Double-silver at VCIC: Students’ success highlights a unique entrepreneurial environment

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Graduate Team: Top row (l-r): Ossama Nasrallah, Subburaj Karupppasamy, Shubhra Singh. Bottom row (l-r): Sayeda Nahabub, Spencer Doue

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Undergraduate Team (l-r): Shashwat Duggal, Morgan Baker-Tucker, Reece Labbee, Nicholas Perrin, Dr. Ellen Farrell, Brett Himmelman

This past weekend, students from the Sobey School of Business made history. Competing in the New England division of the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) hosted by Boston University, the two teams of five, one at the undergraduate level and one at the graduate level, placed second in their respective divisions, beating out teams from top-tier American schools that included Cornell, Tufts, Babson and New York University. While the Sobey School of Business teams have placed high in past VCIC events, both teams winning the silver medals back-to-back is unprecedented.

“It was definitely a very emotional experience,” says Shashwat Duggal of the undergraduate team. “The whole team could not believe it when the results came out. We were really happy at the end that we came second, and we lost first place by a very narrow margin.”

VCIC is an international competition, hosting upwards of 50 individual events across four continents. While there is a Canadian competition, it is hosted at Saint Mary’s University thus our students compete south of the border to avoid conflicts of interest. Dr. Ellen Farrell, Professor of Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship and organizer of the VCIC teams, sees this as a benefit. SMU students are able to compete against top American universities, acting as venture capitalists investing in start-ups. Their choices and their reasoning are judged by a panel of experts.

“We prepared for three weeks,” shared Shubhra Singh, a graduate student in the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program. “We worked non-stop for 36 hours [before the competition] to gather information about the start-ups that were given to us. The competition gave us opportunity to network with real venture capitalists, and their feedback was very critical and realistic.”

The graduate and undergraduate teams both taking home silver speaks not only to their hard work and dedication, but also to the wealth of knowledge they’ve gained as students of the Sobey Business School. Morgan Baker-Tucker of the undergraduate team highlighted how SMU’s unique programs have guided her path. “The Entrepreneurship program at Saint Mary’s University has a heavy focus on venture capital and start-ups. After taking one class with Dr. Farrell in my third year, I knew I had a lot more to learn about venture capital, and I was most certainly right.”

Dr. Farrell’s contribution to Entrepreneurship programs at the Sobey School of Business and to the success of students cannot be overstated. Dean Harjeet Bhabra summarized this sentiment in his congratulatory message to the teams. “In addition to recognizing the excellent performance of our students, I would like to sincerely congratulate and acknowledge the passionate leadership of Dr. Ellen Farrell, whose relationships and connections have successfully linked our academic programs to the venture capital entrepreneurial ecosystem, where she is a recognized figure.”

The Sobey School of Business is a leading Canadian business school and has an international reputation for excellence in Entrepreneurship programs. “I joined the Sobey School of Business in September 2021,” says Shubhra Singh, “and in just five months, it has given me opportunities to network with early-stage start-ups, participate in pitch presentations, and most importantly collaborate with venture capitalist organizations and understand how this entire ecosystem works. This a learning of a lifetime.”

Shashwat Duggal agrees with Singh. “The most impactful thing that’s come from studying [venture capitalism] has been the networking opportunities with venture capitalists and start-ups from the business community. As part of the [venture capital] course we regularly meet with venture capitalists from the industry, which has been really impactful for me.”

While VCIC was a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to act as venture capitalists investing in start-ups, this competition is a small facet of what is available to SMU students. “There are always opportunities in front of you, it's up to you to decide how you want to be a part of it,” counsels Sayeda Nabila Mahabub of the graduate team. “Either you are a spectator, or a participant. The Entrepreneurship program will throw many opportunities at you, I suggest you grab them and make the most of them. Opportunities won't wait for you.”

We would like to once again congratulate both the undergraduate and graduate teams on their success!

School of Business Impact Speaker Series launches with ‘Elevating Indigenous Businesses’ event

The recent event on campus regarding Elevating Indigenous Businesses was a celebration and exposition of Indigenous culture and business teachings. The inaugural event in the Sobey School of Business Impact Speaker Series saw faculty, staff, students and community members in attendance to hear from the panelists led by moderator Cassandra Dorrington (BComm'81, EMBA'00). 

The Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston (BComm'92), a guest speaker, noted that he intends to come to campus more often. President Rob Summerby-Murray spoke about the importance of this and other ongoing initiatives that allow the university to engage with Indigenous communities, strengthen intercultural research and curriculum, and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.

