Research Award winners enjoy paid summer internships across campus

Undergraduate students are conducting research with faculty members again this summer, thanks to funding from federal grants, generous donors and Saint Mary’s.

The halls and classrooms at Saint Mary’s are a little quieter after the end of the winter term and the excitement of convocation, but students keen to engage in research activities are creating a buzz on campus.

Every summer, a group of students are chosen to receive undergraduate student research awards. These awards allow students to conduct research and scholarly projects with professors in their fields. These paid internships allow students to learn valuable skills that will serve them well in upper-level courses and eventually in their own honours or graduate-level research.

Many of these award positions are funded by federal government agencies, including the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Others are offered thanks to generous donors, grants, and funding from Saint Mary’s. In most cases, awards are made possible through contributions from professors’ research grants. Those who receive awards are provided funding to undertake 12 to 16 weeks of full-time work between May and August.

A new category of award was introduced for full-time students in the Faculty of Science for summer 2024 to include a wider array of students. Designed for student-professor teams who propose a research project together, the Dean of Science Access to Research Awards focus on the proposed research project; the student's GPA is not a selection criteria as long as the student is in good academic standing. These awards are jointly funded by the Dean of Science Office and various faculty grants.

These summer research award programs are a great opportunity for our students. However, there are many other opportunities for students to work alongside professors. With research taking place year-round in labs and in the field, students are encouraged to connect with professors to discuss additional opportunities!

Benefits

“Summer research placements give students a chance to experience research work that complements their academic studies,” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research. “This program of Research Awards provides our most engaged and talented students with experiences that not only raise their connection to their studies but also greatly enhance their road to success post-graduation in either the job market or in pursuit of graduate studies. A good number of professors start their academic journey through these kinds of undergraduate research experiences.”

Selecting student researchers

For most positions, students earn their positions based on their academic record, breadth of experience and background, and their application letter—they can apply after their first year of full-time study. If chosen, they are matched with a professor whose work is a fit for their desired research. The Dean of Science Access to Research Award winners are selected based on the prospective value of the experience to both the student and supervisor.

Previous wins aren’t considered in the selection process; however, students with top academic records can earn positions in multiple years. Many Saint Mary’s students have gone on to pursue graduate studies, thanks in part to the experience gained during their summer work on campus.

Learn about this year’s student researchers

Learn about student research opportunities at Saint Mary’s.

Taylor Adams

• Fourth year, Honours Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir

• Research: Conducting research on Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) evolution by sexual selection. I will be constructing a pedigree to link reproductive success of lineages with different morphological and behavioural characteristics.

Molly Carruthers 

• Fourth year, Psychology

• Supervisor: Meg Ternes

• Research: I will be working with Meg on research relating to deception detection

Sarah Chiasson

• Third year, Environmental Science

• Supervisor: Dr. Colleen Barber

• Research: This summer I’ll be studying European Starlings with Dr. Colleen Barber’s lab, studying the birds’ behaviour, including mate choices and parental investment. To do so, we survey the European Starling population on campus, tracking the individuals through their life cycle.

Claire Cullinan

• Third year, Biology with a certificate in forensic science

• Supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau

• Research: I will be doing biochemistry research on the development of diagnostic sensors for healthcare applications. I will be using plasmonic metal nanoparticles to develop nanoparticle-based sensors.

Noha Jereen Hoque

• Fourth year, Honours Physics

• Supervisor: Vincent Hénault-Brunet

• Research: Our research group aims to explore the content, formation, and evolution of black holes in globular star clusters, which are spherical, tightly bound clusters of tens of thousands to millions of old stars around the Milky Way. We need to understand how black holes form, stay and change within these clusters to explore our universe at very large distances.

Abby Jolly

• Third year, Social Justice and Community Studies

• Supervisor: Dr. Val Marie Johnson 

• Research: This summer I will be partnering with the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia, doing research on access to healthcare for seasonal agricultural workers in Nova Scotia. 

Alicia MacDonald 

• Third year, Psychology 

• Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad

• Research: We will be doing a pilot study on a measure of reading comprehension in grades three and four children. We will also be writing a paper on orthographic knowledge and spelling outcomes.

Mimi MacNeily BSc’24

• Major: Psychology 

• Supervisor’s name: Dr. Tiffany Vu

• Research: Assisting in the development and testing of theories grounded in marketing, psychology, and behavioural economics pertaining to charitable giving, sustainability, and consumer well-being. 

Jillian Marks

• Second year, Engineering

• Supervisor: Dr. Jane Ferguson

• Research: Using innovative methods to measure key properties of molten salt mixtures for the development of clean energy sources.

