Saint Mary’s University appoints Ayo Makanjuola as Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Ayo Makanjuola

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayo Makanjuola as Vice-President, Finance and Administration. Mr. Makanjuola, CPA, FCCA, PMP, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this critical leadership role.

Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Makanjuola will provide strategic leadership and direction with respect to financial management, operational oversight and business strategy. With a deep commitment to excellence, with a focus on delivering strategic financial management and fostering a culture of financial accountability, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the university’s future.

Prior to joining Saint Mary’s, Mr. Makanjuola has held key leadership positions, notably serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Millbrook First Nation, and previously as CFO of the Black Business Initiative of Nova Scotia, demonstrating his ability to drive positive change and enhance organizational effectiveness. His vision aligns with the university’s mission to provide an exceptional educational experience for students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

President Robert Summerby-Murray, in welcoming Mr. Makanjuola, expressed confidence in his ability to lead and innovate. “We are pleased to have Ayo join our team. His strategic mindset, financial acumen, and commitment to student success make him an ideal fit for our university.”

Mr. Makanjuola’s appointment comes at an important time for Saint Mary’s University, as it continues to invest in student support, infrastructure and community engagement while prioritizing financial sustainability. His track record of driving financial excellence and implementing sound financial fiscal policies will contribute significantly to the university’s long-term success.

A board member at the YMCA and the NSCC Foundation, he is also currently serving as Chair of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia.

Ayo Makanjuola takes up his new role at Saint Mary’s on September 1, 2024.

President Summerby-Murray also acknowledged Interim Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Todd Williams, “I want to thank Todd Williams, our interim VPFA, for performing the role at a high level over the past year and at a time when the university’s financial sustainability took center stage. Todd will resume his position as Chief Information Officer where we will continue to benefit from his expertise.”

An exploration of Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens

June was National Indigenous History Month (NIHM). At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to a campus and community that acknowledges, respects and values the contributions of Indigenous peoples, both within the Saint Mary’s community and the broader provincial landscape. NIHM reminds us to take time to learn and engage in respectful and productive discussions to explore where we have come from and how we move forward together as Treaty people.  

Outlined by the Government of Canada, each week of NIHM highlighted a different theme related to aspects of Indigenous ways of knowing and being: environment, traditional knowledge and territory; children and youth; languages, cultures and arts; and women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. These themes are an excellent starting point in exploring Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens.  

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Week 1: Environment, Traditional knowledge and territory

Many within our SMU community are familiar with the land acknowledgement and our place in Mi’kma’ki. However, it’s important for us to understand its historical context, significance and meaning.  

Mi’kma’ki is made up of seven districts that span all of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as well as large areas of New Brunswick, the Gaspé Peninsula and Newfoundland. The districts include Epekwitk aq Piktuk, Ktaqmkuk, Unama’kik, Skikewa’kik, Kespukwitk, Siknikt, Kespe’k and Sɨpekne'katik.  

The Mi’kmaq are among the original inhabitants of the Atlantic region in Canada and have occupied their traditional territory since time immemorial. Archaeological evidence and oral history indicate a Mi’kmaq presence in this territory for more than 10,000 years, long before English settlers arrived in the mid-1700s. 

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Week 2: Children and Youth

In Indigenous cultures, elders are the ones who hold knowledge, passing down information throughout generations. Nujikina’muet (someone who teaches) often use storytelling to pass down history, life lessons, sharing of experiences and guidance. Teaching is also done through kina’masuti (instruction), which is the method of passing on knowledge through hands-on learning and demonstration.

Lauryn Mason

With more than 6000 students pursuing their education here, Saint Mary’s University is focused on the academic growth, well-being and success of youth. Fostering the kekina’masuti (learning) of Indigenous students, like fourth-year student Lauryn Mason, supports opportunities for personal growth and developmental experiences as well as future readiness.

Lauryn is from Sackville, Nova Scotia; however, her family comes from Odawa M’nis (Manitoulin Island). Working to complete her Bachelor of Science with Honours in Chemistry, Lauryn recently defended her honours thesis entitled, An investigation of the applications of localization delocalization matrices on the prediction of reaction characteristics, which now resides in the Patrick Power Library. “Successfully defending my Honours thesis and having it submitted to the library is one of my proudest moments here at SMU,” reflects Lauryn.

While Lauryn prepares to close one chapter of her learning, she is already looking toward the next one as she is in the early stages of exploring the possibility of starting a Masters of Applied Science, where she may focus on working with small molecules here at Saint Mary’s.

