Hall of Fame
Youth Award
Hall of Fame inductees are recognized for having made major, internationally recognized impacts on science and/or technology during their lifetime. Inductees are required to have roots in Nova Scotia having either been born here or having made significant achievements while living and working in Nova Scotia. Through their outstanding lifetime contributions to society, the Hall of Fame inductees serve as inspirational role models for the youth of Nova Scotia to pursue STEM careers.
The Youth Award is awarded to the junior or senior high school student(s) in Nova Scotia who achieved the highest ranking among all Nova Scotia participants at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. The Youth Award is designed to recognize extraordinary work in the early scientific efforts of young Nova Scotian students.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Dr. Ron O’Dor
Bram St. Peters
Dr. Ron O’Dor was a renowned researcher in physiology and marine biology, with a specialization in cephalopod biology and aquatic animal telemetry. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he completed his undergraduate biochemistry degree at the University of California Berkeley and obtained his PhD in physiology from the University of British Columbia. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University, he joined Dalhousie University as a faculty member in Biology in 1973.
Throughout his career, Dr. O’Dor held significant positions, including Director of Dalhousie’s Aquatron Laboratory and Chair of the Biology Department. He was the Associate Dean of Science, Research and Development at Dalhousie and he also collaborated with individuals at universities and government labs worldwide and became an Emeritus Professor upon his retirement in 2015. Dr. O’Dor passed away in 2020, leaving behind a remarkable scientific legacy.
Dr. O’Dor played a pivotal role in the Census of Marine Life (CoML), a global initiative to study the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the ocean, serving as Chief Scientist from 2000 to 2010. During this time, he envisioned the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), which aimed to track tagged animals along migratory routes using acoustic receivers and oceanographic sensors. OTN, based at Dalhousie University, evolved into a renowned research and conservation platform, and is now a global research, conservation, and infrastructure platform and one of Canada’s National Research Facilities, focused on understanding aquatic animal movements and survival in changing environments. OTN was foundational to the birth and growth of other major ocean initiatives and research at Dalhousie.
Recognized for his contributions, Dr. O’Dor was named Canada’s Environmental Scientist of the Year by Canadian Geographic in 2009. He also received the Discovery Centre’s Professional of Distinction Discovery Award in 2012 and an honorary degree from Lakehead University.
Dr. O’Dor was a visionary scientific leader who had a significant impact on global marine research. His legacy continues to shape our understanding of marine biology and inspire future generations of researchers.
Bram St. Peters is the recipient of the 2023 Discovery Awards Youth Award. Currently a grade 10 student at Citadel High School, St. Peters has always possessed a profound curiosity for science, particularly in the fields of space and biology.
St. Peters’ journey in scientific exploration began when he needed to develop a project for his school science fair. As NASA’s Artemis rocket embarked on its mission to the Moon as part of the Moon to Mars operation, St. Peters became captivated by the challenge of growing plants in lunar soil, a critical aspect of sustaining human colonies on the Moon.
St. Peters dedicated himself to investigating whether human biosolids could serve as an organic fertilizer to facilitate food production directly in lunar soil. Conducting a series of plant growth experiments using simulated lunar soil and various organic fertilizers, including a commercial biosolids product, St. Peters made an important discovery. He found that combining small amounts of human biosolids with earthworm castings significantly increased plant production in lunar soil. This pioneering research earned St. Peters a Gold Medal at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, the Challenge Award in the Curiosity and Ingenuity category at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, and the prestigious Sanofi Biogenius Award at the Halifax Sci-Tech Expo.
Outside of his scientific pursuits, St. Peters is an active teen who enjoys the outdoors and sports including football, hockey, skiing, and snowboarding.
St. Peters exemplifies the spirit of youthful curiosity, perseverance, and innovative thinking. The Discovery Awards Youth Award serves as a testament to St. Peters’ remarkable achievements and his potential to make significant contributions to the scientific community.
Professional of Distinction
Awarded to a world-class science and/or technology researcher or developer (in academia, a public research institution or private sector) who demonstrates ingenious and innovative thinking in the creation of ideas, concepts, perspectives, and processes within their field. The recipient is recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in their work but may not necessarily be well known locally by members of the general public.
