Kevin Murphy, trailblazer in advocacy and inclusion, to receive honorary degree

Kevin Murphy BComm’92

Kevin Murphy BComm’92, a distinguished advocate for people with disabilities, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s University during the upcoming Spring Convocation. His significant contributions to public policy and community development have left a lasting impact.

Murphy describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” having ventured into diverse fields such as entertainment, publishing, advertising, restaurants, junior hockey, motor coach operations, and disability consulting. His time at Saint Mary’s University opened his eyes to a world of possibilities, inspiring him to become an advocate for accessibility improvements on campus, ensuring that the needs of students with disabilities were met.

Beyond business ventures, Murphy has held management positions with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Rick Hansen Foundation. His commitment extends to volunteer work, including executive board positions with organizations like the HRM Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Metro Transit Access-A-Bus Advisory Committee and Independent Living Nova Scotia. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of his dedicated community service.

Murphy’s impact reached new heights when he became the elected Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for Eastern Shore from 2013 to 2021. Serving eight consecutive years as the Speaker, he made history as the first Speaker in the Commonwealth to have a significant disability. His tenure was marked by a commitment to ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities were heard and represented in elected parliaments.

His gravitas, combined with a delightful sense of humour, allowed him to excel in his role. As the Senior Parliamentary Speaker in Canada, Murphy founded and served as the first Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Network in 2019. This network aims to support and inspire people with disabilities worldwide to seek elected office.

Advocacy on a Global Scale

Since 2022, Murphy has been the Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s Federal Minister responsible for persons with disabilities. His work spans critical files such as the Accessible Canada Act, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit and Medical Assistance in Dying. Through these roles, he amplifies the voices of persons with disabilities globally, advocating for policies that empower and uplift. Murphy’s commitment extends beyond political office—in 2003, he co-founded The James McGregor Stewart Society, a beacon of advocacy for public policy respecting people with disabilities. The society’s impactful work has touched countless lives, advocating for equal rights, accessibility, and inclusion.

Murphy will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, on Wednesday, May 15. See the convocation program for full details.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, commends Murphy’s work: “Kevin Murphy’s journey inspires us all. His leadership, advocacy and dedication to disability rights transcend borders, making our world more inclusive and compassionate.”

Currently, Murphy serves as the Federal Director of Disability and Inclusion, where he continues to champion positive change. His legacy reminds us that barriers can be overcome and that every voice matters.

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Distinguished diplomat Donica Pottie to receive honorary degree

Donica Pottie BA’85

Saint Mary’s University will proudly bestow an honorary degree upon Donica Pottie BA’85, a trailblazing diplomat and advocate for human rights, at Spring Convocation this May. Her remarkable journey from a Saint Mary’s graduate to a Canadian ambassador exemplifies resilience, dedication and global citizenship.

In 1985, Pottie became one of the first Asian Studies Honours graduates from Saint Mary’s University. As one of the early students in the Asian Studies program, she embarked on a journey to China in 1983, where her passion for international affairs and cultural exchange led her to explore new horizons.

Pottie’s career with External Affairs and International Trade Canada began in 1991. Her contributions spanned various critical roles, including:

• Director of Human Security Policy (2007–2010)

• Director of Development Policy and International Financial Institutions (2012–2013)

• Director of Peace Support Operations and Fragile States Policy (2013–2015)

• Director General of Consular Operations (2015–2016)

Overseas, she served as a diplomat in China, Jordan, Cambodia and Thailand, where her tenure as ambassador to these countries showcased her commitment to diplomacy, peacekeeping and human rights. Her advocacy extends beyond borders in her support of human security, women’s rights and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, which she has publicly defended in countries where these rights are restricted.

In 2021, Pottie managed the Canadian contribution to a US$1.6 million UNESCO education fund for Jordan, as well as helped to negotiate a $120 million Canadian Sovereign Loan for education in Jordan. Her commitment to educational investment aligns with Saint Mary’s values.

As a Saint Mary’s graduate, she embodies the theme of modern global citizenship highlighted in the university’s Strategic Research Plan (2021–2026). Her distinguished record of achievement is complemented by personal moral integrity, and her dedication to diplomacy and human rights is truly commendable. 

