Protect your personal data: tips for Data Privacy Week

In honour of Data Privacy Week (Jan 21-27) and International Data Privacy Day (Jan 28), Anthony Fear, our Chief Information Officer, and Claire Milton, University Secretary & General Counsel, Privacy Officer, have teamed up to tell you more about the importance of data protection.

All your online activity generates a trail of data.

Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and driver's license numbers. It can even include data about your physical self, like health data – think about how a smartwatch counts and records how many steps you take.

Here are some simple, easy tips that will help you manage your personal data privacy:

Know the tradeoff between privacy and convenience
Make informed decisions about sharing your data with businesses or services:

• Is the service, app, or game worth the amount or type of personal data they want in return?

• Can you control your data privacy and still use the service?

• Is the data requested even relevant for the app or service (e.g. "why does a Solitaire game need to know all my contacts")?

• If you haven't used an app, service, or account in several months, is it worth keeping around knowing that it might be collecting and sharing your data?

Adjust settings to your comfort level
Check the privacy and security settings for every app, account, or device: generally, it's wise share less data, not more.

Start small, and over time, you'll make a habit of adjusting all your settings to your comfort. The National Cybersecurity Alliance has free resources like the Manage Your Privacy Settings page that lets you check the settings of social media accounts, retail stores, apps and more.

 Protect your data
Data privacy and data security go hand-in-hand. Along with managing your data privacy settings, follow the “Core 4”:

1. Create long (at least 16 characters), unique passwords for each account and device. Use a password manager to store each password – maintaining dozens of passwords securely is now easier than ever.

2. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever it is permitted – this keeps your data safe even if your password is compromised.

3. Turn on automatic device, software, and browser updates, or make sure you install updates as soon as they are available.

4. Learn how to identify phishing messages, which can be sent as emails, texts, or direct messages.

From the Privacy Officer 

The University has a Privacy Policy. Take a few moments to review the Policy to learn about the University’s approach to privacy protection.  You can also review resources and information at Privacy at SMU. Protecting privacy and respecting confidentiality is everyone’s responsibility!

For more information about Data Privacy Week, visit https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week/. The Privacy Officer is always available to answer questions at privacy@smu.ca 

Educators and collaborators celebrated with honorary degrees

Saint Mary’s University will bestow honorary doctorates on three educators with connections to the university community—Mingyuan Zhang, Ailan Fu and David Lane—at the 2024 Winter Convocation.

Mingyuan Zhang

Dr. Mingyuan Zhang

Dr. Zhang has an exceptional record as a scholar of Chinese language culture and folklore. Holding a Doctorate in Chinese folklore from Beijing Normal University, Beijing, Dr. Zhang has had a distinguished academic career as a Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at Renmin University, as Dean of Arts at Hong Kong Shue Yan University and most recently, and since 2004, as Dean of the School of Chinese at BNUZ.

Particularly in his role as Dean of the School of Chinese, Dr. Zhang has established the study of Chinese language and culture, including in partnership with Saint Mary’s University. His quiet, behind-the-scenes leadership has provided a supportive environment for many Saint Mary’s students, staff and faculty participating in the partnership between SMU and BNUZ. His service to the values of Saint Mary’s, and particularly to intercultural learning, makes him worthy of an honorary degree.

Dr. Zhang will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on January 27, 2024.

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Ailan Fu

Dr. Ailan Fu

Dr. Fu is a notable academic leader and administrator. In addition to her academic appointments as Professor of Linguistics at Central University for Nationalities, and then at BNUZ, Dr. Fu has led global engagement for BNUZ and the partnership with Saint Mary’s University. This has resulted in the exchange of students, faculty and staff between our universities over the past two decades. Dr. Fu is a well-recognized scholar in linguistics and has held visiting appointments at SMU, Hong Kong Baptist University, and the University of Texas.

Dr. Fu’s service to the community includes her work as a scholar and academic administrator at BNUZ but extends also locally to her work as counsellor on the city of Zhuhai Municipal Council. Her work for the city of Zhuhai led to the creation of the sister-city relationship between Zhuhai and the Halifax Regional Municipality. Her focus on international education and connection demonstrates Dr. Fu’s commitment to intercultural learning, a key value for Saint Mary’s University. 

Dr. Fu will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on January 27, 2024.

