Dr. Danika van Proosdij recognized for excellence in environmental research

Dr. Danika van Proosdij at Winter Convocation

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Dr. Danika van Proosdij was honoured with a President’s Award for Excellence in Research for her innovative work on the effects of climate change on the environment. The award was presented recently during the Winter 2023 convocation at Saint Mary’s University.

An international leader in her field and an established pioneer in the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, Dr. Danika van Proosdij has dedicated almost three decades to finding and promoting solutions to prevent coastal erosion and flooding. In the past six years, Dr. van Proosdij has received $15.8M in direct research funding from federal and international agencies.

“Time and again Dr. van Proosdij has proven to be a tremendous innovator in her field, and her prolific success in publishing and securing funding from federal agencies is recognition of the value of her work,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s.

“Her research on coastal ecosystems will become increasingly beneficial to coastal communities in Nova Scotia and potentially around the world as climate change necessitates new solutions. We are proud of the advancements she is making in this field, and that she is leading the next generation of researchers and environmental specialists.”

Dr. van Proosdij’s ability to embrace challenges from the individual through to the global scale is ultimately what sets her apart. Her work is collaborative, cross-disciplinary and transboundary between biophysical and social sciences; her efforts to address the effects of climate change on ecosystems and ultimately human systems will have a vital impact on the ecosystem in Nova Scotia and beyond.

“I’m proud of the results of decades of collaboration with provincial and federal governments and restoration industry leaders such as CB Wetlands Environmental Specialists have made a real impacton the protection of coastal ecosystems,” said Dr. van Proosdij. “I’m also gratified that this research and teaching is building capacity in the region, so that so much of this work can be done increasingly by trained people in our community.”

“We’re always happy to collaborate with others on restoration and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas; these partnerships have proven to be greater than the sum of their parts and lead to advanced knowledge in this field.”

It has been an especially successful year for Dr. van Proosdij; in the fall of 2022 she was elected as a new Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada and received the award at a ceremony in Calgary. Elected by their peers, the 102 new Fellows were chosen for their outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievements. Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world. She was also a finalist for a Discovery Award in the Professional of Distinction category.

As the Director of the TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions, Dr. van Proosdij has been engaged in understanding how the biophysical processes of coastal ecosystems respond to natural and anthropogenic drivers of change. As a leading expert in coastal geomorphology, she merges field studies of sediment transport and hydrodynamics with GIS and geo-visualizing technologies to assess and enhance the resilience of coastal systems.  This knowledge is then applied to the implementation of nature-based solutions on the ground.  She has also served as a scientific advisor to federal and provincial governments.

Dr. van Proosdij earned her PhD in Biophysical Processes and Environmental Analysis from the University of Guelph in 2001 and has been a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s since 1999. With a willingness to generously share her knowledge, she has provided a stimulating training environment for 136 highly qualified personal, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. She has co-authored more than 42 papers and 105 technical reports, and has given 200+ presentations around the world.

The President's Award for Excellence in Research honours continued exceptional contributions to research and scholarship conducted by a full-time Saint Mary's University faculty member. More information can be found at smu.ca/fgsr/presidents-award.

Meet your Valedictorians: Bernadine Inah Baual BComm’23 and Kapil Sahni MTEI’23, Sobey School of Business

Graduates from the Sobey School of Business leave with not only a degree, but with untold memories, skills and dreams for the future. Our winter valedictorians, Bernadine Inah Baual and Kapil Sahni, both exemplify the spirit of the Sobey School. Before they both cross the stage and accept their degrees, we sat down with them to ask a few questions.

Bernadine Inah Baual

Bernadine Inah Baual

Bernadine, originally from the Philippines, moved to Canada in 2017 and calls New Glasgow home. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting.

During her time as a student, Bernadine was a Teaching Assistant for Spirituality and Work, supporting the professor in the overall teaching and learning experience of the students in the course. She was also the student representative and a member of the Service-Learning Advisory Committee (SLAC), which discusses Service Learning and its approaches in the university, student engagement and community partnerships to encourage students and support them in attaining additional learning outside of the classroom.

Preferred name: Bernadine
Graduation date: January 28, 2023
Program: Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Accounting

What has been your favourite class?

