Saint Mary’s celebrates new and existing Canada Research Chairs

Members of the Saint Mary’s University community formally welcomed the institution’s newest Canada Research Chairs (CRC), Drs. Ivana Damjanov and Mohammad Rahaman, and celebrated existing CRCs at a reception held today.

Created in 2000, the CRC Program invests $265 million per year across Canada to attract and retain the world’s best researchers in the fields of engineering, the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

“Whether investigating the consequences of low-wage practices on the worldwide economy or using the world’s most advanced telescopes to delve into details of galaxy formation and evolution, Saint Mary’s CRCs are making an impact on our world and on society’s foundational knowledge,” says Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice President of Academic and Research at Saint Mary’s University.

With the addition of Dr. Ivana Damjanov, CRC in Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, CRC in International Finance and Competitiveness, Saint Mary’s University is proud to host nine more Canada Research Chairs.

The following is a list of Saint Mary's University's Canada Research Chairs:
 

•    Dr. Todd Ventura, CRC in Petroleum Systems, Geochemistry, and Reservoir Characterization

•    Dr. Christa Brosseau, CRC in Sustainable Chemistry and Materials

•    Dr. Marcin Sawicki, CRC in Astronomy

•    Dr. Gavin Fridell, CRC in International Development Studies

•    Dr. Karly Kehoe, CRC in Atlantic Canada Communities

•    Dr. Kevin Kelloway, CRC in Occupational Health Psychology

•    Dr. Najah Attig, CRC in Finance

•    Dr. Ivana Damjanov, CRC in Astronomy & Astrophysics

•    Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, CRC in International Finance and Competitiveness

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Dr. Ivana Damjanov, Canada Research Chair in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Dr. Ivana Damjanov, Canada Research Chair in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President, Academic and Research

Dr. Damjanov’s research involves using images and spectroscopic signatures of massive galaxies to follow the evolution of their stellar and dark matter content over 7 billion years of cosmic time. As Canada Research Chair in Astronomy and Astrophysics, she seeks to expand the spectroscopic and imaging surveys of galaxies to cover large areas of the sky and provide the highest-quality data. By carefully analyzing these information-rich datasets Dr. Damjanov and her team hope to reveal how the biggest building blocks of the universe form and evolve.

Dr. Damjanov is a Professor in the Department of Astronomy & Physics.

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Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, Canada Research Chair in International Finance and Competitiveness

Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, Canada Research Chair in International Finance and Competitiveness and Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President, Academic and Research

Dr. Rahaman’s research is in the area of international finance, international competitiveness, corporate finance, and cross-country financial development. As Canada Research Chair in International Finance and Competitiveness, Dr. Rahaman is investigating how manufacturing and job losses induced by competition from low-wage countries are influencing the way capital is accessed in high-wage countries. His work will contribute to our understanding of how small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada can overcome their financing constraints and contribute to employment growth in our increasingly globalized and competitive world economy.

Dr. Rahaman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Finance, Information Systems, and Management Science.

Saint Mary’s enhances entrepreneurship and innovation through new centre

• See gallery of high-res images

To celebrate more than 25 years of cultivating entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s, the school is today introducing the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre.

Meet the disruptive entrepreneurs from Saint Mary's

“Although Saint Mary’s has always aimed to instill an entrepreneurial mindset within our students across all academic disciplines, we’re now taking our focus on entrepreneurship to the next level,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.To launch the new entrepreneurship centre, more than 200 Saint Mary’s alumni, business partners, and government representatives are gathering tonight at a special venture showcase. In conjunction with the centre’s launch, the university is also kicking off a creative campaign celebrating graduates’ entrepreneurial successes.

“We created this campaign to highlight the immense number of inspiring stories that started in the hallways of Saint Mary’s University,” says Dr. Patricia Bradshaw, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “Today, and over the coming months, we’re celebrating the success of our alumni by showcasing the great entrepreneurial careers launched by graduates in Arts, Business, and Science.”

The Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre, formerly known as the Sobey School Business Development Centre (BDC), has played a key role in building workforce skills, creating employment, supporting start-ups, and growing companies. It has also offered undergraduate and graduate students hands-on business research and consulting experience.

“Approaching the BDC’s 30-year mark, we’ve helped thousands of businesses and tens of thousands of graduates,” says Michael Sanderson, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneur Centre’s Acting Director. “As a bridge to the community, we’re pleased to see the repositioning of our role through the launch of the Saint Mary’s Entrepreneurship Centre; we’re ready for growth.”