In considering the future of Indigenous students at Saint Mary’s, Lauryn notes, “I think that Indigenous people are really strong, and there are more and more opportunities for Indigenous students every year. I think that these two factors combine to make a really bright image of the future for Indigenous scholars and academics.”

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Week 3: Languages, Cultures and Arts

At Saint Mary’s, you will find a number of ways that Indigenous culture is reflected in the institution.

The Patrick Power Library is host to the Mi’kmaq Cultural Materials Display as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Nova Scotia Museum, the Indigenous Student Advising Office and the Indigenous Students’ Society.

Found on the main floor of the Library, the display includes beaver incisors for carving and woodworking, fragments of pottery, an axe head and other artifacts. This collection is accompanied by a selection of books written by indigenous authors, and books about indigenous cultures.

Around campus, you will also find a couple of pewitekemkewey (dream catchers). The main foyer of the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre and the Patrick Power Library are the home to these beautiful pieces. These pewitekemkewey were created by former SMU student Isaiah Bernard and his father, Wilbert Marshall, of Potlotek First Nation, in 2020.

Isaiah notes that the dream catcher originates from the Ojibwe nation. The design of the dream catcher mirrors that of the spider’s web, catching our bad dreams while allowing our good dreams to pass through as we sleep.

He shares the story of “a grandmother [who] patiently watched each day as a spider spun his web above her sleeping place until one day her grandson noticed the spider and tried to kill it.

“Don’t hurt him,” she told the boy in a soft tone, surprising him.

“But grandmother, you should not protect this spider.”

When the grandson left, the spider thanked the woman for her protection and offered her a gift. “I will spin you a web that hangs between you and the moon so that when you dream, it will snare the bad thoughts and keep them from you.”

At this, the grandmother smiled and continued to watch the spider spin his web.”

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Week 4: Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people

In 2023, Student Affairs and Services hosted the inaugural Paint Your Pride event, where the SMU community was invited to draw pride-centric chalk images in the Quad outside of the Student Centre. Among other things, the event gave the community a unique opportunity to explore the breakdown of the 2SLGBTQIA+ acronym and explore the associated flags that represent the many different identification components within the queer community.

During the Paint Your Pride 2023 event, Kyle Cook, then interim Indigenous Student Advisor, took the opportunity to sketch the flag as part of the chalk mural.

According to the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance (W2SA), the ”2S” in the acronym represents “two-spirit”, which is an umbrella term that encompasses Indigenous people “who demonstrate their identity primarily through culture and spirituality. They have emotional and sexual relationships with the same gender.”

The two-spirit flag depicts a rainbow with two feathers coming down from a circle. The feathers represent male and female, while the circle represents unification of masculine and feminine, reflecting dual spirit which transcends traditional gender roles.

As noted by John R. Sylliboy, co-founder of the W2SA, there is a “lack of ancestral knowledge or research about this concept in Mi’kmaq,” and the common Mi’kmaw term turning up in research is used in negative connotation. Instead, in his article Using L’nuwey Worldview to Conceptualize Two-spirit, John borrows from other Indigenous cultures for two-spirit concepts.

In exploring the final week’s theme, we cannot ignore the harsh truths of gender-based violence, hatred and systemic racism and oppression that significantly impact women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Sensitive subject matter notice re: missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. If you need immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.

In its 2019 report, The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMWG) concluded that “persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA people.”

The National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit People, also known as Red Dress Day, is commemorated annually on October 4. In 2022, a Red Dress display was installed in the windows of the Patrick Power Library in collaboration with the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Indigenous Students’ Society. The dresses symbolize and honour the women, girls and Two-Spirit people who are missing and murdered.

Red Dress display in the Patrick Power Library

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Sub-Working Group published a MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan which, alongside the history and data, notes the resiliency and resurgence for two-spirit people and reimagining the possibility of a better future.

Since the early 1990s, Indigenous authors, scholars, and educators implemented the term Two-Spirit as a source of resurgence. The report states, “The movement by Two-Spirit People to shift the power of balance back in the hands of Two-Spirit People began by continuously acknowledging their traditional knowledge and cultural teachings as part of the ceremonial circles.”

Much like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the National Action Plan highlights necessary steps in developing a framework towards building change. As Treaty people, we are called to uphold the rights and responsibilities set forth for all of us residing within Mi’kma’ki. By learning the history of the land, people and culture, we can work towards repairing relationships and meaningful reconciliation.