Tehya Mohammed

• Second year, Chemistry and Physics

• Supervisor: Dr. Robert Singer

• Research: We are optimizing the N‑Demethylation process of alkaloids to make it greener. This is an important step in the synthesis of compounds like naltrexone and naloxone. 

Katherine Myers BSc’24

• Major: Honours Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Dr. Marcin Sawicki

• Research: Studying star formation and substructure trends in distance galaxy mergers using data from the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Keegan Riggs

• Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Dr. Luigi Gallo

• Research: Using data from an x-ray space telescope to analyze blackholes

Madhur Sharma

• First Year, Computing Science and Business Administration

• Supervisor: Dr. Ethan Pancer

• Research: Marketing and AI. We will be analysing the speed of spread and work closely with how virality works to understand the algorithm of different socials.

Daniel Wilson

• Third year, Biology and Geography

• Supervisor: Dr. Erin Cameron

• Research: I'm working on mapping in ArcGIS related to Indigenous knowledge of berry crops in the Northwest Territories and the spread of invasive earthworms in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. In addition, there's also fieldwork sampling invasive earthworms in North Alberta with the goal of identifying species and determining their rate of spread.

Clara Wrightman-Dillon

• Second year, Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Marcin Sawicki

• Research: I will be analyzing photos from the JWST of the Sparkler Galaxy.

Katherine (Katie) Zinck

• Third year, Chemistry

• Supervisor: Dr. Danielle Tokarz

• Research: I will be using polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy and birefringence to investigate the degradation of otoconia (inner ear crystals that maintain balance) and the structure of teeth.

Megan Barkhouse

• Second year, Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Anne Dalziel

• Research: I will be involved in the collection, care, and research of stickleback and killifish.

Sydney Blackmore

• Third year, Astrophysics 

• Supervisor: Dr. Greg Christian 

• Research: As per the description found on the SMU research opportunities webpage: the “… project will consist of analysis of recoil singles data from an experiment measuring the 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg reaction. This reaction is important as a neutron source for the slow neutron capture process, which creates around half of the elements heavier than hydrogen." 

Rachel Crawford

• Fifth year, Biology & Psychology double major, with a certificate in Health, Wellness, and Sport in Society.

• Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad.

• Research: I'll be working with Dr. Conrad to study the effects of orthographic knowledge on reading comprehension in children and to pilot reading comprehension testing materials with elementary school-age students.

Maria Dereje

• Second year, Criminology

• Supervisor: Dr. Veronica Stinson

• Research: A variety of projects and developing research skills

Rebecca ElChater

• Fourth year, Double major in Biology and Psychology, with an Honours in Chemical Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Clarissa Sit

• Research: I will be studying Fictibacillus enclensis, which is a bacteria that can promote plant growth and act as a natural fertilizer. I will perform extractions and sample analyses to determine its mechanism of action on plants.

Yacklin Huang

• First year, undetermined major.

• Supervisor: Dr. Mengjun Hu

• Research: Discuss Data Analytics topics with supervisor weekly; read classic textbooks of relevant directions to gain important insights.

Zéa Jones

• Fourth year, Anthropology and Religious Studies

• Supervisor: Dr. Sveva Savelli

• Research: Reviewing field notes and aiding in excavations at Incoronata greca, in Italy. 

Zoe MacDonald

• Third year, Psychology 

• Supervisor: Dr. Jim Cameron 

• Research: Very broadly- exploring the psychology of astronomy, as in feelings of awe (often induced via astronomical events) and how it can increase social cohesion/global citizenship identification and prosocial behaviour, as well as more general attitudes and beliefs surrounding astronomy, life in the universe, etc. 

• Baxter Madore

• Fourth year, Honours Computer Science

• Supervisor: Dr. Stavros Konstantinidis

• Research: I am currently modernizing and adding features to the I-LaSer formal language web server at SMU.

 Lindsey McNamara

• Fourth year, Honours Mathematics

• Supervisor: Dr. Mitja Mastnak

• Research: I will be studying the simultaneous triangularization of collections of matrices and further topics in linear algebra/abstract algebra.

Janine Mombourquette

• Fourth year, Honours Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir

• Research: Conducting research with Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes).

Lucy Pothier-Bogoslowski

• Fourth year, Honours Astrophysics

• Supervisor: Dr. Luigi Gallo

• Research: I am working on observational high energy astrophysics with X-ray data taken of active galactic nuclei. This work probes the extreme regions around supermassive black holes.

Sarina Scoville

• Fourth year, Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. David Chiasson

• Research: My research project will encompass molecular and synthetic biology, as well as microbiology. Under the supervision and support of Dr. Chiasson, my research will focus on the identification of genes related to nitrogen-fixation and the symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and legumes. 

