A nearly $30 million federal investment, combined with $5 million previously committed by the Province of Nova Scotia, has given a green light for the single most transformative project in StFX’s history, the Xaverian Commons.

StFX celebrated the monumental news April 28 at an announcement event in the Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership.

“This is a remarkable announcement,” StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald said on the combined $35 million investment that will help StFX create an academic hub on upper campus through the Xaverian Commons project, bringing together once disparate disciplines in a coherent and connected way.

“This is a visionary investment in Canada’s next generation of leaders and thinkers. First and foremost, this is an investment in the academic mission of St. Francis Xavier University,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, StFX Academic Vice-President and Provost.

Dr. MacDonald applauded and gave thanks to many people involved in the project during his address, and in particular to the Hon. Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, for his confidence and persistent support of the project of regional and national significance, as well as to the Hon. Randy Delorey, MLA for Antigonish and Nova Scotia Minister of Finance and the Treasury Board and Minister of Gaelic Affairs, for his support and vision.

Dr. MacDonald also singled out Joe MacDonald, StFX’s Executive Director, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives, for his tireless work on the project.

PROJECT THREEFOLD

The $29.9 million federal funding is in support of the Xaverian Commons, a $90 million threefold project that will see StFX construct two strategically-aligned teaching, research and learning centres, and refurbish a third.

This includes construction of the already announced Mulroney Hall and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government; refurbishing Nicholson Tower; and construction of a new academic building for a total infrastructure investment of $90 million.

Dr. MacDonald noted that StFX will not take on any debt on this project. The monies for the project have all been funded.

“Today is an absolutely terrific day,” Mr. Fraser said in making the announcement to a standing ovation from the large crowd on hand as he highlighted the impact this transformative project will have not only on the university, but also the region.

“The Government of Canada understands that research and innovation are essential to a competitive, thriving economy, as well as to developing the knowledge and tools required to build sustainable communities,” he said on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“With the funding announced today for St. Francis Xavier University, residents will have greater access to facilities that encourage innovation and promote cultural development, while meeting the needs of Canadians for generations to come.”

Mr. Delorey echoed similar sentiments.

“These centres will benefit students, the university, and the entire local community,” he said on behalf of the Honourable Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. “They will build on St. Francis Xavier University’s excellent reputation for teaching and research, and provide modern spaces where students, faculty and others can collaborate, innovate and advance Nova Scotia’s innovation and research priorities.”

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Dr. Kent MacDonald speaking at the announcement

SET IN MOTION NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The project will set in motion a number of opportunities including the ability to reimagine academic space.

“Our professors and staff will work in newly-created spaces – professor-designed classrooms, new teaching labs, new research labs, new informal learning spaces, gathering areas, studios, new offices – in a word, it is remarkable,” Dr. Wamsley said.   

StFX will align academic research and learning spaces to provide professors of varying disciplines with the opportunity to teach in interdisciplinary programs and to conduct research with fewer intellectual or infrastructural barriers, he said.

Students gain increased access to faculty members for the personal mentorship that StFX uniquely offers, and it gives StFX the chance to green its buildings, enhance campus accessibility, and plan financially for the university’s future.

SERVE OUR STUDENTS WELL

“These spaces will serve our students well,” he says.

Mulroney Hall will house state-of-the-art classrooms, co-located departments and programs, research chairs, and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, which features the new undergraduate program in public policy and governance. It will also feature a performance auditorium, informal student learning spaces, and a new Learning Centre for Teaching and Research.

The Nicholson Tower refurbishment will blend the building’s exterior with Mulroney Hall, and provide needed upgrades to elevators, offices, and common spaces.

The third component of Xaverian Commons is a new academic building. This building will centralize and consolidate StFX’s widespread focus on teaching and research in health and house the Centre for Innovation in Health, where interdisciplinary cooperation and innovation will see professors contributing to an interfaculty undergraduate program, the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health, the first of its kind in Canada. 

As part of the Xaverian Commons project, the campus community will gather in the coming months to collectively imagine an accessible, pedestrian-centred campus with intentionally-designed green spaces.

Dean of Arts Dr. Karen Brebner was emcee for the event. 

Only weeks after reaching the $70,000 milestone in its fundraising target of $100,000, StFX for SAFE has surpassed its goal. At a fundraiser on April 27, SAFE treasurer Sheila Sears announced the event raised more than $8,000. Then she astonished the audience when she reported a $20,000 anonymous donation brought the StFX for SAFE total to over $100,500.

The news brought the audience to their feet and StFX education student and StFX for SAFE co-chair Kristian Rasenberg to tears. "This means SAFE will be able to sponsor another Syrian refugee family," he said.

The fundraiser happened at Immaculata Hall where education students and brothers Kristian and Kohlin Rasenberg had their long hair cut to complete the “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” campaign. The event was paired with Majd Al Zhouri’s performance of “To Eat An Almond,” a play written by StFX alumnus, Brendan Ahern, about Mr. Al Zhouri’s experience of escaping bombs and bullets in Syria as a teenager. The pairing of these events was done to raise awareness about how peace for millions of Syrians has been lost due to the six-year long Syrian war, organizers say.

“I am very proud to be a part of such a caring community,” says sociology professor Dr. Norine Verberg, co-chair of StFX for SAFE, a campaign established by a diverse group of students, staff, faculty, unions, and local alumni with a goal of raising $100,000 for the local settlement group called SAFE, or Syria Antigonish Families Embrace. 

“This really has been an incredible story of community generosity and the Xaverian sprit. We hoped the fundraiser would push us up to $80,000, so seeing our efforts capped off by this incredible $20,000 donation brought joy to the many people who have contributed to the StFX for SAFE campaign in all sorts of wonderful ways.”

The money raised by StFX for SAFE since November 18, 2015 will sponsor two Syrian refugee families. One sponsorship application was submitted last summer. The second will go in soon, now that SAFE has the money in the bank.

She says two Syrian youth, Tareq Hadhad and Mr. Al Zhouri, have been involved in the StFX for SAFE campaign all year, both bringing great energy to the cause, both happy to have a chance to help others.

They are the first Syrian refugees to study at StFX after their families were settled in Antigonish by SAFE.

According to Dr. Verberg, "Their stories and friendship have been inspirational for everyone."

When asked if he had anything else to add, Kristian Rasenberg said, “Yes. It’s what we’ve been saying all year: Never doubt that every kind gesture, big or small, builds lives."

As one of its Canada 150 projects, the StFX Department of History plans to establish a new tradition. This year, for the first time, history graduates will be awarded a special pin symbolic of their dedication to the study of history. 

The pin’s design is based on a collar badge that was issued to members of the Canadian Officers’ Training Corp, which existed at St. Francis Xavier University during the First and Second World Wars.  The round copper pin, with an antiqued bronze finish, will feature the word “History” while incorporating the university’s name, coat of arms and Latin motto, which appeared on the original version. 

StFX history professor Dr. Laurie Stanley-Blackwell notes that, “It seemed highly appropriate for us, as historians, to look to StFX’s past for inspiration for our pin.” 

Professor Barry MacKenzie, who is himself a StFX history graduate, adds, “The History Department hopes that their students will proudly wear this pin as a badge of their StFX history experience.” 

WATCH THE MORNING & AFTERNOON Ceremonies ONLINE via webcast -- click here >>

“Let’s make this official!”

With those words, the Class of 2017—together with their parents, family and friends—rose in a standing ovation as StFX Chancellor Dr. Susan Crocker officially conferred degrees and diplomas on nearly 1,000 new StFX graduates from across Canada and around the world.

Internationally renowned Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw artist, filmmaker, musician, author, and social justice advocate Alan Syliboy, and distinguished Canadian diplomat Anne Leahy were honoured with the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa.

The day was one of celebration for many, marking many milestones.

One particularly poignant one was celebrated by Theresa Mary Turay, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, who crossed the stage with her baby, born just this week. “I didn’t want to miss graduation,” she said.

“To the graduating Class of 2017, congratulations,” said StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald who extended a warm StFX welcome to visitors, family, friends and returning alumni, while also thanking faculty, staff and family for all their support of the graduates.