Emceed by Kyle Cook, VP Advocacy, SMUSA, the event featured special guests such as Ian Smith, CEO of Clearwater Seafoods LP, and Heather DeBlois (BComm'96), Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Sobeys Inc. The event featured special cultural elements, presented by Indigenous Elder, Cathy Martin, and drumming and dancing from Garett Gloade, Patience Sylliboy from Millbrook First Nation, Jingle Dress and expert Indigenous Business owner and panelist of Jesse Benjamin of Eskasoni Mi'kmaw Nation, Fancy Shawl. In addition to Jesse Benjamin, the panelists also included Michael Maracle-Polak (BComm'14), entrepreneur, and Chef Stephane Levac.

Event recording

Business Excellence: Sobey School of Business Ranks 4th in Canada, 13th Overall in Better World MBA Rankings

Amid a business landscape that underwent drastic changes due to the global pandemic, the Saint Mary’s University Sobey School of Business continued to excel, ranking 4th in Canada and 13th overall in the Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking. This is the second year in a row that the Sobey School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has ranked 13th. 

“Our program emphasizes responsible leadership and innovation, two values that have been critical for businesses to successfully navigate the significant industry changes we’ve seen over the past 20 months,” says Dr. Chantal Hervieux, MBA Program Coordinator and Associate Professor with the Sobey School of Business. “I am proud to see the great work over the past year of our professors, researchers, students, and staff reflected in our rank and increased score.” 

In 2020, Corporate Knights uncovered a noticeable rise in faculty research and core courses aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and this trend accelerated in 2021. These developments reflect greater demand from students to train for meaningful work to help solve the serious social and environmental problems that threaten our common future. 

“Every MBA program in the world should be instilling holistic purpose in leaders, ensuring they have the skills, tools and values to build a more inclusive, healthier economy that’s beneficial to society and in harmony with the natural world, and the Better World business schools are leading the way,” said Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights. 

To determine the ranking, Corporate Knights evaluated 147 MBA’s, including the 2021 Financial Times 100 Global MBA programs, every program that made the 2020 Top 40 in the Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking, and select MBA programs accredited by AMBA, AACSB or EQUIS, and/or signatories of the Principles for Responsible Management Education that opted in for evaluation. 

“The Sobey School of Business is a top destination in Canada for future business leaders, and Corporate Knight’s rankings reflect this,” says Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “The Sobey School’s MBA program is a challenging but rewarding program where students gain unique local and global business experience with an emphasis on responsible leadership in an immersive intercultural environment that prepares them to excel in regional to global markets. Business excellence is synonymous with our MBA program and the Sobey School of Business.”  

Click here for more information about the Corporate Knights Better World MBA Rankings.  

Sobey School of Business to launch Impact Speaker Series with Elevating Indigenous Businesses

The Sobey School of Business Impact Speaker Series will launch on Friday, November 19 with its inaugural event, Elevating Indigenous Businesses.

“At Saint Mary’s, we want to build a world without limits. To do that, we need to elevate diverse voices and foster new and diverse ideas.” said Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. “That is exactly what this new speaker series will do.”

The Sobey School of Business Impact Speaker Series seeks to elevate diverse, intercultural perspectives of rising and global leaders, with the aim of inspiring reflection and action among our students, faculty, partners and community. Through these conversations, the school hopes to foster new generations of informed and engaged change makers, who will create positive impact in our communities and our world.

“The purpose of the Elevating Indigenous Businesses event is to actively consider what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report means in our business school environment and context,” said Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “It is part of an essential, ongoing conversation to ensure we are providing opportunities for recognition, reflection and reconciliation.”

Elevating Indigenous Businesses features Indigenous cultural performances, including dancing and drumming, a keynote address from prominent academic and author, Carol Anne Hilton, and a panel discussion among established and emerging Indigenous businesspeople, Michael Maracle-Polak, Jesse Benjamin and Chef Stéphane Levac.

In her remarks, Carol Anne Hilton will discuss the importance of Indigenous worldview and knowledge in developing a more sustainable Canadian economy. “As the world converges on an economic identity crisis of its own making, the inclusion and re-valuing of Indigenous worldview and knowledge in economy and business is paramount,” she said. “I am looking forward to bringing this conversation to students, faculty and the community at Sobey School of Business to discuss how they can contribute to this work in meaningful ways.”

