Celebrating excellence: Saint Mary’s faculty recognized for external research funding

At a recent celebration, researchers at Saint Mary’s University were recognized for their success in securing more than $12 million in external funding to engage in important work in their fields. The funding received was in the form of research contracts, Canada Research Chair positions and tri-council grants.

Research by Saint Mary’s faculty covers diverse topics such as policy changes to protect women migrants and refugees against violence and the examination of 2SLGBTQ+ poverty in Canada to improve livelihood and social well-being. Secured funding also supports research that examines the sustainable trade of goods, improves plant health and nutrition, investigates the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems, assesses biodiversity conservation and Indigenous health and well-being.

A celebration to honour 97 researchers from faculties of Science, Arts, Sobey School of Business and two staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre took place in the McNally Theatre Auditorium on October 6. The quality of research happening here at Saint Mary’s University is something that we should all be proud of, congratulations to all of those that have been recognized.

Researcher leads team in discovering galaxies with James Webb Space Telescope

This image shows the Webb Deep Field of Galaxies, the very first unveiled science image by JWST. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI. Post-stamps: Shannon MacFarland (SMU).

Dr. Gaël Noirot, a postdoctoral researcher at Saint Mary’s University, is playing a leading role in studying an image called “Webb’s Deep Field of Galaxies,” the extraordinary first image produced by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) which contains at least 7,000 galaxies.

Along with Saint Mary’s professor and CRC Chair Dr. Marcin Sawicki, a team of Canadian astronomers have used the Canadian NIRISS instrument on board JWST to collect spectra from galaxies in the image. These spectra are a type of scientific data created by breaking down the light of an object to reveal additional information such as the object’s age or distance. 

The team has now measured the redshifts—a precise measurement of a galaxy’s distance based on the unique chemical signatures seen in its spectra—of nearly 200 galaxies whose distances from Earth were previously unknown.

“NIRISS is perfect for doing this because it can measure the redshifts of hundreds of galaxies at once,” said Dr. Noirot who is Principal Investigator of this observing program and lead author of the study published this month in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 

Read the full press release.

Launch of new partnership to support diverse student entrepreneurs

Participants celebrating the first Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) event and the generous gift by TD Bank Group

Natasha Fernandes, Project Manager, TD Inclusion Initiative; Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre; Peter Owusu, Account Manager, TD; Stephanie Tennant, District Vice President, TD; Jennifer Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD; Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary's University.

PhD student Tanner George, Lilia Sanchez and their artwork

MTEI student Manish Shinde and MSc student Julie Dayrit with their business HerBiome Skincare

Ashwin Razdan, Katerina Msafari and their business Adrigo Insights

Queen-Esther Okundonor (right), Marketing and Finance co-op student, and her business QTress Beauty Supplies

Tashauna Reid, Psychology and Biology student, and her business College Creative Curations

Students and Tia Upshaw

Students networking

Keynote speaker Dr. Rohini Bannerjee

Jennifer Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD, gives remarks at the panel discussion

Panelists Tia Upshaw, Ritika Saraswat, Emo Ikede MBA'13 and Sehmat Suri BComm'19 BA'19

Panelists, staff from the Arthur L. Iring Entrepreneurship Centre and guests from TD

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the launch of the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, which was made possible through the generous gift of $200,000 by the TD Bank Group. This two-year pilot is designed to amplify the support of diverse student entrepreneurs, advance the entrepreneurial mindset and innovate business models. Three key initiatives include:

• The Ignition Program —a 10-week program offering training, mentorship, resources and networking;

• The Student Entrepreneurial Experience Bootcamp (SEE) —providing students with a transformational learning experience and an opportunity to develop their own businesses with resources and funding;

• Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) events —promoting collaboration and celebration within and beyond our diverse entrepreneurial network.

"Helping create an environment where everyone can adapt, thrive and reach their full potential is extremely important to us at TD. By supporting the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, through the Sobeys School of Business and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, we know that we will contribute to providing entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with the right tools to realize their dreams," says Jenn Auld, Vice-President Atlantic Region, TD Canada Trust.

 The program will leverage the expertise and passion of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, creating a holistic support environment for diverse entrepreneurs. Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre said, “The TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative is a significant milestone for our students and the broader entrepreneurial community. This initiative represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students and aspiring entrepreneurs. It aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation, diversity and excellence in the entrepreneurial community.”

The first TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative event, TD Connect: Celebrating Diversity Through Entrepreneurship, was held on October 26. This event provided a platform for students to connect and engage with a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs and professionals. It highlighted the endeavours of eight student entrepreneurs and a panel discussion featuring accomplished and diverse business leaders. With an attendance of over a hundred enthusiastic students, the event emphasized the importance of DEIB in the entrepreneurial world.