Dr. MacDonald urged students as they close one chapter and open another to re-hoist their sails and to set their sights even further and figure out what else needs to be done. “That’s your quest as a graduate of StFX.

“Even though the world is a much better place, you don’t have to go far to realize there is more work to be done.”

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L-r, Vicar of the Founder, Bishop Brian Dunn, honorary degree recipient Dr. Anne Leahy, StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald, honorary degree recipient Dr. Alan Syliboy, and StFX Chancellor Dr. Susan Crocker.

Dr. MacDonald opened remarks by telling a story of human kindness while he was overseas recently. Due to fly back to Canada, he left his passport in a cab. He told how the driver, Ian Howard, tracked him down to return the document with an apology that it took so long.

“What’s the relevance of all that,” he asked?

“This group of graduates is going out into the world with wonderful, wonderful people,” he said. While we are often inundated with negative stories in the news and online, we don’t always take the time to realize the world is a wonderful place. “We forget the world is filled with Ian Howards. We forget the world is changing and improving like it’s never before.

“Here’s my hope for you. I hope that you leave … being a little bit more like Ian Howard, be less impressed by money and power and titles and more impressed by kindness, humility, generosity and character. I hope you now embrace this gift called a StFX education.”

It’s your job now to figure out how you’re going to contribute to that goodness, he said.

“This is your moment,” Dr. Crocker told the Class of 2017. “Just like you did at StFX, you will carve out a path that interests and rewards you...You are ready for the recognition you are about to receive.”

GOAL TO OPEN DOORS

“I think I’m an example of it’s not where you start but where you finish,” said Dr. Syliboy, who received a standing ovation from the large crowd filling the Keating Centre.

Dr. Syliboy, who has enjoyed many accomplishments in his career, noted his early education didn’t start well.

He said while he never went to Residential School his father did. “We’re all affected by it, not directly, but indirectly.

“I feel as time goes on and as we’re talking about it and it gets out in the open, the healing process has started very well.

He says being invited to be the Coady Chair of Social Justice at StFX’s Coady International Institute was a career highlight. “I could convey a message, I could tell a story.

“A goal in my life is to sort of open doors,” Dr. Syliboy said, noting he did a lot of things in his life where he was the first Indigenous person to do so. “For me, as an Elder…I’m more concerned the next one behind me gets through that same door.”

LET YOUR BIAS BE CHALLENGED

“I encourage you, dear graduates, to make the best of the education StFX has given you,” Dr. Leahy said in her remarks.

“Education is really about you, the human being, and the human being in relation to others, your community, you have a purpose in life to contribute to the well-being of society.”

She says the earlier you realize what you accomplish with others is more valuable than what you accomplish on your own, the happier you will be.    

Dr. Leahy encouraged graduates to reflect on how they will define success, and to be guided by ethical social principles. “And you know this well at StFX,” she said.

She also encouraged graduates to challenge themselves, to think critically, to make an effort to see people who are unlike them, who think differently. Let yourself be disrupted. Let your personal biases by challenged, she said.

“Listen to your inner voice and act on what seems best for you and for society even when you seem to be going against the current.”

Caring about social justice and getting involved is key as society is only as healthy as its most vulnerable members. Whatever path you choose, you can choose to make that a reality, she said.  

BLESSED BY STFX ENVIRONMENT

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Chemistry graduate Victoria Sandre delivers the senior class address during the morning convocation ceremony. 

“We’re blessed by an environment here at StFX that enables us to be agents of change,” said chemistry graduate Victoria Sandre, who delivered the morning address on behalf of the graduating class. “I look forward to witnessing the sparks your energy will spread all around the world.”

Schwartz School business graduate Hannah Herbert-Robertson gave the senior class address in the afternoon ceremony.   

“We’ve all just been given a gift,” she said as she noted how fortunate they all are to come to this school.

“What are we going to do with it? How can we take this degree and pay it forward in our communities?”

What’s important now is to use the tools we have and make the world better around us, she told her classmates.   

Glenn Horne, president of the StFX Alumni Association, congratulated graduates and encouraged them to become active in the alumni family and in society.

“Become engaged,” he said. “Lead change and inspire, just as you have here.”

He encouraged graduates to lean on the alumni network. “We’re here. They call us a Xaverian family for a reason,” he said as he played a video with several alumni chapter representatives each saying hello and welcoming the Class of 2017.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Many honours and awards were presented during the ceremonies.

Among these were the presentation of the StFX Outstanding Teaching Award to chemistry professor Dr. Truis Smith-Palmer and to English professor Dr. Kailin Wright. Political science professor Dr. Lavinia Stan was honoured with the President’s Research Award.

Two others singled out were longtime faculty members Dr. Burton MacDonald and Dr. Daniel MacInnes who each received the distinction of Professor Emeritus during the ceremony.

Vicar of the Founder Bishop Brian Dunn gave the benediction.

2017 university medalists included:

University Gold Medals

These medals are awarded to the student with the highest average in the final three years of an honours, advanced major or major degree program:

Bachelor of Science to: Michael Peter Kinach, Delta, BC

Bachelor of Science in Nursing to: Laura Lee Burns, Antigonish, NS & Hannah Kate Dunn Pollock, Kettle Point, ON

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition to: Jane Elizabeth Stevenson, Lyon’s Brook, NS

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Human Kinetics to: Eibhlin Maria Storey, Moncton, NB

Diploma in Engineering to: Cecil Samuel Ash, Cranbrook, BC

Bachelor of Education to: Ashley Nicole Marie MacDonald, Sydney River, NS

Bachelor of Arts to: Briony Rose Merritt, Upper Tantallon, NS

Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts in Music to: Brandon Elliott D’Eon, Berwick, NS

Governor General Medal

The Governor General Graduate Medal for the highest overall average in a thesis-based graduate program to: Almudena García García, Alhama de Murcia, Spain

The Governor General Undergraduate Medal for the highest average in the final three years of study to: Maria Janessa teNyenhuis, Guelph, ON

The Gerald Schwartz School of Business

The following medals are awarded to the students with the highest average in the final three years of a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Information Systems program:

The Silver Medal Bachelor of Information Systems to: Julian Andrew Kane, Montreal, QC

The ONEX Corporation Gold Medal Bachelor of Business Administration to: Maria Janessa teNyenhuis, Guelph, ON

Honorary Degree recipient bios:

Alan Syliboy

Alan Syliboy inspires people in his community, the larger community and internationally. Through his art and advocacy, he has introduced Mi’kmaw culture and heritage in a positive, meaningful way, in particular making young people aware of their identity and place in the world. Mr. Syliboy lives in the Millbrook First Nations community and is known for his vibrant paintings inspired by the ancient petroglyph images and traditional quill weaving designs of the Mi’kmaq people. His work has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally, and is included in numerous private and public collections, including the Beaverbrook Gallery, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Art Collection of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, and the Innu Nation. Significantly, his works are exhibited in a wide variety of public spaces. He studied privately with Shirley Bear and attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where 25 years later, he was invited to sit on the Board of Governors. In 2016, he served as the Coady Chair in Social Justice at StFX. His art has been critically acclaimed around the world. He has received many awards, including the 2002 Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. His 2010 film “Little Thunder” has been screened at international film festivals and received the Best Animation Film award at the First People’s Festival in Montreal. He was lead artist of a group sculpture at the 2010 Olympics called “Keepers of the Eastern Door,” and also painted 12 panels entitled “People of the Dawn,” later shortlisted for the Lieutenant Governor’s Masterworks Art Award. A giant mural he created is seen daily by travelers as they enter and leave the Robert Stanfield International Airport in Halifax, NS.  