The Elevating Indigenous Businesses Event and Sobey School Impact Speaker Series is made possible by a generous $18 million gift from the Sobey family, Sobey Foundation, and Sobeys Inc. and Empire Group Limited, the largest gift in the history of the university.

Elevating Indigenous Businesses will take place on Friday, November 19 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the SMU Scotiabank Theatre. For more information or to register for this free, in-person event, please visit our website.

The Circular Economy, Sustainability, and Transformation Focus of Third Annual Sobey School Responsible Leadership Day

Unprecedented demand for goods and services, supply chain strain, and actions related to climate change are all important factors that require transformation according to an emerging economic model. This model, called the Circular Economy, is the focus of the third annual Sobey School of Business’s Responsible Leadership event at Saint Mary’s University.

“The circular economy model is an emerging response to our most pressing challenges,” says David Runnalls, the event’s keynote speaker and a Distinguished Fellow with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). “It provides governments, businesses and consumers with an approach to maximize value and eliminate waste by improving, and in some cases transforming, how goods and services are designed, manufactured and used.”

 The Sobey School of Business’s Responsible Leadership event, Circular Economy: The Economy For the Future? takes place this Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, from 8:45 a.m. to 11: 45 a.m. AST. Registration is available to attend in-person or online at www.smu.ca/responsibleleadership. This event aligns with the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), of which the Sobey School is a 2020-2022 PRME Champion.   

“The circular economy presents an enormous challenge for Canadian business since most of our exports are in resource and energy consumptive sectors,” adds Runnalls. “But it also offers numerous opportunities for enterprises, large and small. We will examine how companies and supportive government policies can take advantage of these opportunities.”  

In addition to the keynote, the event features a panel discussion with business and community members called The Circular Economy: Opportunities and challenges for Atlantic Canada, a sustainable development goals showcase, and student challenge called Rethink, React, Remodel, The Circular Economy Challenge.

 “The Sobey School of Business wants to be a driver of innovation, exemplified by this year’s focus on progressive, forward-thinking models such as the Circular Economy,” says Dr. Margaret McKee, Associate Dean with the Sobey School of Business. “This event brings top Canadian economists and policy analysts together with top researchers, business leaders and students to discuss the challenges of today and work towards a more prosperous and inclusive future.”

Meet the new Sobey National Innovators and Sobey MBA Scholars

The 2021 Sobey National Innovators.
Top row (left to right): Rylee Pearl, Adam Culbert, Isabella MacKay, Alyssa MacDonald, Arthur (Sandy) Hiltz. Bottom row (left to right): Mackenzie Kearnery, Braden Marshall, Finn Kimball, Rahjay Brown, Abigail Duggan

Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business are proud to announce the newest recipients of the 2021 Sobey National Innovator and Sobey MBA Scholarships.   

The Sobey National Innovator and Sobey MBA Scholarships are presented to exceptional students from across Canada in recognition of their accomplishments, and as encouragement and support for their success at Saint Mary’s Sobey School of Business. This scholarship program will support 150 students over a ten-year period, inspiring the best and brightest graduate and undergraduate business students in the country to come to Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business.  

The following is a list of the 2021 Sobey National Innovators:  

• Rahjay Brown 

• Adam Culbert 

• Abigail Duggan 

• Arthur Hiltz 

• Mackenzie Kearney 

• Finn Kimball 

• Alyssa MacDonald 

• Isabella Mackay 

• Braden Marshall 

• Rylee Pearl 
   

“On behalf of all recipients, I would like to thank the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. for this incredible award. It has truly been a gamechanger and has had an immense impact on my family and I already!” says Isabella Mackay. “There is so much to look forward to with all the amazing opportunities that come along with this award.” 
 

2021 Sobey MBA Scholarship recipients 

(Left to right): Kartikey Handa, Liam O’Brien

The following is a list of the 2021 Sobey MBA Scholars:  

• Kartikey Handa  

• Liam O’Brien 
   

“A huge thank you and a salute to the Sobey family for this gracious contribution towards building a better, more inclusive, and more sustainable future. It’s because of these benevolent gestures and kind contributions that individuals, both capable and smart, are able to expand their horizons and prepare themselves to better serve the society and the nation at large,” says Kartikey Handa.  

In 2019, Saint Mary’s University announced a historic gift of $18 million from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. which established this transformative scholarship program as well as investments in entrepreneurship, faculty support, research and new space for the Sobey School of Business. 

