Sobey School undergrad contributes to COVID research for Scientific Reports

Kyle Morton BComm’23

Kyle Morton had yet to complete his undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s University when he used machine learning in a ground-breaking study of the COVID-19 virus for Scientific Reports. To contribute to an article in the world’s largest scientific journal would be an accomplishment for more experienced researchers. For Morton, it was a miracle.

 “I remember when my economics professor, Yigit Aydede, told me the article had been accepted,” said Morton. “I jumped out of my seat and clapped my hands. It was another fantastic experience that Saint Mary’s made possible.”

Morton participated in the research project over six months during 2022, when he linked two large data sets, one from Statistics Canada and the other from Nova Scotia’s 811 system that recorded influenza symptoms during the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Yigit Aydede and Kyle Morton work together examine data for their research

The resulting article by Saint Mary’s University’s Dr. Yigit Aydede, and Jan Ditzen, Free University of Bolzano, Italy, Identifying the regional drivers of influenza-like illness in Nova Scotia, Canada, with dominance analysis - Scientific Reports, unveils a new methodology, one that may assist health officials to both predict where viruses will spread and target interventions to halt them. Read more about the study.

“Working with large data sets, it is easy for errors to go unnoticed, because you cannot visually inspect them. The challenge was: How do you make sure there are no mistakes that will end up leading to the wrong conclusions when you actually perform your analysis?”

Morton sees machine learning as a third form of statistics, one that is predictive. Once he had prepared the data, making sure it was clean and free from errors, Professor Aydede and the research team used powerful algorithms to combine both sets. The results revealed the spatial as well as the temporal spread of the virus in real-time, something that was only possible due to the extraordinary and detailed data concerning COVID-19 symptoms, unparalleled access to Nova Scotia’s 811 records and the unique adaptation of algorithms originally designed for the finance industry.

The opportunity to study and work alongside Dr. Aydede in the Sobey School of Business has transformed Morton’s career aspirations, inspiring him to use machine learning to solve problems.

“I chose Saint Mary’s because it had a very good reputation for its business school. I liked the smaller yet international campus and the undergraduate focus. I gained a lot more experience, working with my peers and my professors one-on-one; I would not have had the same opportunity at other, larger institutions.”

While studying in the Bachelor of Commerce program at the Sobey School of Business, Morton was the recipient of two scholarships from donors to Saint Mary’s University: The Chrysler Canada Scholarship and the KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship. He also received the Fred and Ruth Stork German Studies Award from Waterloo University. This Fall, Morton begins his Master’s in Data Science at the London School of Economics, something he describes as “a dream come true.”

Sobey School of Business launches new Bachelor of Commerce curriculum

Leadership and innovation in sustainability and entrepreneurship

The Sobey School of Business has launched its new Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) curriculum in time for the Fall 2023 academic term. After extensive consultation with students and stakeholders including alumni, business leaders and entrepreneurs, new core courses have been developed in sustainability, entrepreneurship and operations management to complement Saint Mary’s exceptional foundational business courses in management, finance and accounting.  

“Business is constantly changing, and we have adapted our curriculum to respond to demands from industry and students alike,” says Interim Dean Mark Raymond. “Today’s students are extremely conscientious and mindful of their place in the world. Here, students learn the fundamentals of good business as well as how to do business for good.”

BComm student Adrianna Timmons (left) speaking at the 2023 PRME Global Forum

BComm student Adrianna Timmons learned about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in her first-year classes and then travelled with her professors to New York to speak at an international conference supported by the United Nations. Back in Halifax, she is planning a new student society to promote sustainable business practices.

“It was eye-opening. There were people from institutions around the world, all dedicated to making a change and developing groundbreaking tools, everything from software to management practices. It really gives me hope for the future.”

