New international research study asks: Is COVID-19 changing the way we cook and eat?

It might sound familiar: flour, pasta and yeast are more difficult to find than in the past, and you cannot ignore the photos of homemade bread or desserts circulating on social media. It seems for many that the approach when it comes to meals is completely different than before the emergence of the coronavirus. This has not escaped the notice of several researchers, either.

This change in cooking habits has led to a partnership between Saint Mary's University and the Food, Media & Society (FOOMS) at the University of Antwerp in Belgium to launch a research study into the matter. The Corona Cooking Survey is a large-scale international survey study into the impact of COVID-19 on how people deal with food and food-related media. This study allows the shifts brought on by the coronavirus in terms of buying, cooking and eating habits, to be identified. More than 30 countries have already confirmed that they will participate in the research project. 

Dr. Maryanne Fisher

"This is a really exciting project to be involved with for many reasons. Academics around the world have very quickly come together to explore one of the most basic parts of our daily life: eating," says Dr. Maryanne Fisher, a professor of Psychology at Saint Mary's and part of the study's project team. "The number of people who have turned to baking bread - one of the most basic skills that has endured for centuries - is simply amazing. But how did they learn how to make that bread, and what prompted them to do so?"

In Belgium, the survey has received more than 6,000 respondents in less than two weeks.

"We know from previous research that family and friends play an important role in people's relationship with food. Just think of the typical "family classics" or all the tips that friends and colleagues share about food," says Dr. Charlotte De Backer, an Associate Professor at the University of Antwerp and the study's project leader. "Other sources, such as influencers on social media, celebrities on television or recipes in magazines also have an impact on our food choices. That's why we want to use this study to investigate whether our habits have changed since the preventative measures were taken, and what role various media and people play in these changes."

Interested in participating in the survey? Click here.

Saint Mary's University ready to support business, help rebuild economy

960 Tower Road, home to the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre and the Saint Mary’s University Language Centre.

Following last week’s provincial announcement, Saint Mary’s University president Robert Summerby-Murray says the university is ready to continue and scale its business coaching and mentoring services. 

“Our entrepreneurship centre started offering free coaching and mentoring services to businesses throughout Atlantic Canada early in March - we are ready to expand our capacity to help more businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray. “The centre’s free programming is designed to help businesses manage through the pandemic and also provides advice on what businesses can do to be more resilient to future shocks.” 

“We have been doing our part to help the economy and the business community – we are ready to do more.” 

Summerby-Murray said that business owners and entrepreneurs get access to world-class experts thanks to the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre’s partnership with Metronome United. Metronome United was founded by SMU alumna and entrepreneur Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92.  

"We are tremendously grateful to Ms. Byrne Susko for her help and support,” said Summerby-Murray. “Having access to the expertise provided by her and her team will be invaluable to entrepreneurs and business leaders here in Nova Scotia.” 

SMU alumni are also reaching out and showing their willingness to help. 

“Our graduates are ready to serve the province and its business at this time of need,” said Summerby-Murray. “The resourcefulness of our alumni is a source of pride for me and for the Saint Mary’s community.” 

Summerby-Murray said he is pleased the province is taking measures to help small businesses in the province and that combining capital with knowledge will ensure more businesses are ready to re-open when the time is right. 

“Money alone won’t ensure business resilience or innovation,” said Summerby-Murray. “It’s part of what’s needed but having access to the knowledge and skills is a necessary part of the equation.” 

“World class coaching and mentoring services, like those provided by the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre, will ensure the province maximizes its investments in the business community.” 

Saint Mary’s applauds and welcomes support for students

Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray said the announcement today, April 22, by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will help students throughout the country.  

“We know students were worried about their personal finances and their family's finances,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray. “Today, Prime Minister Trudeau provided those worried families support and hope.” 

The federal government’s new programs will provide support for students over the summer months and will increase support for students as they return to study this fall. 