I’ve loved my Financial Accounting courses, specifically Introductory Financial Accounting and Intermediate Financial Accounting. Introductory Financial Accounting was the course that made me confirm that I really want to take Accounting as a major, and I loved the challenge of Intermediate Financial Accounting – it was hard, but fulfilling!

Are there any awards you’ve won or achievements you’d like to share?
I’ve been a consistent Dean’s Lister through my entire degree.

What are your future educational plans?
I plan to get my CPA designation. After that, I’m not sure yet!

What is your favourite spot at SMU?

The second floor of the library. I love how quiet it is there, it is the place where I really finished a lot of schoolwork and studies!

Do you have any advice for students starting at SMU?

Do not be afraid to explore new things. Unforeseen circumstances contain the lessons that we need in life. Going into university and getting your degree will be a hard and challenging journey, but I want you to know that it will all be worth it in the end just trust yourself and never give up on those dreams.

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 Kapil Sahni

 Kapil Sahni

 Kapil Sahni moved to Canada from New Delhi, India, and is confident, curious, self-driven and kind-hearted. During his two years at Saint Mary’s pursuing his Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Kapil was actively involved in campus life, volunteered for the International Student Career & Employability program, as well as co-founding the Working Women Network to enhance the employability of women professionals across Canada, aiming to bridge the gender diversity gaps in the corporate world. He has also held the roles of a teaching assistant and research technician at SMU.

Preferred Name: Kapil
Graduation Date: January 27, 2023
Program: Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MTEI)
Previous Degrees: MBA, BBS

 Why did the MTEI program appeal to you?

MTEI helps individuals become independent and channel their creativity into creating something of their own in this competitive world. My long-term career goal of establishing myself as an entrepreneur in today’s digital world could only be fulfilled by a comprehensive program curriculum of MTEI.

What, in your mind, are the most valuable skills/experiences that the MTEI program provided you with?

The program’s curriculum of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation enhanced my analytical and problem-solving skills, which has enabled me to solve daily life problems. Diving deep into technology and modern-age digital practices helped create a robust foundation for my entrepreneurial journey.

Do you have successes you’d like to share or difficulties you were able to overcome?

Prior to joining the MTEI program, I did not have the entrepreneurial tools and techniques I needed, which was a bottleneck to my long-term career growth. With the right amalgamation of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation-oriented curriculum along with industry-led training, I feel I can now make headway into the start-up arena. In fact, the support provided by the MTEI professors and the SMUEC officials helped me to scale my start-up quicker than expected in a short time span.

What are your future plans?

My future plan is to establish my entrepreneurial venture in the North American market commercially. As I seeded Canada’s first women-focused, AI-powered talent management platform – Working Women Network – during the MTEI program, getting early recognition with the prestigious VOLTA and Mitacs scholarship now propels me to take it to the market in the coming years.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

The MTEI program instructs students about the multifarious business models one can pick from and customize them to suit their business idea most appropriately. The program’s holistic learning approach ranges from learning the theoretical concepts about the fundamentals of business to growing as an individual from all perspectives. It teaches real-world skills and prepares its undertakers to use their imagination to ward off any challenge that the future might throw at them as aspiring entrepreneurs.

Graduate Profile: Souvik Sinha MFin’22, Sobey School of Business

Souvik Sinha

This past September was supposed to be a time of celebration for Souvik Sinha. He had completed the Master of Finance (MFin) program at the Sobey School of Business and was set to convocate. However, Hurricane Fiona’s province-wide destruction cancelled those plans – until now. Before he walks across the stage in this special-edition Fall convocation, Souvik sat down with us and reflected on his journey through the MFin program.

Preferred Name: Souvik

Home Country: India

Graduation Date: Fall 2022 (Convocation January 2023)

Previous Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), specialized in Finance, from International School of Business and Media, Pune, India

Why did the MFin program appeal to you?

The MFin program of Sobey School of Business is an accelerated, one-year program which comprises of multiple in-depth Finance courses, a corporate tour to Toronto and assistance for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination. The school is in the prime location of Halifax, which is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada while being easier to live in than other major centers, such as Toronto and Vancouver. The school ranking in Canada is impressive and the class cohort is small, which enables us to interact with Professor seamlessly. For these reasons, I chose to study at the Sobey School.

What, in your mind, are the most valuable skills/experiences that the MFin program provided you with?