Connor Smith

• Third year, Chemistry

• Supervisor: Jane Ferguson

• Research: My research this summer is to help design and start construction of an Archimedean density apparatus to measure the density of molten salt systems.

Kaveh Wornell

• Third year,  Biology

• Supervisor: Dr. Laura Weir

• Research: This project will explore the metabolic costs of courtship behaviour in Japanese medaka. In this species, males perform a characteristic courtship 'dance' to attract females and advertise their fertility. Furthermore, the degree to which fin size may increase or decrease the metabolic demands of the behaviour is not known. This work will entail a physiological study to assess the difference between the metabolic rate of males at rest and while they are performing the courtship behaviour.

RBC Talent Hub at Saint Mary’s hosts virtual series on immigrant entrepreneurs

Omena Babalola MBA’92

This summer, the RBC Talent Hub is offering a virtual series highlighting the experiences of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada.

This informative series, led by distinguished professional and Alumni-In-Residence Omena Babalola MBA’92, promises valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in Canada's diverse business landscape.

Located within the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the RBC Talent Hub is a cornerstone for student success and fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Through co-operative placements, targeted training programs and mentorship opportunities with leading Canadian professionals, the Hub equips students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the job market.

Omena Babalola possesses a wealth of expertise in diverse areas such as management, accounting, finance, risk management, audit and information technology. For the past eighteen years, she has lent her auditing expertise to Manitoba Hydro, specializing in information technology, contracts, and operational engagements.

Upcoming events include:

• July 8: Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Driving Innovation and Growth in Canada

• July 22: Resilience and Resourcefulness: Traits of Successful Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Canada

• August 19: The Impact of Diversity: How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Enrich Canada's Business Landscape

Saint Mary’s hosts annual celebration of history and heritage

Art of Unconventional Warfare

Awards ceremony

Bite of History

Blackberrys Crumble

Butterbox Babies

Canadarm

Fine...I'll Move

Group of Hertiage Fair students at Saint Mary's

LEGO Louisbourg

Louisbourg

My Family's History

The Royal Canadian Navy

Francis Pegahmagabow

Students at the podcasting workshop

Scottish dancing

Tales from the past

Tracing My Roots

Walter Gretzky

Whale Watching

From “Blackberry’s Crumble” to a LEGO version of the Fortress of Louisbourg, history and culture were on display as Saint Mary’s University hosted the 2024 Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair.    

The June 6 and 7 event featured projects by 59 students who were selected at school and regional fairs across the province. The learning opportunity is designed for students in Grades 4 through 9, encouraging them to explore Canadian culture, history and heritage while gaining research and public presentation skills.

This year’s participants – some in costume – shared their knowledge on everything from Viola Desmond to “Canada’s greatest hockey dad,” Walter Gretzky. One student shared beautiful sketches of African Nova Scotian settlements, while others recreated historic church steeples and even a stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway.

“The Heritage Fair puts the spotlight on budding young researchers from across the province,” said the event’s organizer, Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts. “It’s an annual highlight here at Saint Mary’s, where the students have a chance to hone their presentation skills while connecting with the expertise of our Arts faculty and heritage partners.”

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day operations in the Second World War, the event had half a dozen projects on military history topics. Pride in family heritage was also front and centre, with several students tracing their family roots.

The History of the North Bay Fisherman’s Co-op

Decorated with fishing nets, photos and lobster dip, a project from Antigonish indicated that history is still being made, with a placard noting, “There is a first for everything: My mom is the first female member of the North Bay Fisherman’s Co-op. She is also the first female captain of a boat where she fishes out of.”      

The student delegates and their parent chaperones arrived June 6 to set up their displays, get acquainted at a banquet, and settle into their residence rooms. On both days, the students attended podcasting and geocaching workshops, plus astronomy sessions in the Burke-Gaffney Observatory.

The Heritage Fair projects were open for public viewing on June 7, followed by an awards ceremony, both in the in the McNally Theatre Auditorium. The awards recognized student research in such areas as Indigenous and African-Canadian heritage, environmental history, equity and justice, immigration studies, sport history, and the history of science and technology. The judging panel included professionals who are active in the fields of culture, history and heritage: professors, archivists, librarians, museum curators, museum interpreters and more.

Saint Mary's University appoints new Dean of Science

Dr. Sam Veres

Saint Mary's University is delighted to announce that Dr. Sam Veres has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Science, effective July 1, 2024.  