“We are pleased to welcome the newest recipients as members of the 2021 cohort of Sobey National Innovators and Sobey MBA Scholars and welcome them to the Sobey School of Business and Saint Mary’s University” says the Sobey School of Business Dean, Dr. Harjeet Bhabra. “We look forward to seeing the impact they make while completing their studies at Saint Mary’s University.”  

These students join last year’s inaugural recipients as members of the Sobey Scholars Network, a special cohort that includes all current and past students, alumni, Chair holders, named Professors and Post-Doctoral Fellows who have been the recipients of philanthropic financial support from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc., and Empire Company Limited.  

“Congratulations to the new Sobey National Innovators and the Sobey MBA Scholarship recipients. This has been a year like no other, and your selection as recipients of these prestigious awards recognizes your hard work, talent and resilience”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.   

“We are grateful to the Sobey family, Sobeys Inc. and The Sobey Foundation for your ongoing commitment to student success,” adds President Summerby-Murray. “Together, we are creating a World without limits for our students.”  

To learn more about these scholarships and other areas of impact, please visit the Sobey Scholars Network website. 

Top Canadian Business Leaders Lead New Sobey School Programs

Bradley Farquhar and Joe Power

The next great wave of entrepreneurs is benefiting from the advice and expertise of three top Canadian business leaders joining the Sobey School of Business through the new Sobey Executive-In-Residence and Alumni-In-Residence programs. 

Ian D. Smith

Ian D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, and Purple Cow Internet Co-founders and Saint Mary’s University alumni, Bradley Farquhar BComm’08 and Joe Power BComm’11 are the inaugural class of executives taking part in the new in-residence programs presented by the Sobey School of Business Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network. The network hosts in-residence programs, such as Executive-In-Residence (EIR) and Alumni-In-Residence (AIF), giving students access to some of Canada's and Nova Scotia’s top business leaders. They are selected based on their passion for entrepreneurship and their ability to provide students with a breadth of advice and information.

“The Sobey School of Business is proud to welcome Ian, Bradley, and Joe as our inaugural business leaders taking part in the new Sobey Executive-In-Residence and Alumni-In-Residence programs,” says Mohammad Rahaman, Associate Dean, Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement at the Sobey School of Business. “They bring with them knowledge and expertise from which our students will greatly benefit. I appreciate their commitment to joining with us as we prepare the next generation of great Canadian entrepreneurs for success."

Ian D. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Seafoods. Smith joined Clearwater in May 2010 and has over 33 years of international experience in the food and consumer products industry. Prior to joining Clearwater, Smith held senior leadership positions at the Campbell Soup Company within Canada, the United States and China. Prior to his time at Campbell’s, Smith held various marketing, sales and international business development positions with Allergan, Colgate-Palmolive and the Gillette Company.

Smith currently participates as a director on a number of boards and advisory councils focused on international trade and public policy, including the Business Council of Canada and the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Foundation. He is a graduate of McGill University (BA Economics, MBA), a former Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve and currently serves as Honorary Colonel of 36 Canadian Engineer Regiment located in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Bradley Farquhar graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a double major in finance and marketing. Farquhar is a native of Nova Scotia, aspiring astronaut, and co-founder of Purple Cow Internet. Future business goals include the building of space habitats that orbit the Earth to serve paying customers offering a once in a lifetime view of our blue marble. Passions include endurance challenges with notable accomplishments of swimming the English Channel, summiting Denali, running 250 miles across the Sahara Desert, and most recently racing 14 dogs a thousand miles across Alaska in the Iditarod race.

Joe Power grew up in Nova Scotia and graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2011. In 2013, Power moved to the United States of America to chase his entrepreneurial goals in the green energy space. Since then, he has collected significant accolades such as receiving the INC 5000 fastest growing US business award three years in a row and the top Energy Reduction Company award for California five years running. Power loves playing hockey, IronMan triathlons, travel and time with family and friends. In 2019, Power decided to do something different. Power partnered with SMU grad, friend, and successful entrepreneur Brad Farquhar to co-found Purple Cow Internet. The goal was simple, drive change and cost for internet access in Nova Scotia. 

The term for the EIR and AIR programs is one year, and the executives begin their time with the Sobey School the start of November 2021. 

Celebrated Business Leader, Mental Health Advocate, and Philanthropist to Receive Honorary Degree from Saint Mary’s University

Michael H. McCain

Celebrated business leader, mental health advocate, and philanthropist Michael H. McCain will receive the highest honour Saint Mary's University can bestow, an honorary degree. 