One of the most unique aspects of the Sobey School of Business BComm program is the extent of customization and flexibility. There is the option to participate in the co-op program, international learning experiences and students can choose majors and minors relevant to them such as marketing, economics and entrepreneurship, integrating elective courses from Arts and Science in everything from Indigenous culture to computing science. The result is a contemporary program, providing students with knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on people, organizations and the planet.

The Sobey School of Business is one of the most highly respected business schools in Canada, one of only seven business schools in Canada and the only school in Atlantic Canada to be awarded accreditation with AACSB and EQUIS–global organizations that conduct rigorous quality reviews of business schools around the world.  

Saint Mary’s University is known for providing students with unparalleled access to knowledgeable faculty, academic and peer support, hands-on learning opportunities and research opportunities. In keeping with providing an exceptional student experience, the university will open new buildings in Fall 2023. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub will foster innovative multidisciplinary work and entrepreneurship, bringing together BComm students and students from Arts, Science and Graduate Studies along with professors, researchers, entrepreneurs and business executives.

The Counselling Centre: Regulating emotions during stressful times

The team at the Counselling Centre is pleased to welcome new and returning students to Saint Mary’s! We know that transitioning from summer life to the academic term can come with challenges such as navigating new environments, changing routines, disrupted sleep schedules and even impacts on nutrition. These changes can cause physical and/or emotional stress that can wear us down and leave us feeling dysregulated.

PL.E.A.S.E. Skills are a great way to help you regulate your emotions and energy during stressful times, like the start of a new semester. Have you ever had a bigger reaction to a stressor than was necessary? Maybe something small happened, and you found yourself snapping at others or becoming overly upset. Emotional regulation skills can help. PL.E.A.S.E. is an acronym that stands for:

PL – Physical symptom treatment
Some physical symptoms are easier to manage than others – do what you can!

E – Eat food that makes you feel good
Eating at regular intervals throughout the day will help you maintain your energy levels.

A – Avoid substances
Some substances like alcohol or cannabis can have lasting effects hours or days after using it. Be mindful of how substance use might impact your other commitments.

S – Sleep
Good sleep hygiene and a consistent sleep schedule will help with memory, cognitive functioning and much more!

E – Exercise
Move your body in a way that feels best for you: dancing, walking, weight training, running…you name it!

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Want to talk to someone? The Counselling Centre provides one-on-one, professional therapy for students actively enrolled in classes. You can also reach out to our Peer Supporters, Accessibility Wellness Ambassador, or 2SLGBTQ+ Wellness Ambassador for peer-based support.

Contact the Counselling Centre

Email:

• Counselling Centre: counselling@smu.ca  

• Peer Supporters: Peer.Support@smu.ca

• Accessibility Wellness Ambassador: Accessibility.Wellness@smu.ca

• 2SLGBTQ Ambassador: 2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca

Phone: 902-420-5615
Location: Fourth Floor, O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday

MTEI researcher passionate about innovation, growth and social impact in the Atlantic Region

Kjeld “KJ” Mizpah Conyers-Steede

Hailing from Bermuda, KJ—short for Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede—has spent the past nine years in Atlantic Canada, primarily in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Presently rooted in Windsor, NS, KJ is passionately committed to driving economic progress in rural communities.

"My work revolves around social innovation and policy, designed to nurture a thriving innovation culture in these settings," shares KJ. "Having experienced life in both urban and rural areas, I strongly believe that rural communities hold untapped potential for innovation and growth."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while working as a policy advisor for Spring Garden Business Association, KJ witnessed the challenges small businesses faced. This experience ignited his interest in economic development, which he had previously explored at an academic level. He further expanded his expertise in change management while working with Hockey Nova Scotia.

KJ established Catalyst Conversation Strategies, a consulting firm aimed at tackling complex challenges in collaboration with clients and municipalities. Through this venture, he engaged in solving significant problems through innovative approaches, bridging the gap between policy, academia and economic growth.