“Dr. Veres brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this pivotal role, and he will continue to build upon the exciting ventures already underway in the Faculty of Science,” says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “His thoughtful leadership will ensure the continuing growth and success of the Faculty of Science, known for its research and teaching excellence.”   

Having joined Saint Mary’s in 2013 as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Engineering, Dr. Veres has since served as Graduate Program Coordinator for the MSc and PhD in Applied Science programs. In 2019, he assumed the role of Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Supports, and most recently he stepped into the interim Dean of Science role in 2023.   

“The Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s is an exceptional place—a place filled with exceptional people who are extremely dedicated to delivering the best scientific education available while undertaking impactful, internationally recognized, and locally connected research,” says Dr. Sam Veres, Dean of Science. “I am very excited about what lies ahead—about enabling more students to experience Science and Engineering education at SMU and supporting faculty and staff to see their ambitions become reality. We have a tremendous pipeline of new initiatives—it’s really a very exciting time for the Faculty of Science.”   

Originally from East Dover, Nova Scotia, Dr. Veres has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University and a PhD in Chemical & Materials Engineering from the University of Auckland, followed by a Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship in the School of Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie University.   

In his research, Dr. Veres investigates structure-function relationships in load-bearing connective tissues like tendons and intervertebral discs, integrating concepts from engineering, chemistry, biology, physics and medicine. His research has provided fundamental insights into healthy tissue performance, as well as tissue development, aging, mechanical damage and disease.

Dr. Veres’ research contributions have been recognized globally. He has received the ISSLS Prize for Lumbar Spine Research three times—one of the top international accolades in spinal research, which is presented annually by the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS). His research has been supported by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Research Nova Scotia. 

As Dean of Science, Dr. Veres will champion excellence in teaching, learning and research, fostering growth through the development of new programs, facilities and initiatives. 

Commerce student wins Excellence Award for PRME North America Student Leadership

Adrianna Timmons, center, accepts her PRME award

Adrianna Timmons, a dedicated third-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Sobey School of Business, has been honoured with the Excellence Award for PRME North America Student Leadership. This prestigious award is presented to a remarkable student leader who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing the principles of sustainability and responsible business practices, both on their campus and in the broader community.

Her deep-seated involvement with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is at the heart of Adrianna's commendable achievements. This initiative, a pivotal program under the United Nations Global Compact, champions the cause of sustainability and responsible management education.

Adrianna formed the Sustainable Business Society at Saint Mary’s

As one of two Regional Leaders for North America, Adrianna plays a crucial role in expanding the network of students focused on sustainable development. Her responsibilities encompass working with student organizations, identifying new ones to enhance the network and attending global meetings to refine and advance the initiatives of PRME Global Students. As a representative of PRME, Adrianna actively engages with and speaks at events focused on sustainability, responsibility, and development, furthering the mission of creating a sustainable global economy.

Adrianna was inspired to bring sustainability initiatives to more students at Saint Mary's after attending a PRME Student Leadership Global Forum in New York. Her participation in the forum was funded through the Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust, established through the generosity of Bill Linton BComm’75 DComm’22 and his wife Marilynne Day-Linton. Accelerating a wide range of initiatives for students, faculty and staff, the Linton Family Trust provides critical support to expand and elevate the Sobey School’s leadership in educating the next generation of business leaders committed to sustainable business.  

Adrianna said of her trip to the PRME Global Forum in New York, "Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the forum, where I spoke with students who had successfully started sustainability societies at their schools. This gave me the courage to start the sustainability society here at Saint Mary's."  

In the Fall of 2023, Adrianna launched the Saint Mary’s University Sustainable Business Society, uniting like-minded students from the Commerce Faculty focusing on sustainability. As its founding President, she rapidly expanded the group to over 80 members in its first year. The society aims to spotlight local, sustainable businesses and entrepreneurial efforts, enhancing student engagement with Halifax's business community and fostering real-world sustainability application and networking opportunities. A notable achievement under her leadership was the organization of a "Careers in a Clean Economy" panel, drawing insights from industry leaders on sustainable business careers to 50 attendees. The Society also initiated The Halifax Green Map project, highlighting ethical, sustainable local businesses and promoting responsible business practices.

In addition to her academic and PRME commitments, Adrianna has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial initiative and social responsibility through her endeavours outside of the university. Her creation of Accessories for Access exemplifies how she seamlessly integrates her passion for sustainable development with entrepreneurship. This venture is not just a business; it's a mission-driven effort to make a tangible difference in girls' lives in sub-Saharan Africa by funding their education and leadership opportunities.

Adrianna's blend of global perspective and local action truly sets her apart as a leader who envisions a better world and actively works towards creating it.