Pottie will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, on Friday, May 17. See the convocation program for full details.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, commends Ms. Pottie’s unwavering commitment. “Donica Pottie is very deserving of this honorary degree. Her exemplary service as a diplomat and advocate has made a lasting impact on the world, championing human rights and equality.”

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Larry Freeman, K.C. to be recognized with honorary degree for significant community involvement

Larry Freeman

Saint Mary’s University will confer an honorary degree upon Lawrence (Larry) Freeman, K.C., recognizing his exceptional contributions to the legal profession, community and public service. As a well-known Halifax lawyer, Freeman’s dedication has left an indelible mark on Nova Scotia.

Freeman’s commitment to community and public service spans decades. His tireless efforts have improved the lives of countless Nova Scotians. As a partner at Stewart McKelvey, Atlantic Canada’s first and largest regional law firm, Freeman has provided counsel to clients for over 40 years. His expertise in banking, financing, commercial lending and corporate law has made a significant impact.

Freeman has been deeply involved in the community and Canadian culture. His memberships in the Canadian Bar Association, the Community Leadership Advisory Council, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation demonstrate his commitment to well-being.

Notably, Larry joined the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors in 2008 and served as the board Chair from 2019-2022. His role provided invaluable insights into the university’s strengths, challenges and opportunities.

Freeman’s journey in higher education began at Dalhousie University, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce in 1970 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1973.

Freeman will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, on Friday, May 17. See the convocation program for full details.

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray said, “Larry Freeman’s passion for addressing issues of inequity, social justice, and building strong relationships has left an indelible mark. As we celebrate his achievements, we recognize the profound influence he has had on our students and Nova Scotia.”

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Sharon Rajaraman: a legacy of giving back

Sharon Rajaraman

Nine league championships. Five-time Atlantic Coach of the Year. CIS Coach of the Year. And a coveted bronze medal at the CIS Championships in 2003. The list of Sharon Rajaraman’s accomplishments and contributions to Atlantic Canadian field hockey and Saint Mary’s sports is long. But what that list doesn’t include are the countless lives touched.

For the last 32 years, Sharon has been a constant on the sidelines of the Huskies women’s field hockey team, dedicating her life to the support of young women athletes.

Katie Baker, retired Captain of the Canadian National Field Hockey team, who represented Canada at the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games, was one of these young women. In fact, Sharon had the foresight to recruit Katie as a standout high school student playing on grass in PEI.

“Sharon recognized my potential and through her leadership, worked with my strengths, built my confidence, and instilled values in me that I brought forward in my leadership of the Canadian team and international career,” says Katie. "She is absolutely tireless in her efforts to inspire young women to reach their full potential and has had a huge impact on my life.”

Sharon’s own field hockey journey began at Dalhousie, where she was a decorated Varsity women’s field hockey athlete, earning All-Star status at both AUAA and CIAU and being named team MVP. She also represented Nova Scotia at numerous National tournaments and was named to the Team Canada Women’s Field Hockey National squad in 1982 and 1983.

After graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Recreation Degree, Sharon was appointed as an assistant field hockey coach at Dalhousie before being recruited by Saint Mary’s in 1987. Her part-time position became full-time in 1992, and Sharon has been with the Huskies ever since.

She feels lucky to have had many mentors at Saint Mary’s over the years, including the very first woman coach ever hired by the University—Kathy Mullane—and also Soccer Coach Roy Clements and Athletic Director Larry Uteck.

“Sharon’s contribution to Saint Mary’s University and field hockey is exceptional,” says Kathy Mullane. “She has worked so hard to keep field hockey alive and is widely recognized as the reason that field hockey remains a sport at both the Atlantic (U Sports) and at national levels.”

In addition to her outstanding work ethic, Sharon has a unique coaching philosophy. “Anyone who’s ever played with me knows I don’t consider myself the main decision-maker. I’m one of the team,” she says, adding that each member of that team, even those that sit on the bench most of the season, are equally important. “And the only way we achieve success is to decide things together.”

Coach Sharon Rajaraman with the 1993-1994 Women’s Field Hockey team. Photo: SMU Huskies

At the beginning of each season, Sharon asks the players to write down a personal goal, as well as a team goal for the year ahead, and then share them aloud. “Everyone hears what each other’s goals are and we work together to achieve them.”