Anne Leahy

Born in Québec City, Anne Leahy is an accomplished Canadian diplomat with 40 years of experience that culminated in Rome as Ambassador of Canada to the Holy See. Soon after retiring, she returned to Rome as Papal Transition Coordinator for Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs in early 2013. An inspired educator, she is now adjunct professor of the School of Religious Studies at McGill University and teaches Catholicism and Public Policy in McGill’s Catholic Studies Program. She is an economics graduate of Queen’s University and the University of Toronto. Her distinguished diplomatic career took her mainly to Europe and Africa, as well as Toronto and Montreal. She served initially in the Soviet Union, the Canadian Mission to the European Community and the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. She was Ambassador to Poland and to Russia (Belorussia, Armenia Uzbekistan) in the momentous 1990s. In Africa, she participated in the creation of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region in the early 2000s. She was also Ambassador to Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic. As the federal coordinator with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, she helped organize the largest youth event ever held in Canada, World Youth Day 2002, in conjunction with the visit of Pope John Paul II to Toronto. Her current pro bono activities include membership on the Conseil of the Institut d’études internationales de Montréal at UQAM of which she was the first director in 2002-04; the Advisory Board of the School of Religious Studies of McGill; the Governing Board of Regis College, University of Toronto, and the Executive Board of the Retired Heads of Mission Association. She is active in her Montreal parish and has been much involved in its welcoming committee for Syrian refugees.

Novel research that fills a gap into enhancing children’s development through motor activity has earned StFX Dean of Science and psychology professor Dr. Petra Hauf international recognition. She is a top 10 finalist for a new and prestigious research award, the Frontiers Spotlight Award, which carries a U.S. $100,000 prize.

For a year, the academic open-access publisher Frontiers has been searching for the hottest research that could have a ground-breaking impact.

“Almost 800 teams came together around research topics addressing major global challenges. Frontiers has shortlisted 10 outstanding finalists, topics edited by the brightest minds from the best universities around the globe, for this new Spotlight Award,” they say.

Dr. Hauf and Dr. Klaus Libertus of the University of Pittsburgh edited the Research Topic examining “Motor skills and their Foundational Role for Perceptual, Social, and Cognitive Development,” published in Frontiers in Psychology.

A jury drawn from Frontiers’ editorial boards will choose the winning team based on international reach, subject novelty and coverage, interdisciplinary character, and academic excellence. The winner will be announced at the end of May.

The funding prize will support the winning team to organize an international scientific conference around their research topic in 2018.

Dr. Hauf says she was excited to hear of the top 10 selection as it acknowledges and recognizes the importance of this field of study. She says this research topic highlights the importance of motor skills for healthy development and the critical role of motor skills for infants’ and children’s interactions with the physical and social world. She is especially excited that the team brought together 27 articles from 113 expert scientists in the field, integrating newest evidence in basic research with applied research and intervention possibilities.

“The articles in this Research Topic,” she says, “address one of the biggest challenges in developmental science: what are the mechanisms behind developmental processes supporting children’s learning and growth?”

Motor skills have long been thought critical for a child’s development. However, why these skills are important and how they affect development in other areas of growth remains poorly understood, she says.

“The research presented here fills this gap and examines how mastering or learning a new motor skill changes the child’s ability to act upon and interact with the world, and how the environment responds to these changes. These findings have the potential to change established theories on child development and encourage the field to focus more on the often unseen contributions of children’s active exploration and engagement.”

Realizing that motor experiences are important for perceptual, social, and cognitive development raises the question whether motor delays may play an important role in developmental disorders and mental health, she says.

Applied research included in the study demonstrates that motor skills are indeed impacted in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and in depressive or anxiety disorders. “This observation is critical, but maybe more critical are observations showing that we can improve a child’s motor skills and that these improvements have the ability to positively impact other areas of development.”

She says it is exciting to see that research shows promising evidence that this is indeed possible in both typically developing children and in children with Cerebral Palsy. Taken together, the findings presented not only inform basic science, but also provide important information for clinicians and pediatricians who rely on new approaches when working with children.

 This new evidence also encourages everyone–including teachers and parents–to focus more on children’s early motor skill development, motor engagement, and motor activity, she says.  “Children take pleasure in physical activity and this Research Topic demonstrates the huge benefits of motor skills for a healthy development.”

Dean Hauf also held a Canada Research Chair position in Cognitive Development at StFX from 2006-2016; her research is funded by the CRC program, CFI and NSERC. 

StFX’s Co-operative Education team recently honoured one of its partners, presenting the Students’ Choice – Outstanding Co-op Supervisor Award to Crystal Graham, the director of human resources at Cabot Links, and a 2003 StFX BBA alumnus.

The award is designed to allow co-op students the opportunity to recognize a supervisor who has been an exceptional mentor and went above and beyond normal expectations to ensure that the student had a quality work term. 

Ms. Graham was nominated by StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business student Alesha Baker.

The nomination process required students to write a 750-1,000-word essay explaining how their supervisor went above and beyond normal work expectations.

Cabot Links has been an avid supporter of the StFX Co-op Education Program, says Co-operative Education manager Jane MacDonald. Cabot Links has hired and mentored three students in human resources and accounting roles.

Ms. MacDonald says Ms. Graham has been a strong supporter of the program. “It is fantastic to have a supervisor like Ms. Graham, who takes time to ensure that our students have an exceptional workplace learning experience.”   

Upwards of 125 Atlantic Canada 4-H youth will be on the StFX campus June 27-29 to further develop their leadership skills, in particular around agricultural sustainability and food security.

4-H Nova Scotia, StFX, and the StFX 4-H Society have partnered to create an annual leadership conference focused on 4-H Canada’s leadership pillars, says Jordan MacDonald, 4-H Society member and marketing communications and events coordinator with StFX Extension Innovation and Enterprise Centre.

This year’s conference will focus on agriculture sustainability and food security with 4-H members, ages 14-18, from Atlantic Canada participating in activities planned and delivered by members of the StFX 4-H Student Society, a group of enthusiastic 4-H alumni who study at StFX, he says.

Event planning involves partnerships with 4-H Nova Scotia and StFX faculty, staff, and students in the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Business Administration, and the McKenna Centre for Leadership. As well, one event will be coordinated with community partner, the Marthas New Growers Program.

Delegates will participate in hands-on activities related to sustainable agriculture and food security. Each event will be led by a member of the StFX 4-H Society.

“For instance, the ‘Cooking for the Future’ event brings delegates to a human nutrition lab to consider how food practices can contribute to sustainability and food security while preparing a meal,” Mr. MacDonald says.

He says a fun-filled scavenger hunt called the Amazing Green Race will feature StFX’s sustainability initiatives while also introducing delegates to academic programs that contribute to emerging knowledge on agricultural sustainability and food security.

And the ‘Learn to Lead by Leading’ workshop will enable delegates to explore their own leadership potential so they can better serve their clubs, their communities, and their country, he says.

The conference will also include a StFX and 4-H welcome dinner followed by a square set dance, a hunger banquet, a workshop on self-actualization and sustainability leadership, and a growing local activity with the Marthas New Growers Program. 

StFX student Will Fraser has helped coach a local high school team to a national debating title.

Just a year after graduating himself from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School in Antigonish, NS, Mr. Fraser, a StFX honours history student taking a subsidiary in political science, helped coach students from that school, Brooklyn Frizzle and Asta Stalker, in French debating to the national title at the Confederation Cup in Ottawa April 28-30.

Four teams are chosen from across the country to compete in the national tournament after undergoing two qualifying selection rounds.

“First, we had to prepare and record a video of Brooklyn and Asta debating whether the government should pay reparations to Indigenous peoples, which was judged by the organizers of the tournament,” says Mr. Fraser, the president external of X-Debate.

A few teams from each region were selected to be interviewed, he says. The interviews were conducted on Skype and involved questions about debate experience, techniques, as well as a demonstration of their debate abilities. Then, one team from each region was selected to compete at the finals in Ottawa.

“I was so proud of them, seeing as they had faced so many barriers financially and because of work-to-rule. It really means a lot for a team from Dr. J to win a national competition, since public schools are generally at a disadvantage when it comes to funding and resources. To defeat students from more heavily funded teams, who have more experience debating at this level of competition is really amazing,” he says. 

Mr. Fraser says he really appreciated the opportunity to give back to the debate team.

“The year wasn't always easy, especially during work-to-rule, when we were unable to hold practices at the high school with our teacher adviser and coach Effie Boutilier. At the time, (sociology professor) Dr. (Lynda) Harling Stalker was amazing in booking a room in the Annex where we could practice. Without her help, we definitely wouldn't have been able to get this far.”

