“At St Barbara doing the right thing is important to all of us. Saint Mary’s University’s research into environmentally sustainable and cost-effective remediation of historic gold mines across Nova Scotia is aligned with our commitments, including growing sustainably,” says Jetson.  “We believe in learning from the past to secure our future and look forward to seeing this philosophy applied in the important work being done by Saint Mary’s University.”

“This is a significant investment by St Barbara, reflecting the importance we place on finding solutions to actively manage and neutralise the impact of our mining operations, because we care about the environment and the planet,” says Jetson. “We have recently committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and are pleased to see our Atlantic Gold operations leading to deliver on this promise by 2025.We look forward to updates on the important work being done by the Saint Mary’s University team and thank them for their commitment to this project.”

The funding is part of a new five-year partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Atlantic Gold with the first payment of $200,000 being delivered late in 2020.

Tailings runoff in Montague.

There is a long history of gold mining in Nova Scotia, and methods used 100 years ago are now known to be damaging to the environment. The goal of the Saint Mary’s University research team, led by Dr. Linda Campbell, is to use its proven expertise from previous studies of former mine sites to develop a low-cost remediation strategy. This new strategy is designed to support the natural recovery of wetlands and shallow water environments impacted by 100-year-old contaminated tailings.

“I want to thank Atlantic Gold for their strategic partnership and financial investment in advancing world-leading research that benefits both our local and global communities,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This partnership is an exemplar of innovation with a community-centred approach. It addresses a challenge with an immediate local connection but with far-reaching national and international implications.”

The scope of the damage to the environment from abandoned gold mines is wide, encompassing 300 abandoned mines across the province in both remote areas and backyards. Contamination from the arsenic and mercury used in historic gold mining can adversely affect human health and present severe environmental contamination risks.

Dr. Linda Campbell

“Saint Mary’s University is proud to be a part of the solution when it comes to remediating the damage done by historic gold mining practices across the province,” says Saint Mary’s University Vice-President, Academic and Research, Dr. Malcolm Butler. “Dr. Linda Campbell and her team are employing innovative research to create remediation techniques that minimize the impact on the environment, wildlife and humans. This research has the potential for significant applications in Nova Scotia, the rest of Canada and the world.”

Mining in Nova Scotia began well before most environmental legislation, and untreated tailings were placed in wetlands and shallow-water areas. Over the subsequent decades, abandoned tailings were left in place, with limited natural recovery taking place. Research at Saint Mary’s completed in 2015-2019 shows that sediment samples from legacy gold-mine tailings in N.S. wetlands remain contaminated and are still severely toxic to aquatic invertebrates.

“We are currently wrangling with the consequences of decisions and actions made a long time ago,” says Dr. Linda Campbell. “Our goal is to ensure legacy arsenic and mercury contaminants will not continue to be a problem for Nova Scotians for another hundred years. We are looking forward to working with Atlantic Gold and our other collaborators to undertake the necessary research and development to help restore ecological vitality of impacted wetlands.”

Dr. Campbell is joined by Senior Project Research Manager Dr. Emily Chapman and a team of researchers that will look at new ways to remediate sites using more effective and less invasive techniques than traditional remediation methods. Those traditional methods can be destructive to the areas that need to be protected. A proof-of-concept study of a new method, which will use a thin layer of a reactive material, is promising in its ability to limit risks of legacy gold mine tailings without compromising wetland function. It is this approach that is being investigated by the research team.

Dr. Emily Chapman

“Wetlands are incredibly important ecosystems, and these sites need help to recover. It is about finding the right blend of ingredients that will reduce the mobility and toxicity of contaminants in the sediment, without adding so much material that wetlands are infilled and destroyed,” says Dr. Chapman. “Having worked on the development of innovative approaches for dealing with these risks for several years, I am pleased to see that this issue is getting some recognition.”

Remediation is a very expensive undertaking, with a 2019 estimate of $48 million to clean up the Crown land portion of two Nova Scotia legacy tailing sites. If proven effective, the new method proposed by Dr. Campbell and her team will have an immediate economic benefit as a more cost-effective, non-intrusive ecological and human health option for impacted wetlands across Nova Scotia and similar sites around the world.

Dr. Campbell is a professor in the School of the Environment at Saint Mary’s. In her research, she uses multi-disciplinary approaches to improve our understanding of anthropogenic and natural impacts in the environment, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems.

Atlantic Gold, a wholly owned subsidiary of St Barbara Ltd, operates the Moose River Gold Mine near Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, and is permitting three more mines along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. The Company is investing in a research partnership with Saint Mary’s University to explore the remediation of historic gold mine tailings in freshwater ecosystems.

Digital transformation benefits students at Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary's University, one of Canada's foremost primarily undergraduate universities, is building the learning environment of the future that will give current and future students a world-class engaging and immersive experience. A digital transformation, backed by a series of technology investments, will place Saint Mary's in a leading position for student experience, student choice, and blended learning in Canada and around the world. 

Saint Mary's has partnered with industry-leading experts D2L and Ellucian to innovate and improve the learner experience in an approach that is on the cutting edge for post-secondary institutions. Saint Mary's integrated learning environment will be one of the most sophisticated in Canada. It will bring together all aspects of virtual and in-person learning into a seamless whole, including the management of learning, data records, academic and financial services, credentialing, and learner support. 