“Saint Mary’s has been developing and mentoring entrepreneurs for decades,” says
Dr. Summerby-Murray. “We’re proud to play a key part in the ongoing growth of Atlantic Canada. And I hope that when our federal, provincial, and industry partners look to Saint Mary’s, they see eager learners and doers who spark innovation within our region, across Canada, and around the world.”

The Saint Mary's Entrepreneurship Centre

Saint Mary’s biologists receive federal funding for Fish Behaviour and Physiology (FiBP) Lab

Dr. Laura Weir and Dr. Anne Dalziel

Two Saint Mary’s biologists have received funding to investigate how environmental variation influences fish populations in Atlantic Canada, which should help predict how fish will fare with continued changes in climate. Drs. Laura Weir and Anne Dalziel will use their $200,000 John R. Evans Leaders Fund award from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to develop a Fish Behaviour and Physiology (FiBP) Lab at Saint Mary’s University.

 “Saint Mary’s is delighted that Drs. Weir and Dalziel have received a prestigious CFI research award,” says Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President Academic and Research. “This investment supports not only the world-class research taking place at Saint Mary’s, but also our students access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technologies.”

Integrative studies that combine the genetic, biochemical, physiological, and behavioural mechanisms are needed to understand how fish populations adapt to environmental change. The FiBP Lab will investigate how these mechanisms contribute to differences in environmental tolerance, physiological performance, and reproductive behaviour among populations and species of fish common to Atlantic Canada, including salmon, trout, stickleback, killifish, alewife, and herring.

“Fish are a valuable natural resource,” says Dr. Laura Weir, assistant professor in the Department of Biology. “Our research will provide important baseline knowledge and inform policy and conservation efforts for our local fish populations.”

Research in the FiBP Lab will also help scientists and the public understand how biodiversity in aquatic environments is affected by coastal development.

“Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and understanding how changes to coastal waters will impact the animals living there is essential,” says Dr. Anne Dalziel, assistant professor in the Department of Biology.

The FiBP Lab formalizes an existing research collaboration between Dr. Anne Dalziel, an expert in fish physiology and evolutionary biology, and Dr. Laura Weir, whose expertise lies in behavioural and evolutionary ecology. Currently, the pair are working together to discover the physiological and behavioural mechanisms that lead to the unique breeding coloration of the white stickleback, an endemic Nova Scotian fish.

About the John R. Evans Leaders Fund

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) supports Canadian researchers by providing them with the research tools and infrastructure required to become leaders in their field. It also helps Canadian institutions attract and retain world-class researchers by remaining internationally competitive in areas of research and technology development aligned with their strategic priorities.

SMU Astronomer Wins Qilak Award for Astronomy

Dr. Robert Thacker sharing his love of science with an engaged crowd.

Dr. Robert Thacker, Director of the Science Outreach Centre and Professor in the Department of Astronomy & Physics at Saint Mary’s University, is the 2018 recipient of the Canadian Astronomical Society’s (CASCA) Qilak Award for Astronomy Communications, Public Education, and Outreach.

The Qilak Award honours Canadian residents who have made an outstanding contribution either to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy or informal astronomy education in Canada. 

“Dr. Thacker is a passionate science communicator and a tireless advocate for astronomy research, and science in general,” says Dr. Steven Smith, Dean of the Faculty of Science. “Saint Mary’s is very proud of his outreach efforts.”

Thanks to everyone for all the lovely congratulation messages today! I'm greatly honoured to have been awarded the Qilak Award by CASCA. I should also acknowledge Paul Heath who was awarded @RASC Qilak last year! Sharing a celebratory🍾 glass with the amazing @LM_Campbell pic.twitter.com/2qraitqXYc

— Rob Thacker (@DrRob_Thacker) March 26, 2018

In addition to maintaining an internationally recognized research portfolio, Dr. Thacker dedicates his time to science outreach. Since 2009, he has given 68 public lectures and has participated in over 350 media interviews and sciences programs, including a weekly segment on CBC Radio’s Mainstreet NS and 1310 News’s Ottawa Today. In recognition of his commitment to science outreach in Atlantic Canada, he was named Science Champion at the 13th Annual Discovery Award in 2015.

The Science Outreach Centre at Saint Mary’s University was created in 2017 to coordinate and expand the university’s science outreach efforts. As Director, Dr. Thacker chairs the Outreach/Community Engagement Advisory Council, oversees the Marine Mammal and Forensic Science youth summer camps, and supports recruitment initiatives and on-campus events like the Nova Scotia Youth Experience Showcase

“I simply love talking with people about science,” says Dr. Rob Thacker. “But I want to make clear science is vastly more than a body of facts, it's a process and a way of discovering. It tells us as much about ourselves as it does the world and universe around us.”