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David Lane

David Lane

Tens of thousands of Saint Mary’s University students and members of the public have experienced the wonders of the night sky at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory due to the efforts of one man, David Lane, who, for nearly thirty years, has been quietly inspiring generations of children, parents, students, and teachers.

From 1992 until his retirement, Mr. Lane was employed as the Astronomy Technician and System Administrator in the Astronomy and Physics Department. Later, as Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, David single-handedly automated the Observatory and made it available to the world through Twitter and Facebook. He has made significant contributions to teaching and learning at Saint Mary’s and created The Earth Centered Universe (ECU), an easy-to-use planetarium and telescope-control program, allowing institutes the ability to operate their own educational astronomy platforms for teaching astronomy.

He has also made many impressive contributions to professional astronomy, with more than 100 professional publications in the field of variable stars and telescope operations. He has been a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) since the 1980s and served as president of the National Chapter and the Halifax Chapter. He was recognized by the International Astronomy Union for the co-discovery of three supernovae and has an asteroid named after him!

David Lane will receive a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, on January 27, 2024.

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Convocation ceremonies will be live-streamed on smu.ca on January 26 and 27. Check our website for ceremony details.

Meet your Valedictorians for Winter 2024

Three valedictorians, selected for their leadership, campus involvement and academic success, will address their fellow graduates at the Winter Convocation ceremonies taking place on January 26 and 27, 2024. These students are the recipients of a John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award.

Learn more about the Winter 2024 valedictorians, and watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation.

Sheldon Bhawanie, Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Sheldon Bhawanie, Valedictorian for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

Sheldon Bhawanie left his home in Trinidad and Tobago and arrived at Saint Mary’s after searching for the best business school in Atlantic Canada. Needless to say, the Sobey School of Business came out on top and Sheldon has never regretted his choice. His degree, a Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has given him the foundation for a successful career and so much more.

Sheldon is currently employed at the Sobey School of Business as a Professional Development Project Manager in Graduate Career Services and volunteers as a soccer coach at the Halifax City Soccer Club. Working with students, helping them navigate their education journeys and enriching their lives has become a calling. “We are here not only to exist but also to make life better for others.”

Q&A with Sheldon

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?

I had attended St. Mary’s College in Port of Spain and had dedicated a significant part of my life to volunteering there. When I was looking for a good business school to attend in the Maritimes, it was no coincidence that SMU came up—I was sold! From one St. Mary’s to the next.

Tell us how you got involved in the SMU Community

I volunteer as a mentor for the Innovation Sprint events hosted at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. I think the clarity with which I see problems can help others solve problems.

Looking back, what was your favourite Saint Mary’s memory?

I remember coming to SMU for the first time in August 2022 and just standing in the Atrium thinking that I did well to get into my program and that I had to make my mark here. I couldn’t believe I was going to be part of the tapestry of this university. That moment is etched in my memory forever.

How has the MTEI helped shape your success in Halifax?

I have made so many connections here, not only as a student but networking with other professionals in Halifax! I learned that networking is key to setting up your landing after graduation. Everyone knows someone and therefore, good connections position you for a fulfilling life.

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Funmilayo Chioma Adegoke, Bachelor of Commerce

Funmilayo Adegoke, Valedictorian for the Sobey School of Business

Funmilayo Chioma Adegoke, from Lagos, Nigeria, earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Computing and Information Systems. Her keen interest in the intersection of technology and finance motivated her to pursue these fields, and she is enthusiastic about exploring how technology can transform the accounting world.

Q&A with Funmilayo

Why did you choose Saint Mary's University?

I chose Saint Mary’s because of the Sobeys School of Business and its esteemed reputation as one of the top business schools in Canada.

What was your experience coming to Halifax as an International student?

Transitioning to life away from my family was a new experience, but SMU made it smoother than I expected. The assistance I received encouraged me to get involved and support other students as they transition into the SMU community. I worked with the International Centre and Residence Programming Team to help organize holiday-themed events, offering students on campus during the Christmas break a 'home-away-from-home' experience.

What other ways did you get involved with campus life?

I had many opportunities to get involved on campus, including as a member of the Commerce Society and African Society. I volunteered with the SMU Community Food Room and as a Cultural Assistant for the Language Centre, which paved the way for a rewarding job opportunity.

My first job on campus was with the Patrick Power Library, where I gained invaluable experience. In my second year (during the pandemic), I served as a Resident Assistant, supporting students facing unprecedented challenges and was honoured with a Flexible Leadership Award for my contributions during that time.

