The Dean's Office Dispatch is the Faculty of Science's weekly e-newsletter for students, faculty and staff. 

Dal Science Spotlight: Dr. Simon Gadbois

This week’s Dal Science Spotlight subject is Dr. Simon Gadbois, a university teaching fellow in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Dr. Gadbois was nominated by an undergraduate student. “Dr. Gadbois makes every topic he talks about interesting,” the student says. “He is the only professor whose lectures I want to be longer. He is a great mind and a great person. He answers all questions, even ones that have nothing to do with the course, just to benefit his students and help them as much as he can.”

Dr. Gadbois' canine olfaction lab was part of a recent study that found dogs' sensitive noses can detect signs of trauma, meaning that assistance dogs may be able to sniff out an oncoming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) flashback. Read more on the study in Dal News. IDPhD student Laura Kiiroja and Drs. Gadbois and Sherry Stewart co-authored the research paper resulting from the study. Ivy, a red golden retriever pictured on the left, and Callie, a German Shepherd, were also key contributors.

The Dal Science Spotlight highlights the contributions of instructors and advisors in the Faculty of Science. Recognize an outstanding instructor or advisor by filling out our nomination form. A new submission will be featured weekly in the Dean’s Office Dispatch.

Monday afternoon: Exam anxiety virtual workshop

In time for the winter term exam period, Dalhousie Student Health and Wellness is holding a virtual workshop covering strategies to help manage exam anxiety on Monday, April 8 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Learn more and register to attend.

Preparing for the total solar eclipse

On Monday, April 8, a rare total solar eclipse will pass over parts of North America. Nova Scotia falls outside of the "path of totality" that will experience a total solar eclipse, but we will still be able to see a partial eclipse with approximately 95 per cent of the sun covered by the moon. Dr. Manuel Helbig, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science, spoke to Dal News about the eclipse, including how to view it safely and his research activities related to the eclipse's impact on the ecosystem. Dal's Environmental Health and Safety Office also offers some guidelines for safely viewing the eclipse.

Environmental science student among Dal's top co-op students

Last week, fourth-year environmental science student Kiah Heneke-Flindall was chosen as one of Dal's Top Co-op Students of the Year for 2023, joining five other students from across the university. A record-breaking 76 students were nominated for Top Co-op Student of the Year in 2023. Kiah completed work terms with Folklore Reforestation in British Columbia, Ravenwood Silviculture in New Brunswick, and Hope Blooms in Halifax. Read more about Kiah and the other award-winning co-op students in Dal News. 

Students interested in applying for Science Co-op are reminded of the April 30 deadline. Learn more by visiting the Work-Integrated Learning & Co-operative Education website.

Undergraduate research prize: Student applications due April 12

Eligible students are invited to apply for the Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Prize, which is awarded annually upon graduation to students who have made a substantial commitment and contribution to research during their undergraduate programs. To apply, students should submit a completed application form and letters of support from supervising faculty members to their designated department contact by April 12. Departments should then forward application forms and letters of support to the Dean’s Office (Nirali.Patel@dal.ca) by April 19. Complete eligibility details, frequently-asked-questions, and the application form can be found on the Faculty of Science myDal site (login required).

Pathway to Stay program for international students

If you’re an international student planning to live and work in Nova Scotia after graduation, register for Pathway to Stay, a free, non-credit program with workshops, webinars, bootcamps and student showcases designed to help you prepare to enter the workforce. Students who participate in at least 10 hours of programming by July 2024 will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. Limited space remains in the program - learn more about Pathway to Stay and register to attend on the International Centre’s website. 

Would you like to make a submission to the Dean's Office Dispatch? Email communications.science@dal.ca with a brief summary of your notice, a supporting link or email address, and a photo/image if you have one.