Meet your Valedictorians: Fall Convocation 2024

Three students will address their graduating classes at the upcoming Fall Convocation ceremonies at Saint Mary’s University. These graduates, recipients of the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Awards, were selected for their academic determination, involvement on campus and in their communities, and their unique journeys to the graduation podium.

All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed at smu.ca/graduation on November 14 and 15. Congratulations, graduates!

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Krystal Lowe

Master of Science, Applied Psychology
Faculty of Graduate Studies | Thursday, November 14 at 2 p.m.

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Krystal Lowe relocated to Halifax in 2013 with a dream of building a more meaningful life. She will graduate with a Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Forensic Stream) from Saint Mary’s University as a mature, first-generation student. Krystal’s academic journey began at 23 when she completed her high school diploma at the Nova Scotia Community College before enrolling at Saint Mary’s, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology in 2022.  

Krystal’s master’s research, Suicidality Among Individuals with a History of Criminal Behavior – A Test of the Three Step Theory of Suicide, earned her both the SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s, and Scotia Scholar’s Master’s Award. During her time at SMU, she has worked as a teaching assistant and research assistant in the Department of Psychology, focusing on topics at the intersection of psychology and law. She also assisted with research on sexual violence on Canadian campuses in the Department of Criminology and served as the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Coordinator, where she facilitated programs and workshops for the SMU community. Simultaneously, Krystal worked with Public Safety Canada as a research analyst in the Corrections Research Unit, where she assisted with files related to risk profiling, sexual violence and coercion in federal custody, and best practices in reducing recidivism. Her publications include work on domestic violence disclosure schemes and correctional psychology, and she remains an active researcher.  

When she isn’t working, Krystal enjoys writing, yoga, and hiking with her fiancé and two dogs. After graduation, Krystal will continue her work as the Education and Prevention Coordinator with the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, where she is deeply passionate about developing training and education to support the well-being of those working in the violence-against-women sector, as well as public education to reduce domestic and intimate partner violence.  

Krystal expresses deep gratitude to those who have supported and empowered her throughout her academic journey, particularly Dr. Marguerite Ternes, Dr. Veronica Stinson, Dr. Diane Crocker, and soon-to-be Dr. Dee Dooley, for their mentorship and guidance.

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Anubhav Gupta

Bachelor of Commerce
Sobey School of Business (undergraduate) | Friday, November 15 at 10 a.m.

Born and raised in Chandigarh, India, Anubhav graduates from the Sobey School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce, summa cum laude, achieving a GPA of 4.29 with a double major in Finance and Computing & Information Systems.  

Anubhav began his on-campus involvement as the Financial Director for the Commerce Society and a presenter for Enactus Saint Mary’s, where he secured first place in the national Scotiabank Climate Action challenge. He was also a Teaching Assistant with the Finance Department, a Global Skills Opportunity Ambassador, a Residence Assistant, and the Co-Curricular Record Engagement Facilitator. Anubhav served as the Vice-President (Advocacy) for SMUSA where he sat on the university’s Board of Governors, served as the primary spokesperson to the government, championed the student voice on several EDIA issues, and successfully spearheaded initiatives like the Zero Textbook Cost Course List and the Final Exam Weightage Regulation. During his time at SMU, he also received several awards, including the Academic Achievement Award, Chrysler Canada Scholarship, SMUFU Gold Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and the Student Leadership Recognition Award. 

Passionate about making a difference, Anubhav aspires to take the lessons learnt at SMU and contribute to the community. He wants to study further and is presently trying to unravel what career path to embark upon – while the future is uncertain, Anubhav is excited about the endless opportunities to continue to learn and grow as an individual. He credits the wonderful friends he made at SMU, his professors, the mentors he has found here, and his family for their unwavering support that has made his achievements possible.   

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Magnolia Lillian Rice

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Faculty of Arts & Faculty of Science (undergraduate) | Friday, November 15 at 2 p.m.

Born and raised in Vermont, USA, Magnolia Rice is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, with Honours in Criminology and a minor in Anthropology. 

During her time at SMU, Magnolia was heavily involved in the community both on and off campus, acting as President of the Anthropology Society, Vice-President of the Criminology Society, a Pack Leader, a member of the Art’s Societies Gala Planning Committee, and a volunteer for multiple open-houses and campus events. She was also involved in the 7th Step Society of Nova Scotia, where she volunteered and wrote grants with people who have had conflict with the law, and she is currently involved in their Youth Justice program as a grant researcher. These experiences bolstered her sense of community, and she currently works as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at Common Good Vermont, working to strengthen Vermont’s nonprofit sector. 

During her final year at SMU, Magnolia was a Teaching Assistant for the Criminology Department. She wrote her Honours Thesis on the motivations behind alcohol consumption in Vermont and was awarded the McMullan & Rege Honours in Criminology Convocation Award. 

Magnolia is very grateful for the people she met at Saint Mary’s and would like to specifically thank her parents and family, her incredible friends, and her professors for supporting her throughout her degree. She could not have done this without them. 

