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DALMAGAZINE inside: Knowledge sharers Power play 6 activity boosters spring 2021 CONNECTORS Dal’s new directors of African Nova Canada post publications: Mail PM41901013 Scotian and Indigenous community engagement in conversation with the vice-provost, equity and inclusion. left to right: Jalana Lewis, Dr. Theresa Rajack-Talley, Catherine Martin
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contents FEATURES COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CONNECTORS Dr. Theresa Rajack-Talley, CONNECTORS vice-provost of equity and inclusion, in conversation with Catherine Martin, director of Indigenous JALANA LEWIS dalhousie sits on unceded Mi’kmaq territory, and is surrounded by African Nova Scotian communities with community engagement, and Jalana Lewis, director of African Nova Scotian community engagement. Director of African Nova Scotian community engagement, hundreds of years of history. For decades, programs is a Dalhousie Law graduate originally from north end and initiatives like the Transition Year Program (TYP), Halifax who has worked in human rights law as well as with the Schulich School of Law’s Indigenous Blacks & various NGOs, universities and government offices. Mi’kmaq Initiative (IB&M) and others have created pathways for young Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotians into higher education—important efforts to page 22 address longstanding systemic inequities. But gaps THERESA RAJACK-TALLEY remain, and much work still needs to be done. Dalhousie’s first vice-provost of equity and Recently, the university created two new community inclusion, joining the university in 2019 from engagement roles: one focused on Indigenous commu- the University of Louisville. nities, the other on African Nova Scotian communi- ties. The individuals hired—Catherine Martin (ba’79) and Jalana Lewis (llb’13)—are both Dalhousie alumni who have spent their lives dedicated to service, sup- CATHERINE MARTIN port and making a difference. They work closely with Dal’s vice-provost of equity and inclusion Dr. Theresa Director of Indigenous community engagement, is a Dal Rajack-Talley—whose own role is, similarly, a first for Theatre alumna and member of the Millbrook First Nation Dalhousie. We asked Theresa to host a conversation power play Dr. Jeff Dahn, a global leader in battery who, in addition to being an award-winning filmmaker with Catherine and Jalana about their personal jour- and producer, has almost 40 years’ experience working neys and Dal’s responsibility to build connections with with Indigenous communities. Nova Scotia’s historic communities. NICK PEARCE This interview has been edited for research, is a recipient of a lengthy list of top science length. To read the full interview, go to dal.ca/dalmag. 22 22 dal mag spring 2021 dal mag spring 2021 23 prizes and awards. And for thousands of undergrad students, he’s the first-year prof who makes physics understandable—and fun. By Ryan McNutt page 26 POWER ripple effect Universities are engines of knowledge, PLAY Dr. Jeff Dahn is a global leader in fueling insight into some of the world’s most complex and pressing topics. Dal faculty members are sharing their knowledge beyond the boundaries of their battery research, a recipient of a lengthy list of top science prizes and awards. And for thousands of undergrad students, he’s the classrooms and research labs. By Matt Reeder first-year prof who makes physics understandable—and fun. By Ryan McNutt Photography by Nick Pearce Dr. Jeff Dahn and PhD page 32 student Marc Cormier use a bicycle wheel to demonstrate the concept of precession for Dahn’s first-year physics students. 26 22 dal mag spring 2021 dal mag spring 2021 23 GAIN WITHOUT PAIN Want to boost your activity levels? Get moving with advice from Dal experts. By Philip Moscovitch Get active with these six movement- boosting tips twenty minutes into my conversation about fitness and exercise with Health Promotion professor Sara Kirk, I notice something: She hasn’t says these programs don’t work, and even if they did, “it’s certainly not going to be healthy. People are looking for that quick hit, to get the page 38 by Philip used the words “fitness” or maximum benefit in the better than no activity,” Dr. That doesn’t mean you Moscovitch “exercise.” Instead, she talks shortest amount of time. But Kirk says. “We don’t have to should never feel any soreness. about movement and activity. when it comes to physical run a marathon. It could be “You may wake up a little bit “I think we have to try to shift activity, exercise, fitness, and something like running up stiff or a little bit tight. That’s Gain without pain our mindset,” she says. “We’re overall health and well-being, or down the stairs, going out normal. But that should designed to move. We’re just it’s not a one-time shot.” for a walk, or playing with the resolve very quickly,” she says. not moving as much as we kids in the yard—trying to And remember the fun factor: 4 Do what you love Dal News should.” build these opportunities for pain isn’t much of a motivator, For those looking to exercise “I don’t see any pleasure in physical activity or movement but enjoyment is. more—sorry, I mean, get running. So I don’t do it,” says into our day.” more active—there is a lot Kinesiology professor Melanie It’s about more than individual of confusing and seemingly Keats. “The only reason I’ll run Variety pack, not six-pack choice contradictory advice out is if someone or something is Don’t just try sculpting your Let’s face it: we live in a world there. Should you be doing chasing me.” Dr. Keats is often abs—or focusing on just one designed for convenience and short intense intervals on asked about the best exercise. other part of your body or immobility. Most cities priori- 10 Research Roundup the bike? Or maybe long hill She says that’s “the easiest aspect of fitness. Try to vary tize cars. And with many peo- climbs instead? And do you question to answer. The best your types of exercise, incorpo- ple working from home during really need to go to a gym? It’s exercise or best activity is any rating a mix of aerobic activity the pandemic, any activity natural to feel overwhelmed. activity you’re going to do. The (like walking, swimming, or associated with the daily com- Fortunately, enjoying the biggest trick, and it’s not even cycling) with something that mute is gone too. (Dr. Kirk benefits of becoming more a trick, is do what you love.” builds strength, and move- says she misses riding her bike active doesn’t have to be Think about activities that ments that work on flexibil- to the Dal campus.) 