Called a master strategist with a keen technical mind, Sharon has always been a top-notch recruiter. Her teams often had the highest percentage of outstanding players meeting the requirements as Academic All-Canadians, and many of her players went on to play for Canada. These days, she works equally hard to encourage the women athletes who have been in the program to come back to the Atlantic region and stay involved in a coaching capacity at the university or high school level, keeping the line of mentorship alive.

Despite her enormous accomplishments, Sharon is a humble person who prefers to share the limelight. One of the people she credits with the success of the field hockey team is Thomas Kochanoff, SMU’s Strength and Conditioning Coach. “Thomas has worked with most of the female sports teams at Saint Mary’s and has gone above and beyond, helping several of the women’s teams in winning AUS Championships and also working individually with athletes from Saint Mary’s who have been selected for Canadian national teams.”

Over the years, Sharon’s achievements weren’t all on the field. She and her husband, Dr. Mal Rajaraman, a radiation oncologist, also raised three sons, all of whom went to Saint Mary’s, with two of the three playing soccer. She also had a critical role in successfully building a 16-team indoor league at the high school level in Nova Scotia and has coached at the national level, working with the Canadian team at the Indoor Masters World Cup in Hong Kong in 2019. In addition, she has extended her talents to Field Hockey Nova Scotia, acting as their President and the AUFH (Atlantic University Field Hockey) as their League Chair for many years.

After 32 years, Saint Mary’s has become a kind of second home to Sharon. She lives just a few blocks from the school, knows someone in every department, and each year recruits members of her team to volunteer their time at charity events such as the Run for the Cure and the annual Blue Butterfly fundraiser for thyroid cancer. Through her example, she has taught Saint Mary’s students the value of volunteering and the importance of giving back. This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport and the many women who have contributed to successful athletics programs at the university.

“Saint Mary’s has been very good to me over the years,” she says. “As long as I can, I will continue to give back.”

By Renée Hartleib

Saint Mary's Sexual Violence Advisor receives national award

Dee Dooley

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to acknowledge and celebrate Sexual Violence Advisor and part-time faculty member Dee Dooley, who was recently honoured as a recipient of the 2024 Courage to Act Awards in the area of Student Research.

A national project by Possibility Seeds, Courage to Act is a federally funded initiative to address and prevent gender-based violence on Canadian campuses. The Courage to Act Awards are designed to recognize exemplary work pertaining to gender-based violence.

Dee Dooley has made impressive strides in tackling gender-based violence in her capacity as Sexual Violence Advisor at Saint Mary’s since the role’s inception in 2021. In addition to contributing to the updated and expanded Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy and a full overhaul of the Sexual Violence Support Centre website, Dee has supported countless initiatives alongside the student-led Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) team, educating on bystander intervention, harm reduction, consent and healthy relationships.

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative at SMU is an important component of the Nova Scotia Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators, alongside peer educators across NS. Collectively, the NS Student Sexual Health and Safety Educators group received their own recognition by the 2024 Courage to Act Awards under the area of Student Initiative for their work as a student group advancing sexual and gender-based violence prevention.

Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) team at Saint Mary’s

“Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that too often resides within post-secondary campuses,” notes President Robert Summerby-Murray. “Saint Mary’s is committed to being part of the solution, and we are proud of the notable achievements on support, education and prevention we have taken in recent years, much of which is largely due to the initiatives of Dee and the SVPI team.”  

In addition to her capacities at Saint Mary’s, Dee Dooley is also a doctoral student at Ontario Tech where she is leading a research project called “SCORE - Sports: Changing our Role in Education.” The project has been devised based on research that is indicative of an increased risk of sexual violence in post-secondary athletics, which points to an absence of educational interventions in prevention and support. Through SCORE, Dee seeks to engage athletes at Saint Mary’s, St. Francis Xavier University and Acadia University to “support a community-centred approach to creating responsive sexual violence prevention education for post-secondary student-athletes.”

It is this research, and, as the Honourable Brian Wong, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Advanced Education noted, Dee’s “continued commitment and leadership […] shown in [her] work on the Post-Secondary Violence Prevention Committee”, that has garnered Dee the accolade of the 2024 Courage to Act Award.