Sponsored by:
Dr. Erin Johnson
Dr. Marlon Lewis
Dr. Erin Johnson is a Professor and Herzberg-Becke Chair in Theoretical Chemistry at Dalhousie University. Dr. Johnson’s global reputation rests on her pioneering contributions in Density-Functional Theory (DFT), a bedrock of computational chemistry. Her work redefines the application of theoretical tools in predicting and understanding chemical processes, spanning diverse fields including drug design and materials science. Her accomplishments in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of DFT methods for predictive calculations, and her collaborative endeavors with experimentalists, have garnered international recognition.
Dr. Johnson’s research facilitates the routine application of DFT to intricate intermolecular chemistry, enabling theory-driven design accessible to researchers worldwide. With over 25,000 citations for her 149 peer-reviewed papers, she ranks in the top 1% of scientists globally. Her accolades, including the prestigious Dirac Medal, underscore her profound influence on the field.
Dr. Johnson’s research, while rooted in theoretical chemistry, transcends its boundaries. Her advanced understanding of London dispersion interactions, though not immediately apparent in daily life, underpins phenomena as diverse as gas condensation, biomolecule structure, and pharmaceutical effectiveness. Her open-source software methods reverberate across the chemistry spectrum, from catalysts to electronics.
Outside her professional endeavours, Dr. Johnson’s extensive contributions continue. She delivers numerous invited lectures, graces international scientific conferences, and serves on boards and advisory panels. Her impact on her field, both within and beyond Nova Scotia, is undeniable. Not just hailed as the finest young theoretical chemist in Canada but potentially in all of North America, Dr. Johnson is a paragon of innovation and leadership in science and technology.
Dr. Marlon Lewis’s visionary and pioneering contributions in biological oceanography have left an indelible mark on the field. During the early 1990s, his pivotal role at NASA Headquarters in the US was instrumental in laying the foundation for ocean colour satellite missions. This groundbreaking work enabled the measurement of ocean colour from space, a feat that revolutionized the understanding of marine primary producers, particularly phytoplankton abundance. His participation in shaping the SeaWiFS satellite mission and continued involvement in influential planning and steering groups redefined modern biological oceanography, with satellite observations catalyzing far-reaching impacts.
In the early 2000’s Dr. Lewis anticipated the next transformative step in observational biological oceanography – the use of autonomous platforms with miniaturized sensors. This insight has given rise to the unfolding BGC-Argo program, as acknowledged by Hervé Claustre, co-chair of the program. Dr. Lewis’ vision and inspiration have ignited a revolutionary shift in the field.
Beyond his academic reputation and international recognition Dr. Lewis is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Fellow of the Oceanography Society and a Life Fellow of the Explorers Club. His establishment of Satlantic LP, a sensor company in Halifax, exemplifies his multifaceted achievements. For two decades, he led as its president and chief scientist, propelling the company to international acclaim for manufacturing ocean sensors extensively employed by the global research community. Dr. Lewis’ acumen earned Satlantic multiple awards, a testament to his work ethic, intellect, and dedication.
Dr. Lewis’ impact extends to mentorship, inspiring numerous students and young professionals and outside his profession, Dr. Lewis exemplifies community-mindedness. His roles as Chairman of the Board of Amundson Science, mentor at the Creative Destruction Laboratory, and Ocean Business Advisor at Cox & Palmer reflect his commitment to broader community development.
Dr. Adango Miadonye
Dr. Adango Miadonye, a distinguished professor with over 25 years of experience in academia, has a prolific academic record boasting 200+ peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Miadonye’s contributions span the realms of natural sciences and engineering with over 40 published papers in high-impact journals in the last five years alone. His pioneering research extends to petroleum engineering and chemical processes, impacting industries across Norway, France, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Canada. His innovative work on microwave irradiation has garnered international attention, leading to collaborations and advancements in the field. His research has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Cape Breton University President’s Distinguished Research Award in 2016.
Dr. Miadonye has exhibited exceptional leadership within Cape Breton University’s Department of Chemistry, serving as chair from 2006 to 2016. His engagement in various committees and roles has significantly contributed to the betterment of his colleagues and the university community. Dr. Miadonye was pivotal in laying the foundation of program initiatives within the department of chemistry that now both increase and diversify the student population in that program which are aligned with the University’s stated goals of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Miadonye has been an active member of the Cape Breton University community, contributing to strategic planning, curriculum development, and advanced education and he is committed to research excellence, academic leadership, and community engagement. Dr. Miadonye is actively engaged in Black Educators association of Nova Scotia, Imhotep Legacy academy (ILA), Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN) and Science Lab Experience Program (SLEP) for Cape Breton Island High-School students.