Preparing students for the workplace with AI learning

BComm student Anubhav Gupta with Bryce Cross

Anubhav Gupta, a Bachelor of Commerce student at Saint Mary’s University, is experiencing firsthand the integration of cutting-edge AI technology in his education. Under the guidance of Sobey School of Business Lecturer Bryce Cross, who heavily incorporates large language models (LLMs) into his PhD research, Gupta and his classmates are getting unique exposure to AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.

Large language models (LLMs) have automated many low-end tasks. In finance, LLMs can be used to rapidly sift through vast volumes of text or numerical data to extract valuable insights that would otherwise be nearly impossible to find. Previously, students would manually download data, conduct tests, and interpret results. Now, they can input data into models like ChatGPT and receive answers almost immediately, allowing them to focus on theoretical aspects and implications.

Bryce Cross

“In our financial statement analysis course, we emphasize understanding these tools. Students learn to prove concepts using statistical methods. We’ve known for a long time that markets are efficient in incorporating new information into stock prices, but students can now use an LLM to interpret data and demonstrate concepts like market efficiency in real-time, driving home lessons that were previously somewhat abstract in the minds of students. Integrating LLMs into the curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for the modern workforce,” says Cross.

“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 a bonus point assignment where they used 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,” Gupta explained.

The evolution of data handling: from 1995 to today

In 1995, data handling was a meticulous process. Creating datasets with 3,000 or 4,000 observations was a significant achievement, as databases were manually compiled from documents. For example, to find out Apple’s revenue in 1994, a data provider would manually enter information from SEC filings into a database. These databases were closely guarded and contained extensive information on various topics.

Today, advanced models can process vast amounts of data almost instantaneously, recognizing patterns and extracting relevant information. “This advancement allows researchers to analyze data more efficiently and answer complex questions that were previously very difficult, or impossible, to answer,” says Cross. “At Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School, we are preparing students to use these advanced tools in the workplace. Embracing these technologies improves efficiency and opens new possibilities for research and analysis,” Cross explains.

Applications for AI in the classroom and workplace

Gupta believes that this exposure to AI will be beneficial in the job market. “I think the job market is still a bit hesitant towards AI, but that will change dramatically as AI progresses,” he said. He emphasized the importance of being able to use AI effectively, noting that while AI might not replace jobs, it will certainly change how tasks are performed. “For example, we can use AI to develop business cases. It helps to start with AI-generated content and then improve and adjust accordingly.”

Anubhav Gupta

Gupta is currently interning at Nova Scotia Power with the business value team. He even found using AI helpful in his role on the student social committee. “I’m throwing an event for interns, and I used Copilot to create a checklist of steps, which made things easier,” he said. Additionally, Gupta has utilized AI for academic purposes, such as preparing presentations and drafting outlines for papers. “Many students use ChatGPT to get a draft structure or outline, which is encouraged by professors,” he noted.

Reflecting on the future, Gupta mentioned a senior professor’s comparison of the current AI revolution to the Internet revolution. “In five years, AI will become an indispensable tool, so it’s good that we’re getting some exposure to it right now as undergraduates,” he said.

As Gupta prepares to graduate with a double major in finance and computing and information systems, he is optimistic about his career prospects. “I’m hoping to work in finance and use my computing and information systems major to supplement my finance knowledge. Fintech is an emerging field that everyone is talking about,” he shared. Gupta is enjoying his time at Nova Scotia Power and hopes to find a full-time opportunity there.

He is also on a path of discovery, having coffee chats with diverse professionals to figure out his ideal future career. “I enjoy finance, and I’m good at it, but I also enjoy working with people, and I want to make a difference.”

When asked about the best part of being a BComm student, Gupta highlighted the community at Saint Mary’s University. “I was involved with the Global Exchange office, Career and Experiential Learning, and various societies like the Commerce Society and Enactus. You find your community here; with that support, there are endless opportunities,” he said. Gupta also found mentors in his professors, who continue to support him.

As AI continues to evolve, students like Gupta are at the forefront, learning to navigate and leverage these powerful tools in their academic and professional lives.

Celebrating Women in Business: Highlights from the 2024 Conference

Women in Sport Business conference panel

Panellists with moderator Cheryl MacDonald

Shannon Susko opened the event

Keynote speaker Signa Butler shares with the crowd

Audience members participated in a Q&A

Signa Butler with conference attendees

The 6th Annual Women in Business Conference, held on October 3, was a remarkable gathering that celebrated the achievements and contributions of women in the sport business landscape, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport at Saint Mary's. Drawing over 120 participants, including student-athletes, alumni, former SMU women athletes, and community partners, the event created an inspiring atmosphere filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to empowering women.

Under the theme "Game On! Celebrating Women in Sport Business," the conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Keynote speaker Signa Butler BA'96, a seasoned CBC sports and Olympics commentator, captivated the audience with her compelling stories and insights. She shared her journey from athlete to working in the sport business world, breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field. Accompanying her was special guest speaker Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, a serial entrepreneur and leadership coach, who shared invaluable lessons on resilience and empowerment in the business world.

The event also included an engaging panel discussion that showcased dynamic women making significant strides in the sport industry. 

Panelists included:

• Keisha Turner BA'12, Co-founder of Starberry Drink Co. and Akwekon Enterprises Inc.