Saint Mary’s University appoints new Dean of the Sobey School of Business

Dr. Michel Delorme

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michel Delorme to the position of Dean of the Sobey School of Business, effective July 1, 2024.

“Under Dr. Delorme’s leadership, the Sobey School of Business will build on its position as one of Canada’s most established and respected business schools and the business school of choice for students aspiring to lead with purpose,” said Saint Mary’s University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.   

Dr. Delorme brings more than 12 years of experience in leadership positions in business schools, nationally and internationally, and over 25 years of experience in higher education. He has extensive knowledge of accreditation processes, developing international partnerships and facilitating university teaching, research and leadership. Currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Management at Laurentian University, Dr. Delorme has also served as Director of Simmons University School of Business, USA (AACSB accredited); Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Burgundy School of Business, France (AACSB and EQUIS accredited); Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at ESDES, the Business School of the Catholic University of Lyon, France (AACSB accredited); and Vice Dean for Knowledge Development and Research at Rennes School of Business, France (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accredited). 

“This distinctive leadership position represents an excellent opportunity to help develop students’ potential, guide their personal and professional lives, and prepare them to become authentic and conscientious leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Delorme. “I am honoured to take up this position as Dean of the Sobey School, one of Canada’s most accredited and highly regarded business schools.” 

Dr. Delorme looks forward to getting to know the Saint Mary’s community and is impressed by the university's strong reputation, supportive student experience, excellent resources and quality of life in Halifax. He sees opportunities to contribute to the institution's growth, appreciates the support from the Sobey family and values the dynamism of the people at Saint Mary’s. 

The Sobey School of Business is one of Canada’s oldest, most respected and comprehensive business schools, with undergraduate, graduate and executive professional development programming.

Distinguished Delegation Award for Model UN group

SMU’s team represented The Bahamas at Model UN in NYC

SMU delegates at the National Model UN Conference

Saint Mary’s team received the Distinguished Delegation Award

Model UN team in the airport heading to New York

Team dinner at Benihana

Wesley Brouse had been to New York City twice before, but the third time was a charm, as a member of the Saint Mary’s University team at the National Model United Nations conference.

“Going to the UN General Assembly for the NMUN closing ceremony was truly a dream come true,” says Brouse, a finance major who will graduate with his Bachelor of Commerce degree in May. “Getting to sit in the same seats that UN ambassadors from all around the world sit in, surrounded by students from all over the world, felt surreal.”

Saint Mary’s delegation of 10 students represented The Bahamas in the annual UN simulation, coming home with a Distinguished Delegation Award, the equivalent of a silver medal. The team from Dr. Marc Doucet’s Model UN course included students in the Faculty of Arts and the Sobey School of Business, with five political science majors, two finance majors and students from the management and marketing programs.

“Few other delegations were as well prepared as our team was, and that was all thanks to Dr. Doucet,” says Brouse. “Although no one on our team had ever done Model UN before, he ensured we were all experts at it by the time we got to New York. We could not have won the award without him.”

Other highlights of the week in New York included a seminar about the various paths to UN employment and a team dinner at Benihana in Midtown Manhattan.   

“This year’s delegation should be very proud of their award,” says Dr. Doucet, a professor in the Department of Political Science. “Representing a small nation is always a challenge at NMUN. The Bahamas is known to ‘punch above its weight’ at the UN, but our delegates had to compete against larger delegations, with some having considerable past Model UN experience.” 

Brouse learned about the Model UN opportunity from a friend and jumped at the chance to be a part of it this year. With a keen interest in international politics and international law, he figured the Model UN course would be a great way to enhance his knowledge in these areas.

While at the NMUN conference, students from Saint Mary’s participated in a number of committees, simulating the work of the General Assembly’s First, Second and Third Committees, the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The topics they tackled ranged from the “Relationship between Disarmament and Development” to “Preventing Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” and “Environmental Sustainability in the Textile and Fashion Industries.”

The conference was attended by thousands of students from more than 175 universities and colleges worldwide. In the Distinguished Delegation category, only four other Canadian universities were recognized this year: the University of Ottawa and McGill, McEwan and Brock universities.