Science Champion
Science Champion is awarded to a working scientist, technology professional, full-time science teacher, professor, journalist, or media personality who devotes their time to the promotion of science and technology to the public. The recipient serves as a role model for all Nova Scotians, particularly for youth and students, in support of the development of a culture of science and innovation in the province.
Sponsored by:
Dr. Pemberton Cyrus
Dr. Sarah Wells
Dr. Pemberton Cyrus is the former head of the Department of Industrial Engineering and President of Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA) at Dalhousie University. As President of ILA, he has spearheaded a transformative initiative that significantly enhances African Nova Scotian participation in STEM programs. This outreach partnership has empowered over 2,000 secondary students annually, promoting STEM subjects as accessible and attractive career choices.
ILA’s innovative tri-level mentorship approach is a unique strategy that involves professors mentoring university students, who in turn mentor and tutor junior and high school students. This practice has effectively attracted Black Nova Scotian students to STEM professions, particularly in engineering, computer science, and science fields at Dalhousie University.
Beyond his professional role, Dr. Cyrus actively engages with the community to create an enduring impact. Through over 20 culturally appropriate STEM programs, he ensures youth of all ages receive exposure to initiatives ranging from one-off events, science fairs, summer camps, to after-school programs.
Dr. Cyrus extends his reach to marginalized communities through summer science magic shows, captivating young minds and sparking their interest in STEM. His dedication to underserved communities is evident in his involvement with boards such as the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission and the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.
Dr. Cyrus’ contributions transcend academic boundaries, fostering an environment where science, engineering and technology education is accessible to all, transforming lives across Nova Scotia.
Dr. Sarah Wells is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at Dalhousie University with over two decades of service, her contributions to research, teaching, outreach, and community engagement have left a permanent mark on her students, her colleagues, and the broader Nova Scotian community.
With a multidisciplinary background encompassing biophysics, materials science, and biomedical engineering, Dr. Wells approaches discovery research in cardiovascular physiology with a holistic perspective. Her skills as an educator have earned her numerous accolades, including the Biomedical Engineering Teaching Prize and the Dalhousie Academic Innovation Award.
Dr. Wells is not only an educator but also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She has spearheaded a range of outreach initiatives that bridge the gap between basic science research and real-world applications. Her efforts have spanned activities like Women in Science and Engineering, Indigenous Health in Medicine, and the Promoting Leadership for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) program. Her involvement in public events like Soapbox Science and regional Mawiomi (Powwow) reflects her commitment to making science accessible to all communities.
One of Dr. Wells’ standout achievements is the Inclusive Pathways to Medical Professions (IPMP) initiative, a transformative program aimed to attract, recruit, support, and retain Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students within the Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) program. The IPMP will not only increase the representation of Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students in the medical fields, in turn ensuring health care professionals reflect our communities, but it will also strengthen connections within those communities.
Dr. Wells’ profound impact on the scientific community, her dedication to mentorship, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and her ability to make science accessible to all demonstrate her commitment to the advancement of science in Nova Scotia.
Dr. Maryanne Fisher
Dr. Maryanne Fisher is a Professor of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University, with a career spanning nearly two decades, Dr. Fisher’s dedication and commitment to science education and outreach have left an indelible mark on her students, her community, and the world of academia.
Dr. Fisher’s work explores human relationships through an evolutionary lens. Her research has not only advanced the understanding of human behavior but also led to the creation of a dynamic learning environment for her students. Serving as a Full Professor at Saint Mary’s University, she has taught and mentored generations of young minds, fostering an appreciation for the wonders of science.
Recognized for her innovative teaching methodologies, Dr. Fisher has been awarded the prestigious Father Stewart Medal for Excellence in Teaching and the Association of Atlantic Universities teaching award. These accolades reflect her impact on her students’ learning journey and underscore her ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Fisher is affiliated with the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and she has earned the honor of being named one of the first Santamarian Research Chairs at Saint Mary’s University, a testament to her contributions to the world of research. In 2022, she received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee medal for education, acknowledging an exceptional dedication to education, demonstrating a commitment to enriching the lives of others through learning.
Dr. Fisher’s dedication extends to fostering inclusivity and diversity in science, by exploring ways to be more encompassing when researching human behavior. Her commitment to her students’ growth is evident through her mentorship of approximately 60 undergraduate and graduate students, instilling in them the passion for scientific inquiry and excellence.