The MFIN program at Saint Mary’s University provided a unique opportunity to navigate the financial markets of Canada. It created a platform to interact with employers, associates and alumni, and attend career fairs. The intense coursework helped us to enrich our finance knowledge, and graduate career services and the writing center provided professional development.

Do you have successes you’d like to share, or difficulties you were able to overcome, during your time in the program?

The program was fast-paced and I experienced significant successes which would not have been possible if I had not enrolled in the program. Some highlights for me were:

• Participation in Ethics Challenge conducted by CFA Society Atlantic Canada

• Participation in Halifax Innovation Challenge conducted by RBC and IBM

• Executives roles in different student societies:

  • President of the Saint Mary’s Investment Society

  • Vice President Public Relations, Toastmaster’s Club at SMU

  • Co-chair, Graduate Advisory Committee by SMUSA

In regards to difficulties, I experienced a few health setbacks including being sick with covid and breaking my elbow in an accident. These were tough times, however SMU supported me taking a short time off for recovery.

What have you been doing since graduating back in September?

After graduating, I started working as a Business Analyst at RBC Capital Markets, Halifax.

I am working on Portfolio and Change Management team of RBC Capital Markets.

What are your future plans?

I would like to continue working with RBC Capital Markets, learning and growing within the organisation. In addition, I would also continue my CFA education.

I also love to travel, and I would like to visit most of the Canadian provinces in coming years.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Saint Mary’s University has lot of resources, utilizing those will be highly rewarding for future.

Interact, learn, and share with all your professors and classmates. Communicate with other students in your program. Join a student society and participate. Attend employers-driven online or offline programs. Be curious! Enjoy the lovely people and beautiful city of Halifax.

Thank you Souvik for your time, and we hope you have an incredible convocation!

Graduate Profile: Shubhra Singh MTEI’23, Sobey School of Business

Shubhra Singh

Shubhra Singh came to the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MTEI) program with a business idea: a network that addresses the challenges of women in the workforce. With the guidance and support of MTEI professors and SMUEC, Shubhra’s start-up idea became a prestigiously-funded reality called WWN Technologies. Before she walks across the stage during convocation, Shubhra sat down and answered some questions about both her journey through MTEI and her business.

Preferred Name: Shubhra

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Graduation Date: 27 of January, 2023

Why did the MTEI program appeal to you?

As a woman in tech with lots of experience in building start-ups from the ground up, I always wanted to start my own tech business. I was accepted into various entrepreneurship programs across Canada, however the MTEI program from Saint Mary’s university had a very practical approach. I decided that the tools and resourceful ecosystem of the program would be very helpful to me as a budding entrepreneur.

What, in your mind, are the most valuable skills/experiences that the MTEI program provided you with?

MTEI provided me with resources and an ecosystem that kept the fire burning in my belly to embark my entrepreneurial journey. The entire program curriculum is well structured, which helps you to learn practical applicability of everything that a start-up needs. The best part is all the professors and even the dean, Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, are more than willing to help you. The SMU Entrepreneurship center also has wonderful mentors that keep pushing you to achieve.

Do you have successes you’d like to share, or difficulties you were able to overcome?

During my stint at MTEI I founded my company WWN Technologies, which is Canada’s first AI based SAAS platform for women job seekers that will help companies to achieve their diversity targets. With the ecosystem MTEI provided me and mentors like Dr. Ellen Farrel, Dr. Claudia de Fuentes, Michael and Jason, the company is a VOLTA resident company, which is the biggest accelerator in Atlantic Canada. The company is able to get decent pre-seed funding.

What are your future plans?

As a woman entrepreneur, I want to grow my company and make it the biggest SAAS platform for diversity hiring in North America. I want to give back to society.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

As a student myself, I understand we deviate from our goals and the journey of an entrepreneur is tough. However, you are at the right place – all you need to do is ask for help from your professors and SMUEC, and keep your network intact. Be proactive and believe in your idea!

Thank you Shubhra, we wish you and WWN Technologies all the success – happy convocation!

Meet your Valedictorian: Jaideep Tuli IMTE’23, Faculty of Education

Jaideep Tuli

Delivering a valedictory address comes naturally to Jaideep Tuli, who has been recognized for his motivational speaking work in his home country India. During his time at Saint Mary’s, Jaideep was vice-president of the university’s Halifax Toastmasters chapter. He feels quite at home in the spotlight whether he’s making speeches, reciting poetry, acting in theatre productions…or teaching a new language to students.