"Home to the Sobey School of Business, the largest business school in Atlantic Canada, Saint Mary's University is a national leader in teaching and studying ethical and values-based business practices and community engagement. These themes are essential to a bright, inclusive and sustainable future," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "It is our honour to recognize the accomplishments of a leading Canadian business leader who focuses on ethical and sustainable business practices and is known for his philanthropy and advocacy for enhancing food security and mental health services—Michael H. McCain." 

Michael H. McCain is President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s flagship food companies, with sales of $4.3 billion and employing approximately 13,500 people in Canada and the United States. McCain has devoted his career to the food industry, starting at McCain Foods in the late 1970s, where he held a variety of roles, including president and chief executive officer of McCain Foods USA. He joined Maple Leaf Foods in 1995. Since then, he has been instrumental in establishing Maple Leaf as a strong and sustainable, values-based company with leading brands and market share across its businesses and a bold vision for the future.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this Doctor of Commerce from the Sobey School of Business.  It is particularly meaningful given that we share so many values in terms of business ethics, sustainability and food security,” says McCain. “As we move forward into a new decade changed by recent worldwide events, the next generation of business and community leaders will light our way forward. I am confident that we are in great hands.”

McCain and his team at Maple Leaf Foods are deeply committed to being the global leader in sustainable proteins, reflected in ambitious goals to improve nutrition, reduce antibiotic use in livestock, enhance animal care, advance environmental sustainability, and reduce food insecurity nationally and globally. McCain is a director of McCain Capital and Maple Leaf Foods. He is a member of the Richard Ivey School of Business Advisory Board, the Business Council of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. He is also the honorary chairman of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security.

McCain will receive his honorary Doctor of Commerce later this month at the university’s fall convocation ceremony.

Honorary Degree Biography - Michael H. McCain

Michael H. McCain

Michael H. McCain is President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s flagship food companies, with sales of $4.3 billion and employing approximately 13,500 people in Canada and the United States.

Mr. McCain has devoted his career to the food industry, starting at McCain Foods in the late 1970s, where he held a variety of roles, including president and chief executive officer of McCain Foods USA. He joined Maple Leaf Foods in 1995. Since then, he has been instrumental in establishing Maple Leaf as a strong and sustainable, values-based company with leading brands and market shares across its businesses and a bold vision for the future.

Mr. McCain and his team are deeply committed to being the global leader in sustainable proteins, reflected in ambitious goals in the advancement of nutrition, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, animal care, environmental sustainability, and enhancing food security nationally and globally.

Mr. McCain is a director of McCain Capital and Maple Leaf Foods. He is a member of the Richard Ivey School of Business Advisory Board, the Business Council of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. He is also the honorary chairman of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security.

Born in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Michael attended Mount Allison University and received an Honours Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario. He also holds honorary degrees from Brock University, Carleton University and Guelph University. He is devoted to his five children and family, and lives in Toronto.

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island Riding Candidates Debate Important Student Issues

The Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network, in partnership with Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), hosted a live-streamed debate for the candidates from the Halifax Citadel-Sable Island Riding on August 5, 2021, from 12: 45 pm – 2:30 pm ADT. This event highlighted the political parties’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and important issues that are faced by students.

Check out the live stream recorded session.

Congratulations to the fourth cohort of graduates from the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program

Graduating Cohort

Li Honglin is awarded his degree by Prof. Zheng Guomin, Assistant to the President and Vice Provost, Beijing Normal University, and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee and Provost, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai.

Prof. Zhong Xin, Dean of the International Business Faculty at BNUZ presents Lu Jingyi with her degree during the IBF degree awarding ceremony. In total, 63 students graduated from the BNUZ-SMU Joint BComm Program on June 26th.

Zou Tiantian (left) plans to continue her postgraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University in September. Han Qi (right) will travel to Italy to begin a master’s program at Bocconi University this fall. 47 of the 63 graduates will pursue postgraduate studies this year.

A group of friends celebrate their successful completion of the BNUZ-SMU Joint BComm Program at Beijing Normal University. Clockwise from top-left: Hu Tianyi, Liu Zhiyong, Li Honglin, Wang Xiaoshuai, Wang Pengyu, Chen Haitian, Zhang Runpeng, Wang Junkun, Zhang Jiajun, Zhang Mingqi, Na Meng, Wang Yanjie, Wang Yutian and Cheng Chengyi

Clockwise from top-left: Zeng Siqi, Liu Yingqi, Rong Wenyue, Jin Yanjun, Tao Mengjie, Sun Ming, Xie Hetiao, Tan Jinquan, and Li Aofeng

Clockwise from left: Shi Yilin, He Zhuran, Xiao Jing and Feng Xiao

Huang ZhenXi plans to attend University College London in the fall.