National Indigenous History Month 2024

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Saint Mary’s University acknowledges its location in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. The Mi’kmaq flag flies proudly on the University’s campus.

Visit the online Indigenous Community hub to see news, events and resources.

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Meet the new Indigenous Student Advisor 

Kylar Johnson, a recent graduate of the Sobey School of Business, has returned to SMU and recently assumed the Indigenous Student Advisor role in Student Affairs and Services.

Kylar is from the Mi’kmaw community of Potlotek First Nation in Unama’ki and credits his time working with the Red Road project in his hometown for helping him become more in touch with his culture and broadening his knowledge. He furthered his experience volunteering at the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre, gaining new insight into Inuit culture.

“SMU has a vibrant Indigenous community and I look forward to fully immersing in this journey with students and amplifying their narratives within the context of the institution.”

Learn more about Kylar and his role, and follow @smu_studentlife for updates from Kylar throughout the month of June.

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Creation-Centred Design: A Pathway for Problem Solvers

Friday, June 14, 2024
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Discovery Zone

Join Akwekon for a hands-on workshop on Creation-Centred Design, a transformative approach that harmonizes innovation with Indigenous wisdom and perspectives. This workshop, led by Michael Maracle-Polak and Keisha Turner BA’12, will immerse you in a methodology that respects and incorporates traditional knowledge into modern design and problem-solving processes.

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Reading collection

The Patrick Power Library is featuring a collection of library resources for National Indigenous History Month, on display on the ground floor of the library. Book recommendations will be shared online throughout the month on our social channels (@smuhfxlibrary). All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card, or accessed online using your SMU email and password.  

Browse the full National Indigenous History Month collection online.

Also, check out the library’s Indigenous Studies guide, with more book recommendations, suggested journals, databases, government information, and other resources.

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Learn about the weekly themes of National Indigenous History Month 2024:

• Environment, traditional knowledge and territory

• Children and youth

• Languages, cultures and arts

• Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people

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Call for participants: First Nations athletes' transitions to university sport and everyday life

Call for Research Participants for a study on First Nations athletes' transitions to university sport and everyday life. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health is seeking participants ages 18+ to complete a 20-30 minute survey by July 5.
Learn more and complete the survey. 

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Related content

• Indigenous community at SMU

• Saint Mary's community gathers for Campus Reflection Walk

• Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month at Saint Mary's

• Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Pride Season 2024 at Saint Mary's

Pride Season at Saint Mary’s is celebrated throughout June and July, recognizing Pride Month in June and the Halifax Pride festival in July. The pride flag will be flown on campus throughout June.

Pride is an acknowledgement of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, all other gender identities such as asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous). It spotlights the resilience, celebrates the talent and recognizes the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Learn more about Pride Season and its origins in Canada and visit our online 2SLGBTQIA+ hub for resources at Saint Mary’s.

Join us this Pride Season in supporting and uplifting members of our #SMUcommunity!

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Paint Your Pride!

Tuesday, June 18
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Quad outside the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services in the Quad to Paint Your Pride with chalk, play fun lawn games and enjoy snacks to celebrate Pride Month alongside your peers, staff and faculty!

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Pride-Themed Movie Night

Wednesday, June 26
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Atrium 101

The Student Success Centre is hosting a Pride-themed Movie Night! Celebrate Pride with the Peer Success Coaches and a classic movie. We’ve got a few great movie choices, and you can cast your vote when you register. Blankets will be provided. Bring a friend!

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SMU in the Halifax Pride Parade

The entire SMU Community is invited to join SMU Alumni and SMUSA in the Halifax Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20 at 12 p.m. The group will walk the parade route and celebrate our Husky Pride!

Sign up here

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SMUSA Pride Centre

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located in the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre, SC 106

The Pride Centre offers a safe space for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. SMUSA strives to create more events and resources for students within this community on campus and wants to create a welcoming and accepting environment for all. If you are looking for a hang-out spot or place to study, check out our pride centre!

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Mental health support for queer and trans students

Students who are part of the queer and trans community may have unique experiences that impact their mental health. Sometimes, it can be easier to speak with someone who has similar experiences—enter our newest therapist in the Counselling Centre, Derek!

Derek is World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) trained and brings extensive knowledge of trans and queer mental health to the team, as well as the ability to write WPATH assessment and surgery letters for Trans Affirmative Healthcare.

Request an appointment with the Counselling Centre.

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Saint Mary’s Pride Collection

The Saint Mary’s Campus Store has Pride merchandise to help you celebrate Pride Season in style!

Available at the Campus Store in the Loyola Academic Building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Bookstore in the Student Centre from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday to Friday or order online.