He says political science professor Dr. Yvon Grenier was also a great help to the team, providing support with knowledge of political systems and French presentation.

“I think it's amazing that faculty members are willing to contribute their time and experience to local programs like debating. The involvement of faculty members in the local community really helps contribute not only to the university but to everyone in region. Personally, knowing that my professors are so open and caring makes it easier to approach them outside of class, and encourages my communication with faculty.”

Mr. Fraser says the debaters themselves were very committed.

“All of the debaters were willing to come to X during work-to-rule, taking additional time out of their days for the activity that they love. I really enjoyed the ability to interact with the students who I had been debating with last year, now in the role of a coach. I also appreciated having the ability to give back to the team, especially since they have contributed so much to my own life.”

Mr. Fraser has been involved in debating for seven years, starting in Grade 7. He was involved in other public speaking activities in 4-H, and says he enjoyed the idea of having the ability to debate important issues with other students. From there, he debated for two years at St. Andrew Junior School, four years at Dr. John Hugh Gillis, and for one year so far at StFX. 

He coached a debate team at the junior school last year, and has been involved with coaching the high school team since the beginning of this year. As well, he’s been involved in judging debate across Nova Scotia, and has conducted a seminar at the Junior National Debate Tournament in 2016. 

“I think this experience helped me to develop my coaching skills, and I was able to learn and practice some leadership techniques that I had never had an opportunity to use before. I also feel that I've improved as a debater because of this experience. Being able to see debating from the outside as a coach or judge really shed light on what is effective, and what techniques work best,” he says.

“I was able to see my own debating reflected in the debaters I was coaching so I was almost able to assess myself through the assessment of my debaters.” 

Mr. Fraser joined X-Debate this year, and says he really enjoyed the experience.

“I attended four tournaments as part of the team, CUSID East Novices, which I was part of the champion team with Olivia Ells; the U4 Debate competition as part of the Maple League; CUSID East Championships; and CUSID Nationals. I enjoyed meeting all of the amazing people on the team, and I was able to grow so much as a debater myself this year.” 

As a second year StFX student, Cameron Walsh set a goal: he wanted to do an international master’s program post-graduation. Now, the 2016 graduate has made that ambition a reality. He’s been accepted into the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Master Programme (MEME) in Evolutionary Biology, and more so, he has received a two-year, nearly €50,000 scholarship.

Mr. Walsh, who graduated from StFX with a joint advanced major in biology and human kinetics, was one of only five awarded this scholarship available to Category A (non-EU) students. The scholarships are awarded based on final ranking of interviewed applicants.

“I’m looking forward to this more than anything. I’ll continue to do research in different marine ecosystems and in many different places and cultures,” says Mr. Walsh of Cornwall, PEI, on the two-year research-oriented master program he first learned about in his second year, and which he starts in August.

It is a joint project between four European universities—University of Groningen, Netherlands; Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Germany; Uppsala University, Sweden; University of Montpellier, France—and associated partner Harvard University.

Students start their studies with a semester in either the Netherlands or Sweden, and then move to either France or Germany for their second semester. In the third and fourth semesters, students can choose the partner university at which to carry out their individual research projects.

MEME offers students the opportunity to compose an individual study program in evolutionary biology by combining elements from the complementary programs at the partner universities. Upon completion, students are awarded multiple degrees from at least two partner universities.

Mr. Walsh, who already has international academic and research experience under his belt, says he is particularly excited about the diversity offered in the program and learning from many perspectives. Understanding science from a broad range of perspectives in turn will help him be better able to communicate science to a wider audience, he says.

Already, he has gained a lot of experience.

After graduation in 2016, Mr. Walsh spent six months in Cambodia as a research and academic development assistant at Prek Leap National College of Agriculture, as the successful recipient of an International Youth Internship offered through the Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland. During his internship, he also helped as a science writer and diver at Marine Conservation Cambodia.

While in Cambodia, he was able to publish research he completed before while in Bermuda, in the journal Ecology. He says publishing the paper, Cleaning service gaps in Bermuda, North Atlantic, helped him a lot, particularly in his intensive interview process with MEME, which included a scientific presentation and a general interview.

From June to August 2016, he worked on a three-month research project, supervised by Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, as the recipient of a Canadian Associates of BIOS Research Internship Scholarship at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS).

It was his second time at the facility. He also received a Canadian Associates of BIOS Summer Course Scholarship and completed the Ecology and Evolution of Reef Fishes course at BIOS in July 2015. Before this experience, he became certified to scuba dive, necessary for all the research conducted.

“I wouldn’t have these experiences without StFX,” says Mr. Walsh, noting he learned about both the Bermuda and Cambodia opportunities through the biology department email list.

He says StFX faculty, and in particular biology professors Dr. Barry Taylor and Dr. Russell Wyeth, have been instrumental in helping him seek out opportunities.

He took courses from both faculty members and was involved in freshwater ecology research with Dr. Taylor and ethology research with Dr. Wyeth. He also worked as a biology lab demonstrator.

At StFX, he says professors know their students and can speak to their experiences and interests, not only helping them find opportunities but also in writing detailed reference letters.

“I really developed a solid base here at StFX to do successful research.” 

St. Francis Xavier University graduate student, Michael Reid, was awarded the 2017 Geological Association of Canada, Leopold Gelinas silver medal for the most outstanding M.Sc. thesis written by a Canadian or submitted to a Canadian university.

His master’s thesis entitled, “Direct observation of crystallization in the system LiAlSi4O10–H2O: Implications for late stage crystal growth in lithium-rich pegmatites” was evaluated on the basis of originality, validity of concepts, organization and presentation of data, and understanding and depth of research.

Mr. Reid experimentally examined crystallization kinetics in the system petalite-water, which is a simple analogue of lithium-enriched rocks known as granitic pegmatites. These enigmatic igneous rocks are noted for their unusually large crystals and as being a source of almost 50 per cent of the world’s lithium, an important commodity used in batteries.

Under the supervision of SFX professor Dr. Alan Anderson, Mr. Reid was able to experimentally monitor melting and crystallization over a wide range of pressures and temperatures using a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell constructed in the machine shop at StFX.

Mr. Reid was present with the medal at the Geological Association of Canada meeting in Kingston, ON on May 16.

StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald and Coady International Institute Director and StFX VP Dr. June Webber are pleased to announce the 2017 Coady Chair in Social Justice, Dorene Bernard.

“Ms. Bernard has dedicated her life to sharing her teachings and building alliances to promote Indigenous worldviews on the environmental impacts of climate change,” said Dr. MacDonald. “We are honoured to have her leadership at StFX and the Coady International Institute.”

Ms. Bernard is a member of the Sipekne’katik Mi’kmaw Community and resides in the Mi’Kmaw community of Indian Brook, NS. She holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Sir Wilfred Laurier University in the field of Aboriginal studies. Her career in social work spans 21 years within Mi’kmaq communities, beginning in the field of child welfare and moving on to the healing informed Community Support for Residential School Survivors and families.  

As a Grassroots Grandmother and Water Protector, Ms. Bernard has dedicated her life to sharing her teachings and building alliances to promote Indigenous worldviews on the environmental impacts of climate change. Her important work is building community capacity to nurture respectful relations with our shared environment. She also contributes significantly to the advancement of Mi’kmaw Treaty Rights implementation by raising awareness of Indigenous sacred connections to Mother Earth.

“Now in its sixth year, Ms. Bernard is the first Indigenous woman to be appointed Coady Chair in Social Justice. As an environmental leader and as an expert in community healing she will bring her remarkable breadth of knowledge and experience to the StFX and broader community,” says Dr. Webber.

Ms. Bernard will be leading a number of engagements to incorporate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to drive systemic change and foster collaborative action to protect and honour water and Mother Earth.

Ms. Bernard says her goal is to “Continue to do work that nourishes my spirit and I believe is good for creation, with the guidance of my ancestors; and to learn and share my knowledge and cultural teachings as a Mi’kmaq woman.”

Dr. Maria Soledad Paz-Mackay, a Spanish professor in the StFX Department of Modern Languages, will present her new book at the 2017 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, an event organized by the Canadian Association of Hispanist. This year the Congress will be held at Ryerson University between May 27 and June 2.