Graduates from the Joint BComm Program complete 2 degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce (major in finance) from SMU and a Bachelor of Economics from BNUZ. Zhao Xinyi (left), Lu Jingyi (centre) and Tang Ziluo (right) pose for a photo wearing the Sobey BComm hoods and gowns.

Since launching in 2014, the partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University Zhuhai (BNUZ) has graduated nearly 300 outstanding students through the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program.

This past weekend, 63 students graduated from the program with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sobey School of Business and a Bachelor of Economics degree from BNUZ. Of the graduates, 58 were awarded a major in Finance. This is the fourth cohort to graduate from the Joint BComm Program, which is based entirely in Zhuhai, China. Students in this program receive a truly international education, with half of their courses delivered by visiting SMU faculty and the other half taught by faculty members of BNUZ.

Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business, highlighted the impact of this international learning experience in his congratulatory message to this year’s graduating cohort: “Your educational experience has provided you with a uniquely international perspective that will allow you to become business leaders as you embark on your careers. While we wish we could celebrate your achievements with you in Zhuhai, we are proud to welcome you to the global alumni community and we send our best wishes for your continued success.”

Special congratulations go to the 16 students who graduated with distinction (5 cum laude, 8 magna cum laude and 3 summa cum laude) and to the 17 students who have earned a place on the Dean’s List for their final academic year. Of the 63 graduates, 47 will go on to pursue postgraduate studies. Forty students have already accepted offers from respected universities in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and China. Some well-known schools include the University of Glasgow, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Sydney and University College London.

Prof. Zhong Xin, Dean of the International Business Faculty at BNUZ, says the graduates have all benefitted from the program’s international focus and congratulates them on their outstanding work: “You have demonstrated your growth with actions, studied hard, overcome difficulties and forged ahead together. I wish you a happy graduation. Ride the wind and the waves – the future is bright and promising.”

The BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program was born out of a longstanding partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai. This partnership dates back to 2002 and has included a range of 2+2 programs in Arts, Business and Science, as well as a number of other exchange programs and summer institutes for students, faculty and members of the community. 

Since 2016, over 40 faculty members from the Sobey School of Business and SMU Faculty of Arts have travelled to Zhuhai to teach in the Joint BComm Program, further strengthening the friendships and academic initiatives between members of both institutions. Sonya Rice, Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Finance, Information Systems and Management Science (FISMS), who first visited BNUZ in 2012 as a student in the International Chinese Studies program, says “I am so proud of each student graduating this year – they have not only succeeded in an intensive and rigorous program but also overcame the additional challenges of online learning.” Dr. Rahman Khokhar, Associate Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance, Information Systems and Management Science, says he was “honoured to be part of the learning journey of the dedicated and hardworking 2017 Cohort,” and is “positive that this group is ready to make a meaningful difference to the world.”  

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing global pandemic, faculty and administrators from Saint Mary’s University were unable to celebrate this year’s graduates in person in Zhuhai. We honour the achievements of the graduates and extend our warmest welcome to the newest members of our alumni community.

Undergraduate Students Earn Paid Summer Research Positions

 With hard work and dedication to their studies, top undergraduate students at Saint Mary’s have won the opportunity to do paid research with their professors this summer. Some will be in labs, others in the field or working remotely.  

Research at Saint Mary’s University has an impact on our community and globally. These students are placed across the campus in Science, Arts and Business faculties. Research topics include applying human resource concepts to sports teams, analyzing data and images from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, the shift in approach to feminist policy in Canada, and analysing case studies on the collapse of fish stocks and fisheries worldwide.  

Canadian and International students are eligible for four award programs:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Undergraduate Student
  Research Awards (NSERC USRA);

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explore Summer Research Awards; and,

• Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Awards

• First Year Undergraduate Awards

Working with professors whose research is making positive changes in the world guides students on their educational path to become the next generation of researchers.  

“Saint Mary’s University faculty members excel at engaging undergraduate students in their research efforts, and these experiences are a transformational positive experience for every student that has the opportunity,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.  

“The one-on-one attention from our faculty members and teamwork with peers is a perfect complement to an undergraduate degree, and provides an exceptionally strong foundation for career entry, or future professional/graduate studies,” said Dr. Sarty.  