Which instructor had the most significant impact on you?

I've been lucky to encounter a few exceptional professors during my academic journey. Professor Charles Baxter sparked my interest in accounting, while Professor Vasiliki Athanasakou helped me gain a new perspective on the subject. Both have been invaluable mentors to me.

What are your goals for the future? How did Saint Mary's help set you on this path?

I am working towards my CPA and have found the CPA prerequisite courses offered by Saint Mary’s to be very helpful in achieving my goal. The resources provided by SMU have enabled me to explore my diverse interests and pursue a second major in Computing and Information Systems.

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Celina C.J. Rolle, Bachelor of Arts

Celina Rolle, Valedictorian for the Faculty of Arts

Press on and persevere. This is the message Celina Rolle wants to emphasize in her valedictory words of wisdom to fellow graduates. “Though we stand on top of this hill, many more are waiting to be conquered,” Celina says in her address, which opens and closes with inspiring passages from the Matthias Barr poem “Persevere”.

Celina works as a foreign service officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Bahamas. She came to Halifax from Nassau to pursue a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Global Development Studies, building on her previous studies in law and criminal justice at the University of The Bahamas.

Q&A with Celina

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s? After researching different universities, I found that Saint Mary’s stood out the most to me. Its commitment to ensuring that everyone feels welcome resonated with my values. It was also a plus to know several people who have either attended or are currently enrolled at SMU.

What was your favourite course? The Mind-Body Problem (PHIL 2328). After taking this class, I’m still grappling with the question of whether the mind is contained within the brain. It pushed me to think creatively and consider alternative possibilities.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? Jean-Blaise Samou, my instructor for Africa: Contemporary Development Issues (GDST 4462). The main responsibility of professors is to encourage students to think critically. However, he went beyond that by motivating us to explore the backgrounds of the authors whose readings we were required to study. This helped us understand how their personal experiences influenced their writing. I have since applied this approach to all my classes and even in my personal life, resulting in a significant impact on my way of thinking.

What will you miss most about Saint Mary’s? I am going to miss every one of my friends dearly. From the moments of pure joy and laughter that we shared to the deep conversations we had, I’m grateful for the time we spent together. I will always cherish those memories.

How has your experience at Saint Mary’s helped shape your future goals? Through interacting with a diverse range of people from different walks of life, I have learned how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and appreciate different perspectives. SMU's curriculum is designed to instil a strong work ethic. The rigorous coursework and deadlines taught me to manage my time wisely and work efficiently under pressure. These skills have been very useful in my career, where I am required to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. Next, I would like to obtain my master’s degree.

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Winter Convocation takes place on January 26 and 27, 2024. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.

Students tackle health care, food security issues with Wicked Problem Lab awards

Students present their ideas at the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Lab Awards

Four Saint Mary’s students are gearing up to tackle some thorny issues in health care, food security and sustainability thanks to an award program from the Wicked Problems Lab.  

Now in its second year, the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Lab Awards (sponsored by SMU alumnus Douglas Coll BComm’89), provide $2,500 to two undergraduate students who present a compelling idea to address a challenging problem. The Wicked Problems Lab grants two additional awards of the same value to one graduate and one undergraduate student.  

“Wicked problems, like poverty or climate change, are by definition almost impossible to solve because they are complex and always evolving, with no real end point,” says Dr. Mat Novak, a professor in the department of Geography and Environmental Studies and director of the Wicked Problems Lab. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work to address them. These awards inspire and encourage students to work towards solutions.” The Lab supports the students by providing data, analytical software and expertise. 

Twelve projects vied for the award this year. The successful candidates began working with Drs. Novak and Matsumoto–the WPL’s Research Analyst–shortly after they were notified of their prize and will continue to develop and implement their idea this winter. Surveys, spatial analysis and census data will help inform their projects along with meeting local partners to carry out their ideas. Students will showcase their projects at the end of the term. 

Congratulations to the winners:

Lydia Lee 
Bachelor of Commerce, Sobey School of Business 
Project: Sustainable Seconds 

Sustainable Seconds aims to address food insecurity by delivering affordable and sustainable home meal kits. Using second products from local farmers and donated ingredients to create affordable and sustainable meal packages, it’s a cost-effective solution with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes.