Ritu Kanungo selected as a Fellow of the Canadian Association of Physicists

Dr. Rituparna Kanungo

In recognition of her contributions to experimental subatomic physics and groundbreaking discoveries in rare isotopes and nuclear shells; leadership of international collaborations in Japan, Germany, and Canada's TRIUMF, and service to national and international organizations, Saint Mary’s University physicist Dr. Rituparna (Ritu) Kanungo has been named as a Fellow of the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP).

As a member of the 2024 cohort of this new program, Dr. Kanungo will join nine physicist peers in the previous cohort who have made significant contributions to the Canadian physics community. Launched in 2022, the CAP Fellows program’s inaugural fellowships were awarded to Canadian Nobel Laureates Dr. Art McDonald and Dr. Donna Strickland.

Successful Fellowship candidates demonstrate service to the CAP, including physics outreach. They must demonstrate that their body of work shows noteworthy contributions to research and development in Canada, as well as contributions to the professional practice of physics, applied and private sector physics. Educational activities or mentorship round out a successful nomination.

“I am deeply honoured with this national recognition from CAP, and I share that with my team of students, postdocs and collaborators,” says Dr. Kanungo. “This honour brings reward for the efforts of my team and an encouragement for the younger team members to see that the work we are doing is broadly valued. I hope that it brings institutional pride to the SMU community to have our researchers highly recognized at a national level. It also shows the internationally competitive reach for SMU students.”

A leader in nuclear physics, Dr. Kanungo’s research explores rare isotopes in nature to unveil the secrets in the core of visible matter in our universe.

“Accessing the short-lived rare isotopes in our labs is extremely challenging,” she explains. “Since only a few specialized accelerator facilities in the world have gained the capacity to produce them, accessing these facilities is highly competitive internationally and being able to lead experiments in them is truly a rewarding feat.”

Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President Research at Saint Mary’s University, expressed his pride at having a SMU physicist recognized with this Fellowship, given his own past connection to CAP.

“Having previously served as President of the Canadian Association of Physicists, I am delighted to see that CAP has developed their national Fellowship program to bring public attention to the important contribution that physicists are making to science overall, and Canadian society specifically,” said Dr. Sarty. “Dr. Kanungo’s contributions to basic nuclear science and her leadership in the Canadian physics research community are truly significant. I am very proud that Dr. Kanungo received this honour and is joining a highly distinguished group of Canadian physicists.”

Along with her own research, Dr. Kanungo’s students benefit from access to accelerator facilities. The projects she leads as the principal investigator (PI) give students exposure, access and scientific scope at the international front line, leading to thesis projects for graduate and undergraduate honours students. At the TRIUMF research facility in British Columbia, Dr. Kanungo’s students have extensive hands-on access to her beamline IRIS facility. 

“I am very thankful to my international peers for the high value they have placed on my research activities,” says Dr. Kanungo. “Even more gratifying is to be able to open this access to the students and postdocs, providing work conditions and opportunities that only very few in the world can experience.”

Dr. Kanungo has led international collaborations in Japan, Germany, and Canada's TRIUMF. In recent years, she was named an American Physical Society (APS) Fellow and received the CAP-TRIUMF Vogt medal. She has given 93 invited talks globally and authored over 100 publications.

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About the Canadian Association of Physicists

The Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) is the voice of Canadian physics. The CAP is dedicated to highlighting achievements in Canadian physics and pursuing scientific, educational, public policy and communication initiatives that enhance the vitality of physics and physicists in Canada. The CAP represents more than 1,700 physicists working in academia, government and industry. It was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1945.

Loyola integrated solar installation wins Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering

Loyola Residence tower

Saint Mary’s University’s solar installation on the Loyola Residence tower has won this year’s Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering. It is a fitting tribute to SMU and Dillon Consulting, who, with this project, transformed this 22-storey student residence into the tallest integrated solar exterior in North America.

“This project demonstrates the tangible contribution of Canadian engineers towards solving the global challenge of climate change,” says Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor. “When the opportunity came along, the team at SMU and Dillon Consulting did not hesitate to try something new, something truly innovative. We sincerely hope this is just the first of many similar integrated photovoltaic installations.” 