Inspiring Communities led KJ to his current research position, working alongside Dr. Chantal Hervieux, Director, Centre for Leadership Excellence – Impactlab at Saint Mary’s University, in the realm of regional innovation ecosystems. This journey has shed light on the lack of Black and Indigenous people of color (BIPOC) representation in economic development research, prompting KJ to strive for a more inclusive academia.

“Engaging in research has instilled in me a newfound confidence, spurring aspirations of teaching and bridging the gap between socially conscious mindset and business success. It’s a vehicle for transformation, allowing me to create a playground of ideas and engage with like-minded individuals who share my passion.”

KJ’s connection to Saint Mary's is deeply personal. His father's experience as an alumnus and the impact SMU had on his career inspired KJ to pursue his own journey at the university. KJ is enrolled in the Master of Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation program in the Sobey School of Business. The program aligns with his interests in innovative implementation and understanding social impact. His broader vision revolves around connecting Atlantic Ocean-facing regions for collaborative problem-solving, particularly regarding economic resilience, climate change and social issues.

“Saint Mary's University. It's a place where I can harmonize my diverse background and unconventional approach to academia, while also contributing to the broader narrative of Canadian higher education.”

Saint Mary’s launches 2SLGBTQIA+ digital community hub

Saint Mary’s is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2SLGBTQIA+ digital community hub!

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Hub was developed to address a gap in readily accessible and easily navigable resources, supports and information of interest for an important population within the SMU community.

The digital hub was developed primarily by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who sought out a wide variety of community consultation, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, alongside those who offer services and courses that may be directly or indirectly connected with the community. Feedback through community consultation was a priority and updates and revisions were made based on the insights received.

The digital community hub is where you can find news and events for and about SMU’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, information about support services and spaces on campus, and updates during Pride season. It’s designed to continue evolving and growing, with the SMU community offering contributions as new information, programming and resources are developed.

Have feedback or questions? Contact student.services@smu.ca. We'd love to hear from you!

SMU Professor examines virus spread in Nova Scotia

Article by SMU Professor Dr. Yigit Aydede, published in Scientific Reports, examines virus spread in Nova Scotia

Dr. Yigit Aydede

Understanding how influenza and other viruses such as COVID-19 migrate from one community to the next is key to predicting where disease will spread and determining how to curtail its progress. A new article by Saint Mary’s University’s Dr. Yigit Aydede, and Jan Ditzen, Free University of Bolzano, Italy, published in Scientific Reports unveils a new methodology, one that may assist health officials to both predict where viruses will spread and target interventions to halt them.

“The COVID-19 pandemic put mapping at the forefront of both the general public’s and public health experts’ tracking of the outbreak. Dr. Aydede’s research demonstrates the essential role of spatial and temporal analysis when tracking and predicting outbreaks between and within communities.”

— Dr. Mathew Novak, Director, Wicked Problems Lab, Saint Mary’s University and Associate Professor, Department of Geography & Environmental Studies

The study, Identifying the regional drivers of influenza-like illness in Nova Scotia, Canada, with dominance analysis - Scientific Reports, is hailed by the journal’s editors as the first epidemiological study of its kind because it combines data concerning geographical or spatial spread with temporal spread (incidents over time), as opposed to more common epidemiological studies which examine temporal spread alone. 

The research was only possible due to a unique set of circumstances: unparalleled access to unique provincial healthcare data, new methodology, and the use of machine learning.

“Research Nova Scotia was proud to support Dr. Aydede’s work through the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition,” says Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia. “Better understanding relationships between viral transmission rates, air quality, and social mobility will help inform public health decision making, optimize allocation of healthcare resources, and ultimately benefit Nova Scotians.”

The ideal circumstances for data collection arose in Nova Scotia during the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic. From March to July 2020, health officials asked Nova Scotians to report their symptoms to the province’s 811 telehealth system, where nurses painstakingly recorded and referred citizens reporting a minimum of four influenza-like symptoms. When the data was made available to researchers at Saint Mary’s University, they realized it was exceptional. Far more detailed than COVID-19 PCR tests which only confirm the presence or absence of disease, the symptom data from the 811 records reveals how viruses, in real-time, spread across Nova Scotia’s neighbourhoods and communities.