Dr. Thacker also maintains an active online presence; find him on Twitter @DrRob_Thacker or visit the Sounds of Science podcast page.

Slideshow: Feb. 28 Town Hall with Treasury Board President, MP Scott Brison

The Honourable Scott Brison came to campus Feb. 28, for a town hall with students, faculty and staff about the federal budget. 

Saint Mary’s researcher appointed to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Dr. Kevin Vessey

Dr. Kevin Vessey is among the latest appointments to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the nation’s focal point for discovery and innovation in natural sciences and engineering.

The appointment was announced recently by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

Dr. Vessey joins 18 distinguished Canadian’s on NSERC’s governing council. NSERC is a federal research agency that plays an important role in Canada’s research and scientific landscape. It invests over $1.2 billion a year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada

“It is an honour to have been appointed to NSERC,” said Dr. Vessey. “I look forward to working with President Mario Pinto and the other Council Members to help oversee the extremely important work of NSERC in its mandate to support research and innovation across Canada.”

While on Council, Dr. Vessey plans to stress the importance of supporting excellent research at universities of all sizes across Canada, and to promote their vital role in innovation and development in their communities.

Dr. Kevin Vessey has extensive experience effectively administering research activities. During his twelve-year tenure as Associate Vice President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at Saint Mary’s University, externally sponsored research at the university doubled from approximately $4 million to $8 million annually.

“Dr. Vessey has established a strong national reputation as a leader in research and research administration,” said Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice President, Academic and Research, at Saint Mary’s University. “His skills in this area will be a strong addition to the NSERC Council, and the Saint Mary’s community is very proud of him and this appointment.”

Dr. Vessey has served on boards, advisory committees, and grant selection committees for numerous national and international research organizations, including NSERC, the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust, the Offshore Energy Research Association, and TRIUMF.

An award-winning biologist, Dr. Vessey maintains an active research program in applied plant biology. He is a professor with the Department of Biology, in the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s University.

Student entrepreneurs from across Canada at Saint Mary’s for business development conference

Pictured here are (l-r): event organizer Kaitlyn Touesnard; Dr. Patricia Bradshaw, Dean, Sobey School of Business; Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax; Michael Sanderson and Sarah Meany, both of the Sobey School Business Development Centre.

Andy Filllmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, helped welcome more than 180 budding business owners to the Starting Point Entrepreneurship Conference running at Saint Mary’s from Feb 20-22. Student entrepreneurs have come from across Canada to develop their business ideas, learn from experts and vie for business funding.

The conference brings student entrepreneurs from post-secondary institutions and high schools from across the country together to work with entrepreneurs, CEOs and start-up experts. The students have the chance to work directly with the entrepreneurs to help bring their business ideas to fruition or grow an existing business. At the end of the conference, students have a chance to win cash investments for their businesses.

“Young entrepreneurs play a crucial role in growing the Canadian economy and, as such, help ensure our country’s long-term prosperity,” said Andy Fillmore, MP for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Giving this latest generation of innovators the tools they need to succeed is critical to building a strong and vibrant future for all Canadians. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting business start-ups and creating jobs for the middle class and those looking to join it.”

This conference wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local business community, key partnerships and financial support. This includes an investment of more than $150,000 over two years from the Government of Canada through ACOA’s Business Development Program.

The conference is organized by the Saint Mary’s University Sobey School Business Development Centre (SSBDC). Over the past five years, SSBDC programs have provided opportunities to more than 4,500 students, allowing them to be engaged in curricular and extra-curricular activities.

To learn more about the Starting Point Conference visit www.startingpointconference.com.

Saint Mary’s Anthropology department expands its technological toolkit

Dr. Jonathan Fowler (l); Greg Baker (behind), Instrument Technician with the Maritime Provinces Spatial Analysis Research Centre, part of the Saint Mary's Geography department; Sara Beanlands (senior archaeologist at Boreas Heritage Consulting and an adjunct professor in the Anthropology department).

This past semester, the Department of Anthropology at Saint Mary’s added a new device to its archaeological arsenal: the Noggin 500, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) that will help students and faculty literally see beneath the soil as they explore some of Nova Scotia’s most important historic sites. The instrument is designed and built by Sensors & Software of Mississauga, Ontario.

“GPRs are used commonly in research and archaeological consulting internationally,” says Anthropology Professor Dr. Jonathan Fowler, “but less often in our region. We hope to change that.”