Jaideep is graduating with an International Master of Teaching English (IMTE) degree. He already manages his own educational institute JD IELTS Classes in his hometown of Karnal, in northern India’s Haryana province. He serves as a board member for the Dartmouth Learning Network and Halifax Theatre for Young People, and has volunteered with other local arts organizations such as FIN Atlantic International Film Festival. On campus, he volunteered with SMUSA’s Graduate Advisory Committee and The Language Centre, where he’s now working casually.

Amid his many talents and interests, poetry is his first love. He believes in the power of words to “live in the hearts of people while bringing love, joy, positivity and smiles to the world,” he says. Recognized as ‘Best Youth’ by the Indian Red Cross Society, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his poetry, writing, acting, public speaking and social activism.

Have you always spoken English yourself? No. I spoke Hindi at my school and I spoke Punjabi at my home and did a certificate course in Urdu language. I've learned English on my own by writing blogs and by reading, talking to people and just out of curiosity, by watching interviews.

Did you always want to be a language teacher? No, teaching came by accident to me, though my parents are teachers. My mother worked as a principal for 22 years at a charitable school and my father worked as a physical instructor. When I was a child I said, “No, I don't want to be a teacher.” I used to say I'll become a blogger or an actor, even an army officer.

Why did you choose to come to Halifax for our IMTE program? For me, the name Saint Mary’s was fascinating. I've been surrounded by spiritual people all my life so the word ‘Saint’ really caught my eye. Back home in India, I did my bachelor’s degrees in computer science and education, then fortunately got a job teaching English. I realized this is something I really want to do, and wanted some formal education for that. When I looked into the IMTE program at Saint Mary’s, it was exactly what I wanted. When I came here, it was even more than what I expected.

What have you gained through the IMTE program? I've learned so much from each of the instructors. I've learned how to listen effectively, how to be kind to your students and how to be receptive to different cultural considerations. I've learned how to make a lesson student-centered and how to be flexible in the classroom. And how to help international students be confident, even if they are just starting to learn English.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at Saint Mary’s? One of my first times on campus, there was an event happening (Mawio’mi) that I wanted to explore. Mi’kmaq students were there with music and wearing costumes. I was wearing my turban so I looked totally different from all the people there. They were dancing and so I danced with them. They welcomed me in such a nice way. I love to try new experiences and learn new stories of life from different people.

What are you planning to do next? I’m applying to be a mentor with the EduNova Study and Stay™ program, so I'm looking forward to that. I'll keep doing more volunteer work and teaching English too. I’m always working on my @StraightFromHeart channel on YouTube, uploading my poetry videos. I hope to do some auditions for acting and I dream of writing a book too. Life is about telling stories and listening to stories in one way or another. Everything is a story. If you see carefully, there are stories all around you.

Watch Jaideep’s valedictory speech on January 27 at 7 p.m. via the convocation live stream. ·

Meet your Valedictorian: Mehak Tekchandani BA’22 CertHRM’22, Faculty of Arts

Mehak Tekchandani

Mehak Tekchandani of New Delhi, India landed a terrific job in Toronto last summer, soon after finishing her studies at Saint Mary’s University. Just a week into her new post as an associate consultant with IBM Canada, she returned briefly to Halifax to be valedictorian at the fall graduation. Hurricane Fiona had other ideas and the ceremonies were postponed. Mehak is thrilled to be back on campus this week to graduate summa cum laude and receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, with a minor in economics and certificate in human resource management.

During her time at Saint Mary’s, Mehak excelled as a co-op student, and volunteered at the Language Centre and as vice-president for the Speak Up Society. She worked and lived on campus as a research assistant, teaching assistant, residence assistant and residence service officer. She capped off her final year representing Saint Mary’s at the National Model United Nations conference in New York, where the university’s team received a Distinguished Delegation Award last April. 

Why did you choose to study at Saint Mary’s University?
To be honest, it was more about Saint Mary’s University choosing me. I was given the Presidential Scholarship, which was a big help for me in achieving my academic goals. It was also my first time staying away from my family and SMU had an amazing reputation for being international-friendly and located in the heart of Halifax, a perfect blend of a big city and small town. Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Do you have a favourite space on campus?

Definitely Tim Hortons! I will never forget the conversations that brewed at those white round tables.   