“This type of data that records symptoms as they arose, early in the pandemic, simply does not exist anywhere else in the world and is due to decisions taken by provincial health authorities that turned the Province of Nova Scotia, in effect, into a living laboratory,” says Dr. Aydede, Sobey Professorship in Economics and the study’s principal investigator. 

Dr. Mat Novak, Dr. Yigit Aydede and student, Kyle Morton BComm’23

The inability of scientists and health officials to predict where COVID-19 would strike was a key feature of the disease, one that remained a constant source of frustration throughout the pandemic. “We could watch the overall trajectory of the disease as the number of incidents rose and fell, and we understood the R factor (degree of virulence) but there was no ability to predict the spread of the disease on the ground,” says Dr. Aydede. “Thanks to the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Research Coalition and a grant from Research Nova Scotia we had an unbelievable data set that allowed us to look back at what occurred and identify the communities or locations that were driving the spread in Nova Scotia and further identify key socio-economic factors as well.” 

Dr. Aydede adapted algorithms recently developed for the finance industry to analyse economic ‘shock waves.’ “It is not always clear which features or factors are essential and which ones can be dropped without compromising predictive or statistical power,” says Dr. Aydede.  “Machine learning, particularly Tree-based methods such as the Random Forests algorithm used here, helps identify relevant predictors in large complex data sets with complex variables and factors.” 

The study analysed 112 Nova Scotian communities identified by postal codes and found that 18 communities were drivers of viral spread and then analysed 1,400 socio and economic factors, such home mortgage ownership, employment status and use of public transit that all coincided with the spread. 

“This important health-related study led by Dr. Aydede is a terrific example of many elements that allow our Saint Mary’s professors to establish research leadership in areas that may seem unexpected for our university,” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. “By applying methods used in economics to health-related problems and drawing on the expertise of both his international colleagues and the technical data-visualization talents of our multi-disciplinary research lab at Saint Mary’s, Dr. Aydede was able to partner with Research Nova Scotia and the provincial health authority to illustrate the power of such interdisciplinary networking.” 

Want to learn more about Machine Learning? 

Professor Aydede has just published his book for students of business and social science. Machine Learning Toolbox for Social Scientists | Applied Predictive An (taylorfrancis.com) 

About Scientific Reports 

Scientific Reports are open-access journals publishing original research from all areas of the natural sciences, psychology, medicine and engineering. It is the fifth most cited journal in the world and its editorial team, in partnership with an extensive network of peer reviewers, provides expert and constructive peer review. Scientific Reports is part of the Nature Portfolio.  

Keep It Social team promotes responsible consumption at Touchdown Atlantic

Members of the Keep It Social team at Touchdown Atlantic

The Saint Mary’s Keep It Social team recently made an appearance at the CFL’s Touchdown Atlantic event hosted at Saint Mary’s University at the end of July. Keep it Social is a student-led partnership with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) which promotes responsible consumption, personal choice and a culture of moderation on East Coast campuses. The Keep it Social campus teams work to empower students to reduce the risks of consumption and respect their individual limits.

Members from the Saint Mary’s Keep It Social team, Student Life Coordinator, Liv Brennan, Welcome Activities Coordinator, Toky Tajwar and Student Transitions Specialist, Emma Rota, alongside student volunteers, participated in the Touchdown Atlantic pre-game tailgate event to help share the Keep It Social message and support participants in having a safe and fun time. The team distributed mini Keep It Social footballs and noise makers, and even boasted a 360° photo booth, while reminding participants about safe consumption, hydrating and making the safe choices for their own limits.

The SMU Keep It Social team is available for training sessions and can be present during events where substances may be consumed. If you’re interested in booking the SMU Keep It Social Team, or would like to get involved, email student.life@smu.ca.