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To learn more about Indigenous community, culture and resources, along with relevant news and upcoming events at Saint Mary’s, visit the Indigenous Community Hub.

Students can connect with the Indigenous Student Advisor, Kylar Johnson, by reaching out to indigenous.advisor@smu.ca.

Saint Mary’s University celebrates extension of AACSB accreditation for the Sobey School of Business

Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business proudly announce the extension of accreditation from the AACSB International Board of Directors for its esteemed business degree programs. This achievement marks a significant milestone, underscoring an unwavering commitment to excellence in business education. SMU’s Sobey School of Business was first awarded the prestigious recognition in 2003 and the accreditation will now be extended until 2030.

The rigorous academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and dynamic learning environment at Saint Mary’s have contributed to this remarkable endorsement. Driven by the dedication of faculty, the achievements of our students, and the steadfast support of our staff, we continue to shape future business leaders and professionals. The peer review team noted that the Sobey School "has demonstrated an impressive amount of innovation over the last five years as it changes its focus…to a global, impactful School of Business."

“This accreditation reaffirms our position as a leader in business education,” said Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “It enhances the prestige of our programs and reflects the hard work of our entire community.”

AACSB Accreditation is known worldwide as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized/professional accreditation an institution and its business programs can earn. AACSB-accredited schools have the highest quality faculty, relevant and challenging curriculum, and provide educational and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools.

Less than 6% of the world's 13,000 business programs have earned AACSB Accreditation.

The Sobey School of Business, one of Canada’s oldest and most respected institutions, remains committed to fostering purpose-driven leadership. As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our congratulations to all stakeholders who have contributed to this success.

Sobey School of Business recognized for social impact and sustainability achievements

The Sobey School of Business has been acknowledged for its outstanding social impact and sustainability achievements in the recently launched Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results. Among 77 business schools from 30 countries worldwide participating in this year’s rating, the Sobey School achieved Level 4, positioning it as a Transforming institution within the PIR framework.

A student-driven assessment

The PIR is a unique rating conducted by students and for students. For the third consecutive time, students worldwide evaluated their business schools based on their perceived positive impact on the world. Beyond contributing to business and the economy, business schools are crucial in addressing societal needs.

Students assessed how the Sobey School of Business tackles societal and sustainable challenges, equipping its students to become responsible business leaders. The data collection process was led by the Business Sustainability Society, which distributed the PIR survey across campus. This year, 150 Sobey School students actively participated in the assessment.

Participation in the PIR underscores the Sobey School’s commitment to student feedback and engagement. Associate Dean Margaret McKee emphasized, “The PIR is an important opportunity to capture the students' perspective on our social impact and sustainability, and we are inspired by their commitment to working together with us to transform business education.”

The PIR survey comprises 20 questions across seven relevant impact dimensions, categorized into three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score positions business schools within five levels, reflecting their developmental stage and achievement. The Sobey School has a defined social impact metric to guide its ongoing efforts.

Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board, highlighted the significance of student input: “As future students seek alternatives to select their business school, the PIR serves as a reliable resource. Schools, including the Sobey School, use the PIR to measure and communicate their transformational progress.”

The PIR was developed by business school experts in collaboration with global NGOs—WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact are proud partners of the PIR initiative, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation, and Fehr Advice (both from Switzerland).

Acclaimed multi-sport athlete turned CBC sports broadcaster

Signa Butler BA’96 Hons’98

As a kid, Signa Butler BA’96 Hons’98 was an early and committed sports fan. She read the sports section of the newspaper from front to back and routinely begged her parents to let her stay up and watch Hockey Night in Canada. She was also the only girl talking sports in the schoolyard with all the guys.

“My ultimate choice of career was not a surprise to anyone who knew me back then,” laughs the CBC Sports play-by-play commentator, host, and writer. Her career spans 20 years, 12 Olympic Games, and a long stint as the national morning sports host. Today, Signa is one of the only women on the network who does play-by-play for a growing list of sports, including freestyle skiing, speed skating, diving, volleyball and soccer.

Growing up in Halifax in the 1980s and 1990s, Signa was always a multi-sport athlete. She played soccer and basketball and was a competitive gymnast, all before high school. When she started at St. Patrick’s High, she added indoor field hockey to the mix. For the next three years, she played soccer, basketball and field hockey at the varsity and provincial levels.