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Check the Student Life events calendar for all upcoming events!

Related Content

• Student experience: safe space and gay allyship at SMU

• Changing your name and pronouns in email and Brightspace

• Faculty and staff: use the Email Signature Template to add pronouns to your email signature

Dianne Chiasson: forty-plus years of enduring friendship in sport

Dianne Chiasson BA’81

You won’t find Dianne Chiasson BA ’81 Hons sitting around watching other people play sports. She’s a doer, not a watcher. And an adventurous doer at that.

A multi-sport athlete at Saint Mary’s in the late ‘70s, Dianne has remained active right into her retirement years. In the decades since she graduated, she’s taken up running, biking, golf and skate-skiing. She’s completed numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and has participated in many Grand Fondo biking events.

She’s always been this way - active and athletic. As a child with a father in the Air Force, her family moved around a lot—Labrador, Goose Bay, Northern Quebec—but wherever she went to school, she played whatever was presented. “If it was on offer, I tried it,” she laughs.

In Grade 7, the family settled in the Annapolis Valley, in Auburn, near the base in Greenwood. Dianne played volleyball, basketball, softball and field hockey, in addition to running track, but was soon faced with having to choose her favourites due to overlapping schedules. A sports camp in Halifax one summer helped develop her basketball and field hockey skills; these ended up being the two sports she would carry with her to university.

But excelling at certain sports didn’t stop Dianne from venturing further afield. She even tried out for her high school hockey team, even though she couldn’t skate very well. “My basketball coach wasn’t very impressed with that,” she says. “But it was fun - why wouldn’t I try it?"

Dianne displayed the same independent streak when it came time to figure out what to do after high school. She went against the grain for someone living in the Valley: “I didn’t want to choose Acadia because everyone I knew was going there.” She was drawn to the big city, so when Saint Mary’s offered her an academic scholarship, that cinched the deal.

She decided to study Political Science and became a star player on both the Women’s Basketball and Field Hockey teams. She was named Female Rookie of the Year in 1978, as well as MVP of the basketball team, and earned Female Athlete of the Year for three years running. She was also selected All-Conference on numerous occasions for both field hockey and basketball and received All-Canadian honours.

“Dianne was an immensely talented and hard-working athlete, but someone who didn’t draw attention to herself and her own accomplishments,” says Kathy Mullane, who served as the coach of both women’s field hockey and basketball at the time. “She was our top player and won most of the athletic awards in her years at Saint Mary’s, but was incredibly humble. She was someone you wanted on every team, just a consummate team player, fitting in with everyone and so consistent in her play and positive attitude.”

In addition to her accomplishments on the field and the court, Dianne also excelled academically. She earned a full academic scholarship each year at Saint Mary's, accumulating 14 A's in 15 courses and was interviewed for a Rhodes Scholarship.

Once she graduated, she worked for a year in the Registrar’s Office at SMU before moving west to work for a small oil and gas company. After five years in Calgary, the East called her back home, and she returned to Halifax to secure a job with the Office of the Auditor General of Nova Scotia. Her political science degree came in handy, as did the Intro Accounting course she’d taken and liked at Saint Mary’s. Dianne got her accounting designation and spent the rest of her career working as an auditor.

During those years, she stayed connected to Saint Mary’s and enjoyed volunteering her time as a scorekeeper for the women’s basketball games. She marvels at the opportunities that now exist for young women to continue playing sports after university graduation. And she has a piece of advice for the new players coming up:

“Enjoy every minute of it because it goes by so fast.”

Forty-plus years later, the thing that Dianne cherishes the most are the friendships she still has with a handful of the other women on those Huskies sports teams. “After all these years, we still get together, and we still enjoy each other’s company,” she says. “Our friendships are the thing that remain and are something I am most proud of.”

By Renée Hartleib

Measuring the impact of social innovation in Nova Scotia

Saint Mary’s University professor and students receive Mitacs fund to study community projects

Dr. Chantal Hervieux and a team of graduate students will study the social innovation impact of Inspiring Communities

Across the globe, there is growing enthusiasm and support for social innovation and community-based projects that address critical issues such as climate change, equity, employment opportunities and newcomer integration. How can we determine if these projects have a lasting impact beyond their immediate benefits? Can social innovation truly transform societal systems and contribute to a better world?

These essential questions are at the heart of Dr. Chantal Hervieux’s research. As the Director of the ImpactLab at the Centre for Leadership Excellence in the Sobey School of Business, Professor Hervieux has been awarded a substantial Mitacs grant of $255,000. Her mission: to study Inspiring Communities, a Nova Scotia-based not-for-profit organization, and gain a deep understanding of social innovation, its approach, processes and impacts. Given its active involvement in the community, Inspiring Communities serves as an ideal test case and model for others.