Emerging Professional
The Emerging Professional Award is awarded to a post-secondary science and/or technology student, graduate student, post-doctoral fellow, or practicing professional, who is early in their career, and lives and studies or works in Nova Scotia. This person demonstrates intellectual achievement, excellence and has potential for ongoing growth and development. They also demonstrate ingenious and innovative thinking in the creation of unique ideas, concepts, perspectives and processes within their field.
Sponsored by:
Dr. Finlay Maguire
Dr. Noreen Kamal
Dr. Finlay Maguire is an interdisciplinary researcher who has made contributions in the realms of science and technology. Since joining Dalhousie University in 2022 as an Assistant Professor, his innovative work has resonated locally, nationally, and internationally.
Dr. Maguire’s research marries computer science and epidemiology, employing novel approaches that harness large datasets to address complex health and social challenges. His efforts developing and applying computational methods to DNA data have revolutionized the understanding and tracking of infectious diseases. Notably, he led a study that uncovered the first instance of SARS-CoV-2 infecting wildlife, then evolving and transmitting it to humans. This discovery shifted the paradigm in SARS-CoV-2 evolution, garnering international attention and influencing the World Health Organization’s response.
Together, he has published research with over 300 collaborators, demonstrating Dr Maguire’s unique capacity to bridge clinical medicine, sociology, biology, and computer science. This remarkable breadth of engagement is further evidenced by his collective $1.77 million in competitive funding from national bodies and Research Nova Scotia.
Beyond research, Dr. Maguire plays a pivotal role in shaping public understanding of science and technology. Throughout the pandemic, his public talks and extensive media outreach have fostered a greater appreciation for the role of digital data in daily life. He’s been instrumental in developing protocols and software tools used by global public health agencies to monitor COVID-19 and other diseases, facilitating more effective decision making and public understanding.
Dr. Maguire’s contributions extend well beyond the academic sphere. His dedication to community welfare is evident through prior volunteer efforts at Shelter Nova Scotia, the Halifax Community Learning Network, and various organizations supporting marginalized communities. He’s also deeply involved in improving access to culturally competent healthcare for refugees and advocating for women’s reproductive health.
Dr. Noreen Kamal has made outstanding contributions in healthcare optimization and stroke treatment. Leveraging data-driven strategies and principles of operations research, machine learning, and data analytics, Dr. Kamal has revolutionized the timely treatment of acute stroke patients, where every moment counts.
Having successfully reduced stroke treatment times by 44% across Alberta, she now leads the Atlantic Canada Together Enhancing Acute Stroke Treatment (ACTEAST) project, targeting improved stroke care access in rural areas. Dr. Kamal secured a $1M NSERC Alliance grant to establish a national acute stroke registry, particularly benefiting underserved communities.
Dr. Kamal’s interdisciplinary approach distinguishes her in her field. She bridges healthcare and industrial engineering through collaboration with medical experts and various health professions.
Her work’s significance extends globally, as evident in her collaboration with Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky to create a pre-hospital stroke decision-making model. Their subsequent company, DESTINE Health Inc., offers a cloud-based tool for optimal stroke transport protocols, benefiting healthcare leaders and researchers worldwide.
Dr. Kamal’s efforts also extend to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields. Her involvement in various activities and committees fosters an inclusive environment in academia and beyond.
Dr. Kamal’s contributions in healthcare optimization, commitment to inclusivity, and global impact make her a deserving Emerging Professional Award finalist. Her work not only revolutionizes stroke treatment but also amplifies the role of science and technology in our lives.
Emran Billah
Emran Billah is currently serving as a Senior Software Specialist at Weir Marine and Lead Electrical Engineer at Drinkable Water Solutions, where he is committed to improving water impurity detection and portable technology. His innovative spirit is also evident in his fintech startup, Bluethumb Technologies, which caters to students and people with disabilities, and he is also the Local Lead for NASA Space Apps in Nova Scotia.
Billah also pursues impactful projects beyond his professional life. His contributions to startups like VarsityHire and SimplyCast have transformed them into successful ventures. Billah’s work on Nova Scotia’s emergency response system, EmergHub, and CubeSat deployment with Dalhousie Space Systems showcases his wide-ranging influence.
Billah’s efforts span professional domains and the broader Nova Scotian community. He passionately educates and mentors students, hosts seminars, leads hackathons, and empowers young minds. His 2022 recognition as a Top 30 Under 30 Innovator and his continuous engagement with innovative projects reflect his commitment to Canada’s socio-economic growth.
Billah’s impact reaches far beyond his professional sphere. With multidisciplinary engagement, innovative contributions, and dedication to community development he has illuminated the significance of science and technology in our daily lives.