 Learn more about the programs and events offered by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the spaces in the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub.

Impact and inspiration: students attend Michelle Obama talk

Students attend the Michelle Obama pre-event at Saint Mary’s

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray welcomes students

Nick Booth speaks with students at the pre-event

Inspiration and encouragement was the goal behind three generous Saint Mary's University alumni donors this term. On October 18, 200 Saint Mary's University students had the opportunity to attend A Conversation with Michelle Obama thanks to tickets provided by Chancellor Michael J. Durland BComm'87 DComm'10, former Chancellor Robert P. Kelly BComm'75 DComm'97 and Daniel J. McCarthy BComm'76 DComm'11.

A diverse group of student attendees was selected based on nominations from academic Deans, Athletics, Student Affairs and Services, the President's office, the Students' Association and other university departments.

"It was a real honour to be chosen for this event. But I think the bigger impact was the nomination itself...to be nominated for an event as big as this was something else," says Ken Cornell, a fifth-year student in the Faculty of Arts.  

Before picking up their tickets, the students had a chance to hear from guest speaker Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation. Booth spoke about his professional journey as a leader in the non-profit industry. His inspirational words and advice sparked insightful questions from the student audience. The pre-event was an excellent kick-off for a night of inspiration. 

“It was one of the most empowering and inspiring experiences I have ever encountered,” says Shiray Tan, fourth-year student in the Sobey School of Business and President of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association. “Michelle Obama made me realize that I can do anything and everything in this world as long as if I put my mind into it and work hard.” 

Homecoming 2023

1973 Champion Teams Reunion 

Honouring the 1973 Men's Football before the Homecoming Huskies Football game vs Acadia

Two alumni at Homecoming Brunch in celebration of the classes of 1998 and 2013

Alumni enjoying Flashback Friday pub night

Class of 1973 at the Gold Grad Luncheon

Golden Grad Luncheon

Golden Grad Luncheon

1973 Men's Football Team Reunion 

ADM Dwayne Provo BEd'95 addresses the 1973 Men's Football team

MLA Barbara Adams, Minister for Seniors and Long-Term Care, presents the 1973 Men's Football team with certificates from the province.

Homecoming Brunch 

Back to the Classroom panelist Jennifer LaPlante MSc’21 (Computing & Data Analytics), Chief Growth & Investment Officer, OSC 

Back to the Classroom panelist Greg Kirczenow, Senior Director, AI Model Risk Management at RBC 

Alumni sparked discussion at the Artificial Intelligence panel event.

At Homecoming 2023 on October 12-15, more than 2,300 alumni, friends, and community members came together on campus and online to celebrate milestones, reconnect and cheer on the Huskies. A heartwarming Golden Grad class of 1973 reception saw more than 145 people gather, some for the first time in 50 years. "We really enjoyed our Golden Grads Luncheon—51 years ago for me already—how did that happen in the blink of an eye…" said Bob Bissett, Golden Grad.  

This year, Homecoming kicked off with the panel discussion Pathways to Success: From Saint Mary's to International Diplomacy—an opportunity for the Department of Philosophy to introduce the new major, "Law and Ethics," at Saint Mary's. Each speaker shared their journey, discussed challenges and successes, and helped students and young alumni explore the possibilities after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. 

Later that evening, our alums and community attended an eye-opening panel discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Computer Science Program. This event brought together science and business alumni and students to connect, network, and discuss AI. Discussions included how AI is advancing business, research and technology, as well as the importance of ethics in academic integrity, finance and government.

2023 was a big year for celebrating milestones at the university. Fifty years ago, the 1973 Huskies Basketball, Football, and Hockey teams took home championships. Almost 100 alumni gathered in the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre for a 1973 champion teams reunion, where they celebrated and swapped stories from their big year.  

The 1973 Men's Football team gathered for a reunion reception in the Gorsebrook Lounge. MLA Barbara Adams, Minister for Seniors and Long-Term Care, presented the team with certificates from the province. ADM Dwayne Provo BEd'95 addressed the team to celebrate their success in '73. There was a buzz of stories—from on and off the field—as if no time had passed.  

Despite the rain on Friday evening, more than 900 former Huskies, fellow alumni and Saint Mary's community members cheered on the Huskies Football team. The Huskies won (33-18) against Acadia, sending them into the playoffs. Later that night, alums and friends gathered in the Gorsebrook Lounge for a Flashback Friday Pub night celebration following the football game—an opportunity to reconnect with friends and dance the night away with Halifax DJs PINEO & LOEB.  