“The best way to have a stronger economy in the future is to invest in students today,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray. “This is an unprecedented investment in students and our sector. This investment will help students this fall, and it will help our economy grow and be more resilient to future shocks.” 

Dr. Summerby-Murray said all levels of government have worked hard to create new supports at record speed while being responsive to the sector and other stakeholders. 

“This crisis is testing our institutions, and they are proving they are up to the challenge,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.  

He noted Saint Mary’s University has worked with alumni, staff and faculty donors to provide short-term emergency support to its students who need it most, provided PPE to frontline health workers, engaged in rapid response research funded by the federal government, and is providing free mentoring to businesses throughout the region.  

“All sectors of our society are standing together as we combat the pandemic, and we remain committed to being active partners in the fight.”  

SMU Entrepreneurship Centre partners with prominent alumna to expand free business coaching sessions

In response to COVID-19 and the challenges it poses to local businesses, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre is expanding its consulting services to offer more free virtual one-on-one business coaching sessions. 

“Many local businesses are having to make tough decisions,” says Michael Sanderson, director, Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre. “We are here to connect local companies with free virtual one-on-one business coaching to help them find the best way forward for their business during this challenging time.” 

Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92

For the past few weeks, the centre has offered free virtual strategy sessions to Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to help identify potential solutions to current challenges. Now through a partnership with prominent alumna and successful serial entrepreneur Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, the centre is expanding those services. 

“I have more than twenty years of experience building and leading high-growth technology companies in the financial services industry, and during that time, I have dealt with adversity and economic downturns,” says Susko, CEO and founder of Metronome United. “Now, I share that knowledge and experience with 60 Metronome coaches and their clients worldwide. We help CEOs and leadership teams overcome obstacles and grow. We know that businesses are facing significant challenges as a result of COVID-19, and we are here to help you.” 

Recognized in March 2020 as one Canada’s Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders, Susko was also named as one Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018 and was awarded Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2001. Susko has built and led high-growth tech companies in the financial services industry. In six years, she co-founded, managed, and sold two companies: Subserveo, Inc. and Paradata Systems Inc. 

For more information, visit www.smuec.ca and www.metronomeunited.com .

Sobey Executive MBA first program in Canada to achieve international Silver Accreditation for evidence-based management focus

The Sobey School of Business

In the trying times facing the world today, the Sobey School of Business continues to innovate and improve its business programs. The Sobey Executive MBA (EMBA) program has been awarded a Silver Accreditation by the international Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa). The program, located at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the first to receive this level of accreditation in Canada.

The Sobey EMBA program emphasizes evidence-based management, a framework which originated in medicine and has since migrated to other disciplines such as business and management. The accreditation recognizes that the program has “a series of courses that connect, build, and integrate evidence-based management principles.”

“With the topics dominating our news media and board table discussions across the country, we know now more than ever that evidence is essential in good decision making,” said Dr. Harjeet S. Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business.  “When I took on this role, I brought a goal of enhancing the School’s research program. I immediately recognized that this evidence-based approach is central to our impact.”

The Sobey EMBA program recently was revitalized, and an important part of the renewal was pursuing this accreditation. Wendy Carroll, Academic Director of the Sobey EMBA program, has been a fellow with the CEBMa since 2009 and has engaged with members there to help build the rigour of the practice and with colleagues in the Sobey School of Business to create innovative approaches within the refreshed curriculum.  The first cohort in the refreshed EMBA program began classes in January 2020. 

“Our graduates learn to use and critically appraise multiple sources of evidence to inform their decision-making process which in turn helps them lead with confidence,” said Dr. Wendy Carroll, Academic Director, Executive MBA Program. “We look forward to acknowledging this achievement with our community both online and when we are together again in person on campus.”

“We have been impressed with the Sobey program’s willingness to submit to the rigour of the process,” notes Eric Barends, Managing Director, CEBMa.  “We have three levels of accreditation. We thought early on that Sobey could probably achieve level 1, but the outcome of our assessment was that the school merited a silver accreditation.”

The Sobey School of Business is a recognized leader in business education and responsible management. The School has been recognized in 2020 as PRME Champions by the UN’s Global Compact and Principles of Responsible Management Education. The Sobey MBA program ranks in Corporate Knights’ top 10. Ivy Exec recognized the Executive MBA program as number five in Canada in 2017.  

Denise Rousseau, who consulted on Sobey EMBA program development and serves as chair of the CEBMa Academic Council, was recently recognized with the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). The annual award is given in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the science of industrial and organizational psychology.

The Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa) is the leading authority on evidence-based practice in the field of management and leadership. The Center is an independent, non-profit foundation that provides support and education to managers, leaders, consultants, teachers, and others who want to enhance their understanding of how an evidence-based approach helps people in organizations make better decisions.

Saint Mary’s researcher to study organizational response to disease outbreak with major new funding announcement

A closer look at how employers respond during disease outbreaks is part of a new research study underway at Saint Mary’s University.

A research team led by Saint Mary’s Professor of Psychology Dr. Kevin Kelloway has received a grant for $333,000 over two years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to study COVID-19.

Dr. Kevin Kelloway

“Dealing with a pandemic on this scale is a massive social challenge that has dramatically changed the nature of workplaces,” said Dr. Kelloway. “Our project examines the workplace changes and the effect that they have on individual employees.  How, for example, do organizational policies influence individual decisions such as decisions around hygiene or self-isolation? How is the mental health of employees affected by the disruptions and re-organizations, and what can organizations do to help employees cope at this time?”

This research funding is for a project titled “Organizational Response to Disease Outbreak,” which will look at how both public and private organizations are challenged with the need to protect and promote the health and health practices of their employees while maintaining operations during disease outbreaks.

The study will look at employee perceptions of their employers’ management of these two goals, with a focus on examining how the organizational response to disease outbreaks influences employees' own health and health-promoting behaviours.

Along with a large national survey representative of Canadian workers, which Dr. Kelloway says will be longitudinal, following employees as they go through this experience, the team is also planning more focused studies on the role of leaders (managers and supervisors) in managing this crisis as well as more in-depth studies of employees who have transitioned to working at home.

The research group will start the two-year study very quickly in order to get good data on how people are adjusting and reacting to the crisis as it unfolds.

“It’s a quickly changing environment, said Dr. Kelloway. “For example, when we wrote the grant, no one was thinking of social isolation on the scale that we are now experiencing.”

The team has launched a website (ohpdata.com) that will be continually updated with information for employers and employees on how to adapt to changing circumstances. As the results from the research start to emerge, they will be posted to that site as well.

This funding for this project is part of an investment of $25.8M from the Government of Canada to contribute to the global efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a portion of the $275M in funding for research on medical countermeasures against COVID-19 announced by the Prime Minister on March 11, 2020.

Dr. Kelloway’s team also includes Dr. Jane Mullen (Mount Allison University), Dr. Stephanie Gilbert (Cape Breton University) and Dr. Jennifer Dimoff (University of Ottawa) as well as PhD students Tabatha Thibault, Rachael Jones Chick and Vanessa Myers – all PhD students in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program at Saint Mary’s.

Speak to the people behind the research at the Saint Mary’s University Research Expo

What do black holes, spelling, the search for the size and shape of the universe’s smallest thing, and responses to climate change have in common? They are all research areas being discussed this Friday, March 6, at the 2020 Saint Mary’s University Research Expo.

“The Research Expo is a unique event at Saint Mary’s. Talk with our professors and graduate students, and listen to three-minute research pitches as they explain their work,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. “It’s an opportunity to learn about the exciting research happening across our campus, from our Science and Arts faculties, and the Sobey School of Business.”

The research being presented at the expo covers a wide range of disciplines in business, the arts and humanities, and science, including:  

• Toxic metals and invasive species;

• community adaptations in the face of climate change; and

• a qualitative approach to nursing staff shortages in emergency rooms.

These are only a handful of examples of the topics being investigated by researchers at Saint Mary’s, and many more topics will be discussed at the expo.

The expo is taking place at the Loyola Conference Hall and begins at 1 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; researchers will be centre stage for a series of short three-minute pitches on their work.

To learn more about the expo visit http://www.smu.ca/research/research-expo.html

Communities looking for expert advice receive a boost through latest CLARI investment

Communities looking to connect with experts to address issues and solve problems received a boost today, March 5, after a new investment for research projects through the Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) at Saint Mary’s University.

“We are working more with business, academia and communities to create the conditions for opportunity, growth and social well-being in our province,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “This initiative lays the groundwork for Nova Scotians to bring forward their ideas and work with post-secondary experts to help our communities grow and prosper.” 

Recent projects have covered a wide breadth of topics from exploring and documenting the life and history of Mi’kmaw Elder Sister Dorothy Moore to improving food security for seniors in Cape Breton.

 “CLARI has gone from an idea for greater connection between post-secondary institutions and community groups to a shining example of the strength of that collaboration,” said Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. “This latest investment is an affirmation of the importance of connecting researchers with our local communities to find solutions and opportunities in challenges.”

The funding for the projects comes from the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour and Advanced Education. The $150,000 investment will support 20 campus-community projects, connecting post-secondary experts with communities in need of their expertise. The Province also helps to support CLARI’s operations.

The CLARI network spans across Nova Scotia, combining the talents and resources of its seven founding partners. Those partners include Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Mount Saint Vincent University, St. Francis Xavier University, Saint Mary’s University, Université Sainte-Anne and the Nova Scotia Community College’s 13 campuses. CLARI partners assist communities in all parts of the province to develop social and economic change projects while providing enhanced learning opportunities for students.

For more information about CLARI, visit https://actionresearch.ca/

Competition to solve freshwater issues through technology and entrepreneurship begins in Atlantic Canada

Solving freshwater issues across Atlantic Canada through technology and entrepreneurship is the theme of a new competition that began this week at Saint Mary’s University.

“We are extremely proud to establish AquaHacking in Atlantic Canada,” said Dominique Monchamp, interim CEO of AquaHacking. “We hope that our partnership with Saint Mary's University Atlantic Water Network will open the doors to new technological solutions. We are calling on the creative and committed minds of young Atlantic innovators to take up this challenge and develop sustainable water tech solutions.”

The AquaHacking Challenge brings students, developers, designers, scientists, programmers, engineers, technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs together to form interdisciplinary teams to tackle five different water challenges.

The five issues they’ll be focusing on are:

•              algal blooms;

•              agricultural runoff;

•              drinking water treatment;

•              well water testing; and

•              microplastics.

“At RBC, we believe in the power of innovative technologies to address and scale solutions to some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time,” said Valerie Chort, vice-president, Corporate Citizenship, RBC. “We’re proud to be working alongside AquaHacking to develop real-world, scalable solutions to tackle the challenges that continue to plague our environment.”

Throughout the challenge, teams will have access to a variety of workshops and resources, as well as a dedicated group of mentors to help them develop their solutions and refine their pitches. The top teams will be determined at the AquaHacking semi-final in May 2020, after which successful teams will continue working on their solutions to present for a Dragon’s Den-style final in September 2020.

“We are thrilled to see AquaHacking come to the Atlantic Provinces,” said Emma Wattie, director of Saint Mary’s University’s Atlantic Water Network. “Our work with community-based monitoring organizations throughout the region has helped identify some of the water issues for this year's challenge. AquaHacking is a clear next step to help find solutions to some of the most pressing water issues facing Atlantic Canadians.”

The AquaHacking Challenge is an initiative of Aqua Forum that was founded by the de Gaspe Beaubien Foundation in 2015 to support technology and business development addressing environmental problems related to freshwater. After five successful years in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin, AquaHacking went national for 2020 with regional competitions across Canada.

The AquaHacking Challenge 2020 in Atlantic Canada is powered by the RBC Foundation, with support from the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation along with other national and local sponsors.

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray appointed to second term as President of Saint Mary’s University

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice Chancellor, Saint Mary’s University

Board Chair Lawrence (Larry) Freeman, Q.C., announced today the appointment of Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray to a second five-year term as President of Saint Mary’s University, effective July 1, 2020.

Freeman noted that the Board’s decision was based on a comprehensive review, including community and stakeholder consultation, leading to a unanimous recommendation of a Presidential Review Committee struck in 2018. He noted: “During Rob’s first mandate he established a bold Strategic Plan, and under his leadership we have made significant progress in implementing the Plan.  We have set new benchmarks for research funding and innovative student programs, increased investments in student financial support and services, and advanced our commitment to intercultural learning and global connectedness. We are particularly impressed with Rob’s ability to forge and strengthen important external relationships, locally, nationally and internationally.”

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, President Summerby-Murray received his PhD in Geography from the University of Toronto in 1992. A respected educator, he has received the Tucker Teaching Award, the AAU Distinguished Teacher Award and a 3M Fellowship.

President Summerby-Murray is an Elected Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In May 2018, he was named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEOs.

Coastal communities and their preparations for climate change at heart of new short film

The coastal community of Clare, Nova Scotia, that is featured in the film.

A new short film about coastal communities and how they are preparing for the impacts of climate change and other hazards from the sea was released today, Feb. 11. The film, Coastal Communities… At the Ready, combines global perspectives with the experiences of two communities on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada. 

“Most of the world’s people live by the sea and are under the threat of a variety of marine hazards,” said Dr. Tony Charles, a professor at Saint Mary’s University and the director of the Community Conservation Research Network.  “Marine hazards are not new on the coast but they are becoming more common and more intense under the pressures of climate change. Where the sea meets the land in coastal communities, developing good responses to the impending threats is vitally important.” 

This 13-minute film is important for all those concerned about our oceans and coasts, our communities and the impacts of climate change and ocean hazards. This includes communities and community associations, citizen organizations, governments and policymakers. The film also serves as a starting point for climate change discussions in school and university classrooms.

The film was produced by the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), the Community Conservation Research Network (CCRN), and Saint Mary’s University, with support from the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada.

The film is available at:

• www.communityconservation.net/coastal-communities-at-the-ready

• https://meopar.ca/news/watch-it-now-coastal-communities-at-the-ready

Saint Mary’s University statement on plane crash in Iran

We are aware of reports that Maryam Malek and Fatemeh Mahmoodi, both current students in our Master of Finance program, were listed on the passenger manifest of Ukraine International Airline flight PS752 which crashed in Tehran.

This is an evolving situation and the university continues to work with the relevant authorities for more information.

We extend our thoughts to family, friends and loved ones of anyone impacted by this tragedy.
 
Supports are available to all within the Saint Mary’s community:

• The Counselling Centre
  4th Floor, Student Centre
  902.420.5615  / counselling@smu.ca 
  Drop-ins welcome 

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

  https://smu.ca/about/efap.html
  

• Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (24/7, telephone response)
  Crisis support across Nova Scotia
  902.429.8167 or 1.888.429.8167

• Student Health Centre
  4th Floor, Student Centre
  902.420.5611

• Good2Talk
  24/7 free and confidential phone counselling
  1.833.292.3698 

• SMUSA Health Plan is providing services through I.M. WELL.
  Please contact the SMUSA Health Plan Office for assistance: SMUSA Health Plan Office, 5th Floor Student Centre, 902-496-8754; or, if you wish to speak directly with a counsellor:

• I.M. Well (24/7, 365 days per year) 
  Download (I.M. Well) Counselling App, and/or resources and live chat available for ALL students: 
  1.877.234.5327

• Grief Consultation will be available on campus. For further information please email: healthplan.smusa@smu.ca