Innovation
The Innovation Award is awarded to a company or individual for science and/or technology innovation in the commercial development of a new product or service. Presented to an enterprise or individual that has developed a commercially viable product or service and is either ready to bring it to market or has recently successfully done so. This award is intended to recognize a team or individual who saw the commercial potential of a concept/research and applied innovative business practices, combined with the strategic investment of time and money, to bring it to the market.
Sponsored by:
Ashored Innovations
Dartmouth Ocean Technologies
Ross Arsenault is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Ashored Innovations. In 2018, Arsenault, alongside Aaron Stevenson and Maxwell Poole, founded Ashored Innovations during their time at Saint Mary’s University. Their ingenious creation, Rope-On-Command (ROC) fishing technologies, is transforming the fishing industry. Transitioning from a contentious concept to a suite of proven and solid solutions, Ashored’s ROC technology revolutionizes fishing practices.
Ashored’s commitment and dedication extends beyond the classroom, fostering a multi-disciplinary team and collaborating to support both the economy and environment. Through local and international accelerators, competitions, and government projects, Ashored has solidified its place as a pioneering industry player.
The diverse team, exceeding 20 members, reflects Arsenault’s dedication to innovation at all levels. By engaging students and fostering cross-industry collaboration, they drive breakthroughs in process and technology innovation. As a for-profit company, Ashored’s unique triple-bottom-line approach intertwines profit with environmental conservation, community employment, and stakeholder engagement.
Arsenault’s work at Ashored showcases the power of technology in Nova Scotia’s core industries. Collaborating closely with the fishing community, they addressed traditional fishing challenges, enhanced appreciation for technology, and demonstrated how innovation can align diverse goals. Their dedication to involving academia and community engagement underlines their commitment to local innovation with a global impact.
Outside his professional role, Arsenault has been a driving force in community initiatives, including co-founding Square Roots, contributing to Enactus Saint Mary’s, volunteering at food banks, and chairing the Governance Committee for Ropeless Manufacturers working group.
Arsenault and his company have garnered numerous awards. The company has won the Spark Innovation Challenge and Arsenault was a National Champion at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards for his work with Ashored.
Arnold Furlong is the President & Founder of Dartmouth Ocean Technologies Inc. (DOT). Furlong and DOT are fundamentally transforming ocean monitoring practices in an era of heightened ocean activity, where sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, climate science, and energy rely on efficient marine monitoring. Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to all DNA present in the environment, whether it be from organisms currently in the area, or DNA that sloughed off organisms passing through the environment. In the last decade there has been growing interest in the use of eDNA as a tool for targeted species detection and biodiversity assessments, and as a non-invasive technique expected to influence environmental management.
Presently, ocean observation is labor-intensive and requires specialized equipment and personnel. DOT addresses this with its eDNA sensor that is under development and patented “Inlaid Optical Cell Technology,” introducing microfluidic lab-on-chip sensors that offer autonomous eDNA multi-sampling for the detection of biological genomic signatures in water. This high-performance tool can be used to study biodiversity in the water column and has convenient features that allow for many data collection scenarios. The eDNA sampler is currently in use monitoring offshore worksites, tracking harmful algal blooms, parasites, or pathogens, and indicator species in local waterways, among many other things.
Furlong’s leadership is epitomized by DOT’s collaborative spirit and the acknowledgment that his team’s contributions drive success. Under his guidance, DOT’s recent graduates-led team embodies the fusion of science and commercialization.
ABK Biomedical Inc.
The team of Dr. Bob Abraham, Dr. Daniel Boyd, and Dr. Sharon Kehoe are the co-founders of ABK Biomedical Incorporated. Their visionary collaboration, initiated over a decade ago, has led to the development of innovative medical technologies including the inception of small glass beads, visible on X-rays, for tumour treatment which emerged from their expertise in interventional radiology and material sciences. This innovative concept paved the way for ABK Biomedical’s inception.
Their journey was fueled by research and development efforts, including securing substantial investments and grants. Their dedicated work has culminated in transformative products such as, EasiVue®, ABK’s inert bead, which gained FDA 510k clearance, while the radioactive Eye90 microspheres have demonstrated excellent tumour response rates in clinical trials while providing significant benefits in tumor targeting and delivery.
ABK’s success is not only demonstrated through their FDA approvals but also in their growth as a company. The team expanded to over 30 employees, established a robust R&D and manufacturing facility, and secured over $80 million in global investments.