Homecoming also celebrated the classes of 1998 and 2013 with a brunch in the Gorsebrook Lounge on Saturday. The morning was full of laughs, tasty food and many graduates catching up with old classmates. The weekend was packed with sporting events and reunions with alumni cheering on the men's and women's hockey and soccer teams on the Huskies field.

Saint Mary's Alumni sends a huge thank you to all who came out to make another successful Homecoming weekend. Our alumni, friends and community were able to reconnect and celebrate monumental milestones for themselves and the university. 

Saint Mary's is upgrading the technology for bubble-sheet exams

Saint Mary's is upgrading the technology for managing bubble-sheet exams: Remark Test Grading.

What is Remark? Remark is a software application to help you print, mark, and grade bubble-sheet exams.

Why is this technology changing? Our previous bubble sheet hardware, Scantron, is obsolete, unreliable, and is no longer supported by the vendor.

How does it affect instructors? The Software Application Support (SAS) Centre will continue to scan your bubble sheets and send you a grading report. Contact the SAS to learn more about receiving bubble sheets.

When will the change take effect? Remark will launch in the Fall 2023 Semester

• Where can I learn more? Contact SAS: Atrium 107 | sas@smu.ca

Employee Recognition Awards: Check out nominees and recipients!

The 29th Annual Employee Recognition Awards are quickly approaching, with the celebration event to be held on Wednesday, November 8.

This year, close to 70 faculty and staff are celebrating service milestones at Saint Mary’s! Curious to see who among your colleagues will be receiving service awards? You can visit this site to learn more.

The Saint Mary’s community has responded positively to the new Santamarian Awards, nominating a total of 11 individuals and 5 teams from across the university. These awards were established to recognize colleagues who make a positive contribution to our work culture while embodying our values. See the nominees here.

Winners of the prestigious President’s Awards for Exemplary Service will also be announced at the celebration ceremony. Guests and award recipients will have the opportunity to connect and celebrate with colleagues over some refreshments following the award presentations.

Be sure to save the date and RSVP for this special event!

Kane Writers Award: Apply by Nov. 30

The Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award supports aspiring writers of African Nova Scotian and Black/African descent. Valued at $30,000, the award will be presented to an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts upon graduation from Saint Mary’s. 

Floyd Kane BA’92

2024 award criteria: 

To be eligible, undergraduate BA and BES students must: 

• be graduating from Saint Mary’s in 2024, 

• be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, 

• identify as Black/African descended, with priority going to African Nova Scotian students, 

• have good academic standing, 

• have demonstrable financial need, and 

• aspire to a career in writing, broadly defined.  

 This award was established through the generosity of alumnus Floyd Kane BA’92, a writer, lawyer, filmmaker and creator of the acclaimed TV series, Diggstown. It aims to reduce financial roadblocks for graduating students by supporting them in pursuing further studies, training or self-directed projects to advance their writing aspirations. Broadly defined, writing can include (but is not limited to) creative writing, spoken word, film/television writing, digital publishing or an academic career path in an arts and humanities discipline. 

 Application deadline: Thursday, November 30, 2023 

 Learn more and apply today!  https://www.smu.ca/arts/arts-awards-andfunding.html 

Related reading 

• Embracing the power of writing with new Kane Award

• Removing barriers to increase access to education

Academic Integrity Week: Oct 30-Nov 2

Academic integrity is the foundation of higher learning. It refers to a set of ethical values relating to how we treat our sources of knowledge, and how new knowledge is constructed and shared with others. The values of academic integrity go beyond student citation mistakes, plagiarism, and cheating, as the technical manifestations of violations associated with it. Academic integrity is a shared responsibility among all members of the University community.

The aim of this week-long event is to engage students, faculty and staff in learning and sharing with others how they can uphold academic integrity to increase student success and promote the ethical values of scholarly dialogue and respectful knowledge creation.

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Schedule of events

Faculty Panel on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AI (Academic Integrity)

Monday, October 30
3-4:30 p.m.  
Virtual Event

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Karen Grandy, Chairperson of the Academic Senate and the Senate Committee on Academic Integrity. Panelists include Academic Integrity Officers, members of the Academic Integrity Appeal Board, and Education Developer Julian l’Enfant from The Studio for Teaching and Learning.

Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas about maintaining Academic Integrity in our classes now that Artificial Intelligence tools are widely available for everyone to use.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 826 4860 0695   Passcode: 603419  

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Citation Station: activities, fun AI resources and prizes

Tuesday, October 31
1-4 p.m.
Student Common Space, 5th Floor of the Student Centre. Drop-by station.   