Since 2018, Inspiring Communities has played a crucial role in supporting communities across Nova Scotia, from Digby to Cape Breton, using an equity-centred systems change approach. They aspire to build equitable, thriving communities through connecting communities, creating collaborative partnerships, measuring impact and maintaining a strong and sustainable core. By partnering with this organization, Dr. Hervieux aims to document and map their practices, ultimately sharing valuable insights globally.

Anacapri LeBlanc, a Master’s student in Women and Gender Studies, agrees that innovation in Nova Scotia deserves to be highlighted.

““Here, we have a not-for-profit that wants a rigorous assessment to know what’s working, what are strengths and what are the weaknesses in their process. They are very invested in helping Nova Scotians.””

— Anacapri LeBlanc, MWGS student

Anacapri LeBlanc

Jocelyn Li, Co-Executive Director at Inspiring Communities, emphasizes the organization's commitment as an intermediary organization to supporting equity-deserving communities, including historical African Nova Scotian communities, Indigenous people, racialized newcomers, neurodivergent people and people of differing abilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The organization relies on developmental and other evaluation methods. By sharing their data archives, they aim to chart their progression from evaluation techniques to program models that better serve their equity-deserving members and community groups.

Dr. Hervieux’s work, alongside that of the student researchers, will play a pivotal role in strengthening the evidence base for their programs. Anandalakshmi Anathara Prasenan, a student in the Sobey School of Business Masters of Business Analytics program, highlights the unique opportunity provided by the Mitacs-funded project.

Anandalakshmi Anathara Prasenan

““I chose Saint Mary’s because of its collaborative approach to research, emphasizing local community engagement. Through this project, I gain knowledge about not-for-profits and Atlantic Canada, and benefit from Professor Hervieux’s guidance.””

— Anandalakshmi Anathara Prasenan

Over the next two years, twelve graduate students from Saint Mary’s University will receive internships to conduct research within local communities across Nova Scotia. These students, drawn from programs such as Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Business Administration, and PhD studies, will apply their academic methods to real-world scenarios. They will also participate in training workshops, learning innovative impact assessment methodologies developed by the Centre for Leadership Excellence’s ImpactLab. This approach delves deep into systems and interactions, allowing researchers to trace the path of impact and understand where and how it occurs.

Prasenan and LeBlanc with Dr. Hervieux

Dr. Hervieux underscores the significance of studying Nova Scotian communities in the context of global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. In this tumultuous world, Nova Scotia stands out as a beacon of resilience and innovation.

Interim Dean Mark Raymond notes the impactful collaboration between Saint Mary’s University, Inspiring Communities, and dedicated graduate students, “Their collective efforts promise to advance social innovation and contribute to positive change in Nova Scotia and beyond.” 

Saint Mary’s wins Enactus National Social Entrepreneurship Competition

The Enactus Saint Mary's National Team –David Cambell, Jonzel Robichaud-Lorde, Gabriel Martin, Olivian Sanderson and Rashid Khan with the Enactus Canada trophy

The National team pitching their presentation at the Final Round of the competition

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team members in Toronto

The team members cheering at the Enactus Canada National Exposition

The National team and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre: (L-R) Gabriel Martin, Olivian Sanderson, Jonzel Robichaud-Lord, Michael Sanderson, Jason Turner, Rashid Khan, David Campbell, Brennan Daley

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team members in downtown Toronto

Enactus Saint Mary’s alumni Mitch Harrison BComm’17 cheering the Enactus Saint Mary’s team

The Saint Mary’s Enactus team will represent Canada at the World Cup 2024 in Astana, Kazakstan this October

Congratulations to Enactus Saint Mary's students for being named the 2024 Enactus National Champions! The Enactus Canada National Exposition, held in Toronto from May 14 to 16, featured teams from 49 institutions across Canada.

Enactus Canada is a registered charity providing programs to inspire post-secondary students to initiate and operate socially and environmentally positive enterprises. This is the first time the Saint Mary’s team has taken the top prize. As a result, the team is thrilled to be representing Canada at The Enactus World Cup 2024 in Astana, Kazakstan, from October 2 to 4, 2024, with teams from 33 different countries.

In addition to receiving the top honour, the Enactus Saint Mary’s team was named National Champions for two topic challenges, the Innovation and Impact Challenge and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, while achieving National Runner-up status in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge. Additionally, individual recognition came for team member Courtney Dingle, who was named Project Manager of the Year. This achievement is a direct result of their unwavering dedication and the development of impactful projects that address pressing social and environmental issues.