The project, which began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, involved replacing the worn south-facing exterior wall with new building-integrated photovoltaic cells (BIPVs). Instead of attaching solar panels, the building surface itself generates electricity when in direct contact with sunlight. The project was carried out by DSRA Architects, Dillon Consulting, BMR Structural Engineering, EllisDon, Grey Cardinal Management Inc., Able Electric and Markland. 

“Through the seamless combination of photovoltaic cladding, we redefine not just the skyline in Halifax but also the standards of professional engineering,” said Benjamin Doucet, P.Eng., Project Manager, Dillon Consulting Limited. “This project not only uplifts the image of our profession but firmly establishes Nova Scotia as a leader in adopting out-of-the-box engineering solutions. It encapsulates our commitment to excellence, economic sustainability and the bright future of green technology. Together, we're not just building structures; we're engineering a brighter, sustainable future.” 

The $6-million retrofit project will provide approximately 100,000 kWh of clean energy to the campus annually, including 50 percent of the energy required by the Loyola building, lowering its carbon footprint.

Senior Director of Facilities Management Dennis Gillis said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to make an impact on the environment, to push the envelope and to show people that it is ok to do things a little differently—we must do things differently when it comes to the environment. We are hoping the recognition from this award will further encourage others to take similar steps to help in the area of climate change.” 

A ceremony will be held at the Government House in May 2024. The Honourable Arthur K. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, will present the award to representatives of Saint Mary’s University and Dillon Consulting Ltd.

New data challenge early JWST claims about the age of the universe

A year ago, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) sent shockwaves through the astronomical community with reports of unexpectedly massive and ancient galaxies in the distant universe. The existence of such massive galaxies so soon after the Big Bang suggested that the universe could be much older than the 13.8 billion years the astronomers had come to accept.

Dr. Guillaume Desprez

Now, a new study led by Saint Mary’s researcher Dr. Guillaume Desprez and his team offers a groundbreaking reassessment. “The early results from JWST were a shock,” says Dr. Desprez. “Some astronomers suggested that textbooks would have to be rewritten. So, we decided to take a closer look.”

Early JWST observations of the early universe pointed to galaxies so ancient and massive they seemed implausible within the universe's established 13.8 billion-year timeline. These claims, initially presented in a preprint and later in a Nature publication in February 2023, prompted a reevaluation of our cosmic history.

Desprez's team, harnessing recent, detailed JWST data from the CANUCS (Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey) project, embarked on a meticulous analysis of these claims.

Using their new CANUCS data, the researchers searched for galaxies similar to those in the initial study and located at a similar distance, about 13 billion light years away. “We selected galaxies akin to the five in the original study and analyzed them in very similar ways. Our 20 candidates, however, proved neither massive nor old,” explains Dr. Desprez.

Dr. Marcin Sawicki

The research revealed these galaxies as young, not ancient relics. “The light from these galaxies took 13 billion years to reach us, offering a glimpse when the universe was just 5 percent of its current age,” explains Dr. Marcin Sawicki, also of Saint Mary’s University and key co-author of the study.

“They give us a view of what the cosmos was like in its early stages, but, contrary to the early claims, we found no massive, old galaxies there. If such galaxies did exist in the distant past, they must have been much less common than the early JWST results suggested,” elaborates Desprez. 

The team used new JWST data from the CANUCS program, which has observed many more areas of the sky than was used in the original study published in Nature in 2023. “This is important because by observing multiple areas in the sky, we get a much better, more accurate idea of what is typical and what is not in the early universe,” says team member Dr. Adam Muzzin of York University in Toronto, Canada, and a key co-author of the study.

This discovery solidifies the current understanding of the universe's age. “The universe's age stands firm at 13.8 billion years old. No need to rewrite our astronomy textbooks yet,” comments Desprez. The team’s findings, though not outright disproving the initial study, suggest that even if a few ancient galaxies existed in the distant universe, such old monsters must be exceptionally rare. “Even if one or two of the original study's galaxies in the end turn out to be massive or old, such extreme objects appear extremely rare—far less common than was first concluded with early JWST data,” elaborates Dr. Nick Martis, a lead co-author of the study, now at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia.

These findings, recently accepted for publication in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS), significantly advance our understanding of the early universe's composition and evolution. CANUCS is one of the two main programs through which the Canadian Webb science team is using 450 hours of guaranteed observing time and is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Canadian Space Agency.