Sorav Sogy 
Bachelor of Commerce, Sobey School of Business 
Project: CARE ETA 
 
Sorav Sogy, along with fellow BComm students Vaishali Sachdeva, Ishaan Singh and Aarav Sen Mehta, want to tackle healthcare wait times through the development of an interactive app. CARE ETA aims to improve the experience of patients waiting in lengthy queues in emergency hospitals by implementing a real-time system that lets people stay informed about their status.

Melissa Alvarez Del Angel 
Bachelor of Science, Psychology major 
Project: Palm Oil Reduction and Healthier Food on Campus 

Melissa Alvarez Del Angel is promoting healthier food options to the SMU campus. In response to the environmental impact of widespread palm oil production, Melissa has proposed a comprehensive strategy for reducing the use of palm oil and advocating for healthier food alternatives at SMU.

Hasib Ahmed 

Master of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
Project: Wellnex 

Hasib Ahmed is developing a platform to make blood collection more accessible. This project seeks to enhance urban and rural mobility by introducing a doorstep blood sample collection service facilitated by a visiting nurse/phlebotomist, eliminating the need for individuals to commute to the hospital.

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About the Wicked Problems Lab 

Established in 2020, the Wicked Problems Lab harnesses the power of data and advanced analysis to address the world’s wicked problems. 

The lab is equipped with the latest software and curated datasets and is staffed with a full-time analyst to help address your wicked problem.  

The lab offers: 

• One-on-one research help 

• Undergraduate and graduate-level problem-based learning activities 

• Workshops, seminars and group training 

• Self-directed tutorials for data and software, including GIS 

• Community-research help assistance 

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Related stories: 

• New award aims to help solve wicked problems 

• Wicked problems of food insecurity  

History professor joins International Science Council Fellowship

Dr. Karly Kehoe

The International Science Council has appointed Dr. Karly Kehoe as an ISC Fellow, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to promoting science as a global public good.

Based in Paris, the ISC is the largest international scientific organization and the Fellowship is the highest honour it confers on individuals. Dr. Kehoe is among 100 new ISC Fellows appointed from around the world, and just one of four Canadians who recently joined the esteemed group.

Along with 123 previous appointments, the new ISC Fellows will “support the Council in its mission at a critical moment for science and sustainability as we enter the UN’s International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development in 2024,” said the December 19 announcement.

Kehoe is a Professor of History at Saint Mary’s University, and the Canada Research Chair in Atlantic Canada Communities.

“I was so pleased to have been nominated by the National Research Council—and then delighted to be one of four Canadians appointed,” she says. “It’s significant for me because it demonstrates the value the international science community is placing on the humanities; on the perspectives we provide. The ISC recognizes that interdisciplinarity is a necessity.”

The ISC Fellowship was created in 2022 to recognize eminent social and natural scientists, engineers and thought leaders who have made impactful contributions to science and society.

“Saint Mary’s is proud to have Dr. Kehoe as one of our Canada Research Chairs, devoted to Atlantic Canada studies while at the same time making such a large global impact. It shows the true strength of her scholarly work to engage communities and inform policymakers,” says Dr. Adam Sarty, the university’s Associate Vice-President of Research and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

As a historian, Kehoe has long been an advocate of science diplomacy. She serves as a member of the ISC’s Freedom and Responsibility in Science Standing Committee and sits on the InterAcademy Partnership’s (IAP) Policy Advice Development Committee, and the Science in Exile’s steering committee (a partnership of UNESCO-TWAS, ISC and IAP).

As an ISC Fellow, “my main focus will continue to be science diplomacy through research and advocacy,” she says. “The benefits of research need to be made available to everyone, and the scientific community has a responsibility to be honest brokers in enabling access. This is my priority—it’s the only way to rebuild and retain trust in science.”

Among many other achievements, Kehoe was president of the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists (2020-2022) and is the founder and lead of the RSC’s At-Risk and Displaced Academics and Artists (ARDAA) program. She also co-founded the At-Risk and Academic Refugee Membership programme (Young Academy of Scotland) and the At-Risk Scholar Initiative (Global Young Academy).

"The ISC Fellowship recognizes individuals who are ambassadors and advocates working tirelessly for science internationally and for the vital importance of evidence-informed policymaking,” Professor Terrence Forrester, Chair of the ISC Fellowship Council, said in the announcement. “ISC Fellows hail from wide-ranging geographies, sectors, disciplines and career stages, and we look forward to working with them all in multiple capacities in the coming months and years."