Historia, Memoria y Novela en la Argentina de posdictadura: La cuestión de la responsabilidad extendida, published in February in Buenos Aires by the Editorial Biblos, is centered around the violence that occurred in Argentina during the last dictatorship (1976-1983). In particular, the book analyses the fictional representation of History and Collective Memory in four Argentinean novels published between 1995 and 2002. Dr. Paz-Mackay argues that these novels present the necessary equilibrium between the two narrations of the past.

The “two demons” theory that derived from the report of the “National Commission of the Disappeared” assigned equal responsibility to the two parties involved in the conflict: the dictatorship and the militant opposition, she says. By introducing narrating voices outside the dual format of victims and victimizers, the characters seem to extend certain types of responsibility for what had happened to other groups of individuals. In Dr. Paz- Mackay’s opinion “the question of social responsibility during the last dictatorship is embedded in the representation of the conflictive relationship between Collective Memory and History.”

The book presentation takes place on Thursday, June 1 at 4:30 p.m. in the Victoria Building, Room 200. Dr. Paz-Mackay will present her book along with other authors, and “she is delighted to have the opportunity to display her book and share her ideas with colleagues.” The details of the event can be found at: http://www.registrocreativo.ca/Galerias/2017_Libros/index.html

Also, while at the Congress, Dr. Paz-Mackay will participate in the Conference for the Canadian Association of Hispanist. On Friday June 2, she will present part of her latest research compiled in a paper titled “Photography and identity: The influence of Lucila Quieto’s work in the cultural production of the Children of the Disappeared in Argentina.” 

Connie Clement, director of the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health, based at StFX, presented recently at the World Health Summit meeting, which was held in North America for the first time. The summit’s theme was Health and Healthcare Delivery in Pluralistic Societies.

This regional summit, held in Montreal May 8-9, 2017, brought together over 700 researchers, health professionals, policymakers, government officials, students, civil society representatives and industry from around the world. 

Ms. Clement presented Integrating research and practice in the pursuit of health equity, as part of a panel about The Legacy of Ottawa Charter, the World Health Organization’s first international health promotion agreement. Signed at the First International Conference on Health Promotion held in Ottawa in 1986, the Charter launched a series of actions by international organizations, national governments and local communities to achieve the goal of "Health For All" by the year 2000. She shared the stage with speakers from England, Switzerland and Montreal. 

“It was encouraging to hear federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott tell the audience,” Ms. Clement said, “that she observes decisions about social conditions that influence health at every cabinet meeting; that every policy is, in some way, a health policy; that every minister is an allied health minister; that every strategy has health impacts.”

Ms. Clements says she found particular value in connecting with Indigenous scholars and colleagues from throughout Canada about determinants of Indigenous people’s health. 

Eight StFX students have been awarded 2017 Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF) Scotia Scholars Awards, which provide $5,000 in financial support to high caliber students engaged in health research at Nova Scotia universities.

The goal of the awards is to support the development of the next generation of highly qualified health researchers and leaders at an early stage of their career.

The students, Laura Davidson, Hannah Stevens, Carmen Landry, Elizabeth Wallace, Emma Truffyn, Jessica Delorey, Devin Wood and Molly Rutherford—working on projects as diverse as anxiety as a barrier to dental care to understanding how antihistamines may affect the mitochondria in the brain following exercise—say the awards provide invaluable opportunity.

“Being selected for the NSHRF Scotia Scholar Award allows me the freedom to put my academic pursuits first. This opportunity means that I have more time and resources available to devote to my research. I feel very honoured to be among the recipients,” says psychology student Jessica Delorey of Antigonish, NS whose research investigates the perceptions that preservice and inservice teachers have toward inclusive adaptations to outdoor education.

Her research, supervised by Dr. Erin Austin, begins this summer by collecting data from a sample of inservice teachers enrolled in an ‘Outdoor Education’ course at StFX.

Emma Truffyn of Calgary, AB, a senior honours psychology student taking a special concentration in forensic psychology, is working under the supervision of psychology professor, Dr. Margo C. Watt investigating the role of anxiety in people’s approach and avoidance of dental care. 

“It is suggested that anxiety is a barrier to good dental care, which can negatively influence an individual's oral health. To date, no research has examined how anxiety plays a role in Nova Scotians’ utilizing dental services,” she says. 

“I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of the NSHRF Scotia Scholar award. Not only do I get to work on a project I am so passionate about, but I get the opportunity to collaborate with dental professionals in Nova Scotia. This invaluable experience has not only opened up so many doors for myself, but has helped me feel more prepared for graduate school. I am really excited to work on this project, as this research has positive implications for the dental well-being of Nova Scotians and global health.”

PUT STUDIES INTO PRACTICE

“I am so grateful to have received this award. Being able to do research with a professor this summer will allow me to really put into practice what I have been studying the past three years, and is the epitome of hands-on learning,” says Elizabeth Wallace of Antigonish, NS, a senior honours B.Sc. in human kinetics student.

She is working with Dr. Dan Kane to see how antihistamines may affect the mitochondria in the brain following exercise. Ms. Wallace says this research has potential implications for people who are exercising to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. 

“Being able to do research during the summer months means that we are able to thoughtfully and thoroughly outline a sound study design, which has already been and will continue to be, an incredible learning experience,” she says.

Fourth year honours biology student Laura Davidson of Halifax, NS, is also working with Dr. Kane, investigating the effects of antihistamines on mitochondrial function in exercised skeletal muscle. “I anticipate that this research may have implications in the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic syndromes, such as type 2 diabetes, for which exercise is commonly prescribed,” she says.

“This is an incredibly valuable opportunity for me to explore my interests, develop my research skills and apply my scientific knowledge in a practical way,” Ms. Davidson says. “I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity, and feel that this will provide me with a strong foundation in the field of scientific research.”

DEVELOP SKILLS

Fourth year student Hannah Stevens of St. Margaret's Bay, NS, who is taking a joint advanced major in biology and mathematics, is researching snail behaviour under the supervision of biology professor Dr. Russell Wyeth.  

“We are studying how the snails respond to odours in flowing water and non-flowing water. This research will help us to understand how the snails integrate sensory information to form behaviours. Snails can then be used as a model system for human sensory integration,” she says.

She says this opportunity is so important to her as it allows her to develop so many useful skills for further studies as well as life. “It is also a chance to learn from the ground up about the human nervous system and how/why we behave the way we do. I am very grateful to the NSHRF for allowing me to be able to have this opportunity.”

Carmen Landry, a fourth year honours biology student from Sydney, NS, also working under the supervision of Dr. Wyeth, is studying gene expression in the peripheral nervous system of Lymnaea stagnalis (the great pond snail). “By increasing our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying sensory processing in the nervous system of this model organism, we will be able to improve our understanding of various neurological disorders affecting humans,” she says. 

She says she is excited to have the opportunity to explore research in her field of interest and learn valuable lab techniques along the way. “I will be using the research work done this summer to complete my honours thesis in the upcoming year.” 

DEDICATE SUMMER TO RESEARCH

“Receiving this grant means that I have the financial support to dedicate my summer to research, something that otherwise would not have been feasible,” says Molly Rutherford of Kingston, ON, who is going into her fourth year of a B.Sc. in human kinetics. Her research looks at how caffeine affects performance in female athletes at different stages of the menstrual cycle in heat stress (hot temperatures).

She says being awarded the grant by the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation has been both inspiring and motivating. “I am very honoured and excited to have this opportunity to contribute to the healthcare community while furthering my own education with the support of (supervisor) Dr. Matt Palmer,” she says.

“This opportunity gives me the chance to spend my summer gaining first-hand experience in the field of psychological research. This will allow me to build my statistical and analytical skills, in a field I wish to make a career in,” says Devin D. Wood, a fourth year honours psychology student from Lunenburg, NS.

With his thesis supervisor Dr. Kara Thompson, he is looking at sense of belonging as a predictor for how much students are affected by second-hand harms from other students.

Spending the summer at StFX immersed in research in an academic environment is an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduate students, say recipients of this year’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)—students who will have a chance to do just that.