The purchase was a joint partnership between Boreas Heritage Consulting and Northeast Archaeological Research, two Halifax-based archaeological consulting companies. Sara Beanlands is an archaeologist with Boreas, a graduate of Saint Mary’s History program, and an adjunct professor in the Anthropology Department. She says it’s critical for students to have access to this kind of technology: “It’s already a standard part of archaeological practice in many parts of the world, and will become so here as well.”

Saint Mary’s students already have access to the Geonics EM38B, a device which measures soil magnetism and can put together a limited picture of what lies underneath. It’s especially good at seeing places where buildings have been burned and no visible traces remain—after burning, the soil’s magnetism is enhanced. This is especially helpful at sites such as the burned Acadian village at Grand-Pré.

The addition of the Noggin—with a different set of strengths—complements the EM38’s abilities and puts a whole other underground world within reach. Whereas the EM38 sees best in the top 50 centimetres of soil, the Noggin can see as much as two metres down, and can map the subterranean environment in three dimensions. The Noggin GPR is especially good at spotting “discontinuities” in soil texture and type, such as those caused by unmarked graves.

The result of this expanding technological toolkit is a more accurate sense of what lies where, especially valuable when making the most of time in the field.

“It’s important for students to learn the traditional approaches to mapping and examining sites,” says Beanlands, “but these absolutely help us focus where to dig and figure out where there’s better potential to find a site of interest.”

So far, Dr. Fowler has run a series of test surveys at archaeological sites in Nova Scotia. In collaboration with Parks Canada, the GPR is also being used at national historic sites, including Grand-Pré in the Annapolis Valley and Citadel Hill in Halifax. To call the early results promising would be an understatement.

“We’re seeing archaeological features we’ve never seen before,” says Dr. Fowler, “and it’s honestly totally changing my interpretation of certain things. The complementary principle is really playing out…and it’s giving students access to skills and training that are very rare, maybe unique, in Canada right now. This will be extremely important to their future careers.”

Saint Mary’s researcher receives Human Rights Award for contributions to Accessibility Act

Dr. Linda Campbell

Environmental Science professor Dr. Linda Campbell and fellow members of the Bill 59 Community Alliance recently received a 2017 Nova Scotia Human Rights Award in recognition of their contributions to Bill 59, otherwise known as the Accessibility Act.

“I was and still am honoured to be a part of this process, working with a truly impressive group of advocates and lawyers,” said Dr. Campbell. “I am really glad that the Alliance's work is getting recognized publicly.  I also want to thank Saint Mary’s Faculty of Science for their support as I worked on this important legislation.”

Presented annually by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Awards acknowledge the work of Nova Scotians who advance human rights at the community level. The Bill 49 Community Alliance helped ensure Bill 59 adequately addressed the needs of Nova Scotians with disabilities through collaboration with the Province.

Earlier this year, their work was recognized with a Mel Hebb Hourglass Action Award from the Partnership for Access Awareness.

SMU Chemist Wins 2017 Professional of Distinction Award

 Dr. Jason Clyburne

Dr. Jason Clyburne, Professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Environmental Science at Saint Mary’s University, was named the winner of the 2017 Professional of Distinction Award at the Discovery Centre’s 15th Annual Discovery Awards for Science and Technology on November 23.

The Professional of Distinction Award honours world-class scientists who demonstrate ingenious thinking in the creation of unique ideas, concepts, and perspectives within their field. Previous recipients of this award have gone on to receive the highest science recognitions in both Canada and the world, including the Nobel Prize.

Dr. Clyburne is the first recipient in this category from Saint Mary’s University.

“Dr. Clyburne is internationally recognized as a leader in the study of green chemistry,” says Dr. Steven Smith, Dean of the Faculty of Science. “He has established a tremendous reputation for creative, elegant chemistry in pursuit of environmental solutions.”

A second Saint Mary’s faculty member was honoured at this year’s Discovery Awards Gala. Dr. Sam Veres, Associate Professor in Engineering, was one of three finalists in the Emerging Professional category. Less than five years into his professorship, Dr. Veres’ research has shown great promise to help reduce chronic pain related to soft-tissue damage.

Dr. Jason Clyburne – 2016 Professional of Distinction Winner

Dr. Jason Clyburne is widely recognized as a leader in the study of green chemistry, particularly in the field of ionic liquids and nucleophilic carbenes. His pioneering research, which involves the application of designer chemicals and materials to the removal of environmentally hazardous substances from industrial processes, is widely recognized for its potential to mitigate a wide range of environmental issues. In his young but robust career, Dr. Clyburne has built a reputation for excellence and creative innovation, and his colleagues repeatedly describe his work as “novel,” “creative,” and “original.” Most recently, Dr. Clyburne’s discovery of the elusive CO2 compound cyanoformate (published in Science) received significant scientific and media attention, particularly due to its promising implications for the future and direction of carbon capture technology.

