February • 2024
globalheroes.com
ADVERTORIAL
DR. DANIKA VAN PROOSDI © CARTER HUTTON PHOTO
CAMPUS © COURTESY OF SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY
STUDENTS AT CAMPUS © RILEY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHER
From Climate Change to Food Security, Saint Mary's University Students Make Change for Good Saint Mary's University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is not just another educational institution; it's a vibrant community where students, faculty, and researchers are united by a common goal—to make a positive impact on the world, starting at the local level. This close-knit community is driven by a shared sense of purpose, and its students are leading the charge in addressing critical global challenges, from climate change to food security. A COMMUNITY OF CHANGE-MAKERS Saint Mary's has been ranked third in the nation among the Best Primarily Undergraduate Universities for two consecutive years and holds the top spot as the best primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia for the third year running. What sets this school apart is that students, faculty, and researchers have an unwavering commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. This commitment to effecting positive change is not only reflected in the classroom but extends into real-world projects and initiatives. "I am delighted that Saint Mary's University is again being recognized as a leading institution
in our region and in Canada,” said Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray of the ranking. "We will continue to create the space for possibility for our students, offering our distinctive combination of access to world-class academics and research within an incredibly supportive and vibrant community.” Saint Mary’s University is all about community, and this value is evident both in the close-knit feeling on campus and in its commitment to making an impact in the broader local and global community. With small class sizes, intentional student-faculty interactions, supportive academic advisors, and innovative learning spaces, students become part of a community that sets them up for continued success. Undergraduate students in each faculty, from Science to Arts to Business, have countless opportunities to learn and work alongside faculty—and the school’s track record shows that this unparalleled access makes a significant impact.
to Saint Mary's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The Centre provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with local businesses and receive training, mentorship, coaching, and consulting activities, all aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset. With this focus, in 2021-22 alone, the Centre has engaged with 2,000+ students, supported 600+ student entrepreneurs, and helped create 96 jobs: evidence of the profound impact the Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is making on both the student community and the regional economy.
FACULTY OF SCIENCE: FROM ROBOTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT The Faculty of Science is a hotbed of groundbreaking research. Students like Uzair, a Master of Science in Applied Science student, are arriving at Saint Mary’s from around the world to shape the future of robotics. Uzair’s work in Dr. Adel Merabet’s lab THE ARTHUR L. IRVING is focused on computer vision ENTREPRENEURSHIP and machine learning, showing CENTRE the potential for commercial The Arthur L. Irving Entrepre- applications. Additionally, stuneurship Centre is a testament dent researchers are taking on the
critical issue of invasive species, make a lasting impact in the busito help protect delicate ecosys- ness world. Kyle Morton worked tems against their impacts. alongside professor Dr. Yigit Adede to use machine learning for groundFACULTY OF ARTS: breaking work in COVID-19 research. Morton’s experience is just DECOLONIZING MUSEUM COLLECTIONS one example of how this faculty In the Faculty of Arts, Dr. fosters innovation and of the indiKirrily Freeman is working with vidualized attention and opportustudents to ensure that history is nities available to students. told accurately by helping muSaint Mary’s students are even seums unlock their collections. taking their education beyond By ensuring that the history the classroom: initiatives like and heritage of marginalized Square Roots, Seacycle, and communities are accurately Options Online exemplify their represented, they're reshaping dedication to real-world impact. the narrative of Nova Scotia’s Square Roots tackles food waste cultural history. This commu- by partnering with local farmers, nity-centered approach is not while Seacycle addresses the uronly rewriting the past, but also gent issue of plastic waste in our preparing the next generation of oceans. Options Online provides museum professionals. at-risk youth with valuable training and resources, offering them SOBEY SCHOOL OF a path to success. BUSINESS: BUSINESS A hub of change-makers, innoFOR GOOD vators, and community builders, The Sobey School of Business offers students at Saint Mary's are not just more than just a traditional busi- earning degrees; they are becoming ness education. It's a platform for part of a community united in its developing future leaders with a mission to make a difference. Saint strong focus on sustainability and Mary's is shaping the future and social impact. With an unwaver- making the world a better place, ing commitment to sustainability, one student at a time. innovation, and global perspective, the school equips students Learn more and launch your with the skills and tools needed to future at smu.ca/goeast
LOOKING FOR MORE THAN BUSINESS AS USUAL?
Apply by March 1, 2024 for our Sobey National Innovator $50,000 entrance awards!
You’ll find it in Halifax at the Sobey School of Business.
We’re all about making a positive impact and creating a more sustainable world. Here, you’ll get the modern business fundamentals you want, combined with the hands-on experiences, connections and robust support you need to launch your future. Renowned professors, superior facilities and outstanding networking opportunities, all on a lively campus with a sense of community you won’t find anywhere else. Learn more smu.ca/goeast
On Canada’s pristine east coast in the vibrant city of Halifax
One of Canada’s most respected business programs
Ranked #3 in Canada in MacLean's University Rankings