• Justine Colley-Leger BComm'14, Director of Athletics at Halifax Grammar School

• Meghan Chayka, Co-Founder/CEO of Stathletes, a hockey data and analytics company

• Brittany Burke, Co-founder, CEO, and Manager of JUST Cycle

The panel was moderated by Cheryl MacDonald BA'10, CEO of Sport New Brunswick, who facilitated a rich discussion on their journeys and the future of women in leadership roles.

This year's conference not only celebrated women's remarkable achievements but also set the stage for future collaboration and innovation among women in sport business. The event highlighted the incredible power that women hold in business, leaving a positive impression on those present.

We are grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support, including:

• Metromonics – Champion Maker Sponsor

• The Sobey family, the Sobey Foundation, and Sobey Inc. – Cheer Master Sponsors

• Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health and Vallis Law and Strategic Solutions – Sideline Super Supporter Sponsors

• Evolve, CIBC Wood Gundy, and O'Regans – Fabulous Fan Sponsors

• In-kind sponsors included Halifax Wanderers, Halifax Tides, and Evolve.

As we reflect on this year's conference's success, we eagerly anticipate next year's event and look forward to continuing this vital conversation about empowering women in the business world.

Saint Mary's team has impressive finish at Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan

Enactus Saint Mary’s team and faculty advisers from Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Presenters pitching at the top 16 round of competition

Co-Presidents: Paige Bigelow BComm’24, Susan MacInnis, Courtney Dingle and Gabe Martin

Accesstructure team: Hannah Meagher, Ashish Ganapathy and Aneesa Hussain

Early Stage competition presenters: Maya Campbell, Lydia Lee, Vaishali Sachdeva and Rebecca Sullivan

The Saint Mary’s University Enactus team has returned home, buoyed by the thrill of placing in the top 16 in the world, with an exceptional performance at the prestigious Enactus World Cup, held October 2-4 in Astana, Kazakhstan.  

The team's journey to the World Cup began in May 2024, when the Enactus Saint Mary’s team secured the Enactus National Championship title against 49 Canadian post-secondary institutions. This victory propelled them, for the first time in SMU history, to the world's premier stage for student-led business innovation and social impact.  

Facing fierce competition with pioneering solutions 

This year, the Cup brought together teams from 29 countries. The competition was fierce, with talented teams from Germany, Morocco, Republic of Korea and Tunisia, vying for the top prize. While Tunisia ultimately secured the top spot, Enactus Saint Mary's distinguished themselves with their innovative projects, Plastarch and Square Roots, and dedication to social good. Square Roots tackles the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity by rescuing "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded and offering it at affordable prices, and Plastarch is a pioneering enterprise to develop a sustainable bioplastic alternative for food packaging and utensils crafted from an unlikely source—discarded potatoes.  

Co-Presidents of Enactus Saint Mary's, Courtney Dingle and Gabe Martin say," To highlight a specific moment from the 2024 Enactus World Cup that was impactful to our team we would point to the cultural fair that happened before the opening ceremonies. Getting to share local snacks, play field hockey sticks with the other teams, and share our Canadian pride was an amazing experience. Being at an Enactus competition is always such a collaborative experience and that was equally true at the 2024 Enactus World Cup. Meeting teams from across the world and feeling supported by them meant so much to everyone on our team, and it was magical to be able to support students from other countries as well. The 2024 Enactus World Cup was an amazing experience for our team, to get to showcase our work on the global stage and get feedback from such diverse perspectives is something we really value. We are so grateful for all of the support we have had to get to this point and are so proud of every member of our team for their dedication and for the work they have put in to reach this level." 

Courtney Dingle

Gabe Martin

In addition to placing in the top 16 in the World Cup, a team of two Enactus Saint Mary’s team members, Aneesa Hussain and Ashish Ganapathy, and Hannah Meagher from Dalhousie placed second in the Bentley—iTwin4Good Challenge held at the Enactus World Cup with a $2,000 USD prize. Their innovative project, Accesstructure, showcased their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Accesstructure is platform that automates accessibility audits of campus facilities, identifying non-compliance issues across various legislation and standards. The groundbreaking tool ensures that campus environments are inclusive and welcoming for all students, staff and visitors.  

The Accesstructure team reflects the experience saying, “Our biggest takeaway from the competition was the cultural exchange that took place not only during the cultural exhibition but throughout the remainder of the competition and afterward too. Meeting people from different continents, and sharing food, games, and music amongst ourselves helped us broaden our horizons and gain a richer perspective. Another highlight was participating in the iTwin4Good challenge at the Enactus World Cup, where we had the opportunity to present innovative solutions that address social and environmental issues through technology. This challenge reinforced the importance of creating lasting impact and reminded us that, regardless of the differences in our cultures or backgrounds, we all share a common goal: to build a better, more inclusive future. The connections we made and the ideas exchanged throughout the competition will continue to inspire us as we work towards making a meaningful difference in our communities.” 

“We are so proud of the hard work and everything that the teams have accomplished this year. Square Roots, Plastarch and Accesstructure are leading examples of Enactus project success, the impact students can have on the UN SDG goals, and how a social enterprise can continue to grow, evolve and support sustainability in the community and beyond,” said Catherine Fowler, President and CEO of Enactus Canada. 