Exemplifying Innovation and Sustainability

Enactus Saint Mary's success stems from a commitment to fostering positive change through two key projects:

• Plastarch: This pioneering business tackles the escalating problem of plastic waste by offering a sustainable alternative for restaurant food packaging and utensils. Their solution lies in an affordable, durable and food-safe bioplastic crafted from an unexpected source—potatoes slated to be discarded. Plastarch not only mitigates plastic pollution but also promotes a circular economy by finding a valuable use for food waste.

  A team representing Plastarch won the Innovation Cup, which was organized by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in the fall of 2023.

• Square Roots: This initiative addresses the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity. At the farm level, 30% of harvested produce is dumped into landfills due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly healthy. Square Roots rescues this "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those facing limited access to healthy food. The team recently received a $100,000 investment from the Government of Nova Scotia for expansion, and they aim to expand to more than 50 locations across Canada and the US by 2026.

Measurable Impact Through Passionate Effort

The team's relentless efforts and exceptional presentations impressed a panel of esteemed Canadian CEOs who recognized the projects' potential to generate significant social, economic and environmental impact in Nova Scotia. Notably, Enactus Saint Mary's has demonstrated their success in the past year through:

• People: creating four jobs, empowering 27 entrepreneurs, and providing access to nutritious food for 6,300 individuals.

• Planet: a substantial 130,025 pounds of food waste diverted from landfills, a remarkable reduction of 88,055 kilograms of CO2 emissions, and conservation of 19,226,926 litres of water.

• Prosperity: fostering entrepreneurial spirit by launching three new businesses and generating $337,246 in revenue.

Reflecting on the team's success, Enactus Saint Mary's Co-Presidents Susan MacInnis and Paige Bigelow BComm’24 said, "We are incredibly impressed by the team's dedication and resilience over the past year. Each member has contributed their time and creativity to establish new social enterprises and innovate existing ones. Placing first at the Enactus Canada National Exposition for the first time in Saint Mary's history could not have been possible without the support from all the members and alumni who are part of the Enactus Canada Network, Saint Mary's University, and most of all, the community. As we prepare to represent Team Canada at the World Cup in October, we are honoured and excited to continue our impact, fueled by collaboration and a shared commitment to positive change."

Recent SMU graduate Kylar Johnson takes new role as Indigenous Student Advisor

Kylar Johnson BComm’23, Indigenous Student Advisor 

Saint Mary’s is pleased to welcome Kylar Johnson, a recent graduate in the Sobey School of Business, back to SMU. He has recently assumed the Indigenous Student Advisor role in Student Affairs and Services.

Kylar brings a unique student perspective, having experienced pre-pandemic, remote learning, and the return to in-person learning during his undergraduate degree. During these varied student experiences, Kylar was very active within the SMU community. In addition to helping to re-establish the Drama Society after the pandemic, Kylar served as President of the Indigenous Student Society and assisted in bringing the Mawio’mi celebration back to SMU with the return of in-person learning.

After his convocation, Kylar secured a role working with Mi’kmaw Kina’matneway as a post-secondary navigator, where he developed cultural events and programming to support Indigenous students transitioning to life in post-secondary education in Mi’kma’ki. “The role helped me gain valuable insight on what students are going through, worrying about or trying to navigate as they first enter university life,” Kylar notes. “I remember feeling lost as a new student at SMU, but the support I received from the Indigenous Student Advisor and President of the Indigenous Student Society really helped me feel comfortable on campus, and I felt like SMU was a place where I could settle down.”

Kylar is from the Mi’kmaw community of Potlotek First Nation in Unama’ki and credits his time working with the Red Road project in his hometown for helping him become more in touch with his culture and broadening his knowledge. He furthered his experience volunteering at the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre, gaining new insight into Inuit culture. “These roles sparked my interest in learning more about other Indigenous cultures and opened me up to interactions that I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced,” Kylar describes. “SMU has a vibrant Indigenous community and I look forward to fully immersing in this journey with students and amplifying their narratives within the context of the institution.”

The Indigenous Student Advisor role supports and engages Indigenous students throughout their time at SMU. The Advisor provides guidance, develops community programming and helps to bring culturally respectful perspectives to light through reconciliation initiatives, advocacy and community-centered relationship building.

“When I saw the Indigenous Advisor Role, I felt compelled to apply,” explains Kylar. “For Indigenous students, this role is one of the first key interactions they’ll have at SMU and will serve as their connection between school and home. Having experienced the benefits of Indigenous mentors when I was a new student, it’s important to me to ensure the advisor role continues to be available to current and future students.”