How was your Model United Nations experience? 
We met people from all over the world. It was fascinating to hear their thoughts and how one action has a different ripple effect all over the globe. I realized how big the world really is and how much there is to know and explore. If you are at SMU, I would highly encourage you to take this course! I’d also like to acknowledge those who made our trip possible: Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, who helped us with the US visa process, and our amazing professor Dr. Marc Doucet, who was a constant support and a rock for our team of delegates.
Can you tell us a bit about your work with IBM Canada?

There’s a lot to learn and a lot to contribute. Young professionals like me are eager to make a mark in their chosen field but I think it’s important to take a seat back from time to time and truly understand how the system works. This helps make those contributions all the more meaningful. People are diverse, inclusive and incredibly encouraging. I am looking forward to what this journey has to offer. 

 What’s the inspiration behind your wonderful new blog?

The power of words is unimaginable and I love storytelling in all its forms. My blog “Predictable People” is a set of fictional stories of street vendors and others you pass by. How do people make bonds? How do people truly understand each other? How do we change a mindset? My hope is for readers to be a little more brave and a little more kind, for it could mean the world to so many. And it would mean the world to me, if you gave the blog a read 😂.

 Do you have any advice for future students coming to Saint Mary’s? 

Please get involved. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Remember to celebrate little victories along the way. University can be hard sometimes but there is always help; it’s just a matter of reaching out. Lastly, make friends and make meaningful memories. I am deeply thankful to my friends, who have been a constant support and made SMU feel like home away from home.

Watch Mehak’s valedictory speech on January 27 at 10 a.m. via the convocation live-stream.  

Read Mehak’s blog

Dr. Pádraig Ó Siadhail reflects on three decades with Irish Studies

Pádraig Ó Siadhail

When Dr. Pádraig Ó Siadhail emigrated from Ireland for an academic career at Saint Mary’s, faculty members and students were still using manual typewriters. During his 31 years as D’Arcy McGee Chair of Irish Studies, the biggest shift he saw over time was the advent of computer technology and the internet, he says.

Now Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ó Siadhail has contributed to a major shift in Irish Studies over the same timeframe: growth in the study of the Irish diaspora, and how the Irish maintain their cultural connections when they live in other countries. 

“It’s a two-way process,” he says. “It’s not just about providing our students with opportunities to learn about Ireland, but it’s also about the stories of what happens to Irish people when they come to Canada, the contributions they make, and the way in which their attachment to their homeland plays out in different ways.”

Born and raised in Derry, Ó Siadhail completed his PhD at Trinity College Dublin in 1985, at a time when Ireland was experiencing a significant period of emigration. He came overseas to Saint Mary’s for a one-year contract, which was renewed twice before it became a permanent position. He held the D’Arcy McGee Chair from 1991 to the summer of 2022. As the sole full-time faculty member in Irish Studies, he taught core courses in Irish language, culture and society, as well as cross-listed English and Linguistics courses.

In the earlier years, Ó Siadhail worked closely with Dr. Cyril J. Byrne to establish the undergraduate Irish Studies program. As a result of their work, Saint Mary’s was the first Canadian university to offer a major in Irish Studies. The program has earned an international reputation for its emphasis on Irish language instruction.    

“When Cyril established the endowed chair in 1986 and then the academic program, from day one he stressed the importance of providing Irish language training to our students,” says Ó Siadhail. He adds that faculty members such as Dr. Seán Kennedy, with his work as a Samuel Beckett scholar and on the Queering Ireland conferences, have also expanded the program’s academic reach far beyond Canada.  

A past president of the Canadian Association for Irish Studies (2009-2012), Ó Siadhail has served for many years on the editorial committee of the Canadian Journal of Irish Studies. In recent years, his own research has focused on the Irish language in a transnational context. He recently completed a book manuscript on the Irish language and South Africa, and he’s diving into a new project on the story of Irish in Canada.

Among his nine book publications are a murder mystery, a collection of short stories, a history of Irish-language theatre, and award-winning biographies of Piaras Béaslaí, an influential player in the early 20th-century Irish cultural revival, and of PEI-born Katherine Hughes, an activist in the cause of Irish independence.

Though he’s no longer teaching, Ó Siadhail remains working on campus several days a week… and still logs plenty of computer time! When he’s not busy with his research, he hopes to catch up on some travelling and get back to fiction writing again.