Team visiting Canadian Embassy in Astana

Nathaniel Collier, Tyler Hutchinson and Gabe Martin in front of Astana Opera

A student shopping at a souvenir shop

Hanging out at a park in Astana, Kazakhstan

Tyler Hutchinson, Sara Wheeler, Maya Campbell, Gabe Marting in the Astana Grand Mosque

Aneesa Hussain and Mya MacDonald at the shopping mall

Iconic Future Energy Museum Nur Alem

From Halifax to Astana: a once-in-a-lifetime journey  

The journey to the Enactus World Cup was an adventure in itself. Astana, with its futuristic architecture and vibrant culture, provided a stunning backdrop for the competition. 

The team ventured beyond the competition, immersing themselves in Kazakh culture. They engaged with local people, visited iconic architectures, savoured traditional cuisine such as beshbarmak and shashlyk. This cultural exchange fostered understanding and appreciation. 

A visit to the Canadian Embassy in Astana further strengthened their connection with the global Canadian community. They met with embassy officials, discussing the importance of their work and the opportunities and challenges faced by Canadians abroad. 

Almost recovered from intense preparation and competition, a long transcontinental journey and significant time change, the Enactus Saint Mary’s team is already talking about the path to the next National and International championships. 

Join the Enactus Saint Mary's Team! 

Are you a passionate student looking to make a difference? The Enactus Saint Mary's team is comprised of 80 dedicated students from diverse backgrounds, all united by a passion for creating positive change, and is always looking for new members to join its ranks.  If you are interested in joining a dynamic team that tackles real-world challenges, visit their website to learn more about getting involved. 

About Enactus 

Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that empowers students to use entrepreneurial action to address social and environmental challenges. Enactus chapters around the world work together to develop and implement innovative projects that create positive change. Through Enactus, students gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurship, while also making a meaningful impact on their communities. 

Enactus can be followed @enactus. To learn more, visit enactus.org.

Stephanie Kelley named Scotiabank Professor in Innovations in Business Technology

Dr. Stephanie Kelley

Stephanie Kelley, Assistant Professor of Management Science in the Sobey School of Business has recently been named the Scotiabank Professor in Innovations in Business Technology. Dr. Kelley shared her thoughts on this exciting new role:

“I am honoured to be named the Scotiabank Professor in Innovations in Business Technology, particularly given Scotiabank's deep roots in the Maritimes and its forward-thinking approach to innovation in financial services over the years. This role provides a unique opportunity to work together on important topics such as Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Analytics Innovation.

It is especially meaningful to continue this partnership, as my very first research project during my studies was working on AI ethics risks, funded by Scotiabank. I am excited to build on our shared commitment to fostering innovation that benefits Canadians.

The funding provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the critical topics of Responsible AI and Analytics Innovation across our business programs through research events, research assistantships and graduate student funding. The support also fuels new research that will be brought into the course I teach, Ethics and Governance for Analytics, in the Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) program and provide the opportunity for additional courses on Responsible Technology Innovation. Beyond the university, the Professorship provides a great opportunity to share the research more widely with industry and academic audiences.  

The focus of my research is Responsible AI and Analytics Innovation. The goal is to enable organizations to make better, data-driven decisions using AI and analytics guiding them to do so in ways that are inclusive and beneficial to society. I’m actively looking for senior undergraduate and master's students who are data-driven and passionate about Responsible AI and analytics to join my research team!

The work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work and economic growth (#8), gender equality (#5), reduced inequalities (#10), and partnerships for the goals (#17). Working on Responsible AI and Analytics Innovation also reinforces our university’s commitment as a Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory further to advance responsible management education and sustainable business practices.”

Saint Mary’s University announces Dr. Tony Charles as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

Dr. Tony Charles

Saint Mary’s University is delighted to announce that Dr. Tony Charles, a distinguished scholar from the School of the Environment and the Sobey School of Business, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This celebrated honour recognizes Dr. Charles’s exceptional contributions to environmental research and his pioneering work in sustainability and participatory governance.

Dr. Charles is internationally renowned for his leadership in transdisciplinary partnerships that foster people-centred conservation and sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity. His influential fishery systems approach has revolutionized our understanding and management of fisheries, coasts, and oceans by integrating social, cultural, economic, community, and institutional aspects into a holistic framework.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Charles’s achievements and his election to the Royal Society of Canada,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. “His interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and helping community responses to the impacts of climate change, and his dedication to sustainability, have made profound impacts on the academic community, on government policies, on coastal communities, and on the broader field of environmental science.”

The Royal Society of Canada Fellowship is one of the highest honours a Canadian scholar can receive, celebrating outstanding achievement in the arts, humanities, and sciences. One hundred and four new Fellows have been elected by their peers for their outstanding scholarly achievements. 

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the RSC will induct the 2024 Fellows and Members of the RSC College at a ceremony as part of the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Breaking records: Omena Babalola MBA'92 sprints towards success

Omena Babalola, center, runs at a university track event

Omena Babalola's story is all about pushing limits and reaching for the stars. The MBA'92 alum started on the tracks of Saint Mary's University and later made a big splash as a leader and role model in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her time at SMU wasn't just about snagging a degree—it was about smashing records, setting the bar high and building a legacy that keeps on inspiring.