In all, 14 StFX students have received an NSERC USRA award, valued at $4,500 each, that allows students to gain research experience and summer employment.

Recipients, with their supervisors in brackets, include Matthew Martell (K. LeBris); Katie MacEachern (S. Finbow); Dylan Coakley (S. Finbow); Liam Farrell (B. van Zyl); Max Jennings (W. MacCaull); Lara Westhaver (D. Garbary); Melissa Chasse (G. Hallett-Tapley); Bailey Malay (J. Braid); Colin Ross (J. Braid); Oliver Kuehm (G. Hallett-Tapley); Tiffany Brooks (S. Razul); Renee MacDonald (D. Risk); Christa Bews (R. Lukeman); and James Kendall (P. Marzalin).

UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITY

“To have this opportunity following my second year of study is invaluable. These unparalleled opportunities are what truly enrich the undergraduate experience,” says Lara Westhaver of Sydney Mines, NS who just finished her second year of a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Ms. Westhaver has been working with post doctoral fellow, Dr. Eun Ju Kang, from Korea, in Dr. David Garbary’s Phycology Lab. “We have been looking at the physiology of Chondrus crispus, a species of red algae that is commonly known as Irish Moss. We are interested in the photosynthetic patterns and the life history phases of the plant,” she says. “I have also recently had the unique opportunity to be involved in a project on Brier Island, NS, where the focus of the study involves sampling greenhouse gasses. 

“I am so fortunate to be immersed in such an academic learning environment where I am gaining both knowledge and practical skills. It is such an honour to work alongside and create connections with faculty and fellow students while conducting research this summer.”

Renee McDonald of Surrey, BC agrees.

“I am grateful to have been awarded an NSERC USRA. The opportunity to work alongside fellow students and professors to gain knowledge and practical skills is invaluable,” says Ms. McDonald who just finished her second year of study toward a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, biology concentration. 

Her project involves implementing an automated soil gas monitoring system to detect the carbon dioxide and methane gases released from permafrost in Finnmark, Norway. The project is part of an ongoing study out of the University of Bergen, and will contribute to the understanding of carbon cycling in arctic permafrost with a warming climate. 

“I look forward to creating this automated gas monitoring system, learning field techniques, and seeing the successful deployment of my work in Norway to detect and analyze greenhouse gases released from this region,” she says. 

Third year honours physics student Matt Martell of Bedford, NS will be travelling to Livermore, California to work with a group at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. “We will be working on whispering-gallery mode spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral region. This involves the development of highly-sensitive instruments, which use infrared radiation from a laser to detect and characterize the properties of molecules. An important application of this technology is sensing trace gas pollutants in the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change.

“The experience I will gain as a research assistant on this project is invaluable. I thank NSERC and my supervisor, Dr. Karine LeBris, for providing me with this great opportunity to be involved with an extremely interesting experiment. It will help prepare me for graduate studies, and a career in science.”

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITY

“For me, this is my first opportunity to be doing physics for a living, which is very exciting. It is also an opportunity to see what kind of physics I am most interested in, to get my name in a paper or two, and to learn more about physics,” says Liam Farrell of Trenton, NS, an honours physics student going into his third year at StFX.

His research, he says, will focus on mathematical physics, including applying quantum mechanics to the Riemann Zeta Hypothesis in hopes to prove it or come closer to proving it; establishing mathematical models such as particle density and kinetic energy density for the edge regions of electron gas; applying semiclassical expansions to density matrices of Fermi gas; and smaller projects like proving mathematical identities.

Dylan Coakley, a third year computer science student from Florence, NS, says it means a lot to receive this award and to be able to work with his professors is a rewarding experience. His research is in graph theory. It concerns the Eternal Domination Numbers of Grid Graphs

James Kendall of Berwick, NS, who is going into his final year of an advanced major in physics degree and engineering diploma, is studying optical properties of polystyrene nanosphere monolayers. “The polystyrene spheres used have diameters comparable to wavelengths of visible light and infrared radiation. One can imagine interesting optical phenomenon that may happen on this scale,” he says. “Theoretically, I will be using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation software package to run numerical simulations in hopes of generating plots comparable to experimental data. Experimentally, I will be making thin films of polystyrene spheres and then performing transmittance measurements through the material.

“This award gave me the opportunity to work with Peter Marzlin and Balaji Subramanian over the summer. I was very excited to receive this award and I believe the experience I gain from this job will help me in my future endeavors.”

FIELD WORK

Fourth year earth sciences student Bailey Malay of Truro, NS says this will be an amazing opportunity to have more field work and to apply concepts she’s been learning to the world around her. “I'll be able to better understand some of the concepts I've learned because I will be able to put them to use in the field. It will also set me up well for my future, as I will have the practice and skill.”

She is looking at sedimentary rocks in the Antigonish area, “the Horton group, that would have been deposited around the time Pangea was forming, and trying to deduce what the environment at the time of deposition would have been. I'll also be looking at deformation in the group and comparing that to the tectonic activities occurring at the time. I'll be making geologic maps of the area and possibly trying to date the age of the rock.”

“Summer research has given me the opportunity to work in an area that I wouldn't normally see otherwise. Being exposed to lots of new topics, either through my own work or by talking to other students, has been a great way to find something I really enjoy,” says Max Jennings, a third year mathematics and computer science student from Sydney, NS.

He is working with techniques and tools for model checking, and program verification, and the principles underlying model driven engineering. The goal, he says, is to build models of software using the DPF and interface the model checking techniques with these models to ensure their correctness before the executable code is generated by the DPF workbench. The software models will target applications in the healthcare domain. 

Third year honours computer science student Katie MacEachern of Dundee, NS says she is honoured to have received this award and is grateful for the opportunity to work and learn from her professors this summer. She is working on the Peaceably Coexisting Armies of Queens Problem. 

Christa Bews of Ottawa, ON, a fourth year aquatic resources and math, statistics and computer science student, will be researching Pulsing Xenia and determining whether they are synchronized or pulse independently. “I am very honoured to have received this award because it allows me to work with great professors and work in a topic unfamiliar to me,” she says. “I am very grateful to have received this opportunity.”

Being able to conduct hands-on research under the supervision of a StFX faculty member this summer is a priceless opportunity to grow and learn, says one of the recipients of this year’s StFX Student Research Awards and University Council for Research (UCR) Awards.

This year, StFX students Jay Nero, Shuaijie Liu, Amelia MacKenzie, Patrick O’Brien, Sachin Mohandas and Jack Bowness have each received a $4,500 UCR award that will allow them to spend their summer conducting research.

“It allows me to go beyond what is done in the classroom, and have a firsthand experience of the failures and successes of research. As someone who would like to pursue a career in research, learning how to ask questions, talk to professors, and problem solve is priceless, and these are skills I will keep for life,” says Patrick O'Brien, a third year physics student from Fort McMurray, AB.

His research this summer, with Dr. Balaji Subramanian, focuses on using new materials, such as graphene, to make electrochromic devices. “These devices consist of layers of glass, thin crystal films, and ion conducting layers to allow different amounts of light through. There are many applications for these devices, such as using them in building windows, or improving transition lenses in glasses,” he says.

REWARDING EXPERIENCE

“It is so rewarding to take concepts that I learned in the classroom and be able to apply them in the field to try to solve a real-world industry problem at the local level, and it is even more exciting to do so immediately after completing my degree,” says Amelia MacKenzie of Sherbrooke, NS, who graduated this year with a B.Sc. in biology and a minor in development studies.

She will spend the summer researching methods of preventing marine biofouling, the accumulation of organisms on immersed human-made structures such as nets and ships, under the supervision of biology professor Dr. Russell Wyeth.

“Working with the Waycobah First Nations Aquaculture Farm, I am testing eco-friendly materials designed to impede the attachment of biofouling and reduce its impacts in aquaculture and other marine industries,” she says.

“At the aquaculture farm, mussels accumulate on the net pens used to hold the trout and cause a number of problems, both ecological and economic,” she says. 

Honours psychology student Jay Nero of Oakville, ON is working with psychology professor Dr. Lindsay Berrigan. He says being given the opportunity to conduct research with the UCR award funding has been extremely encouraging. “The award has provided me the opportunity to improve my research skills, improve my CV, and to explore topics and gain experience that I could not have acquired inside the classroom,” he says.