The Awards

USRA awards, open to Canadian students who have completed at least a year of a bachelor’s degree, are meant to help students develop their potential for a research career in the natural sciences and engineering.

SSHRC Explore awards are open to students studying social sciences and humanities. With these two award programs that are supported by our federal funding councils, combined with the Dean of Science and First Year awards, all Saint Mary’s University students, Canadian and international, have an opportunity to apply for summer research award positions, even after their first year of study. 

This year are students are working on these exciting and inspiring research projects:

Humaid Muhammad Agowun (Mathematics & Computing Science; Supervisor: Paul Muir) 

Tanisha Ballard (Chemistry; Supervisor: Clarissa Sit)

Continuing certain projects already initiated, my lab partners and I will be looking at improving plant growth, and potentially, pest control in crop production. This summer, hopefully we will be able to conduct field trials on various crops, as well as additional greenhouse and green roof trials this summer to investigate this.

Abigail Battson (Astrophysics; Supervisor: Vincent Hénault-Brunet)

I will be working on high-velocity stars in globular clusters. These stars are far too fast to have been produced by the typical cluster dynamics, and are likely produced by interactions between a binary star system and a black hole. My work involves finding these stars using the GAIA proper motion data and confirming that they are likely members of the cluster, with plans to apply this process to all the globular clusters I can. Eventually, I hope to analyze the three-body interactions that cause the star's high speed to discover what kind of black holes would produce the results observed.

Samantha Bennett (Environmental Science; Supervisor: Erin Cameron)

This summer I am going to be studying soil biodiversity and the effects of global change, climate change and invasive species on species distribution. I will spend part of the summer researching earthworms, looking into their distribution and dispersal. I am hoping to get the opportunity to go to Western Canada later in the summer to study the distribution of earthworms in Saskatchewan.

Hannah Birru (Economics; Supervisor: Joniada Milla)

Labour economics in Chile.

Abby Brouwer (Biology; Supervisor: Anne Dalziel)

Testing how freshwater tolerance evolves in stickleback or study the factors influencing hybridization rate and direction in killifishes. This work will involve collecting fish from the field, caring for fish brought back to the aquarium facilities, and conducting molecular and biochemical analyses in the lab.

Chloe Champion (Biology; Supervisor: Anne Dalziel)

Continuing field and molecular work in the Dalziel Lab on “Mechanisms affecting rates and directions of hybridization in killifish species producing asexual hybrids.”

Jakob Conrad (Mathematics; Supervisor: Mitja Mastnak)

The study and classfication of hopf algebras, using computational methods and tools, and studying the simultaneous triangularization of linear transformations and their corresponding chains of invariant subspaces.

Katrina Cruickshanks (Biology; Supervisor: Sean Haughian)

Analyzing lichen species of old growth forests of Nova Scotia to assist land managers with prioritizing conservation decisions. 

Myles Davidson (Psychology; Supervisor: Skye Stephens)

I am working with Dr. Skye Stephens on a prevention project for adults at risk of sexually offending against children. We are working on identifying what is considered best practice for preventing offending amongst this demographic.

Bryn de Chastelain (Political Science; Supervisor: Alexandra Dobrowolsky)

My research is supporting the development of an article by Dr. Dobrowolsky on the topic of feminist policy and gender equality in Canada. Specifically, I will be analyzing speeches and policy approaches under Pierre Elliott Trudeau and his son Justin Trudeau, demonstrating the shift (or lack thereof) in approach to feminist policy in Canada. This will inform a comparative analysis of the different political eras to showcase the realities of feminism and gender equality in Canada. 

Matthew Fancy (Marketing; Supervisor Tiffany Vu)

Helping to develop and test various theories in marketing pertaining to charitable giving and sustainability.

Mark Funnell (Geography & Environmental Studies; Supervisors: Matthew Novak & Khan Rahaman)

I am a first-year Geography undergrad working with the Wicked Problems Lab to assess the pandemic’s effect on local governance. This looks to answer how municipal government has been affected in Halifax and elsewhere in Canada through using qualitative data analysis software and other research methods.

Justin Gray (Mathematics and Computing Science; Supervisor: Stavros Konstantinidis)

A regular expression is a pattern that is used to match desirable word(s) in a text. Given a regular expression and a word, there are algorithms to determine if the regular expression matches the word; this is called the membership problem. This is often solved by converting the regular expression into an automaton, but can also be solved using other direct algorithms. My research will focus on algorithms and implementation of the membership problem for multi-dimensional word/regular expression tuples, which are studied in the area of what is formally known as rational word relations. This type of regular expressions is of current interest both in the theory of rational relations and their applications in areas like databases and computer security.