When she arrived in Canada in the fall of 1989, Omena was all about soaking up the culture, and she figured getting an MBA at Saint Mary's was the perfect shot at doing just that. Choosing Saint Mary's for its friendly vibe, top-notch outdoor track, and being close enough to family in Prince Edward Island, she kicked off an adventure that would forever stamp her mark on the university's history books.

Omena earned Athlete of the Week, shown here in a 1991 edition of the SMU Journal

Omena handled her sports career with great grit and grace. The fact there weren't any other women sprinters didn't get her down. If anything, it made her push even harder, often training with the guys who backed her up and pushed her forward. Her outstanding performances in the 60m and 300m sprints broke records that are still standing, showing just how unstoppable she is.

Her time at SMU was enriched by the wonderful African student community, who she could always count on to cheer her on at each race. Despite being the only woman sprinter on the team, her determination brought more women into sprint events and strengthened the women's sprint team at Saint Mary's.

Omena Babalola MBA’92

After leaving Saint Mary's, Omena brought the lessons of hard work, teamwork and resilience with her as she transitioned to professional and community life in Winnipeg. She has had a remarkable career as a Professional Auditor, earning numerous designations, all while dedicating herself to mentoring young people and supporting her community. Her success off the track is a testament to the excellence she strived for in her athletic career.

Omena is currently an Alumni-in-Residence with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and recently hosted a series of events: From New Horizons to Thriving Ventures: The Immigrant Entrepreneurial Odyssey. The final event of the summer series takes place on August 19.

Learn more about her Alumni-in-Residence position with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Saint Mary’s University celebrates extension of AACSB accreditation for the Sobey School of Business

Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business proudly announce the extension of accreditation from the AACSB International Board of Directors for its esteemed business degree programs. This achievement marks a significant milestone, underscoring an unwavering commitment to excellence in business education. SMU’s Sobey School of Business was first awarded the prestigious recognition in 2003 and the accreditation will now be extended until 2030.

The rigorous academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and dynamic learning environment at Saint Mary’s have contributed to this remarkable endorsement. Driven by the dedication of faculty, the achievements of our students, and the steadfast support of our staff, we continue to shape future business leaders and professionals. The peer review team noted that the Sobey School "has demonstrated an impressive amount of innovation over the last five years as it changes its focus…to a global, impactful School of Business."

“This accreditation reaffirms our position as a leader in business education,” said Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “It enhances the prestige of our programs and reflects the hard work of our entire community.”

AACSB Accreditation is known worldwide as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized/professional accreditation an institution and its business programs can earn. AACSB-accredited schools have the highest quality faculty, relevant and challenging curriculum, and provide educational and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools.

Less than 6% of the world's 13,000 business programs have earned AACSB Accreditation.

The Sobey School of Business, one of Canada’s oldest and most respected institutions, remains committed to fostering purpose-driven leadership. As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our congratulations to all stakeholders who have contributed to this success.

Sobey School of Business recognized for social impact and sustainability achievements

The Sobey School of Business has been acknowledged for its outstanding social impact and sustainability achievements in the recently launched Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results. Among 77 business schools from 30 countries worldwide participating in this year’s rating, the Sobey School achieved Level 4, positioning it as a Transforming institution within the PIR framework.

A student-driven assessment

The PIR is a unique rating conducted by students and for students. For the third consecutive time, students worldwide evaluated their business schools based on their perceived positive impact on the world. Beyond contributing to business and the economy, business schools are crucial in addressing societal needs.

Students assessed how the Sobey School of Business tackles societal and sustainable challenges, equipping its students to become responsible business leaders. The data collection process was led by the Business Sustainability Society, which distributed the PIR survey across campus. This year, 150 Sobey School students actively participated in the assessment.

Participation in the PIR underscores the Sobey School’s commitment to student feedback and engagement. Associate Dean Margaret McKee emphasized, “The PIR is an important opportunity to capture the students' perspective on our social impact and sustainability, and we are inspired by their commitment to working together with us to transform business education.”

The PIR survey comprises 20 questions across seven relevant impact dimensions, categorized into three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score positions business schools within five levels, reflecting their developmental stage and achievement. The Sobey School has a defined social impact metric to guide its ongoing efforts.

Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board, highlighted the significance of student input: “As future students seek alternatives to select their business school, the PIR serves as a reliable resource. Schools, including the Sobey School, use the PIR to measure and communicate their transformational progress.”

The PIR was developed by business school experts in collaboration with global NGOs—WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact are proud partners of the PIR initiative, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation, and Fehr Advice (both from Switzerland).

Research Award winners enjoy paid summer internships across campus

Undergraduate students are conducting research with faculty members again this summer, thanks to funding from federal grants, generous donors and Saint Mary’s.

The halls and classrooms at Saint Mary’s are a little quieter after the end of the winter term and the excitement of convocation, but students keen to engage in research activities are creating a buzz on campus.

Every summer, a group of students are chosen to receive undergraduate student research awards. These awards allow students to conduct research and scholarly projects with professors in their fields. These paid internships allow students to learn valuable skills that will serve them well in upper-level courses and eventually in their own honours or graduate-level research.

Many of these award positions are funded by federal government agencies, including the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Others are offered thanks to generous donors, grants, and funding from Saint Mary’s. In most cases, awards are made possible through contributions from professors’ research grants. Those who receive awards are provided funding to undertake 12 to 16 weeks of full-time work between May and August.