“Dr. Berrigan and I will be conducting research that explores the cognitive symptoms of MS, and how those symptoms are exacerbated or synergistic in patients with a comorbid depressive disorder, such as major depressive disorder,” he says.

“Our research aims to better understand the neurological and psychological processes behind these symptoms, as well as to better inform clinical practices to improve patient quality of life.”

Sachin Mohandas, a third year physics student from Antigonish, NS, is working with Dr. Peter Marzlin doing theoretical work as it pertains to making precise measurements of gravity using molecular matter-wave interferometry in the mathematical setting of curved spacetime. 

“I am extremely grateful to have been given such a fantastic opportunity to explore a field that I appreciate so much and have such a great passion for, in addition to the fact that the experience I will gain by researching will undoubtedly prove advantageous in the progression of my academic career,” he says. 

This summer, the Irving Research Mentorship Awards program at StFX is allowing eight StFX students to conduct research that runs the gamut from gaining a better understanding of the molecular pathways that are targeted by bean consumption for chronic disease prevention to exploring carbon accumulation rates of different wetland types.

The prestigious award program, offered through StFX’s Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership, awards each recipient $6,000 in funding for 12 weeks of research. The students, who represent a variety of disciplines, each work under the guidance of a StFX faculty member.

“The visionary financial support provided by Arthur and Sandra Irving for these highly enriching student research awards is enabling a whole generation of StFX students to immerse themselves in important research studies while being mentored by our talented faculty members. Our students are developing valuable academic, life and leadership skills through these unique opportunities. This is what StFX is all about,” says McKenna Centre executive director Mary Coyle.

Thomas Ciha, Jamie Forsyth, Heather-Ann Burrell, Sean Rowley, Leah Gray, Craig Duininck, Kirsten Gallant and Alison Armstrong are this year’s Irving Research Mentorship Award recipients.

EXCEEDINGLY FORTUNATE

“I feel exceedingly fortunate to be a recipient of this award, as I am given the opportunity to explore a new and exciting area of food and nutrition research that I could potentially follow into my career,” says Heather-Ann Burrell of Pickering, ON.

The fourth year honours human nutrition student will be examining Nova Scotian bean protein concentrates as potential sources of bioactive peptides with antihypertensive qualities.

“The overall aim of the research is to gain a better understanding of the molecular pathways that are targeted by bean consumption for chronic disease prevention, in particular hypertension,” she says.

“In addition, working under the guidance of Professor Marcia English will allow me to grow as a student researcher as I will learn various laboratory techniques and will build my critical thinking skills.”

Alison Armstrong of New Westminster, BC, says the Irving Mentorship Award is funding her internship this summer at the Antigonish Women's Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association where she is conducting research on sexual violence policies in Nova Scotia.

Ms. Armstrong just graduated from StFX with a joint major in anthropology and women's and gender studies. She will return next year to complete an honours in anthropology with a subsidiary in women's and gender studies. She is supervised by Dr. Clare Fawcett.

“I am exploring how provincial policies have shifted due to changes in government and in response to cases of sexual violence that have been publicized in the media, and therefore gained public attention. This research is extremely important in drawing attention to the patterns and power dynamics reflected in the development and implementation of sexual violence policies, and showing where there are gaps in service provision to those most in need,” she says. 

Ms. Armstrong says her findings can be of practical use to service providers across the province addressing sexual violence, and that she is honoured to have the opportunity to research in this field and hopefully will make a real impact.

SUPPORT EMPOWERING

“Never before have I felt that there is such a level of confidence in my competence as an academic, and it is both refreshing, daunting and empowering to have that support,” says Leah Gray of Sharon, ON, who is entering her final year in honours philosophy with a subsidiary in political science.  

“The Irving Research Award is allowing me to take a focused look into an issue that I have extreme interest in, broadening my skill set, and critically testing my knowledge. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity and the experience.”

Ms. Gray is examining the question of whether it is ethical, healthy and according to human nature to engage in a hook-up culture, pivoting her research around Jeremy Bentham's lesser known work, Of Sexual Irregularities.

“Working with Dr. Doug Al-Maini is a great opportunity as he has already done in depth research into erotic philosophy and the dynamics of love, even if not specifically in the direction I am going,” she says.  

“This amazing opportunity is allowing me to pursue my interests and augment the breadth and depth of my understanding in computer science,” says Thomas Ciha of Germantown, Wisconsin, who just finished his first year in computer science. He is researching machine learning and implementing various learning algorithms and will be working with a PhD student to explore ways in which various learning algorithms can be applied to financial markets. His supervisor is Dr. Laurence Yang.

NEW SKILL SET

Kirsten Gallant of Antigonish, NS, a third year honours economics student, taking a subsidiary in math, says this experience has allowed her to develop a new skill set including planning field work, using GIS and learning new carbon sampling techniques.

Her research, supervised by economics professor Dr. Patrick Withey and earth sciences professor Dr. Dave Risk, explores the variation of net greenhouse gases and carbon accumulation rates of different wetland types. “An economic model will be constructed using independently collected empirical data to determine the relative value of wetlands in Nova Scotia especially with respect to restoration and conservation,” she says

“The project is allowing me to realize the defining characteristics and true value of wetlands while taking a multidisciplinary approach to illustrate the economic cost and benefits associated with certain destructive activities imposed on wetlands such as agricultural development,” she says.

“Receiving this mentorship award means a lot to me and also means a lot for my research,” says Craig Duininck of St. Cloud, Minnesota, a fourth year BBA honours entrepreneurship student who is taking a minor in psychology. 

His research looks at the effects of individual recognition on team productivity.

“In simpler terms, when people are working together as a team, will they be more productive or less productive if halfway through the objective one team member gets recognized for doing the best individual job. For example, when a group of employees are working together, is it a good idea by management to award a single employee of the month award, or does that actually cause other workers to work less? This topic has not actually been studied before in an individualistic culture like the U.S. or Canada,” he says.

“Without this help I would have to sacrifice a major portion of my study, which would also effect my ultimate findings. Furthermore, getting the opportunity to work extensively with Dr. Karen Blair has taught me a great deal about conducting research, and I am really looking forward to what the rest of the summer has in store.”

“Thanks to the Irving Research Mentorship Award, I have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and collaborate with world-class scientists from StFX and other institutions. On top of that, I get to spend my summer in the lovely town of Antigonish,” says Sean Rowley, a fourth year honours math student from Truro NS.

His research, with Dr. Jacob Levman, is focused on applying machine learning techniques to MRI examinations to help diagnose and characterize autism. He is also investigating some common issues that can arise with the use of machine learning.

Jamie Forsyth of Valley, NS, a fourth year economics honours student taking a subsidiary in mathematics, is looking into soil carbon and its effect on economically optimal forest harvesting, as well as the influence from climate change as a whole. She is supervised by Dr. Patrick Withey. “This opportunity will help me through gaining both research experience and additional education in a subject I am truly interested in.”

This May, Dr. Adam Lajeunesse, Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Canadian Arctic Marine Security and faculty at StFX’s new Mulroney Institute of Government, was invited to lecture to the NATO Defence College in Rome, Italy.

The Defence College is a military academy attended by senior officers from the forces of the various NATO countries. Its aim is to enhance alliance cooperation and educate officers in international military, political, social, and economic affairs.

For two years, Dr. Lajeunesse has been teaching in the College’s Regional Issues senior course, focusing on the High North. His lectures cover Canadian defence policy, circumpolar relations, Russian economic trends, and Chinese interest in the region.

These classes are taught jointly and Dr. Lajeunesse is regularly partnered with Mr. Svein Efjestad, policy director at the Ministry of Defence, Norway.

An improved understanding of the Arctic and its geostrategic importance is becoming increasingly important for both Canada and the NATO alliance, Dr. Lajeunesse says. As climate change reduces the region’s ice cover the circumpolar area is seeing more shipping, economic development, and military activity. Many NATO states are discovering a newfound interest in the region, with nations such as Germany, Britain, France, and others forming new Arctic foreign policies or pushing for increased participation in forums such as the Arctic Council and Arctic Circle.