Read more: ΛCDM not dead yet: massive high-z Balmer break galaxies are less common than previously reported

Canada's brightest student entrepreneurs shine at The Arena

The Arena 2024 Pitch Competition concluded after a thrilling 40-day battle, crowning Keeley McCormick as the champion with a prize of $10,000. Keeley, a University of Victoria Engineering and Computer Science student, impressed the judges with her innovative venture, Revyn Medical Technologies Inc. The company redesigned a vaginal speculum that prioritizes patient comfort and sustainability. 

Revyn Medical Technologies: a patient-centered solution

Founded by Keeley and a dedicated team from the University of Victoria, Revyn tackles the discomfort associated with traditional speculums. Through surveys of over 600 patients, they identified a significant number experiencing anxiety and even avoiding examinations due to speculum use. Their redesigned speculum aims to alleviate this issue while remaining effective for practitioners.

This win propels Revyn forward, allowing them to develop prototypes utilizing biocompatible materials and minimizing patient discomfort.

A fierce finale and generous supporters

Miswar Syed from the University of Waterloo won second place at The Arena with his business, Swish, which creates transparent screens that retrofit existing solar panels and can remove dust using nanotechnology. Swish allows solar panels to be cleaned multiple times a day and increases the efficiency of capturing energy, which could be especially beneficial in deserts where dust is a significant concern.

The final pitch battle between Keeley and Miswar presented a tough decision for the distinguished judges, which included Saint Mary’s alumni Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, April Howe EMBA'18, Mandhir Singh MBA'14, James “JC” Curleigh BComm’89 DComm'22 and Alexandra McCann.

Special recognition goes to Shannon's company, Metronomics, for sponsoring the competition and providing each finalist with a $10,000 award. Pat Whalen, Founder and CEO of Extension Marketing, also provided marketing support to the finalists valued at $5,000.

“Thank you to all participants for showcasing their brilliant ideas,” says Michael Sanderson, the Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “A special appreciation to the sponsors and judges whose essential contributions ensure the success of this pitch event.”

A national celebration of innovation

The Arena 2024 was not just about one winner. It was a nationwide showcase of student entrepreneurial talent, featuring 64 students from 29 universities, coast to coast. Seven contestants from Saint Mary's University battled with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada and showcased their businesses, including Maddie Bristol (Plastarch), Storme McNeil (Smile Vodka Water), Queen-Esther Okundonor (QTress Beauty Supplies), Jayrell Diggs (SudDrop Laundry Services), Aneesa Hussain (Plane Platter), Alexia Bourgeois (Gal Pal) and Yomna Ibrahim (Sociable). Their entrepreneurial spirit was contagious, inspiring many other students who watched the competition unfold.  This outpouring of interest showed that Saint Mary's fosters a vibrant environment where anyone with a dream can take flight.

To learn more about The Arena 2024, visit the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre website or watch the competition on Facebook.

The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opens with inspiring SPHERE event

On March 22, The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opened inside the Loyola Academic building with a unique celebration which unveiled artistic displays and performances by Saint Mary’s students.

Named in honour of esteemed alumnus, the late Albert Isaacs DipENG'55 and his wife Anne, whose generosity brought it to fruition, the Isaacs Commons is a space that inspires great possibility. For events, gatherings and sharing in community, this space allows curious minds to connect, engage and explore.

The opening of the Isaacs Commons also served to host the space’s inaugural event: SPHERE. Developed by Residence Life, SPHERE is a celebration of unity, designed to bring the SMU community together through an artistic showcase of culture and community. The first of its kind at Saint Mary’s, SPHERE is a platform for students to share their talents and passions and celebrate their peers. The showcase included artwork, cultural creations, musical performances and more. With more than 180 in attendance, including students, faculty and staff, the Isaacs Commons was abuzz with inspiration and possibility.

The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons

Welcoming the SMU Community to the SPHERE event

Student artwork on display

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray welcome community members to the grand opening of the Isaacs Commons

SMUSA President Shiray Tan welcomes the crowd

The Isaacs Commons overlooks the Huskies field

Textile artwork on display

Student musicians performing at SPHERE