A new category of award was introduced for full-time students in the Faculty of Science for summer 2024 to include a wider array of students. Designed for student-professor teams who propose a research project together, the Dean of Science Access to Research Awards focus on the proposed research project; the student's GPA is not a selection criteria as long as the student is in good academic standing. These awards are jointly funded by the Dean of Science Office and various faculty grants.

These summer research award programs are a great opportunity for our students. However, there are many other opportunities for students to work alongside professors. With research taking place year-round in labs and in the field, students are encouraged to connect with professors to discuss additional opportunities!

Benefits

“Summer research placements give students a chance to experience research work that complements their academic studies,” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research. “This program of Research Awards provides our most engaged and talented students with experiences that not only raise their connection to their studies but also greatly enhance their road to success post-graduation in either the job market or in pursuit of graduate studies. A good number of professors start their academic journey through these kinds of undergraduate research experiences.”

Selecting student researchers

For most positions, students earn their positions based on their academic record, breadth of experience and background, and their application letter—they can apply after their first year of full-time study. If chosen, they are matched with a professor whose work is a fit for their desired research. The Dean of Science Access to Research Award winners are selected based on the prospective value of the experience to both the student and supervisor.

Previous wins aren’t considered in the selection process; however, students with top academic records can earn positions in multiple years. Many Saint Mary’s students have gone on to pursue graduate studies, thanks in part to the experience gained during their summer work on campus.

Learn about this year’s student researchers

Learn about student research opportunities at Saint Mary’s.

Taylor Adams

• Fourth year, Honours Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir

• Research: Conducting research on Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) evolution by sexual selection. I will be constructing a pedigree to link reproductive success of lineages with different morphological and behavioural characteristics.

Molly Carruthers 

• Fourth year, Psychology

• Supervisor: Meg Ternes

• Research: I will be working with Meg on research relating to deception detection

Sarah Chiasson

• Third year, Environmental Science

• Supervisor: Dr. Colleen Barber

• Research: This summer I’ll be studying European Starlings with Dr. Colleen Barber’s lab, studying the birds’ behaviour, including mate choices and parental investment. To do so, we survey the European Starling population on campus, tracking the individuals through their life cycle.

Claire Cullinan

• Third year, Biology with a certificate in forensic science

• Supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau

• Research: I will be doing biochemistry research on the development of diagnostic sensors for healthcare applications. I will be using plasmonic metal nanoparticles to develop nanoparticle-based sensors.

Noha Jereen Hoque

• Fourth year, Honours Physics

• Supervisor: Vincent Hénault-Brunet

• Research: Our research group aims to explore the content, formation, and evolution of black holes in globular star clusters, which are spherical, tightly bound clusters of tens of thousands to millions of old stars around the Milky Way. We need to understand how black holes form, stay and change within these clusters to explore our universe at very large distances.

Abby Jolly

• Third year, Social Justice and Community Studies

• Supervisor: Dr. Val Marie Johnson 

• Research: This summer I will be partnering with the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia, doing research on access to healthcare for seasonal agricultural workers in Nova Scotia. 

Alicia MacDonald 

• Third year, Psychology 

• Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad

• Research: We will be doing a pilot study on a measure of reading comprehension in grades three and four children. We will also be writing a paper on orthographic knowledge and spelling outcomes.

Mimi MacNeily BSc’24

• Major: Psychology 

• Supervisor’s name: Dr. Tiffany Vu

• Research: Assisting in the development and testing of theories grounded in marketing, psychology, and behavioural economics pertaining to charitable giving, sustainability, and consumer well-being. 

Jillian Marks

• Second year, Engineering

• Supervisor: Dr. Jane Ferguson

• Research: Using innovative methods to measure key properties of molten salt mixtures for the development of clean energy sources.

Tehya Mohammed

• Second year, Chemistry and Physics

• Supervisor: Dr. Robert Singer

• Research: We are optimizing the N‑Demethylation process of alkaloids to make it greener. This is an important step in the synthesis of compounds like naltrexone and naloxone. 

Katherine Myers BSc’24

• Major: Honours Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Dr. Marcin Sawicki

• Research: Studying star formation and substructure trends in distance galaxy mergers using data from the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Keegan Riggs

• Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Dr. Luigi Gallo

• Research: Using data from an x-ray space telescope to analyze blackholes

Madhur Sharma

• First Year, Computing Science and Business Administration

• Supervisor: Dr. Ethan Pancer

• Research: Marketing and AI. We will be analysing the speed of spread and work closely with how virality works to understand the algorithm of different socials.

Daniel Wilson

• Third year, Biology and Geography

• Supervisor: Dr. Erin Cameron

• Research: I'm working on mapping in ArcGIS related to Indigenous knowledge of berry crops in the Northwest Territories and the spread of invasive earthworms in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. In addition, there's also fieldwork sampling invasive earthworms in North Alberta with the goal of identifying species and determining their rate of spread.

Clara Wrightman-Dillon

• Second year, Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Marcin Sawicki

• Research: I will be analyzing photos from the JWST of the Sparkler Galaxy.