In her research at Saint Mary’s, Kehoe explores settler colonialism and how religious minority migrants acquired and exercised colonial privilege in the north Atlantic world between 1750 and 1850. She also examines the complex links between Catholic colonialism in the Caribbean and what would become Atlantic Canada. Her most recent book is Empire and Emancipation: Scottish and Irish Catholics at the Atlantic Fringe (University of Toronto Press, 2022).

Kehoe has also held research fellowships at Trinity College Dublin, Durham University, Middle Tennessee State University, Yale University, and the University of Guelph. She is the Convenor of the Scottish Historical Review Trust and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. She is the board chairperson and academic lead of the Gorsebrook Research Institute for Atlantic Canada Studies.

Related links:

• Read the International Science Council’s announcement

• Learn more about Dr. Karly Kehoe’s research and advocacy work

• See Dr. Kehoe’s research bio.

Sobey School globally recognized for supporting UN initiative

The Sobey School of Business has been named PRME Champions for 2024-2025. This is the third time the school has been reaffirmed as one of the world’s leading business schools, supporting the United Nations initiative - Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). 

“Once again, we are proud to be recognized as PRME Champions,” says Interim Dean, Mark Raymond. “The recognition places the Sobey School in a select group of business schools across the globe who are committed to sustainability and to educating the business leaders of tomorrow to make a positive impact on the world.”

As PRME Champions, the Sobey School is integrating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across curriculum, research, and partnerships. Currently, the school’s research agenda is aligned to support the SDGs as faculty generate insights on issues such as corporate social responsibility, poverty-climate change nexus, social entrepreneurship, and the role of gender in venture capital funding. The research intensity associated with the SDGs is a strong point of distinction for the school. Nearly 50% of the faculty have contributed to the portfolio of research aligned with the SDGs with 65% of all research-active faculty engaged in SDG-related research.

The school has also adapted its curriculum to meet PRME objectives and in response to student demand. Professor Miguel Morales notes, “Over the past three years, we have strategically adapted the Bachelor of Commerce curriculum to embed sustainability as a core component. The renewed Program Learning Outcomes place a strong emphasis on sustainability, and in Winter 2024, we are introducing two dedicated sustainability courses. These core courses serve as pillars for developing a deep-rooted awareness of sustainable business practices early in students' academic journeys.” As a result, Sobey School students graduate with a distinct advantage; they are prepared for the new world of business, one that requires responsible leaders to rise to global challenges in new, integrated ways.

For the 2024-2025 PRME programme cycle, the Sobey School has committed to the refreshed Seven PRME Principles and, in keeping with the new principle on Practice to “adopt responsible and accountable management principles in our own governance and operations”, is championing the university’s completion of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Sobey is one of only four business schools from Canada to be considered a Champion of PRME. There are 46 other business schools from around the world to be named Champion. The Sobey School is the oldest and the most accredited business school in Atlantic Canada offering the largest portfolio of disciplines and programs graduate programs east of Quebec.  

Opt-out/Opt-in dates for SMUSA health plan

All students taking at least one academic credit are automatically billed and enrolled in the Extended Health and Dental plan.

New winter term and/or transfer students beginning their studies in January with alternative and comparable private extended health and dental coverage can apply to opt out.

International students are also automatically enrolled in the Basic Health Plan. Students must meet one of the three criteria to submit an opt-out for the Basic Plan (hold active MSI, visiting/exchange student with coverage from their home university, or a sponsored student).

 The opt-out applications are available on the Student VIP website until January 25, visit:  www.studentvip.ca/smusa

New students/transfer students can apply to opt-in their dependants during the winter opt-in period for an additional fee. Dependants are a spouse, common-law partner, and/or children.

The opt-in applications are available on the Student VIP website until January 25, visit: www.studentvip.ca/smusa

Questions? Healthplan.smusa@smu.ca

Career Week 2024

Join us for Career Week 2024, from February 5-9, 2024! Over these five days, you will have the opportunity to attend fun interactive sessions, network with employers, meet SMU alumni, prepare for graduation, participate in skill-developing workshops and more! This week is designed to teach you what's next for your job or future career at any point in your degree.

See the event descriptions below for registration details.

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Career Week 2024 Events

Careers in Corrections

Monday, February 5 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Loyola 188

Cancelled due to the weather-related campus closure.

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Summer Job & Career Fair

Tuesday, February 6 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Are you interested in learning about employment opportunities or finding a summer job?