Keeping your SMU technology safe with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

As part of the continued effort to keep Saint Mary’s University’s computing environment and data secure, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is being implemented.  Faculty, staff and new students have already been enrolled.  Returning students will receive further communication at the beginning of the term.  MFA will provide an additional layer of protection for services such as email and network access.   

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and why are we implementing it? 

Also known as two-step verification, Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection to help prevent cyber threats even in cases where someone has stolen your password. Multi-Factor Authentication is a safe and simple way to protect your Microsoft 365 email and single sign-on account.  

What does it mean for you? 

Once MFA has been implemented for your M365 account, you will be asked to verify your identity every week through the input of an access code received from the Microsoft Authenticator app. You will also be prompted to authenticate your sign-in whenever you log-on using a new or different device. These extra steps will provide enhanced security for your accounts. These links provide more information on using the Microsoft Authenticator App and Multi-Factor Authentication

When will this be implemented?

Throughout the spring and summer, staff and faculty have been enrolled in MFA, and currently, more than 99% are using it to secure their accounts. We have also enabled MFA for new students, all incoming graduate and undergraduate students are using it as well.  For returning SMU students we will continue to communicate through the beginning of the term and will enable all of the accounts on September 20, 2023. 

Questions?

Please submit any questions to our support team at mfa@smu.ca and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.  You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and support documents on the Multi-Factor Authentication HUB. 

We ask for your patience and understanding as we step through best practices to ensure a smooth transition. Please stay tuned for further communications and updates on this project. 

Getting ready to celebrate Welcome Weeks at Saint Mary’s!

In just a couple of weeks, Saint Mary’s will be bursting with energy as students, staff and faculty make their way back to campus and new students prepare to begin their journey here. As we get ready for the excitement and bustle of Welcome Weeks, we want to highlight what’s open on campus and which events you’ll want to save the date for.

Move-in weekend

Move-in weekend starts on Saturday, September 2. There will be higher than normal volume coming from Robie St. and moving through the roundabout by the Loyola Residence entrance. Be sure to have your SMU campus map on hand to help navigate campus or find alternate driving and walking routes to avoid excess congestion. 

What’s open on campus during move-in weekend?

• C-Store (campus convenience store)
  Loyola Colonnade, through the Loyola Academic Complex (LA)
  September 2-5, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

• Tim Hortons
  Loyola Academic Complex (LA), en route to Loyola Residence
  September 2-5, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Dockside Dining Hall
  Loyola Residence (LR), down the hall from the Residence Information Desk
  September 2, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  September 3-5, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Campus Bookstore
  O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre, 2nd floor
  September 2 and September 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Patrick Power Library (PPL)
  For hours, visit The Patrick Power Library

• SMUSA Information Desk (Bus Pass)
  O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre (SC), 1st floor (by the elevators)
  September 2-4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• The Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness (HC)
  September 2-3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  September 4, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

All facilities and resources will resume regular operations beginning on September 5. SMU Dining locations, will resume regular operations beginning on September 6.

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Welcome Weeks key events

Welcome Weeks activities will run from September 2-15. These events are designed to introduce students to Saint Mary’s, learn about the campus, build connections in their program/faculty, find their supports and resources, and make friends. It’s also an excellent time for faculty and staff to get reacquainted with each other, make a lasting impact on new students, expand their own awareness of supports and resources and have some fun! Below are some of the key events that everyone will want to save the date for.

Husky Festival | September 4, 2-5 p.m.

Come out to the Quad for an afternoon full of fun! There will be games, inflatables, snacks and more. This is a great way to shake off the start of term nerves, make friends and enjoy some time away from screens before classes begin.

Service Expo | September 2-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Key campus service providers will be set up to meet with students. Students can pick up their SMU ID, learn about the Student Health Plan, talk to advisors and learn about the various services and supports available. Just past the circulation desk of the Patrick Power Library, get all your questions answered. It's all here!

Academic Welcome Sessions | September 5

An opportunity for students, faculty and staff to meet within their respective faculties. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers, find out how to get involved within each program and start the academic term off on the right foot. Students - check your email for details.

• Faculty of Arts | September 5, 10 a.m.-noon

• Faculty of Science | September 5, 10 a.m.-noon

• Bachelor of Commerce | September 5, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Santamarian Ceremony | September 5, 3-4 p.m.

Saint Mary’s annual ceremony officially welcomes new students to SMU, inviting them to share in the core values of the Santamarian: academic integrity, the pursuit of knowledge, responsiveness to community needs, openness to change and concerns for a just and civil society. Hear from the University President and an alumni speaker.

Festival of Food | September 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Leave the lunch bag at home and have some cash ready. The Festival of Food is coming to campus and there will be all kinds of delicious food to taste, including Abhi’s Curry N’ More, Bud the Spud, Jamaica Lee’s, PBJ Eatery, and Drift coffee truck. Please note that a portion of the Inglis St. pay and display parking lot will be closed off to regular parking to accommodate the food trucks.

Husky Kickoff and Home Opener | September 15, 6-7 p.m.

It doesn’t feel like the academic term is in full swing until the Huskies play their first home game of the season. Get out your maroon and burgundy and meet us in the Quad for games, face painting, snacks and all kinds of energy to get everyone pumped up. Then head over to the field in time for the football game kick-off and take in the awesome atmosphere of the Friday night lights with your fellow Huskies. Get your Home Opener tickets here.

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Find out more!

For information on Welcome Weeks activities, checklists, student resources and more, be sure to visit New to SMU, and don’t forget to register your favourite events and add them to your calendar! If you have questions, reach out to welcome.weeks@smu.ca.

Want to stay in the know all throughout the year? Be sure to follow @SMU_StudentLife and @SMUhalifax on social media.

Archaeology field school illuminates everyday life in ancient Roman villa

Students at Saint Mary’s University are helping to peel back layers of the past at a Roman villa dating back more than 2,000 years in central Italy. A vivid story from ancient history is emerging at the Villa of Titus excavation site in the Apennine mountains, about 70 kilometres northeast of Rome.

“Based on the artifacts recovered this year, it seems mostly likely that the building was residential,” says Dr. Myles McCallum, Associate Dean of Arts and co-director of the archaeological research project that is also home to a field school. “We found toiletry items such as bronze tweezers and spoons for applying makeup, bits of furniture one might find in a Roman house and lots of pottery used for cooking, all of which indicate a domestic use of the building.”

Eleven Saint Mary’s students and two alumni participated in the field school this May and June, along with six students and several researchers from McMaster University. Offered by the Ancient Studies program in our Department of Languages and Cultures, the study abroad opportunity launched in 2018 and also took place in 2019 and 2022. By working on an active research site, students learn the basics of environmental archaeology, excavation and artifacts analysis, and some even contribute to published research reports and articles.   

“These skills all build on each other. You dig things up physically, clean things off and take pictures and drawings of them to try and understand and identify them. You measure them, you fill out paperwork, you log information into a database,” says McCallum.

“You put it all together and it adds to that understanding of what life was like 2,000 years ago in a different part of the world. It engages every part of your brain, the frontal lobe big-picture stuff. So that’s a big deal for students because no matter what you do in life, you’re going to have to be able to pose questions and figure out how to answer them.”

The research follows a theory that the monumental two-storey structure was built in the first century BCE for the emperor Titus, who reined 79-81 CE during the Second Dynasty of the Roman Empire. As more of the intact brick walls emerge from the hillside, “we understand much more about the building’s overall plan, as a villa with a central courtyard on a large terrace,” says McCallum.

Researchers found evidence this year that the complex was occupied for about 120 years. They also discovered signs of a previous building at the site, which had an adjacent well and large garden area.

“So people were there for a few hundred years in the smaller building, then built something much bigger on top of it. We also know that the villa went out of use in the second century CE, but we’re not entirely sure why,” McCallum says.