The emergence of Lyme disease has become a notable public health concern across Canada.  Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by Ixodid ticks. In western Canada and central/eastern Canada the main vectors are Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis (also known as deer ticks), respectively. In the early 1990's, Long Point on the Ontario shore of Lake Erie was identified as Canada's first endemic area for Lyme disease. Since that time, both the number of endemic regions and the annual number of diagnosed human cases of Lyme disease has steadily increased.  Studies suggest that climate suitability, predominantly temperature, is a key determinant of the survival of deer tick populations. As a result of climate change, additional areas in Canada may become climatically suitable for tick establishment. Furthermore, areas in Canada that are already experiencing reproducing deer tick populations may experience an increase in tick abundance. This information suggests that climate change may lead to both new and increased risk of Lyme disease across Canada.

An interdisciplinary group of researchers with backgrounds ranging from nursing and biology to climate sciences and entomology has conducted a study, based at St. Francis Xavier University, which may help to inform and stimulate adaptation planning associated with the increasing incidence of Lyme disease. M.Sc. students Michelle McPherson, Almudena García-García and Francisco José Cuesta-Valero (all students of StFX’s NSERC CREATE Training program in Climate Sciences) in collaboration with Drs. Hugo Beltrami (St. Francis Xavier University, Canada Research Chair in Climate Dynamics), Patti Hansen-Ketchum, Donna MacDougall (both professors at StFX’s School of Nursing) and Nicholas Hume Ogden (National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada) worked collaboratively to estimate the future potential impacts of climate change on the presence, abundance and propagation of the Lyme disease carrying tick, using the most up-to-date climate models.

The authors present the results of their study in a recent paper published in the prestigious journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, which is published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Here authors provide comprehensive estimates of the current distribution and future emergence of the deer tick by using an ensemble of the most up-to-date General Circulation Models (GCMs) and emission scenarios (called Representative Concentration Pathways or RCPs). Each RCP relates to the magnitude of climate change associated with a specific greenhouse gas emission trajectory resulting from varying technological, demographic, economic, policy, emission and land-use futures. Using a range of emission scenarios and climate models simulations allowed for deer tick propagation estimates to be representative of a broad range of future climate outcomes. This study also assessed both when and where tick propagation becomes significant. Additionally, this study allowed for an assessment of how mitigation efforts may impact future Lyme disease emergence and propagation in Canada.

Over time all four RCP scenarios project statistically significant magnitudes of tick population propagation for all of Nova Scotia, areas of New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario south of 47 °N and Manitoba south of 52 °N. Estimates show that expansions of the ticks' range in Canada are statistically significant even under the lowest emission scenario (RCP2.6), thus, Lyme disease risk may continue to emerge in Canada even if the Paris Agreements' goal is achieved. Researchers also showed that mitigation associated with the three lower emission scenarios may result in public health benefits which would not be realized if we continue with the currently implemented mitigation policies, which would likely lead to warming within the ranges projected by the highest emission scenario. However, mitigation may not have a marked impact on Lyme disease risks for those who will be inhabiting or undergoing outdoor activities in southern regions of Canada that are predicted to be climatically suitable for I. scapularis populations in the early decades of this century, and where we are now experiencing the emergence of the tick and Lyme disease.

Preparing regions for increased and/or new Lyme disease risks may need to become a public health priority. Public health efforts will need to include increasing awareness about Lyme disease and its prevention amongst the public, enhancing the knowledge and capacity of medical practitioners to diagnose and treat Lyme disease, enhancing surveillance to identify where Lyme disease risk is emerging, and developing information for public health practitioners on surveillance, prevention and control. Vulnerability of Canadian populations to Lyme disease will continue to evolve over the coming century, and it is likely that the success of public health's response to Lyme disease will depend on sustained adaptation efforts.

The team’s research was funded by The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant, NSERC-CREATE award Training Program in Climate Sciences based at StFX, the Canada Research Chairs program, the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Graduate Scholarship as well as the Climate & Atmospheric Sciences Institute (CASI) at St. Francis Xavier University.

The work can be freely accessed at: McPherson, M. Y., A. García-García, F. J. Cuesta-Valero, H. Beltrami, P. Hansen-Ketchum, D. MacDougall, and N. Ogden (2017) Expansion of the Lyme Disease Vector Ixodes Scapularis in Canada inferred from CMIP5 Climate Projections. Environ Health Perspect; DOI:10.1289/EHP57.

For the full PDF --   

EHP57.alt_.pdf

EHP57.alt_.pdf

High school counsellors and post-secondary enrollment professionals from across Canada gathered at StFX May 24-26 for the 2017 Interchange Conference, an annual event hosted by the Atlantic Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers (AARAO).

The three-day conference brought together nearly 150 participants from across Atlantic Canada, and, for the first time in conference history, representatives from outside the Atlantic region, with delegates attending from coast to coast.  

“The annual conference is the leading post-secondary conference in Atlantic Canada and we were thrilled to have St. Francis Xavier University host this year,” says AARAO president Jennifer Howell, Enrolment Management Coordinator, Marine Institute of Memorial University.

“The StFX Interchange Planning Committee did an exceptional job organizing the conference; the first-class accommodations, the diverse sessions in the daytime, the beautiful celebrations in the evenings – everything was outstanding! The conference saw one of its highest registration rates ever, with participants joining us from all over Canada and the U.S. The AARAO executive would like to extend their congratulations once again to the StFX Interchange Planning Committee on the tremendous success of the conference.”

Conference participant Jason Manderson, Career Practitioner at St. Anne's, Bishop Carroll and St. Gabriel schools in Calgary, AB, first toured StFX campus five years ago to be able to tell students why the university could be right for them. “Five years later, when back to StFX, the reasons are crystal clear, from welcoming you with a smile and treating you as a family member they haven’t seen in while, to being treated with luxurious dorm rooms, fine dining and fantastic people providing information and tours. The reason I tell students to go to StFX is simple. You will feel part of something.”

Mark Kolanko, StFX Manager of Recruitment and one of the conference organizers, says the event was a terrific success. This year’s theme was ‘Change,’ and Mr. Kolanko says the conference provided robust PD opportunity tackling everything from student transition from high school to university to enrollment planning to mental health. StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald provided opening remarks.

Delegates had much opportunity to engage in conversation about the change taking place in the educational landscape, at institutions, and in communities, conversations all designed to enrich student support.

Mr. Kolanko says while the conference focused on student support and enrollment, delegates also enjoyed an introduction to the culture and community of StFX and Antigonish.

Welcome bags, which included local products from businesses such as Steinhart Distillery and Peace by Chocolate, and performances from local Highland and First Nations dancers and a play by local Syrian high school student Majd Al Zhouri, showcased the community, while the conference itself featured nods to StFX’s deep commitment to social change and giving back.

Rather than presenting a gift to speakers, donations were made in their name to the local L’Arche community, yielding over $500. As well, during nutrition breaks, conference delegates assembled over 800 toiletry kits, in bags donated by Pharmasave, for four not-for-profit organizations AARAO identified across Atlantic Canada.

Mr. Kolanko was also honoured during the conference, receiving the AARAO Leadership and Service Award, presented to an AARAO member who has demonstrated significant leadership in the post-secondary environment

“We are so fortunate to have had Mark as a part of the AARAO executive for so long and I can honestly say that the association would not be where it is today without the hard work and dedication that Mark has put into it over the years,” Ms. Howell says

Angela Williams from the Anglophone East School District – New Brunswick received the Guidance Counsellor Educational Excellence Award.

Mr. Kolanko thanked and praised members of the Interchange planning committee, members of StFX’s Admissions and Recruitment staff, noting how “phenomenal the group was in planning and hosting such an incredible PD opportunity for educators not just in Atlantic Canada but across the country. They were incredible.”

Members of the planning committee included Kate MacDonald, Mariah MacKeigan, Erin Draper, Matt Dolansky, Lauren Agnew, Erica Moore, Stephanie Brennan, Donald Rasmussen, Brittany Wood, Keegan MacNeill, Justin Fox and Mark Kolanko.