“I will always remain interested in what’s happening with the Irish Studies program,” says Ó Siadhail. He’s also a keen follower of the Huskies men’s soccer team—his  son Cian is an accomplished athlete who was team captain last year.

Dr. Ó Siadhail’s impact as D’Arcy McGee Chair will be recognized during the Convocation ceremony on January 27 at 10 a.m. Watch via the convocation live-stream.

Learn more about Irish Studies at SMU

Meet your Valedictorian: Anastasia Sagel BSc’23, Faculty of Science

Anastasia Sagel

Meet your Valedictorian: Anastasia Sagel BSc’23, Faculty of Science

 Anastasia Sagel first came to Halifax to study at the Language Centre at Saint Mary’s; she liked the university so much that she stayed for her undergraduate degree in psychology. Immersing herself in the cheerleading community on campus, Anastasia became the captain of the team and would love to share her passion for the sport with students when she returns home to Germany. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in psychology with the goal of working with children who have PTSD. Anastasia is proud to be the Faculty of Science valedictorian with her family who are visiting from Germany for the big event. Congratulations! 

Preferred name: Anastasia

Program: Bachelor of Science, Honors Psychology

Previous education: St. Kaspar

Hometown: Bad Driburg, Germany

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I chose Saint Mary’s because of the percentage of international students.

How did you get involved in the SMU Community?

I was on the team for four years as a base and captain for three years.

Did you live and/or work on campus? 
For the first two years, I lived on campus.

What was your favourite class? 
My favourite class was Psychotherapy II with Dr. Skye Stephens.

What was your thesis title and description? Why did this research appeal to you?
The title was, “Does switching between languages have an impact on emotion regulation?” This study investigated how emotion regulation might change when bilingual individuals switch between languages. We recruited self-identified bilingual people (N=129) via social media and the Sona system. After imagining themselves in two different scenarios, we invited them to respond to a cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire. The scenarios were identical, except that one was supposed to take place in their native language and the other in their second language. I chose this topic because I am multilingual myself and I wanted to see how that makes me different from others.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? 

I had three: Dr. Jim Cameron, who was my thesis supervisor, who really believed in me and made writing my thesis fun; Dr. Skye Stephens, who taught so passionately, which assured me that I had chosen the right profession for me; and Dr. Andrés Arteaga, who was my main prof for my Spanish minor and the only one that I had from first year till my last and who only ever saw the best in me.

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Anastasia Sagel’s cheerleading team

Do you have a favourite space on campus?
The Atrium, which is the best place to study, and the gym.
Looking back, what was your favourite SMU memory?
My favourite SMU memories were when I presented my thesis at our psychology conference, and winning competitions with my team.
What will you miss about Saint Mary’s?

I will miss the feeling of sitting in the Atrium meeting friends and studying for class.
What are your goals for the future? How did Saint Mary’s help set you on this path?

I will be moving to Berlin to start my Master’s in clinical psychology at Sigmund Freud University. Saint Mary’s showed me that psychology is the right career choice for me and showed me that your past does not determine your future and that every semester is a new chance to improve yourself.

Did you or do you currently volunteer with any organizations?
I volunteered with our Cheerleading team at various organizations.

Did you receive any awards or recognition from the university or other organizations during your time as a student here?

I was placed on the Dean’s List three times.

Any other successes you’d like to share?

I am very proud that I will be graduating magna cum laude as well as winning every competition in our division with the Cheerleading team.

What advice would you give your younger self who was just starting university?

I would tell my younger self not to worry so much and enjoy the time more, rather than always focusing on what is next. Also that what is meant to be will be.

Graduate Profile: Josh Jackman BSc’22, Faculty of Science

Congratulations to Josh Jackman, a Fall ’22 graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology.

After leaving SMU as a business student, Josh later returned to Saint Mary’s as a mature student and discovered his love of geology after taking a first-year course called “Understanding the Earth,” in which students study minerals, rocks, soils, fossils and geological structures in class and in labs.

After completing his honours thesis in his third year and winning several awards, including best presentation at the undergraduate geoscience conference, he’s now working on a Master of Science degree at Saint Mary’s.

Preferred Name: Josh Jackman 

Program/degree: Bachelor of Science, Geology

Hometown: Petersfield, UK

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?