The Summer Job & Career Fair provides students with an opportunity to connect with a diverse range of hiring employers to share their skills, ideas and talents. Students who are eager to put their skills to good use in new roles will get a chance to interact and learn about opportunities from employers in their desired fields.

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Grad Expo

Wednesday, February 7 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

2024 graduates can stop by the Grad Expo to learn about alumni benefits, grad photos, student loan repayment, convocation, resources for new graduates and more!

Register for the Grad Expo

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Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

Wednesday, February 7 | 3:30-5 p.m.
Loyola 290

Do you have questions about staying in Canada after graduation and how to prepare? Join us for an insightful panel discussion designed for international students preparing for graduation. Our expert panel of young alumni and industry experts including representatives from the International Centre and Office of the Registrar will share valuable insights and advice for a successful transition to your professional life after graduation.

Register for Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

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Drop-In Career Exploration for Arts Students

Thursday, February 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Arts Commons, McNally Main 214 

A "feel good" event for Arts students. Drop by the Arts Commons to find out more about the power of your Arts degree as you transition out of university and into a career. Explore whether grad school might be for you, learn tricks and tips on how Arts students can job hunt successfully, and do some inner exploration on your values, beliefs and goals. You have more options than you think!

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LinkedIn Photoshoot
Thursday, February 8 | 3-5 p.m.
Student Centre, 4th floor

Elevate your LinkedIn profile with a new professional photo! All students are invited to get a professional headshot taken by a photographer for free at the Career and Experiential Learning office on the 4th floor of the Student Centre between 3-5 p.m. Remember to dress in professional attire!

Sign up in advance to book your spot for the LinkedIn Photoshoot

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Bring Yourself to Work: Authenticity and Inclusivity in the Workforce

Thursday, February 8 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Unilever Lounge (Sobey 422)

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring recruiters, employers and industry professionals as they share invaluable insights on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) in the workforce. This event is tailored for students who are eager to understand the crucial role of EDIA in shaping thriving workplaces and building successful careers.

Register for Bring Yourself to Work: Authenticity and Inclusivity in the Workforce

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How to Apply for the Government

Friday, February 9 | 12-1 p.m.
Online event 

This virtual session will go over the application process for government jobs. If you're thinking about working for the Government of Canada, you don't want to miss this online event!

Register for How to Apply for the Government and receive an online link to the session by email.

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Job Search and Resume Support Webinar

Friday, February 9 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Online event

This virtual session will provide an overview of formatting, structure and best practices for building a resume and searching for work opportunities.

Register for the Job Search and Resume Support Webinar and receive an online link to the session by email.

Students compete to win $10,000 with innovative ideas

Innovation Cup winners Plastarch Packaging

Judges hear student pitches

Innovation Cup 2023 participants and judges

Team GalPal

Team CareETA

Team SeaCycle

The Innovation Cup, a 10-week experiential learning program, was launched at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre this fall. Thirty Saint Mary’s students from the faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science competed for a grand prize consisting of $10,000 to develop their start-up idea and a summer job opportunity. Through the weekly events, the participating students connected with industry experts to increase their business understanding, skills and network. 

After several elimination rounds, four teams made it to the semi-finals on December 8:

• GalPal, a safety-enhancing mobile application that empowers women to stay alert and stay safe;

• SeaCycle, a water filtration system designed to remove plastic waste, ranging from water bottles to microplastics, using a multistage gravity filter, while also providing automated water quality reports;

• CareETA, a comprehensive digital platform revolutionizing healthcare by providing real-time insights for waiting room well-being;

• Plastarch Packaging, a bioplastic alternative made from set-to-be-wasted root vegetables, solves the need for environmentally friendly cutlery and food packaging.

The semi-finals saw these teams give their best pitches to the panel of judges, who did not hold back with their questions and feedback. Following a 15–minute discussion, the judges decided that GalPal and Plastarch Packaging would move to the finals.

The finals, also on December 8, were energetic and both teams had improved pitches to present to the panel. With two unique and fascinating business ideas, the judges and the audience had a tough time choosing the winner.

Ultimately, the winner of the first Innovation Cup was Plastarch Packaging, with a team comprised of Madeline Bristol, Susan MacInnis and Mya MacDonald. The team had a compelling pitch, backed by the numbers and validation, paired with the team’s passion for developing sustainable solutions.

The Innovation Cup will be back next fall for all the young entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative business ideas!