12 Read.Watch.Listen confusing. make you happy, Dr. Kirk ity and balance. “Ideally, a All this means we live in says. “Cycling brings out the well-rounded program would a world where it is harder Focus on health not weight child in me and makes me feel include all of those. But that to be active than inactive. “We’ve got to decouple healthy happy. Whizzing down a hill doesn’t necessarily mean going So don’t blame yourself if activity from weight loss. Don’t on a bike makes me smile. We to a gym,” Dr. Keats says. it’s not very motivating to do it because you want to lose will never maintain activity if “Do what fits in with start moving more. “Because weight,” Dr. Kirk says. we don’t enjoy it.” your daily life and with your we’ve created an environment 13 Events Lasting weight loss is capabilities,” Dr. Kirk says. that encourages sedentary difficult to attain. If you set Some is better than none By taking that approach and behaviour, it makes it hard that as a fitness goal, you In October 2020, the adding some variety you’re to think about how we build risk being disappointed and Canadian government released more likely to develop a new activity into our lives,” Dr. giving up. Instead, Dr. Keats new 24-hour movement habit and stick to it. Kirk says. Yes, you can make a says, focus on the many other guidelines, with recommenda- difference with your personal benefits of exercise: “Exercise tions on sleep, movement, and Pain is bad choices, but the bigger societal not only improves your sedentary time. The guide- “No pain, no gain” is a work- choices can create barriers 14 Dal Profiles physical well-being, it also lines call for adults to spend at out cliché. It is also a terrible or remove them. “Until our improves your mental well- least 150 minutes per week on approach to getting active. environment becomes health- being so you have better mood, “moderate to vigorous” physi- “Your body is very smart. If supporting, it’s hard work JULIA BRECKENREID reduced stress, less anxiety.” cal activity. something is painful, your for everybody to be changing And those regimens that That may seem like a lot, body is telling you that you their behaviour. We’ve got to promise extreme weight but you don’t have to get there need to stop or slow down,” advocate for a healthier, more loss? Ignore them. Dr. Keats all at once. “Any activity is says Dr. Keats. supportive environment.” 40 Class Notes 38 38 dal mag spring 2021 dal mag spring 2021 39 46 Faculty News 50 In Memoriam 52 Future Alumni dalhousie university DAL MAGAZINE spring 2021 ON THE COVER Cover photography by Nick Pearce 22 Connectors 32 Knowledge sharers Facebook facebook.com/dalhousieu and facebook.com/dalumni 26 Power play Twitter @dalhousieu, @dalpres, @dal_alumni 38 6 activity boosters Instagram instagram.com/dalhousieu Youtube youtube.com/dalhousieu All photos were captured pre-pandemic or taken LinkedIN linkedin.com/company/dalhousie-university following public health safety guidelines. Canada post publications: Mail PM41901013 Return undeliverable items to: alumni office, dalhousie University, PO box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 dal mag spring 2021 1
alumni benefits Exclusive offers Access exclusive services and CONNECT ANYTIME, benefits through our Alumni Benefits program. Members can save money on accommodations, ANYWHERE dining and retail, insurance, travel, entertainment and much more. Join today: alumni.dal.ca/signup. Continuing education Alumni are eligible for discounts on select courses and programs Update your email so offered by Dalhousie’s College you don’t miss out of Continuing Education. Access professional development opportunities through certificate Advancement programs, workshops, seminars, Digital vs Print conferences and consultations. Career support Dalhousie’s Bissett Student Success Centre supports alumni in developing skills and discovering ideal job and career opportunities. You have access to peer advising, career counselling, online services, resources and professional development events. So many of our great alumni programs Valuable connections Events and networking offer and services are available online. Even personal and professional DAL Magazine can arrive in your inbox. development opportunities. Update your contact information Grow your network by building connections with other members today, using the link below, to get important of Dal’s global alumni community. emails and links to news, benefits and events. Visit alumni.dal.ca/benefits to alumni.dal.ca/contactinfo learn more about these offerings and benefits. 2 dal mag spring 2021
editor’s letter Reaching out by Kim Pittaway stereotypes about academic isolation abound: town and gown, ivory towers, the walled university. But universities have never been walled-off gardens from the rest of society, less so now than ever: connections to the communities that surround universities are essential for growth, cross- pollination of insights and to ensure what blooms within has relevance without. We continue as a province, country and globe to cope with the effects of COVID-19 but it remains perhaps truer than ever that our collective health and development is best supported through our connections to each other and our communities. In this issue of DAL Magazine, we explore and cele- brate the many ways that the university reaches out and welcomes in. In the pages that follow, you’ll find examples of community impact in “Ripple effect” (p. 32); a conversation about building stronger bridges between Dal and communities that have faced and continue to face challenges in access in “Community connectors” (p. 22); and a profile of a professor whose commitment to classroom teaching continues to inspire and engage in “Power play” (p. 26). We encourage you to stay connected to us as well, by submitting a Class Note (email classnotes@dal. ca), by sharing your thoughts on our content (email editor@dal.ca)—and by sharing the stories you see here with others (you can find our content online at dal.ca/dalmag). Join us online for ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING enquiries Open Dialogue Live. COMMUNICATIONS, cmc@dal.ca MARKETING & CREATIVE ADDRESS CHANGES Monthly episodes feature Dalhousie experts SERVICES Matt Proctor Phone discussing current topics and important issues. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE (902) 494-6855 Sheila Blair-Reid, 1 (800) 565-9969 Fallon Bourgeois, Email View upcoming events and join the conversation. Keri Irwin, alumni.records@dal.ca alumni.dal.ca/opendialoguelive Ryan McNutt, Postal Mail Laurel Munroe, Alumni Records, Stefanie Wilson Office of Advancement, CONSULTING EDITOR Dalhousie University, Kim Pittaway PO Box 15000, Halifax, ART DIRECTOR Nova Scotia B3H 4R2 Paul Williams Senior Designer Published and produced Luke Smith by Dalhousie University digital Designer Communications, Marketing Scott Pronych and Creative Services
news Recognizing recipients of the Order of An accomplished exec- exciting opportunities Nova Scotia in November. utive leader, Hanf retired that lie ahead for excellence Dr. Oliver of Wolfville last year from Emera after Dalhousie University.” is a human rights activ- having spent nearly 20 —Ryan McNutt Two researchers from ist, lawyer, and former years in senior roles in its Dalhousie’s Faculty of Canadian senator. Born group of companies, most New federal funding Science and Faculty in New Glasgow and recently as the company’s of Medicine are being raised in Truro, Paris- executive vice-president, for vaccine work presented with a regal Hoyte has made signif- stakeholder relations and honour. Dr. Jeff Dahn icant contributions to regulatory affairs. Hanf, In November, the of the Department of social justice and law, in who lives in Halifax with Honourable Navdeep Physics and Atmospheric addition to her efforts as his partner, also has a Bains, Minister of Science and Dr. Kenneth a social worker and edu- lengthy list of community Innovation, Science and Wilson of the Division cator. —Michele Charlton roles that he’s partaken in, Industry, announced of Plastic Surgery have and Sarah Sawler including work with St. close to $28 million been appointed to the Andrew’s United Church in research infrastruc- Order of Canada: New Dal Board chair Council, the IWK Health ture support through Dr. Dahn as an Officer, Centre and the Hospice the Canada Foundation Dr. Wilson as a Member. Society of Greater Halifax. for Innovation’s (CFI) They were among the Bob Hanf (LLB’89) is the “In my time working Exceptional Opportunities 114 new appointments new chair of Dalhousie’s with Bob, his commit- Fund. The funding, which to the Order announced Board of Governors. ment to supporting Dal’s covers the urgent need in December by the Hanf has served on Dal’s students and furthering for equipment for ongo- Governor General of Board since 2013 and the university’s impact ing research related to Canada. As well, Dal alum has chaired both the in our local communities COVID-19, will support B. Denham Jolly (Diploma Academic & Student and around the world 79 projects at 52 universi- in Engineering’58 from Affairs Committee and shine through,” said Dal ties and research hospitals, Nova Scotia Agricultural the Community Affairs President Deep Saini colleges, polytechnics and College, now Dal’s Faculty Committee during that at the time of Hanf’s CÉGEPs across Canada. of Agriculture), was time. Most recently, he appointment. “I look One of the funded appointed a Member “for took over as interim chair. forward to continuing our projects is being led by his contributions to the His new appointment work together on many researchers at Dal, the promotion of equity and makes him the Board’s opportunity within the permanent chair through Greater Toronto Area’s to the end of June 2023. Bob Hanf (LLB’89), Black community.” “It feels monumental to new chair of Two Dalhousie alumni me, personally,” says Hanf Dalhousie’s also recently joined the of being asked to chair the Board of ranks of the outstanding Board of his alma mater. Governors. and dedicated individu- “I’m the first person in my als recognized with the family to go to university. Order of Nova Scotia: I’ve benefitted a great deal Shawna Y. Paris-Hoyte from having graduated (BA’78, LLB’94, BSW’01, from Dal Law and this MSW’03) and the is another way I can give Honourable Dr. Donald back to the university and SUPPLIED Oliver (LLB’64, LLD’03) the broader community. were announced as I’m truly quite humbled.” 4 dal mag spring 2021
IWK Health Centre and engineering student and the QEII Health Sciences member of her academic Centre, who have received community. Whether it’s $1.2 million to advance advocating for diversity in the development of new her field or supporting her COVID-19 vaccines with fellow students academ- upgrades to the Canadian ically and within Dal’s Center for Vaccinology’s administration, Sparks has level-3 containment been a beacon of inspira- facility at the IWK Health tion for her peers, her pro- Sierra Sparks is “a complete Centre. This will allow fessors and people across student, an impressive them to create models of the Dal community. Now, spans academics, extracur- individual and a role model,” COVID-19 to test the effi- her enthusiasm is about to riculars, leadership and says Faculty of Engineering cacy of vaccines, learn why go transatlantic, with the community impact. dean Dr. John Newhook. people develop different aid of one of the world’s Sparks becomes degrees of severity of the most prestigious stu- Dalhousie’s 92nd Rhodes disease, and produce new dent awards: the Rhodes Scholar—a number that is for the renovation of tests to determine at the Scholarship. exceeds all but a small Dartmouth’s Alderney earliest stages of infec- “She is a complete handful of schools in Gate pedway. Both proj- tion who may be hit the student, an impressive North America, and an ects are part of the firm’s hardest. individual and a role area in which Dal com- growing portfolio of cele- “This is a great oppor- model for many to follow,” petes with the likes of brated efforts to revitalize tunity to enhance the says Dr. John Newhook, Princeton, Stanford, and rejuvenate the infra- basic research and clinical dean of the Faculty of McGill and U of T. structure in the area. research capabilities to Engineering. “Sierra has —Ryan McNutt Increasingly, progres- conduct valuable work on continually and con- sive cities are looking COVID-19 by growing the sistently demonstrated Award-winning to create more vibrant, SARS-CoV-2 virus, study- outstanding academic liveable downtowns. ing models of COVID-19 performance, but equally architecture Architects are recognizing severe infections, moni- impressive is her level of renovation as a powerful toring clinical biomarkers engagement and pas- Run by partners and tool to activate older pub- of severe COVID-19 sion as a student leader Dal alumni Jane Abbott lic buildings and urban disease and identify- within Dalhousie and at a (MArch’06) and spaces. For Abbott Brown, ing COVID-19 vaccine national level.” Alec Brown (MArch the focus on renovation responses in people,” says Being a Rhodes Scholar ’93), Abbott Brown runs parallel to other new- Dr. David Kelvin, pro- is a life-changing opportu- Architects is the recip- build design projects but fessor in Dal’s Faculty nity: a fully paid scholar- ient of two Lieutenant it is an area of expertise of Medicine and project ship covering travel, study Governor’s Awards of which they wholeheart- leader. —Michele Charlton and expenses for two Merit for Excellence in edly embrace. “For us years (with an option for a Architecture. it is less about whether Dal’s 92nd Rhodes third) at the University of One award, in the the project is a new build Oxford in England. There large building category, or a renovation itself,” Scholar are just over 100 Rhodes is for the renovation of says Abbott. “It is most Scholars selected each Dartmouth’s Zatzman important that the Sierra Sparks has spent year from across the globe. Sportsplex in collabo- project be considerate of DANNY ABRIEL the past four years at In Canada, only 11 stu- ration with Diamond quality urban design and Dalhousie as an enthu- dents each year are chosen Schmitt. The other, in the that it be sustainable.” siastic and committed based on criteria that small building category, —Anne Swan dal mag spring 2021 5
news Portia White world. I feel tremendously and analytics and lead on honoured and grateful.” the university’s accessibil- prize winner The award is named for ity planning. Portia White, the African To tackle this, Dal has Dr. Afua Cooper’s dis- Nova Scotian vocalist and established an integrated tinction as a scholar and Dal alumna who rose to framework that will poet now includes one of international acclaim as enable collaborative work Nova Scotia’s top artis- a classical vocalist in the across the university to tic awards. At the 2020 1940s. —Ryan McNutt develop, monitor and Out North shares items from the Creative Nova Scotia continually improve its collection of Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Awards gala held digi- Making Dal accessibility plan based archives to illustrate the story of tally in November, Dr. on provincial standards LGBTQ2+ politics in Canada. Cooper—a professor in the barrier-free now being developed. Faculty of Arts and Social Planning is already in full Sciences’ departments Nova Scotia has desig- swing at Dal, says Spence. inspiring him to think dif- of History and Sociology nated 2030 as its goal of An accessibility advisory ferently about his studies. and Social Anthropology, becoming barrier-free for committee and steering “[Her] courses on pop- with cross-appointments individuals with disabil- group are up and running, ular music, gender, and to Gender and Women’s ities and other accessi- with a core project team sexuality showed me how Studies and the Faculty bility challenges such as and six working groups exciting and important of Graduate Studies— deafness or neurodiver- set up to take on planning it is to think about queer was awarded the Portia sity. Dalhousie, like other around the province’s and feminist histories in White Prize, which post-secondary insti- priority areas—work that order to understand how recognizes “cultural and tutions, has an import- will then be folded up into we got to where we are artistic excellence of a ant role to play in this an overall plan for the now,” says Dr. Jennex, Nova Scotian artist who ambitious undertaking. university. A new website now an assistant profes- has attained professional Designated by the prov- has also been set up with sor in English at Ryerson status, mastery and recog- ince as a “public body,” details about the working University in Toronto. nition in their discipline Dal is required to craft a groups, terms of reference His recent book Out over a sustained career.” comprehensive accessi- and other resources. North: An Archive of “I feel so honoured bility plan that specifies —Matt Reeder Queer Activism and because it recognizes my the removal of barriers to Kinship in Canada is body of work,” says Dr. participation in each of Book taps co-authored with Nisha Cooper. “Often times the following areas: the Eswaran and shares items when you’re working, cre- built environment, deliv- LGBTQ2+ archives from the collection of ating, you do so in isola- ery and receipt of goods The ArQuives: Canada’s tion. Sometimes you don’t and services, information Craig Jennex (BA’10) LGBTQ2+ Archives to even know if the work and communication, edu- didn’t expect his music illustrate the story of makes sense. So for the cation, employment, and undergrad to set him on LGBTQ2+ politics in community to say, ‘yes, it transportation. a path towards becoming Canada. makes sense, we honour “There are so many a scholar of the culture, “Nisha and I dug it, we appreciate it,’ it rein- dimensions to accessibil- politics and history of through the archive and forces that I’m on the right ity that we know we need gender and sexuality in chose exciting materials path… [that I’m] using to address, and that goes Canada. But he credits that allow us to tell a story my writing and my art well beyond the physical studying popular music of LGBTQ2+ community to bring beauty, to bring state of our buildings,” with Jacqueline Warwick and politics in Canada,” SUPPLIED joy, to bring knowledge says Susan Spence, Dal’s in the Fountain School he says. “It was sort of a and understanding to the vice-provost of planning of Performing Arts with dream project—we spent 6 dal mag spring 2021
quoted. about a year exploring the Leadership from StFX. collection and deciding “I am looking forward Dal Experts in the news what we wanted to to meeting incoming and feature. We got a lot in current IB&M students the book, but we’ve barely and getting to know their scratched the surface future ambitions,” says of the collection and of Jones. “I am eager to these histories.” Founded implement the various in 1973, The ArQuives academic and cultural has grown to become supports that will help the largest independent them reach their goals LGBTQ2+ archive in and see them reach their the entire world. Its fullest potential. I want collections include books, IB&M students to know archival papers, artifacts, that there is someone photographs and art dedicated to their success related to LGBTQ2+ life as they traverse law school in Canada. —Janet Dyson and the legal profession.” —Trudi Smith global news | Two shots. A waiting New director for period. Why the coronavirus vaccine Fountain goes digital won’t be a quick fix IB&M Initiative “It’s completely understandable to have enthusiasm, but this is not going to be In mid-2020, Kelsey Jones What happens to all of instantaneous.” (LLB’14) became the the moments we choose —Dr. Alyson Kelvin, Faculty of Medicine new director of Schulich to forget? To the issues we Law’s Indigenous Blacks would rather ignore? The and Mi’kmaq (IB&M) parts of ourselves that we cbc | Scale of Sipekne’katik fishery Initiative. A graduate of want to turn away from? won’t harm lobster stocks, says prof the program, Jones’ last Where do they go? “I recognize and I empathize with the role was as the African The Fountain School commercial fishing sector that this seems Descent Student Affairs of Performing Arts’ like a conservation risk. I don’t think it is. I Coordinator at St. first show of the 2020- don’t think the science would support that.” Francis Xavier University 21 season, Jordan —Dr. Megan Bailey, Faculty of Science, (StFX). Prior to her time Tannahill’s Concord Floral, Marine Affairs Program at StFX, Jones articled asked these questions both with the Nova Scotia of its audience and its own Department of Justice characters as the first ever ctv | Canadian families will pay up to in Halifax and held roles online show conceived $695 more a year for groceries in 2021, with the Canadian Red through the Fountain reports says Cross and the CBA Young School. The show was “We don’t expect a break at the grocery Lawyers International streamed online, free store any time soon. This is the highest Program. In addition of charge, for a week in increase that we’ve ever expected.” to her JD, she holds a October. SERGIO MEMBRILLAS —Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Agri-Food BA in Political Science With all of Dalhousie Analytics Lab from Dalhousie and a transitioning to online Master’s in Education, learning last Fall, the Administration and Fountain School adapted dal mag spring 2021 7
news its programming online of studies in the Fountain with creativity and enthu- School of Performing siasm. This new format Arts Theatre program. has presented the cast So when she received an and crew with count- email from the Hnatyshyn less challenges, but also Foundation notifying her unique opportunities and that she was one of the chances to explore new seven young Canadian methods of performance performing artists to and production. “[We’re receive a grant of $10,000 learning] how to invent to pursue their studies in this medium and keep for the 2020-21 academic it really interesting for year, to say she was excited ourselves,” says director is an understatement. Ann-Marie Kerr. Another Dal student, Machinal, the second Dr. Henry Annan (MD’18), production of the Dal will be furthering his Theatre 2020-21 season, education thanks to the was pre-recorded and prestigious Chevening available to view for free Scholarship, a United as a private Vimeo link for Kingdom government audiences in December. funded program that Though Sophie Treadwell targets future leaders. wrote the play nearly 100 Recipients of the schol- years ago, its underlying arship are personally themes are as relevant selected by British embas- as ever: in a pandem- sies and high commissions ic-ravaged world, a young throughout the world. woman grapples with As he nears the start her increasing sense of of his own independent alienation as a result of practice, Dr. Annan is the encroachment of taking time away from technology into daily life. his residency to complete —Molly Somers and the Master of Public Hannah Whaley Policy (MPP) program at Oxford University. Students take top —Genevieve MacIntyre and Jason Bremner scholarships Ella MacDonald is one of the many university students that lost their jobs due to the impact of DALHOUSIE ARCHIVES the COVID-19 pandemic. This caused her extra worries about how she Get the latest Dal News would fund her final year at dal.ca/news 8 dal mag spring 2021
found. Archiving Dal’s history Are you smarter than a fifth grader? How about a first-year student in 1869? This exam, like others, was printed as an appendix in the university calendar, a practice that acted as a public assurance of Dalhousie’s academic credibility. Daily classes in rhetoric, classics and mathematics made up the first-year curriculum, followed in second year by the addition of chemistry, logic and psychology. If you made it to your third year, you could expect to continue with mathematics and classics, and tag on additional classes in experimental and mathematical physics, metaphysics, Greek or chemistry, and French or German. Fourth-year students had a slightly reduced class load, which included astronomy, experimental physics, Latin, ethics, political economy, history, and French or German. Professor James DeMille, the examiner, was rigorous in his belief that the study of rhetoric was central to education, both to cultivate a pure love of study and to train students in the more utilitarian arts of elocution and persuasive argument. Out of the 13 undergraduates enrolled in his class in 1869, only eight passed the exam. You have four hours. Time starts now. 1869 first-year rhetoric exam —Jennifer Lambert See other examples of past exams online at dal.ca/dalmag dal mag spring 2021 9
research roundup by Alison Auld and Michele Charlton Social Work Supporting the homeless During the covid-19 global pandemic, those who find themselves homeless are potentially among the most vulnerable to the spread of the virus. Citizens have been asked by federal and provincial governments under states of A Caribbean reef emergencies to “stay home” to shark is captured on Science Medicine stop the spread of covid-19, camera as part of the but what happens when Global FinPrint study. Disappearing sharks Learning from there is no home to go to? Dr. covid-19 covid-19 Jeff Karabanow is exploring the impacts of covid-19 on An ambitious project that individuals experiencing allowed researchers to peer covid-19 has killed more homelessness and the responses into the world’s oceans over than a million people around by both informal and formal several years provided a grim the world, infected millions systems to support the needs assessment of global reef more and destabilized life of these individuals, and how shark populations: sharks as we know it. But scientists these systems will move forward were absent on many reefs, are exploring whether there in disaster recovery. This study indicating they are too rare to could be a potential benefit to will significantly contribute fulfil their normal role in the the deadly virus. Dr. Shashi to the examination of how ecosystem and have become Gujar, with Dal’s Department the pandemic has impacted “functionally extinct.” Dr. of Pathology, is examining homeless populations. Aaron MacNeil, an associate whether the body’s immune professor at Dalhousie and lead response to SARS-CoV-2 could Researchers: Dr. Jeff author of the Nature paper, be repurposed to kill cancer Karabanow, School of says this first-ever benchmark cells. When infected with a Social Work study shows an alarming loss pathogen, the body’s immune of an apex species that is a system activates T cells, which vital food resource, tourism act in a highly precise manner attraction and top predator on and kill only virus-harbouring GLOBAL FINPRINT / ELIZABETH WHITMAN PHOTO coral reefs. Their decline is due cells. The T cells generated in in large part to overfishing and response to the viral infection the use of destructive fishing remain in the body for a long practices. time and Dr. Gujar and his scientific partners believe Researchers: Dr. Aaron these virus-specific T cells MacNeil, Faculty of Science; could be redirected to go after researchers from 80+ institutes cancer cells. and universities Researchers: Dr. Shashi Gujar, Medicine 10 dal mag spring 2021
Medicine Agriculture New CF drug Chickens help against covid- covid-19 19 New research out of Dalhousie University, St. Michael’s Researchers at Dal’s Atlantic Hospital, and the Hospital for Poultry Research Centre Sick Children forecasts that helped in the production of delaying access in Canada antibodies against covid-19 Leaky blood vessels in the brain could be Medicine to a new cystic fibrosis (CF) that could be used in a device related to impaired therapy known as Trikafta used to test for the virus. could result in avoidable death. The Faculty of Agricultural cognitive function in people with lupus. Lupus ‘brain fog’ Trikafta is a combination of in Truro, N.S., collaborated three medications that could with AffinityImmuno Inc., Scientists at Dal have gained potentially help 90 per cent of in Prince Edward Island— new insight into why roughly the CF population in Canada one of the first laboratories 40 per cent of people with because it is designed to target to manufacture antibodies lupus lose certain cognitive and modify the most common against the novel coronavirus. functions, such as memory CF mutation. The study Dozens of birds were injected and the ability to concentrate. showed that making Trikafta with the virus protein carried Using a brain imaging available in 2021 would result by an adjuvant designed to technique, they found in 60 per cent fewer people stimulate a strong immune that lupus patients with leaky with severe lung disease, an 18 response in the birds. The eggs blood vessels in the brain per cent increase in people with from the injected chickens were twice as likely to have mild lung disease, and 19 per were sent to AffinityImmuno impaired cognitive function, cent fewer chest infections by Inc., where the antibodies compared to those with 2030, compared to if the drug were successfully harvested non-leaky blood vessels. The was not made available. from the yolks. discovery involves the blood- brain barrier—the lining of Researchers: Dr. Sanja Researchers: Dr. Bruce the brain’s blood vessels that Stanojevic, Faculty of Medicine; Rathgeber, Faculty of blocks harmful substances Dr. Anne Stephenson, St. Agriculture from entering the brain. When Michael’s Hospital that barrier leaks, foreign molecules can seep from the TOP: PROVIDED, RIGHT: ATLANTIC POULTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE blood vessels into the brain and trigger inflammation that can undermine brain function. The authors of the report say the research could lead to a new generation of treatments. The Faculty Researchers: L. Kamintsky, of Agriculture collaborated with S.D. Beyea, J.D. Fisk, AffinityImmuno Inc. J.A. Hashmi, A. Omisade, to harvest corona- C. Calkin, C. Bowen, virus antibodies A. Friedman, & J.G. Hanly developed in eggs. dal mag spring 2021 11
read .watch . listen . Dal alumni and faculty share their books, television shows, films, webinars and podcasts. � podcast � book � Book Sciographies Images of A Guide to with david barclay Language Going Green Sciographies, a in Middle by hannah solway podcast and radio English This eight-chapter show produced Vernacular guide to making eco- by the Faculty of Science and hosted Writings friendly choices began � � by kathy cawsey as a undergraduate by Dr. David Barclay, Conservation Biology an associate professor class assignment with Dalhousie’s Dr. Kathy Cawsey, faculty member in completed by Hannah Department of Solway and ended up Oceanography, the Department of English, explores as an e-book, available introduces listeners from Amazon. to the stories the use of images in behind Dalhousie Middle English texts, tracing out what can Podcast scientists. be deduced of a theory DLJ of language. � Book The Dahousie Law Black Matters � Book Journal (DLJ) podcast by afua cooper and wilfried raussert I Place You series is hosted by student editors and � Into the Fire features conversations Dr. Afua Cooper of By Rebecca Thomas with researchers on the the Departments (BA’09, MA’13) forefront of Canadian of History and law. Topics tackled Sociology & Social The first collection of include the issues of Anthropology, poetry from former decarceration, corpo- and photographer Nova Scotia poet rate responsibility for Raussert, collaborate laureate Rebecca climate change, and in this book of poems Thomas, I Place You harm prevention. and photographs Into the Fire explores focused on everyday what it means to be � � Black experiences. a second-generation residential school Did you know you can order books and survivor and is a call for more online from the Dalhousie Bookstore? Indigenous justice and Go to dal.ca/bookstore empathy. 12 dal mag spring 2021
events . AND MORE! Leading by example Celebrating a milestone The second season of Open In November, the Dallaire Dialogue Live kicked off in September with Faculty Institute for Children, of Engineering alumnus Peace and Security hosted and entrepreneur George a virtual celebration for Armoyan who hosted a talk their 10th anniversary at on the power of mentorship Dalhousie. Guests from and the importance of empowering the next around the world joined generation of entrepreneurs. to share their views on the institute’s contributions and impact over the last In-depth discussions decade. Open Dialogue Live and Sciographies teamed up in Montreal alumni reunion October to welcome NASA In December, Montreal astronaut and ocean explorer Law Chapter president Dr. Kathryn Sullivan (phd’78, lld’85). Dr. Sullivan shared Nathalie Goyette hosted how she became an astronaut a virtual reunion for as well as insight into her alumni in the Montreal three space missions and her area. It was a chance to most recent adventure to the meet new classmates and Challenger Deep in 2020. share memories of their time at Dal. Want to receive event invitations? Update your address at alumni.dal.ca/update or email alumni.records@dal.ca See the latest events listings: Upcoming alumni events: alumni.dal.ca/events Dalhousie Arts Centre: dal.ca/artscentre and click on “Upcoming Events” Fountain School of Perfor- Neighbourly relations ming Arts: dal.ca/performingarts and Just days before the U.S. election, experts from the Faculty of click on “Our Season” Arts and Social Sciences discussed how the election outcome could impact Canada and the larger effect of American politics on gender, race, class issues, immigration and journalism. dal mag spring 2021 13
we are dal Sydney Breneol, Nursing PhD Candidate t was in January of 2010 that I I found a lump underneath my right jaw. I was in Grade 10. I had the whole tumour surgically removed from under my jaw. Once I had the surgery, I was referred to the IWK because at my home hospital in PEI they were pretty certain from what they could see that it was cancerous. Within a couple weeks, I started chemo and I was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, which is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This year marks 10 years since my diagnosis. I had an amazing group of friends that stuck by me. They would come over to Halifax every weekend that they could. “I had an amazing I have no idea what I’d do without them, group of friends my mom, and my whole family. Even the that stuck by community in PEI did a lot of fundraising me. They would for me. They knew my mom was a single come over to parent. They showed me they were there Halifax every if I needed anything at all. When I came over to do my Master of weekend that Nursing, I knew I wanted to do work at they could.” the IWK. I definitely felt a strong draw. My original research proposal, when I was writing it up to apply to Dal, was all about We are a that reintegration piece. How do you rein- community of tegrate into your life post cancer? Once doers, dreamers, I got over here, my supervisor was doing learners, teachers, research around children with medical builders, neighbours and complexity and that transition from hospi- more. Read more tal to home and how we can better support at WeAre.Dal.Ca them in their home communities. It was a DANNY ABRIEL perfect fit and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since: focusing on the services needed to help these individuals and families thrive in their communities and homes. 14 dal mag spring 2021
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people alisha postma (bsc’12) is with heaps of anemones and sea peaches. I also a scuba diver, underwater glimpse some of my photographer and author favourite photography subjects: nudibranchs. who loves to dive into a day of adventure and deep-sea 8:00 a.m. I’m at the exploring. midpoint of my dive. I can feel the push of the current as the tide turns 24 hours and begins to drive me back towards my entry point. In less than one hour this gentle push 6:00 a.m. Beep, beep. It’s an ungodly will have turned into a hour of the morning and while I’d love to ferocious flow. Letting stay in my warm bed, one of my favourite myself succumb to the shore diving sites on the Bay of Fundy tide, I backtrack. I see calls. My workday actually started the brilliant red anemones previous evening, long before my alarm and sea stars galore— was set to ring, as I sorted through dive even an itty-bitty spiny gear and camera equipment in preparation lumpsucker. It’s enough for dive day. to make me squeal into my regulator. 6:30 a.m. From leggings to my polar fleece onesie, I sometimes feel more like 8:30 a.m. My dive the Pillsbury Doughboy than an actual buddy and I remove top: Joey and Alisha scuba diver in my thermal gear. But I will each other’s fins and hobble, chilled, to Postma with their need every layer to keep my body warm the shoreline. While our time underwater recently published against the cold waters. was limited, there are few places in New educational colouring Brunswick that match the scuba diving book, Sharks, Turtles 7:15 a.m. On Deer Island, the site of the thrills of this location. and Underwater Things. middle: A close-up of a largest tidal whirlpool in the Western sea anemone. bottom: Hemisphere, it’s not about being early—or 10:30 a.m. After breaking down our gear, A small purple spiny late. It’s about being smack-dab on time. we waste no time making a beeline for lumpsucker. Here the tides are no joke and can go from the ferry. It will take just over an hour to lazy river to rip-roaring in the blink of an travel to the mainland. eye. It takes knowledge and experience to We’ll spend the rest dive this area. Wading out into the water, of the day visiting and my husband and I are keen to commence photographing another our dive prior to slack tide. dive site—one less dependent on tidal 7:30 a.m. Taking the first breath in my fluctuation. Then we’ll regulator, I drop down into the Bay of prepare for tomorrow’s Fundy with a splash. Right away, I spy travels, heading to Nova urchins and crabs scampering across the Scotia to photograph SUPPLIED rocky bottom. Kicking away from the entry and dive Canada’s ocean point, we navigate to a cascading wall playground. 16 dal mag spring 2021
who faced the same fate that I did,” says Meldrum, noting that she was not afforded these types of crucial resources as a victim of abuse at the hands of a family member. In 2008, Meldrum founded Little Warriors, a non-profit organization that focuses on trauma-informed, sci- ence-backed treatment and prevention. Since then, the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch has forged new standards for child sexual abuse treatment, with children coming from all over Canada to partic- ipate in their intensive therapeutic pro- grams. Staffed with leading academics and doctors, to date more than 400 families have received support from the Be Brave Ranch clinical team. “From the outset of developing our pro- grams, we have partnered with researchers at the University of Alberta for ongoing evaluation and quantitative data analysis,” says Meldrum. “Leading the way forward with science-backed clinical care ensures child sexual abuse survivors and their families can receive the best treatment spotlight available today.” A clinical trial performed at the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch showed that a four-week intervention program there glori meldrum reduced the psychological impacts of child (bcomm’95) has created a sexual abuse. The results, which were safe haven for victims of published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Behaviour, measured reduc- child sexual abuse at long- tions in symptoms like child post-traumatic Glori Meldrum’s book Warrior is an term treatment centre Little stress disorder, anxiety and depression. An accomplished philanthropist, busi- inspiring account Warriors Be Brave Ranch. nesswoman, author and mother of four, of overcoming Meldrum is also the CEO of g[squared], childhood abuse Nestled on 120 acres just outside an advertising and marketing agency in and building a Edmonton is a ranch with a camp-like feel, Edmonton that she co-founded with her world-class with spaces dedicated to art, Indigenous husband Gary (who she met at Dal). Her treatment centre heritage, music, play and yoga, along with work as a community leader and advo- for kids who have cabins and communal areas for meals cate has not gone unnoticed. Some of her been sexually and celebrations. It’s the Little Warriors honours include being a 2020 National abused. All Be Brave Ranch—a specialized long-term Honoree for L’Oréal Paris’ Women of proceeds support treatment centre that provides child sexual Worth, making Shaw Canada’s 50 Most Little Warriors. abuse survivors and their families with Outstanding Canadians list in 2017, and dedicated programming and therapy. And being a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond it’s a dream come true for Glori Meldrum Jubilee Medal (2012) recipient. (BComm’95), a survivor of child sexual “I have done a lot of work to heal the abuse herself. broken pieces of myself and what I’ve “Since university I wanted to create learned is that when you do for others, SUPPLIED something that provided access to support your soul is happier,” says Meldrum. and healing for children and their families —Fallon Bourgeois dal mag spring 2021 17
Postbabyhankypanky.com includes a series of videos to help new parents open the lines of communication about post-baby sexual concerns. facility for couples’ sexuality in Nova Scotia and around the world. Their studies focus on everything from men coping with low sexual desire to a couple’s journey with fertility treatment. Foundation: “My research focuses on sexual relationships, particularly during important life transitions, and how couples can maintain sexual satisfaction over time. This research matters because a strong, satisfying sexual relationship is directly linked to people’s overall health and well-being.” Inspiration: “In academia, there is a focus on writing academic papers and innovator presenting at conferences. I wanted to do something different with the data to get the findings into the hands of new Dalhousie clinical parents and the health-care providers who work with them. We developed a series of “What are the psychologist, sexual health videos based on our research and launched sexual problems that new mothers researcher and the scientist the Post Baby Hanky Panky campaign (postbabyhankypanky.com) to help open and fathers are behind the Post Baby the lines of communication about this having? How Hanky Panky campaign, topic—it’s not something that new parents common are they, dr. natalie rosen is talk a lot about. But it’s hugely common and are they the for there to be new sexual concerns after same for both helping to end the stigma having a baby.” parents? It turns for individuals and out that over 90 couples coping with Why it Matters: “Everyone’s interested per cent of new in it—it’s a sexy topic—but on the other sexual problems. hand, it’s hard to talk about. Sexual health parents report is still an area where there’s a lot of stigma, between 10–16 Innovation: Dr. Rosen is an associate and a lot of misinformation still persists. sexual concerns professor with Dalhousie’s Departments As a scientist, I think it’s our responsibly that are specific to of Psychology and Neuroscience and to correct myths and misinformation.” the postpartum Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Additionally, —Jocelyn Adams NICK PEARCE period.” she directs the Couples and Sexual Health Research Laboratory, a leading research 18 dal mag spring 2021
why i give After returning to Canada, he completed a further two years of study at the college before going on to graduate studies at dr. david crowe has Macdonald College (now part of McGill University) and Cornell University. funded a scholarship that His area of specialty was plant physi- grows from his love of ology and Dr. Crowe worked as a pomol- farming. ogist—a botanist studying fruit and its cultivation—at the Kentville Research Centre (now called the Atlantic Food and Dr. Davide Crowe (XFRF’42) has Horticulture Research Centre). spent close to a century living, working One of his proudest accomplishments and studying farming. Through the was standardizing apple bins, replacing First granted in 2018, scholarship he has funded, his influence apple boxes as a superior way to store the over the 10-year life on farming will stretch well into the fruit. Another was the 14 years he spent of the scholarship, future. going farm-to-farm doing extension work, $25,000 is awarded The seeds of giving were sown early in translating science into practical improve- Dr. Crowe, taking root when he was an ments for fruit growers. His legacy now each year to one agriculture student on scholarship and also includes the scholarship in his name. agriculture graduate growing even deeper in his retirement. First granted in 2018, over the 10-year student. Now 97, he established the Dr. A. David life of the scholarship $25,000 is awarded Crowe Graduate Scholarship in 2017. It’s each year to one agriculture graduate the largest and most prestigious scholar- student who intends to live and work in ship at the Faculty of Agriculture. PhD Atlantic Canada. “When putting that student Wasitha Thilakarnathna from Sri kind of money out, you want to keep it at Lanka has received the renewable scholar- home,” says Dr. Crowe. ship three times. Thilakarnathna says it’s a “great hon- “Receiving this scholarship was a major our” to have received the scholarship. His milestone of my academic life which research involves extracting proanthocyan- enabled me to start PhD studies with con- idin from grape seeds to see how it affects fidence,” says Thilakarnathna. the liver of mice, with the goal of eventu- Dr. Crowe was raised on a farm in ally applying his research findings to the Berwick, N.S. in the 1920s and ’30s and prevention of liver cancer. enrolled at the Nova Scotia Agriculture The two men met in 2018 and College in 1942. He finished his course, Thilakarnathna still shares his research DANNY ABRIEL enlisted in the navy as a pilot and was reports with Dr. Crowe.—Alison DeLory deployed to Europe just as the war ended. dal mag spring 2021 19
as vice-chair of investment and corporate banking and in June 2020 was appointed as the university’s eighth chancellor, succeeding his former cabinet colleague The Honourable A. Anne McLellan. Highlights: Brison is a Commerce alum who discovered politics and started his first business (renting mini-fridges) during his time at Dalhousie. As one of the first generation in his family to go to university, he’s seen first-hand what Dalhousie means to people across the Maritimes who grow up in small communities like his hometown of Chéverie, N.S. “Today, more than ever before, we need strong leaders. I really think Dal plays an important role in helping build the leadership of today and tomorrow.” Why I Do It: The chancellor is a ceremonial position that presides over why i do it convocation ceremonies, something Brison has only been able to do virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As much as a video can hopefully convey The Honourable scott my passion for Dalhousie and for Dal brison (bcomm’89) has students, graduates and alumni, I really look forward to being able to do so in proudly championed his person.” He also hopes to follow in Dalhousie and Nova Scotia the footsteps of his predecessors and find unique ways to contribute to the roots throughout his time university, citing a particular interest “Dalhousie gave me an opportunity in politics. Now, he gets to in education in government and public to flourish— play an even greater role in service. “Dal has a unique opportunity to cross-pollinate across faculties to academically, in his alma mater as its eighth produce leaders who can understand some ways, and in chancellor. multiple disciplines including business, other areas like government and science. I think politics and His BACKSTORY: The Honourable Scott strengthening the relationships among business.” Brison represented the riding of Kings- faculties is something that can help create Hants, Nova Scotia in Canada’s House of a new generation of citizens prepared to Commons for nearly two decades, serving lead and to tackle the big challenges.” in multiple cabinet positions including —Ryan McNutt DANNY ABRIEL as President of the Treasury Board. After leaving politics in 2019, he joined BMO 20 dal mag spring 2021
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