The geology program at Saint Mary's has a great reputation, and Halifax is such a nice place to live. 

How did you decide on Geology?

Geology holds the key to understanding all of Earth's processes, the nature of life upon it, and the interaction of human cultures throughout history. 

What was your favourite class?

Geology 1200 and 1201 will change the way you think. It made me see the fourth dimension, how the world changes over time.

What was your thesis title and description? Why did this research appeal to you?

“Fluid inclusion systematics of polymetallic (Sb-Pb-Zn-As-Ag-Au) mineralization at the Lansdowne Occurrence, Digby County, Nova Scotia.” Fluid inclusions are an example of something very small, which can meaningfully represent enormous events.

Were you involved in the SMU Community (ie societies, clubs, sports, research)?

I was chair of the D. Hope Simpson Geology Society.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?

Dr. Pierre Jutras, Dr. Erin Adlakha, and Dr. Jacob Hanley have had a profound impact on my mind and attitude. Dr. Victor Owen (now retired) has been a great inspiration for me.

Did you receive any awards or recognition from the university or other organizations during your time as a student here?

Bob Grantham Award, Mark Deptuck Award, Gordon Fader Award, and Award of Academic Excellence.

What advice would you give your younger self who was just starting university?

Wait until you're ready. You won't succeed unless you're having fun.

Maintenance on Student Centre elevators will temporarily reduce operations

Please be advised that regular maintenance has been scheduled for the Student Centre elevators.

Maintenance is scheduled to begin this week and last for 6-8 weeks. One elevator will always be operational during maintenance; however, the reduced operations may result in delays.

We encourage those who can to use the stairwells within the building to help alleviate delays and ensure those who need an elevator can access it in a timely manner.

 As part of this work, equipment will be lifted to the roof requiring a brief closure of the loading area behind the Student Centre during that time. Facilities Management will work with Aramark and SMUSA to coordinate a date and time to reduce the impact of the temporary closure. 

Student Health Clinic reopens

The Student Centre sustained widespread damage in early December which resulted in a full building closure. While most of the building reopened the following week, damage within the Health Clinic space was considerable and required more extensive repairs. During repairs, the Health Clinic remained fully accessible to students in a virtual environment. The clinic has now reopened, and in-person assessment and bookings have resumed. We are grateful for the flexibility and patience of our students, and the ongoing commitment and dedication of our health team.  

Alumnus Stan Hartling Receives University’s Highest Honour

Stan Hartling, BComm’86

Saint Mary’s University is honouring one of its own with an honorary doctorate at its January 2023 Convocation. Stan Hartling, BComm’86, CEO and founder of The Hartling Group, is an entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist.  His businesses and charities benefit the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a place he has called home for over 25 years.  

Under his leadership, The Hartling Group has grown to become one of the largest employers within the Turks and Caicos Islands with over 800 employees. The Hartling Group’s three luxury resorts have received the industry’s highest awards for design and excellence and are valued at over $500 million. The Group also has interests in large-scale construction and advertising and owns one of the largest private yacht charter operations in the Caribbean. Stan has been recognized as Developer of the Year by Caribbean World and Living Magazine.

Stan Hartling is renowned for his generous and extensive charitable contributions. In 2021, Hartling received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Turks and Caicos Human Rights Commission. He received the Pandemic Icon Award for humanitarian efforts and employee support during the 2020 shutdowns. Stan was recognized as “Philanthropist of the Year“ by the TCI United Way and inducted into the “Filipino Basketball Hall of Fame” for significant contributions to the sport. Stan is founding director of “Boys to Men” a mentorship organization for youth.

The Hartling Group has raised over $2 million for TCI charitable and scholarship organizations including the Cancer Foundation, United Way, Kidney Foundation and Salvation Army. Stan is the Honorary Chairman of the Salvation Army, Turks and Caicos Islands, a 20-year member of the Board of Trustees for the National Museum, and Honorary Director of the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation. Hartling has also given back to his alma mater through a generous scholarship allowing students from the Turks and Caicos to study at Saint Mary’s University. His passion is to mentor and inspire youth to pursue entrepreneurial careers.

“We are very pleased to award the university’s highest honour to Stan Hartling,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Stan is recognized as a leader in the business community, a philanthropist, and an exemplary humanitarian. Known for his passion for entrepreneurship and education, he sets an example for others to follow.”