Upon graduation, Signa was recruited by several universities but chose Saint Mary’s because it was a school she was already super familiar with. Her parents, Richard and Christine, are both alumni. She’d grown up going to Saint Mary’s sports camps, and their whole family had attended countless Huskies games over the years.

While her goal was to play both soccer and basketball at University, she soon realized that her greater strength and her best potential lay in soccer. And she was lucky enough to have not one but three phenomenal coaches during her five years at Saint Mary’s.

Two of them—Linda Whitehead and Joanne Evans—were head coaches at a time when not many women were in that role. “They fought really hard for resources and equality in those early days,” says Signa, adding that their passion and dedication inspired a group of young women who were student-athletes.

Joanne Evans BSc’89 BEd ’90, head coach from 1995-1997, was similarly impressed with Signa. “She was not only an accomplished soccer player but an excellent team captain, leading with integrity and determination,” says Joanne, who had been a star Huskies soccer player herself. Calling her a “firecracker,” Joanne says Signa was a natural leader, full of the kind of spunk and personality that has made her a success at CBC Sports. “As a Saint Mary’s alumna, I’m so proud to watch Signa advocate for women’s sports across Canada and around the world.”

A firecracker, indeed. During her time on the Huskies women’s soccer team, Signa received numerous awards and accolades. She was a four-time Atlantic University All-Star, AUS MVP, and a first-team All-Canadian in her fifth and final year.

SMU Huskies women’s soccer 1993-1994 team

In addition to making life-long friendships, she fondly remembers the team’s early morning runs at Point Pleasant, the sound of sneakers on the gravel paths as they sprinted up the hills of Halifax’s urban seaside park.  And then there was the Nova Scotia weather during hurricane season when one side of the turf was a lake and the other was a wind tunnel that the ball got stuck in!

Signa credits Saint Mary’s and some of the legendary professors she had in both the English and Political Science departments with creating a foundation for future learning and growth. In fact, it was at Saint Mary’s where some of the building blocks toward her dream of being a sports broadcaster came together. She worked as a writer for the university’s student newspaper, the Journal, covering sports of all kinds, and in her fifth year, took on the role of Editor. She then applied to Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), earning herself a Masters in Journalism.

Signa and her father Rick at the 2018 Homecoming Soccer Alumni Reunion

Signa marvels at how far female university sports, and women’s sports in general, have come in the 25 years since she graduated. “Being a female university athlete in the 1990s, you were largely invisible. You weren’t in newspapers, you didn’t have access to a lot of resources or the best field times, and you probably had to fundraise or pay for your uniform out of your own pocket,” she says. “We were thought of as lesser than everyone else. And I think I’ve taken that lesson and flipped it.”

In her current job, she uses her position to leverage the stories of women athletes, coaches and women’s teams. In her writing, she makes a point of highlighting the women’s side of sport, often choosing an athlete or a sport that is a little lesser known and sending a little airtime their way. “These women deserve to be in the headlines as much as anyone else.”

She’s especially excited these days about the Canadian Women’s Volleyball team who have a female head coach—the only female head coach in the top 30 nations in the world—and who seem poised to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games this summer.

To say that Signa loves her job is a massive understatement. She feels grateful to have made her dream of becoming a sports commentator come true and has a piece of advice for other young women coming up in sports. It’s something she wishes she’d been able to tell herself during her own university sports career:

“You belong here. You deserve to be here.”

Join Saint Mary’s Alumni in celebrating the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport at Homecoming this October.

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.

SMUport switch off; Login changes to Career360, Athletics Fusion and Brightspace

Heads up SMU community: Changes are coming to how you log in to Career360, Athletics Fusion and Brightspace, and SMUport will be deactivated as of June 30.

Log in changes
Students, faculty, and staff will no longer need to use their S number to log in to Career360, Athletics Fusion and Brightspace. Instead, users will prompted for their @smu.ca email and password, a move that provides enhanced security and convenience.

SMUport switch off
A reminder that the SMUPort platform will be decommissioned on June 30. There will be a temporary transition period during which navigating to the SMUPort site will redirect you to quick links for commonly-used services, but users are advised to please bookmark frequently visited sites.

If you encounter any issues, please contact our IT Helpdesk Team:

Email: helpdesk@smu.ca
In-person: Loyola, 2nd floor and Atrium, Ground floor
Phone: +1-902-496-8111

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