Katherine (Katie) Zinck

• Third year, Chemistry

• Supervisor: Dr. Danielle Tokarz

• Research: I will be using polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy and birefringence to investigate the degradation of otoconia (inner ear crystals that maintain balance) and the structure of teeth.

Megan Barkhouse

• Second year, Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Anne Dalziel

• Research: I will be involved in the collection, care, and research of stickleback and killifish.

Sydney Blackmore

• Third year, Astrophysics 

• Supervisor: Dr. Greg Christian 

• Research: As per the description found on the SMU research opportunities webpage: the “… project will consist of analysis of recoil singles data from an experiment measuring the 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg reaction. This reaction is important as a neutron source for the slow neutron capture process, which creates around half of the elements heavier than hydrogen." 

Rachel Crawford

• Fifth year, Biology & Psychology double major, with a certificate in Health, Wellness, and Sport in Society.

• Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad.

• Research: I'll be working with Dr. Conrad to study the effects of orthographic knowledge on reading comprehension in children and to pilot reading comprehension testing materials with elementary school-age students.

Maria Dereje

• Second year, Criminology

• Supervisor: Dr. Veronica Stinson

• Research: A variety of projects and developing research skills

Rebecca ElChater

• Fourth year, Double major in Biology and Psychology, with an Honours in Chemical Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Clarissa Sit

• Research: I will be studying Fictibacillus enclensis, which is a bacteria that can promote plant growth and act as a natural fertilizer. I will perform extractions and sample analyses to determine its mechanism of action on plants.

Yacklin Huang

• First year, undetermined major.

• Supervisor: Dr. Mengjun Hu

• Research: Discuss Data Analytics topics with supervisor weekly; read classic textbooks of relevant directions to gain important insights.

Zéa Jones

• Fourth year, Anthropology and Religious Studies

• Supervisor: Dr. Sveva Savelli

• Research: Reviewing field notes and aiding in excavations at Incoronata greca, in Italy. 

Zoe MacDonald

• Third year, Psychology 

• Supervisor: Dr. Jim Cameron 

• Research: Very broadly- exploring the psychology of astronomy, as in feelings of awe (often induced via astronomical events) and how it can increase social cohesion/global citizenship identification and prosocial behaviour, as well as more general attitudes and beliefs surrounding astronomy, life in the universe, etc. 

• Baxter Madore

• Fourth year, Honours Computer Science

• Supervisor: Dr. Stavros Konstantinidis

• Research: I am currently modernizing and adding features to the I-LaSer formal language web server at SMU.

 Lindsey McNamara

• Fourth year, Honours Mathematics

• Supervisor: Dr. Mitja Mastnak

• Research: I will be studying the simultaneous triangularization of collections of matrices and further topics in linear algebra/abstract algebra.

Janine Mombourquette

• Fourth year, Honours Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir

• Research: Conducting research with Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes).

Lucy Pothier-Bogoslowski

• Fourth year, Honours Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Dr. Luigi Gallo

• Research: I am working on observational high energy astrophysics with X-ray data taken of active galactic nuclei. This work probes the extreme regions around supermassive black holes.

Sarina Scoville

• Fourth year, Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. David Chiasson

• Research: My research project will encompass molecular and synthetic biology, as well as microbiology. Under the supervision and support of Dr. Chiasson, my research will focus on the identification of genes related to nitrogen-fixation and the symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and legumes. 

Connor Smith

• Third year, Chemistry

• Supervisor: Jane Ferguson

• Research: My research this summer is to help design and start construction of an Archimedean density apparatus to measure the density of molten salt systems.

Kaveh Wornell

• Third year,  Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir

• Research: This project will explore the metabolic costs of courtship behaviour in Japanese medaka. In this species, males perform a characteristic courtship 'dance' to attract females and advertise their fertility. Furthermore, the degree to which fin size may increase or decrease the metabolic demands of the behaviour is not known. This work will entail a physiological study to assess the difference between the metabolic rate of males at rest and while they are performing the courtship behaviour.

Commerce student wins Excellence Award for PRME North America Student Leadership

Adrianna Timmons, center, accepts her PRME award

Adrianna Timmons, a dedicated third-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Sobey School of Business, has been honoured with the Excellence Award for PRME North America Student Leadership. This prestigious award is presented to a remarkable student leader who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing the principles of sustainability and responsible business practices, both on their campus and in the broader community.

Her deep-seated involvement with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is at the heart of Adrianna's commendable achievements. This initiative, a pivotal program under the United Nations Global Compact, champions the cause of sustainability and responsible management education.

Adrianna formed the Sustainable Business Society at Saint Mary’s

As one of two Regional Leaders for North America, Adrianna plays a crucial role in expanding the network of students focused on sustainable development. Her responsibilities encompass working with student organizations, identifying new ones to enhance the network and attending global meetings to refine and advance the initiatives of PRME Global Students. As a representative of PRME, Adrianna actively engages with and speaks at events focused on sustainability, responsibility, and development, furthering the mission of creating a sustainable global economy.

Adrianna was inspired to bring sustainability initiatives to more students at Saint Mary's after attending a PRME Student Leadership Global Forum in New York. Her participation in the forum was funded through the Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust, established through the generosity of Bill Linton BComm’75 DComm’22 and his wife Marilynne Day-Linton. Accelerating a wide range of initiatives for students, faculty and staff, the Linton Family Trust provides critical support to expand and elevate the Sobey School’s leadership in educating the next generation of business leaders committed to sustainable business.  