Visit us at the Citation Station on the 5th floor of the Student Centre from 1-4 p.m. to learn about citations and plagiarism, to receive writing and referencing help on your papers and for the chance to win prizes!  

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Avoiding Academic Mistakes Workshop

Wednesday, November 1
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. 
Virtual Event  

Chat with the Writing Centre and Library staff about academic integrity and get tips to help you with writing a paper, assignment, or test. Learn how to avoid common academic mistakes! This workshop is designed to provide you with resources to help with your writing, research, and proper citations/references.

Zoom link
Passcode: academic

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Intersections Between Copyright and Academic Integrity

Thursday, November 2
2-3 p.m. 
Virtual Event 

Copyright is more than knowing the limits of what you can copy. Whether you’re using images, videos, or scholarly sources, there are many scenarios where knowledge of copyright can be helpful – from knowing how to apply exceptions found in the Canadian Copyright Act to what you need to know before you submit your completed thesis. Join Suzanne and Patricia as they explore the intersections between copyright and academic integrity. 

Presenters: 

• Suzanne van den Hoogen MLIS, University Librarian and Copyright Officer

• Patricia Langille, MA, Copyright Assistant 

Microsoft Teams link
Meeting ID: 229 086 915 918
Passcode: PzxmqJ

Saint Mary's biomedical lab is on the frontiers of collagen exploration

Dr. Veres and his students study in great depth the structural makeup of collagen within the body to identify the unknown

Dr. Sam Veres (left) works in a research lab with Master of Science in Applied Science student Amanda Lee

What comes to mind when people think of exploration is typically outer space, or the deep ocean. But within the human body, there are many structural and functional questions that remain unanswered. 

The structural makeup of collagen within the body, and how it develops and is comprised in injury and disease, is one area still under exploration. Dr. Sam Veres and his graduate students explore this topic with great depth in Biomedical Structure-Function labs. 

Sam Veres

“We think hard about identifying things that are unknown, problems that persist and how we might solve them,” says Dr. Veres, interim Dean of Science and Professor in the Division of Engineering at Saint Mary’s University. “A more complete understanding of the collagen in our bodies, how it develops and how it can become structurally compromised, could lead to development of new treatments to help reduce disabling soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and overuse tendinopathies.”

Research and collaboration

Collagen provides structural integrity to tissues in human and animal bodies, including the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments, articular cartilage, even discs in our backs. 

Dr. Veres and his lab specifically study collagen fibrils, which are tiny in size—roughly 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. The size of these fibrils is why many aspects of their development remain unknown, and why the multidisciplinary lab uses knowledge and techniques from engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and medicine to study them.

“These sorts of problems are inherently multidisciplinary, and you need to have collaborative teams that come together and work on these problems together,” says Dr. Veres.

Identifying unknowns

It’s a very exciting time in the lab, with four of its graduate students publishing results within the next year. 

Kelsey Gsell is a PhD student who Dr. Veres co-supervises with Dr. Laurent Kreplak through Dalhousie University’s School of Biomedical Engineering. Her research looks at how collagen in the body respond to enzymes that help control tissue repair and renewal.

Dr. Veres is also working with master’s student Ted Lownie, whose research has shown that the specialized collagen structure of highly loaded tendons like the Achilles extends back to the earliest stages of fetal development rather than being driven by mechanical loading after birth, as previously thought.

Dr. Veres is excited to see his students take part in this innovative, multidisciplinary research and continue asking questions, and exploring in the hopes of finding answers. 

“It’s really satisfying to see students go on to do other great things and take this background with them,” he says. “Seeing my students gain an appreciation for what is unknown and still to be discovered is really so wonderful.”

To learn more about Dr. Sam Veres and his graduate students’ research, visit their lab’s website at vereslab.com.  

Saint Mary's ranked third best Canadian undergraduate university by Maclean’s

For the second consecutive year, Saint Mary's University has been ranked third in the nation among the Best Primarily Undergraduate Universities in the annual  Maclean’s university rankings.

The ranking also affirms Saint Mary’s position as the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia for the third year in a row.

"I am delighted that Saint Mary's University is again being recognized as a leading institution in our region and in Canada,” says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "We will continue to create the space for possibility for our students, offering our distinctive combination of access to world-class academics and research within an incredibly supportive and vibrant community.”

The university’s long-standing commitment to and investment in student support is also made clear in the rankings, with Saint Mary’s taking first place for scholarships and bursaries and tying for second place in student awards.  

Other investments in the student experience include a refreshed Bachelor of Commerce program–the flagship degree of the Sobey School of Business–launched in Fall 2023; the creation of new healthcare data analytics and management programs, and the opening of the Sobey Inspiration Hub, a four-storey, 43,000-square-foot building designed to create a natural intersection for the business, academic and student communities.