The main goal of the project is to reconstruct the daily lives of the enslaved workers, the subaltern people who grew crops, made bricks and wine, pressed olives for oil and engaged in cleaning, building, mining, woodworking and metalworking. Much of their economic activity may have taken place in the building’s basement (cryptoporticus), which had a large storage room, a door where carts could load and unload, and possibly also living quarters.

“Next year, we’re going to expand our exploration of this basement area,” says McCallum. The first step will require heavy equipment to remove hundreds of tonnes of stone and earth that had collapsed into the lower level, and then students will have a chance to excavate.

“It’s interesting because we think we know a lot about slaves during the Roman Empire, but nobody wrote about them, at least not from a social-historical perspective. So archaeological evidence is really the only direct evidence we have of what their lives were like. As a focus of research, it’s pretty recent,” says McCallum.  

The villa sits high above the Velino Valley’s Lago di Paterno, a freshwater lake considered to be Italy’s geographical center and a once-sacred site connected to the goddess Vacuna. The University of London is conducting archaeobotanical research there with pollen coring, studying changes to the landscape and its flora and fauna over a 15,000-year period. “So that will be interesting, to tie in the human relationship with the landscape and environmental history too,” says McCallum.

Other notable finds have been oil lamps, bronze coins, glass perfume bottles, mosaic flooring and tiles, and transport amphorae (containers) that carried goods from as far as Spain and North Africa. Also intriguing is evidence of a ritual to seal off a well—including a silver mirror and a baby suckling pig, both sacrificed in hopes of a divine blessing for the house being built over the well.

The Villa of Titus project team also includes co-director Dr. Martin Beckmann of McMaster University and researchers from universities in Italy, the U.K. and the U.S. With support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Saint Mary’s is building on its existing strengths in archaeology research and education, deepening its cultural exchanges and academic connections with Italy’s museums, archaeologists and academic community.

“Experiential learning and study abroad opportunities are an important element of what we do in our program and in the Faculty of Arts,” says McCallum. “We’re working on developing more of these opportunities, and our students are embracing the chance to do this.”

Three other field schools took place in Italy this summer, including Sacred Space: Rome, from Ancient to Modern, offered by the Department for the Study of Religion, plus two in the Pisticci region, under a new dual stream Colonialism and Migration: Ancient and Modern field school:

• the SJCS Migrant Justice Field School, offered by the Department of Social Justice & Community Studies; and

• the Metaponto Archaeological Field School, led by Dr. Sveva Savelli and the Ancient Studies program for the second year in a row

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Further reading

• Learn more about the Villa of Titus Archaeological Field School

• Ancient Studies at SMU

• Unearthing the story of Italy's Indigenous communities
  

Five tips for faculty and staff to support wellness

As we prepare for the fall 2023 academic term, we are mindful that changes in routines, increased noise and traffic throughout campus and a busier season can often mean challenging impacts to health and wellness.

To support faculty and staff through this transition, The Counselling Centre has developed five tips for looking after yourself this fall.  

1. Sleep 

A consistent sleep schedule will help you regulate your energy and emotions throughout the day. Keep up with your bedtime routines as much as possible, avoid caffeine and screens before bed and try to relax for a while before you turn out the lights. 

2. Healthy boundaries 

In the first few weeks of the term, you may be balancing many competing priorities (including those unplanned tasks that seem to pop up at the worst moments!). It’s important to be realistic with yourself about what you can accomplish, what you might need help with and what you simply can’t do. Set boundaries where you can and be compassionate with yourself and others. 

 3. Self-care 

We all have different activities we do regularly that help us feel good, whether that’s getting out for a walk, journalling, painting, reading, going to the gym, meditating and more! During stressful times, it’s easy to let those activities slide and a couple of missed days can quickly turn into a couple weeks or more. Try to prioritize self-care activities where possible to help mitigate burnout and reduce stress. 