“The digital transformation will be a game-changer for our students, removing barriers to higher education related to scheduling, learning style and preferences, finance, accommodation, and location,” says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "New technology and digital services will mean that Saint Mary’s students will be able to learn and engage fully with their professors, fellow students, and research partners in the classroom, from their home and from anywhere in the world. This investment will open up doors for completion of degrees online for some students. For others, their courses and experiences will be the perfect mix of in-person, virtual and online. Our students have spoken, and building on what we have learned during the pandemic, we know they want these options and this flexibility. This is the future and this strategic partnership puts Saint Mary’s in a leadership position nationally." 

Saint Mary's will use D2L's Brightspace platform and leading-edge technology to create the most interactive course content for learners anywhere in the world, provide individualized learning pathways, give learners personalized feedback, and engage them in their learning through gamification, social tools, and video. 

The university's new integrated learning environment will be hosted in the cloud to provide a seamless service to learners across a lifetime of learning. The transformation will encompass all courses, programs, and certificates, and all 6,500 students will benefit from this $9.3 million investment over five years.  

"This investment will lead to significant improvements in the teaching and learning experience and the general operations and systems of the university that will be felt by everyone," says Saint Mary's University's Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Michelle Benoit. "We are removing duplication and increasing student and faculty access to the services of the university while providing them more tools and pathways to enhance their experience. We are automating processes to provide faster response times for students, freeing up staff time to focus on other service delivery areas. This is a very significant moment for our institution." 

Over the project's term, the university's data management system, Ellucian Banner, will be integrated with the university's online learning platform, Brightspace by D2L. Both Ellucian and D2L are key partners for this digital transformation.  

"We are excited to expand our relationship with Saint Mary's University to further accelerate their digital transformation journey," said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. "SMU's investment in modern systems in the cloud will enhance operational efficiencies enabling more resources to focus on what's most important -- students. Their unwavering commitment to improving the student experience, paired with their vision to become a truly global institution, sets them apart as an innovative leader in higher education." 

"What Saint Mary's University has done is nothing short of remarkable," said John Baker, President and CEO of D2L. "Creating a truly learner-centered, fully integrated learning environment can only happen when you're absolutely committed to student success. It's a real honour for all of us at D2L to be part of such a progressive, innovative and student-centered success story." 

"This investment is about improving supports for teaching and learning and improving processes and data management to allow students, faculty, and staff to focus more on the primary reason we are all here—the creation and the dissemination of knowledge," says President Summerby-Murray.

Learn about applying to Saint Mary’s.

Learn about employment opportunities at Saint Mary’s.

Hackathon to address human trafficking in Atlantic Canada begins

Saint Mary’s University, in partnership with Volta and supported by the Government of Canada, is hosting the 
SMU Community Hackathon — Addressing Human Trafficking in Atlantic Canada.  

Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are devastating to survivors, families, and Canada’s most vulnerable populations. It is with this understanding that the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) and partners aim to create awareness about human trafficking while bringing youth together with key stakeholders to explore ways technology can be used to tackle this issue. 

“I was pleased to participate in Saint Mary’s University’s virtual hackathon today,” said The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “With the help of almost $55,000 in federal funding, the University is building on the important work it is doing to raise awareness on the signs of human trafficking, through technological innovation and collaboration. Through projects like this one, we are working together to build a safer and more resilient Canada, where all people are protected from human trafficking and its harms.”

The funding for the hackathon is made available under the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime.

This two-day virtual event brings together post-secondary students from across Atlantic Canada, as well as service providers, law enforcement and others, to explore innovative ways that technology can be used to raise awareness of human trafficking. In teams, participants will develop innovative solutions in combating human sex trafficking from a preventative perspective. The event will feature speakers, panel sessions, brainstorming workshops and hands-on opportunities for participants to work with peers and mentors in bringing their ideas to life.  

After the hackathon, teams move on to the project’s second phase. Teams will receive weekly mentorship and attend skill development sessions as they develop their ideas over the month before delivering final pitches to an expert panel.

“At Saint Mary’s University, community is at the heart of all that we do,” said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor, Saint Mary’s University. “We are committed to research and innovation that improves the wellbeing of our communities. This hackathon is an example of this work and we are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada as we raise awareness of human trafficking, find ways to combat this crime, and improve the lives of Canadians.”

Additional information:

• Government of Canada announces funding for project to raise awareness of human trafficking

• SMU Community Hackathon: Addressing Human Trafficking in Atlantic Canada  

Saint Mary's University celebrates African Heritage Month

This February, Saint Mary's University is celebrating African Heritage Month. This year's theme is Black History Matters: Listen, Learn, Share and Act, recognizing the important legacy of people of African descent and the long-standing history in the development of Canada.  

"We are proud to be hosting a series of events that our students and community can attend virtually to celebrate African Heritage Month," says Charisma Grace Walker, the African Nova Scotian/Black student & community liaison at Saint Mary's. "I encourage everyone to join us as we discuss the past, present, and future of our communities."  

The university’s live online African Heritage Month launch event takes place on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at 11 a.m. The event will feature greetings and performances from members of the African Nova Scotian and Black community. The university is excited to welcome Candace Thomas BA'86, Deputy Minister, Department of Justice, who will participate and provide the keynote address. The launch event, and several upcoming events celebrating Saint Mary’s African Heritage Month, have been made possible through the generous support of Emera Inc.

A live stream of the launch event can be accessed at smu.ca/blackstudent. This event is open to all, and no sign-up is required. 

"African Heritage Month is an important time for our community to come together and celebrate," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Intercultural learning and the diversity of our institution is one of our greatest strengths. Saint Mary’s is committed to ensuring we are a community focused on the importance of equity, representation, and inclusion.”  

For more information on African Heritage Month events at Saint Mary's, including a keynote address-style event with Dr. Angela Davis and a music-infused poetry session, visit smu.ca/blackstudent/events.