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Along the walls of the Richard Murray Design Building, a vibrant display features multicultural artistry and innovation. One section showcases the intricate craft of Mi’kmaq basketry, another highlights the impact of the Mi’kmaq in shaping hockey with their sticks.

Further along, the story of space trailblazer Mary Jackson is shared. Across the way, an exhibit celebrates the remarkable artistry of ancient Mayan ball fields. The banners along the wall proudly showcase Innovations Beyond Boundaries, celebrating technological breakthroughs from equity-deserving groups across the globe.

The impactful exhibit is part of the IDEA-NS (Improving Diversity In Engineering Across NS) initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Noreen Kamal, a professor who has had a significant impact on the Faculty of Engineering and communities nationwide. Dr. Kamal's research primarily focuses on improving healthcare systems through the use of industrial engineering approaches. Her projects aim at enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery, ranging from optimizing emergency department workflows to developing data-driven approaches for surgical care.

We sat down with Dr. Kamal to learn more about what inspired her to create Innovations Beyond Boundaries.

What inspired you to create the Innovations Beyond Boundaries exhibit?
As innovators and engineers, it is important for us to be genuine in our understanding of innovation from a global perspective. Through my travels around the world and conversations with diverse individuals, I learned about technological marvels from various locations around the world. When I discussed these innovations with people from Canada, they had not heard of them. I realized that there was a need to amplify these innovations.

How do you see the exhibit complementing your research work in Industrial Engineering?
I am not sure I see a direct link with my research that is focused on improving health systems; however, it does provide a means for students from equity-deserving groups to consider my research lab (H-COAL: Health Care Optimization and Analytics Lab)[NK2]  as a place to pursue graduate studies.

Can you share some of the challenges you faced in organizing this exhibit?
There were challenges in getting our pieces vetted by the groups that it represented. This is particularly true for the Indigenous innovations from Turtle Island. First, it is hard to find their innovations, as their histories have been erased through centuries of colonial ethnic cleansing. Second, the individuals who have the knowledge are extremely busy. I had to decide if it was more important to display pieces about their innovation even if it contained errors, or to omit them because we did not get them vetted properly.

I should add that we were very lucky that Roger Lewis assisted us with the M’ikmaqi innovations. He is a M’ikmaw, who consulted with Nova Scotia Museum about M’ikmaqi innovations; he is currently with Sipekne’katik in a similar role. He worked closely with us on the M’ikmaqi innovations in this exhibit.

What is the most impactful story or innovation showcased in the exhibit, in your opinion?
I feel that all the innovations that are showcased are special. For example, I feel it is so important to recognize the contributions of M’ikmaq, especially since we are living and working on M’ikmaqi, and they have contributed to our society so significantly through hockey sticks that were carved by them.

I am also fascinated that the Wetsuweten constructed bridges using principles of cantilever design well before Europeans. I am also intrigued by the understanding of sound physics by the Mayans, and how they used this knowledge to create communication systems. Of course, the three trailblazers' (Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Katherine Johnson) contributions to space travel are so compelling considering the structural barriers that they faced and overcame; it is not surprising that they made a movie about them: “Hidden Figures,” which I highly recommend. However, I can share how each of the featured innovations is special.

How did you select the innovations and stories to be featured in the exhibit?
For the M’ikmaqi innovations, I made a special effort to find the three innovations that are featured. The Nova Scotia Museum was helpful with this. Some of the innovations came from our partnership with Imhotep Legacy Academy, while others were innovations that I have always been fascinated by. Some came from Debby Esho (BEng and Dalhousie Industrial Engineering graduate), who is the Project Coordinator that put everything together and made it happen. I learned about the Wetsuweten Bridge through Dr. John Newhook, our Dean of Engineering.

We need to recognize that this is just a small sample, and there are many, many more…

How does this exhibit aim to challenge the typical Eurocentric view of technology development?
I see it as a form of decolonizing our spaces at the Sexton Campus and across Dalhousie University. We need to understand that our institution was born from colonialism, which presents its own version of history. By highlighting innovations from outside of the European continent, we are challenging this legacy and decolonizing our understanding of innovation.

What role does diversity play in the innovation process, and how does the IDEA-NS project contribute to this?
Innovation is created by all people regardless of race and gender, and IDEA-NS amplifies this very simple fact! We need to showcase innovations by all.

How do you balance your research work with organizing initiatives like this exhibit?
I’m not sure that I have an answer for this. I just make the time. This is a personal passion of mine, so it is always a privilege to be able to do what you love at work!

What impact do you hope Innovations Beyond Boundaries will have on students, particularly those from equity-deserving groups?
My hope is that our current and future students can see themselves in these exhibits. I want them to be empowered by seeing that their ancestors were innovators. The most heartwarming story that I heard during the launch of the exhibit was from Dr. Sherida Hassanali (Assistant Dean EDIA). She brought around a new Indigenous student, and when the student saw the banner that highlighted Mi'kmaq basketry, and the image featured (and recognized) Caroline Gold's basket, the student said, "that is my aunt.” She saw her own family on display at the Faculty of Engineering. This is how we make students feel welcome!

What are your future plans for the exhibit, and how do you see it evolving over time?
I want to move the exhibit around to various locations on campus, in Halifax, and around the province. I hope that we can continue to add banners and highlight more innovations in the years to come.