Their achievements embody the spirit of innovation, turning theoretical concepts into commercially viable medical solutions. This achievement reflects their commitment to advancing patient care and contributing to economic growth in their community.
Public Impact Award
The Public Impact Award recognizes a Nova Scotian researcher in academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector, whose research has benefited Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society. The recipient’s work has developed in response to the needs of society, and is solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.
Presented by:
Dr. Sara Kirk
Professor Jennifer Llewellyn
Dr. Sara Kirk’s remarkable contributions as a researcher and advocate has made tangible improvements in the economy, environment, healthcare system, and society of Nova Scotia.
Since moving from the UK to Canada in 2007, Dr. Kirk has been working to enhance the well-being of Nova Scotians. Her research approach, rooted in a ‘socio-ecological’ framework, takes into account the intricate interplay between individual behaviors and broader societal factors such as policy, education, and societal norms.
With an extensive body of work comprising over 200 published academic papers and grant funding exceeding $16 million as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator, Dr. Kirk’s expertise is undeniable. She has made transformative contributions through the UpLift Partnership, a pioneering $8 million school-community-university initiative. This partnership empowers children and youth to spearhead positive changes within their school communities, aligning with the provincial Health Promoting Schools model.
As the Scientific Director of the Healthy Populations Institute (HPI) at Dalhousie University since 2016, Dr. Kirk has led a multi-faculty institute committed to enhancing population health and equity in Atlantic Canada and beyond. HPI, under her visionary leadership, addresses pressing health issues, advocates for health equity, and promotes a sustainable healthcare system.
Dr. Kirk’s dedication and impact have garnered her recognition and accolades, including the Dalhousie University Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision and the Faculty of Health Senior Research Excellence award. Notably, she was named one of Optimyz magazine’s top 100 health influencers in 2019 and was honored with a Distinguished Research Professorship at Dalhousie University in 2022.
Dr. Kirk’s work has not only addressed the needs of Nova Scotians but also sparked positive transformations across various sectors, embodying the spirit of problem-solving and opportunity creation.
Jennifer Llewellyn is Professor of Law, Chair in Restorative Justice and Director of the Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab (The Restorative Lab) at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, her teaching and research is focused on relational theory, restorative justice, justice transformation, truth commissions, peacebuilding, international and domestic human rights law and public law.
Professor Llewellyn has lead and supported significant restorative innovations in Nova Scotia including the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program, a restorative approach at the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, she facilitated the design process for the first ever restorative public inquiry and served as a commissioner for The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry, and supported a restorative approach to schools and campuses in Nova Scotia.
Professor Llewellyn has also shared her expertise with many governments and NGO’s nationally and around the world to develop and implement restorative policies, projects and programs including advising the Assembly of First Nations and Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the response to residential school abuse, working with the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the government of Columbia, the Jamaican government, the government of New Zealand and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission and Development Program. Her world-renowned expertise resulted in her appointment as an expert on the UN mechanism to review the UN Basic Principles for the Use of Restorative Justice in Criminal Matters.
Recognized for her contribution in the field of restorative justice, Professor Llewellyn was awarded the National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award from Correctional Services Canada in 2015 and was the 2018 recipient of the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council National Impact Award, the highest award for research achievement and impact in Canada. In 2019, she received the Dalhousie University President’s Research Excellence Award for Research Impact.
Dr. Steven Beyea
Dr. Steven Beyea’s roles as an Innovation Strategy Advisor and research scientist at the IWK Health Centre, and a professor in the departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics at Dalhousie University has significantly improved healthcare, technology innovation, and patient care in Nova Scotia.
With expertise in diagnostic imaging, especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques, Dr. Beyea’s influence has extended over two decades. By fostering partnerships with healthcare and industry, he ensures his research directly benefits patient care locally and beyond.
Dr. Beyea’s commitment to nurturing future scientists is evident through mentoring graduate students, training technologists, and leading STEM activities. His aim is to cultivate entrepreneurial health scientists who straddle academia, clinical practice, and industry.
Having witnessed medical imaging’s impact from childhood, Dr. Beyea focuses on solutions that transform patient journeys. He bridges the gap between healthcare’s need for innovation and industry solutions, collaborating with entities like GE Healthcare and Cubresa Inc.
A prime example is his partnership with Synaptive Medical, which led to Halifax hosting the world’s first installation of their low-field MRI technology. This groundbreaking work revolutionized the field, drawing millions in research funding and providing advanced care options for Nova Scotia’s patients.