VIDEO: A holiday message from our president

Learn more about Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

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It’s a good time of year to give. Please consider a gift supporting Saint Mary’s and our students.

Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

Queen-Esther Okundonor

Students, friends and staff celebrating together

Group photo with everyone who was at the launch event including Dr. Summerby-Murray, Professor Rohini Bannerjee and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Event attendees looking at the new vending machine

Queen-Esther with the QTress Beauty Supplies vending machine on campus

Queen-Esther Okundonor, a fourth-year Marketing and Finance student from Nigeria, has a passion for helping people. This passion led her to launch her new business, QTress Beauty Supplies, a vending machine located in the Loyola Academic Building on campus. QTress Beauty Supplies aims to provide convenient and easy access to hair and beauty care products for the diverse student body at Saint Mary’s University and Halifax at large. 

Before opening in October, Queen-Esther had spent three years thinking about starting her own beauty supply business after learning about other vending businesses. At first, she was hesitant to make business plans while balancing her schoolwork and tuition payments, but she decided to give it a try.

Although Queen-Esther faced some ups and downs throughout the journey of planning and envisioning her business idea, she did not give up on her project. Instead, she worked harder. She learned to pivot when things did not work out. To Queen-Esther, the whole process was worth it because she was able to meet many supporters and gain a community.

This fall, friends, students, staff and faculty, including Saint Mary’s President Robert Summerby-Murray, gathered at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and celebrated the launch of QTress Beauty Supplies. The new vending machine, which carries a variety of beauty and hair care products for different hair and skin types, is located on the first floor of the Loyola Academic Building.

The story of Queen-Esther’s entrepreneurship journey inspired many students, igniting a spark of motivation and encouraging them to chase their own dreams. “When you look your best, you feel your best, and this should not be only a luxury,” says Queen-Esther.

Watch a CTV News story about Queen-Esther Okundonor and QTress Beauty Supplies: Easy access to Black beauty supplies | CTV News

Alumnus brings local holiday tradition to life through 3D printing

Woody the Talking Christmas Tree (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV Atlantic)

It's that time of year again when the mall fills with holiday shoppers, dazzling lights and a magical talking tree from the North Pole. Woody, the talking Christmas tree, returned to the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth in 2021, after a 15-year hibernation. Woody has a fresh new look, and it's not just because he's been getting plenty of beauty sleep.

Mohammed Issa BComm’16

Mohammed Issa BComm'16, the founder of Eureka Technologies Inc., has restored life to Woody's face through 3D printing. Woody also owes his magical abilities to Eureka Technologies Inc., who designed and built all the mechanical elements that bring Woody to life.

Although Rome was not built in a day, Woody was constructed in just two weeks. The mall had initially contacted Eureka Technologies Inc. in March of 2021 to inquire if they could take on the Woody project but then decided to move forward at the end of October.

"Woody arrives at the mall the day before Remembrance Day and wakes up the day after (November 12). So, we only had two weeks to construct and assemble Woody," says Mohammed.

No stranger to challenges, he was confident that his team would deliver.

Mohammed was a mature student studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Saint Mary's. With three small children at the time, he enrolled in the business program to gain the knowledge required to start a completely different business venture he had in mind.

"I purchased my first 3D printer intending to create a prototype for my new business idea. However, I realized I could also generate extra income by providing 3D printing services using Kijiji." This led to the birth of Eureka Technologies Inc. in 2015. As a full-time student, Mohammed utilized his entrepreneurial spirit to support his family with his printer, which ultimately led to the success of his business today.

Today, Mohammed is passionate about growing the entrepreneur in others, and he does so by collaborating with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Together, they offer a robotics class where Eureka Technologies Inc. provides each student with 3D-printed robot kits. The students get to build and program their robots in this class.

"Learning entrepreneurship through this class is expanding the mindset of our students from diverse backgrounds across different faculties," says Mohammed.

Mohammed's dedication to Saint Mary's students and his entrepreneurial mindset is evident through his active participation in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The Saint Mary's University Alumni Association has recognized his exceptional work with Eureka Technologies Inc. and his unwavering support for young entrepreneurs by awarding him the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023.

"I plan to continue giving back to the community and supporting students the way that I was helped as a student," said Mohammed, expressing his gratitude for the recognition of his efforts.

To learn more about Eureka Technologies Inc., visit www.eurekatec.ca/about.

Check out Woody's Twitter account to join in on the magic!