Samantha Henneberry (Chemistry; Supervisor: Rob Singer)

This summer I will be working with Dr. Singer and his team on a green chemistry project involving ionic organocatalysis. These ionic organocatalysts can potentially provide more green alternatives to traditional organic liquids. Another project involves the N-demethylation of opioids, using sonochemical / ultrasound methods. This project falls under the medicinal side of organic chemistry, and may even be published by the end of the summer.”

Jacob Hoare (Chemistry; Supervisor: Rob Singer)

Sam Julien (Chemistry; Supervisor: Christa Brosseau)

I am a 4th year chemistry honours student. I will be developing a novel biosensor for rapid detection of cardiac biomarkers. This technology may be useful for the early evaluation of heart attacks before the onset of physical symptoms.

Amy Kehoe (Engineering; Supervisor: Adel Merabet)

Maggie Kelly (Biology; Supervisor: Laura Weir)

I will be working with Dr. Weir and her study of the mating behaviour of Japanese Medaka fish.

Madison Kieffer (Modern Languages and Classics; Supervisor: Sveva Svavelli)

Processing artifacts and organizing documentation from the archaeological excavation at the Oenotrian-Greek site of Incoronata “greca” (Pisticci-Basilicata-Italy) (8th- 6th c. BCE). Current investigation of the site focuses on the relationships formed between Indigenous populations in southern Italy and incoming Greeks in the wider context of Greek colonialism and imperialism in the ancient Mediterranean.

Mayara Mejri (Biology; Supervisor: David Chiasson)

Nam Nguyen (Accounting; Supervisor: Vasiliki Athanasakou)

I am super passionate about working in the accounting and taxation field. I am currently participating in the research project of Professor Athanasakou to perform analysis on corporate reporting, and I am working full-time as an Excise Tax Examiner at the Canada Revenue Agency.  I am interested in this topic as I have the opportunity to review and evaluate annual reports and information forms from many different companies. Working with Professor Athanasakou and learning from her stories and experience will allow me to learn and gain more handy skills and knowledge, and this would help in pursuing my CPA designation.

Narmeen Oozer (Mathematics & Computing Science; Supervisor Mitja Mastnak)

Bibek Parajuli (Psychology; Supervisor: Arla Day)

Gwen Pearson (Women & Gender Studies/Criminology; Supervisors: Byers/Collins)

Collecting existing data and research on the subject in the media, including television shows and documentaries. I will examine the content relating to many different aspects like story arc, genre, and how characters are portrayed. I also expect to learn skills relating to criminology, media studies, and research, that will likely benefit me as I complete my degree. 

Bernice Perry (History; Supervisor: Heather Green)

Working alongside Professor Green and her collaborators on the Northern Borders Project, researching first and secondary sources for developing an open access online teaching module, surrounding aspects of borders and boundaries in the North. This project entails looking at physical borders and cultural and racial boundaries using scholarly and local perspectives. There is also an opportunity for independent research surrounding the project themes, which may be featured in the teaching module.

Grace Robertson (Environmental Science; Supervisor: Tony Charles)

I will be compiling and analysing case studies and other information from around the world on the collapse of fish stocks and fisheries, leading to a published report. I will also be working with simulation modelling of the impacts of marine protected areas on fisheries and marine biodiversity. Lastly, I will be engaging in the work of the Community Conservation Research Network through research and outreach activities.

Jacqueline Shaw (Psychology; Supervisor: Kevin Kelloway)

Working with Dr. Kelloway and his research group to study organizational response to the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as psychological injuries at work, stress interventions, and the relationship between personality and organizational outcomes.

Jaylynn Skeete (Psychology; Supervisor: Nicole Conrad)

I will be assisting Dr. Conrad with her research on the relationship between spelling and reading comprehension, and with statistical input and analysis as well as creating my own research study and design. 

Ashley Ta (Management; Supervisor: Terry Wagar)

Applying human resource concepts to sports teams, coaches, and athletes. I will also be assisting in writing literary reviews, assembling data, and conducting interviews. 

Devin Williams (Astrophysics; Supervisor: Marcin Sawicki)

Analyzing data and images from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and other giant ground-based telescopes to study galaxy morphology, and learn how galaxies form, grow, and evolve in the early Universe.