 4. Take care of your basic needs

Eat foods that make you feel good and provide you with energy. Move your body regularly to help regulate your mood. And remember to stay hydrated! If you need help figuring out nutrition that works for your needs, remember that BlueCross coverage includes dietician services. 

 5. Stress management strategies 

This is the time of year to practice those stress management strategies we hear about: break big tasks into small, manageable tasks; try to slow down situations if they become too intense; talk about what’s bothering you even if it won’t solve it. Remember, stress impacts all aspects of your well-being, including your emotions, your physical health and your behaviour. If you’re experiencing a particularly challenging moment, consider a grounding exercise like the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method or try a breathwork practice like box breathing. These strategies will help to slow your breathing, calm your mind and improve your focus.  

Want to take a deeper dive into supporting health and wellness? The Counselling Centre’s Mental Health Series will be returning in September. This four-part workshop series explores topics including how to identify and support a student in distress, coping strategies for anxiety and depression, how to talk about suicide with students, and international student mental health. Contact Counselling@smu.ca to be notified when the fall dates are finalized. 

For health and wellness tips, information, upcoming events and more, be sure to check out The Counselling Centre and sign up for the bi-weekly Healthy Minds Newsletter! Contact Counselling@smu.ca to be added to the email list. 

SMU hosts Provincial Sexual Violence and Harassment Investigation Training

The group of newly-trained Sexual Violence, Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying Investigator's include representatives from each of Nova's Scotia's ten universities and the Nova Scotia Community College.

As part of the work of the Nova Scotia Provincial Sexual Violence Prevention Committee (NSPSVPC) and the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP), Saint Mary’s was proud to host the Internal Investigator’s Sexual Violence and Harassment training last month.  

The training is part of a multi-pronged approach to improving sexual violence and harassment prevention, response, and policy at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions, as outlined in key documents that emerged through the work of the Nova Scotia Sexual Violence Strategy.

Representatives from each of the ten universities and Nova Scotia Community College attended the training, including Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Advisor, the Director, Student Accessibility, Wellness and Success, the Human Resources Officer (OHS & Wellness) and the University Secretary and General Counsel, to learn how to facilitate fair and thorough investigations using reliable and respectful techniques in cases of sexual violence, harassment, discrimination and bullying. 

“Both the Changing the Culture of Acceptance: Recommendations to Address Sexual Violence of University Campuses report and the Development of Survivor-Centric Sexual Violence Policies and Responses report have shaped much of the work to prevent and respond to sexual violence on Nova Scotian campuses,” says Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services. “The associated efforts to implement the recommendations and guidelines addressed within the reports have provided a strong foundation for improving institutional responses to sexual and gender-based violence within Nova Scotia.” 

Facilitated by Hill Advisory Services, the five-day intensive training included theory-based education and experiential learning related to conducting investigations, taking statements, preparing interviews and writing final reports. 

Lynn Cashen Basso, Director of Student Accessibility, Wellness, and Success (left) and Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor representing the Nova Scotia Provincial Sexual Violence Prevention Committee at the Investigator's Training, hosted at Saint Mary's University in July 2023.

SMU’s Sexual Violence Advisor, Dee Dooley, coordinated the training on behalf of the NSPSVPC. “It was wonderful to see this training come together,” says Dooley. “The training is based on the vision of a dedicated group of survivors, front-line staff, senior administrators, faculty and students who have been advocating for improved sexual and gender-based violence response on Nova Scotian campuses. A key component of this vision is ensuring institutions incorporate a transparent policy response and investigation process into post-secondary strategies,” elaborates Dooley. “This training is a crucial step in moving that forward.” 

The newly-trained investigators will participate in a Community of Practice group, coordinated by Dooley, where they will engage in continued training, networking and knowledge-sharing to support consistency in responses, which are rooted in best practices. 

For more information on related resources and initiatives at Saint Mary’s, visit the SMU Sexual Violence Support Centre.