Watch Dr. Jason Clyburne’s Discovery Award Finalist video

Read more about Dr. Jason Clyburne’s cyanoformate discovery

Dr. Samuel Veres – Emerging Professional Award Finalist

Dr. Samuel Veres

In fewer than ten years, biomedical engineer Dr. Sam Veres has made rapid progress through the scientific/engineering education cycle, and his work has provided fundamental insights into the structural changes that occur in mechanically overloaded soft tissues. By exploring mechanical damage to connective tissues in a novel way—with focus on the basic biomechanics of failure rather than the inflammation/healing responses that have occupied clinical medicine—Dr. Veres is working to develop new therapies for the treatment of tendons, ligaments, and the intervertebral discs of the lower back.  

Greg Campbell, BSc '76, shares lessons with Science Dean’s List students

2016-2017 Dean’s List students

The Faculty of Science and the Alumni Office recently celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of 2016-2017 Dean’s List students at a reception in McNally Theatre Auditorium.

This year’s guest speaker was Saint Mary’s University alumnus Greg Campbell, who completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1976. Greg shared lessons he learned as a science student and through his career in corporate finance. He stressed the importance of building strong written communication skills, noting that “mastery of the written word is what will separate a good technical specialist from a great one.” 

To qualify for the Dean’s List, science students must have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.67 in the previous academic year. 

Greg Campbell, BSc in Biology ’76

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Dr. Elizabeth McLeod: Dedication in pursuit of a goal

“Balance is key,” says Elizabeth McLeod, about managing her life while earning her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Management) after 10 years of study and research.

Pursuing her latest degree and holding a full-time job kept Dr. McLeod juggling school, work, and home life, and “keeping all the balls in the air at once” was a challenge. A PhD typically takes four to five years to complete, and even longer on a part-time basis. The first two years consist of classes, followed by comprehensive exams, and then an extensive research project. During those years, vacations from her job were spent studying for exams, conducting research, and writing.

The epitome of a committed Santamarian, Dr. McLeod not only completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Business Administration at Saint Mary’s, she has worked in the Faculty of Science for 27 years. Recent students will know her as a Lab Technician in Chemistry, but Dr. McLeod has also been a Neutron Activation Technician, a WHMIS Instructor, and has held roles in the Dean of Science Office and Co-operative Education.

Her PhD dissertation, which she successfully defended in June, is titled “The Role of Privacy Management in Brand Protection and Brand Value.” Her work focused on researching privacy issues and concerns with the use of a growing number of invasive technologies, and how these concerns can affect a brand’s value. Her research confirms that privacy management plays a significant role in brand protection and brand value.

Dr. McLeod is excited about completing her doctorate and she is grateful for the support she received throughout her degree from her supervisor Dr. Dawn Jutla, her PhD Director Dr. Albert Mills, and from her family, friends, and colleagues.

“Dr. McLeod’s dissertation provides a seminal publication empirically connecting organizational privacy behaviors, brand protection, and brand value,” says her supervisor Dr. Dawn Jutla.

For her research Dr. McLeod used a preliminary survey of privacy and security experts to discover what their top concerns are about privacy. The findings informed a formal survey instrument, which included both new and existing scales for the constructs that were later validated. This work contributes a new model that connects privacy practices, experienced harms, privacy concerns, brand protection, and brand value to management, management information systems, marketing and risk literatures. “Empirical testing of the hypotheses has confirmed that privacy management plays a significant role in brand protection and brand value,” writes Dr. McLeod in her abstract.

Saint Mary’s is a family affair for the McLeods. Elizabeth’s husband Ron is a Saint Mary’s part-time professor, and their two children have spent time on campus as well. Their son Connor received the Gold Medal when graduating with his Diploma of Engineering at Saint Mary’s, and their daughter Kaleigh started a Bachelor of Science this fall.

“Elizabeth has been on life’s journey, holding down a full-time job, raising teenage children, surviving car accidents, burying loved ones, supporting a creative entrepreneur-husband, and celebrating 10 birthdays while doing her dissertation,” said Dr. Jutla.

“Her story is one of perseverance producing great work with support from her village—the good people at Saint Mary’s University, especially Albert Mills, PhD Director, who believed in her too, and fellow PhD graduates like Anthony Yue. We are all so very proud of her!”