Adrianna said of her trip to the PRME Global Forum in New York, "Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the forum, where I spoke with students who had successfully started sustainability societies at their schools. This gave me the courage to start the sustainability society here at Saint Mary's."  

In the Fall of 2023, Adrianna launched the Saint Mary’s University Sustainable Business Society, uniting like-minded students from the Commerce Faculty focusing on sustainability. As its founding President, she rapidly expanded the group to over 80 members in its first year. The society aims to spotlight local, sustainable businesses and entrepreneurial efforts, enhancing student engagement with Halifax's business community and fostering real-world sustainability application and networking opportunities. A notable achievement under her leadership was the organization of a "Careers in a Clean Economy" panel, drawing insights from industry leaders on sustainable business careers to 50 attendees. The Society also initiated The Halifax Green Map project, highlighting ethical, sustainable local businesses and promoting responsible business practices.

In addition to her academic and PRME commitments, Adrianna has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial initiative and social responsibility through her endeavours outside of the university. Her creation of Accessories for Access exemplifies how she seamlessly integrates her passion for sustainable development with entrepreneurship. This venture is not just a business; it's a mission-driven effort to make a tangible difference in girls' lives in sub-Saharan Africa by funding their education and leadership opportunities.

Adrianna's blend of global perspective and local action truly sets her apart as a leader who envisions a better world and actively works towards creating it.

Measuring the impact of social innovation in Nova Scotia

Saint Mary’s University professor and students receive Mitacs fund to study community projects

Dr. Chantal Hervieux and a team of graduate students will study the social innovation impact of Inspiring Communities

Across the globe, there is growing enthusiasm and support for social innovation and community-based projects that address critical issues such as climate change, equity, employment opportunities and newcomer integration. How can we determine if these projects have a lasting impact beyond their immediate benefits? Can social innovation truly transform societal systems and contribute to a better world?

These essential questions are at the heart of Dr. Chantal Hervieux’s research. As the Director of the ImpactLab at the Centre for Leadership Excellence in the Sobey School of Business, Professor Hervieux has been awarded a substantial Mitacs grant of $255,000. Her mission: to study Inspiring Communities, a Nova Scotia-based not-for-profit organization, and gain a deep understanding of social innovation, its approach, processes and impacts. Given its active involvement in the community, Inspiring Communities serves as an ideal test case and model for others.

Since 2018, Inspiring Communities has played a crucial role in supporting communities across Nova Scotia, from Digby to Cape Breton, using an equity-centred systems change approach. They aspire to build equitable, thriving communities through connecting communities, creating collaborative partnerships, measuring impact and maintaining a strong and sustainable core. By partnering with this organization, Dr. Hervieux aims to document and map their practices, ultimately sharing valuable insights globally.

Anacapri LeBlanc, a Master’s student in Women and Gender Studies, agrees that innovation in Nova Scotia deserves to be highlighted.

““Here, we have a not-for-profit that wants a rigorous assessment to know what’s working, what are strengths and what are the weaknesses in their process. They are very invested in helping Nova Scotians.””

— Anacapri LeBlanc, MWGS student

Anacapri LeBlanc

Jocelyn Li, Co-Executive Director at Inspiring Communities, emphasizes the organization's commitment as an intermediary organization to supporting equity-deserving communities, including historical African Nova Scotian communities, Indigenous people, racialized newcomers, neurodivergent people and people of differing abilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The organization relies on developmental and other evaluation methods. By sharing their data archives, they aim to chart their progression from evaluation techniques to program models that better serve their equity-deserving members and community groups.

Dr. Hervieux’s work, alongside that of the student researchers, will play a pivotal role in strengthening the evidence base for their programs. Anandalakshmi Anathara Prasenan, a student in the Sobey School of Business Masters of Business Analytics program, highlights the unique opportunity provided by the Mitacs-funded project.

Anandalakshmi Anathara Prasenan

““I chose Saint Mary’s because of its collaborative approach to research, emphasizing local community engagement. Through this project, I gain knowledge about not-for-profits and Atlantic Canada, and benefit from Professor Hervieux’s guidance.””

— Anandalakshmi Anathara Prasenan

Over the next two years, twelve graduate students from Saint Mary’s University will receive internships to conduct research within local communities across Nova Scotia. These students, drawn from programs such as Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Business Administration, and PhD studies, will apply their academic methods to real-world scenarios. They will also participate in training workshops, learning innovative impact assessment methodologies developed by the Centre for Leadership Excellence’s ImpactLab. This approach delves deep into systems and interactions, allowing researchers to trace the path of impact and understand where and how it occurs.

Prasenan and LeBlanc with Dr. Hervieux

Dr. Hervieux underscores the significance of studying Nova Scotian communities in the context of global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. In this tumultuous world, Nova Scotia stands out as a beacon of resilience and innovation.

Interim Dean Mark Raymond notes the impactful collaboration between Saint Mary’s University, Inspiring Communities, and dedicated graduate students, “Their collective efforts promise to advance social innovation and contribute to positive change in Nova Scotia and beyond.”