Notably, Saint Mary’s ranked second in medical/science grants and fifth in social sciences & humanities grants; a reflection of the university’s rising prominence and recognition of its research strength. Saint Mary’s is now Nova Scotia's second-largest research university by research income.

"At Saint Mary's, we are inspired and motivated by a true sense of community," says President Summerby-Murray. "Our top-level ranking is a testament to the excellence, dedication and care of our faculty, staff, alumni and donors. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for all that you do for our students and community, and I know we will continue to distinguish ourselves as a leading institution.”

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Interested in seeing what Saint Mary’s can offer?

Attend our Open House on October 28. Visit the Future Students page for more information.

Saint Mary’s University unveils Sobeys Inspiration Hub as flagship of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence

43,000-square-foot expansion designed to foster innovative multidisciplinary collaboration

On October 11, Saint Mary’s University celebrated the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a four-storey, 43,000-square-foot building dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation at the university. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub is named in recognition of a $5-million investment in the building, part of an $18-million gift from the David & Faye Sobey Foundation, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc., as well as the personal donations of Paul and Marsha Sobey, and Janis Sobey-Hames and Chris Hames, all longtime supporters of the university.

The Sobeys Inspiration hub is designed to create a natural intersection for the business, academic and student communities. Its incubators, accelerators and technology labs will provide a catalyst for innovation where students can seamlessly participate in classes, workshops, internship opportunities, seminar series, conferences and business plan competitions. The Hub is adjacent to and integrated with the Sobey School of Business, home to one of Canada’s leading Commerce programs, which has attracted business minds from around the globe.

Students work on the DSC retail robot project

The building is the new home of the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services (DSC). Established through the generous support of the late David F. Sobey, the Centre focuses on cutting-edge retail research, innovation and education and will feature a mock store for testing new retail concepts and technologies, a biometric lab for neuroscience research and a digital lab for developing apps and AI solutions. Students, researchers and industry partners work together at the David Sobey Centre to lead innovation in Canada’s retail sector.

“In today’s world, we must all think differently to make great things happen; where we not only seek, but embrace, new approaches to the old way of doing things,” says Michael Medline, CEO of Empire Company Limited. “That is why we are so excited to see the Sobeys Inspiration Hub come to life. This environment is about tapping into potential, the incubation and growth of ideas, the space to challenge, take chances–and yes, even fail–and in turn, create greatness. Most importantly, it is a space where students are certain to thrive.”

A centrepiece of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub is the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, supported by a $5-million gift from Arthur L. Irving, Sandra Irving DCL’10, Sarah Irving, the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil Limited. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre addresses the needs of the modern student, fostering an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ across all faculties. It features a collider space, discovery zone, digital prototyping lab, meeting spaces and a podcasting production studio. Most notably, this campus expansion arrives at a time when the university is engaging more students than ever across the region and Saint Mary’s students are consistently achieving high-level results in national entrepreneurship competitions.

“We are proud to support Saint Mary’s University in their pursuit to provide the very best in business education, instilling the values of hard work, respect and passionate commitment to community," says Arthur Irving. “We are honoured to have the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre as part of The Sobeys Inspiration Hub, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.”

The Sobeys Inspiration Hub is a catalyst space that energizes the connection between the Sobey Building and the Loyola Academic Building, fostering innovative multidisciplinary work, and strengthening the connectivity and engagement of Saint Mary’s University’s more than 6,600 students, professors and researchers across all faculties, including Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and Research, and the Sobey School of Business. The hub will also play a vital role in the activities of the David Sobey Centre for Excellence in Retailing and Services.

“The way students learn as well as how and where they learn is a strong consideration for us. This transformational addition to our campus is a demonstration of how we are responding to the needs of our curious, forward-thinking scholars who need the environment and resources for those natural collisions to happen–so different perspectives can come together to create innovations for the times ahead,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Chancellor, Robert Summerby-Murray.

In an early effort to spur entrepreneurship and innovation for the province, the Government of Nova Scotia made a significant contribution to this project with its funding of $11 million in 2018. The Government of Canada is contributing $8 million to support green energy and green infrastructure on campus, which includes the Sobeys Inspiration Hub. 

“The Government of Canada is proud to have contributed to the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a space on campus that will provide programming designed to help under-represented groups, as well as supporting small business owners, those with an interest in entrepreneurship and those seeking employment services. This outstanding addition to Saint Mary’s campus will make the possibility of entrepreneurship a reality for more community members,” says Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax.