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

DalSolutions: Putting mental health in reach for Nova Scotians

Mental health care can feel out of reach for many Nova Scotians. Without private insurance or the means to pay out of pocket, people in need can find it difficult to get the care they require. 

Led by Drs. Shannon Johnson and Alissa Pencer, the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health provides free care to low-income Nova Scotians while giving clinical psychology PhD students the hands-on training they need to stay and practice in the province. Read the latest article in the DalSolutions series highlighting the work of the faculty, staff, and students in the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Heath.

Materials scientist selected to attend Nobel Laureate gathering

A few weeks ago, Dal's Dr. Sarah Martell, a Chemistry alum (PhD'23) and now the Dasog Research Group's program manager, received an invitation to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (Chemistry) this summer in Germany. Sarah and 600 other young scientists from around the world will take part in a week of workshops, panel discussions, social events, and lectures with 35 Nobel Prize winners in attendance. Read our Dal News story for more on Sarah's opportunity to meet some of the "rockstars" of the science world.

Dal marine ecologist explores political candidates' views on the ocean

Earlier this week, Dr. Boris Worm appeared on CBC Radio's Mainstreet NS with Jeff Douglas to summarize his recent chats with local political candidates on what their platforms mean for the ocean ahead of Monday's federal election. In the same show, Dr. Worm also talked about the world's biggest invertebrate, the colossal squid. 

May 2 deadline: 2025 Faculty of Science Foundations for Inclusive Teaching Course

Faculty, staff, and students in the Faculty of Science are invited to express their interest in taking part in the inaugural Faculty of Science Foundations for Inclusive Teaching Course, offered in collaboration with the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) over June, July, and August, with a Capstone Seminar during the fall study break.

The course is free of charge for Faculty of Science faculty members, including limited-term faculty, part-time academics, staff members, and students who teach or are interested in integrating inclusive pedagogies into their practice. 

To learn more and apply, please complete this online application form by May 2, 2025. Complete details on the course can be found on our internal myDal site (login required).

ASLA Conference for Science Teachers: August 2025

The Atlantic Science Links Association (ASLA) is holding its fourth conference for science teachers at Dalhousie University on Friday, August 22. Junior high science teachers are invited to take part in a day of hands-on labs, where they can learn new science concepts and activities to bring back to their classrooms. Please share this event with any science teachers in your network. More information, including the registration form, can be found on the ASLA website.

i2I Commercialization Postdoc Program

The application portal for the Invention to Innovation (i2I) Commercialization Postdoc Program is now open!

This program helps postdoctoral fellows refine their innovation ideas, make commercialization decisions, and tackle marketplace challenges. It is ideal for researchers in biomedical, health, clean energy, sustainability, quantum, advanced materials, manufacturing, and other deep tech sectors.

Program Highlights

• Science Innovation Frameworks: Integrated with real-world examples for decision-making that can be applied to your research or innovation idea.
• Learn Innovation Management Skills: Assessing opportunities for your research, developing business models, creating financial projections, acquiring leadership and communication capabilities.
• Cohort Model: Starting September 2025, join a network of innovators and experienced practitioners.
• Mentorship and Networking: Connect with sector-specific mentors, incubators, and accelerators across Canada.
• Program Stipends are generously sponsored by NSERC & MITACS & I-INC Foundation (you do not need to find a matching company). $60,000 per year, full time with possibility for renewal.

For more information, please visit the i2I website. To apply, click here. The application deadline is May 5, 2025. For questions, please email i2I@sfu.ca

Judges wanted: Canada-Wide Science Fair

Youth Science Canada is searching for judges (with PhDs or professional qualifications, or master’s degrees and some experience, including PhD candidates) from all STEM disciplines that would like to be involved in the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair from May 31 – June 7 at the University of New Brunswick. Students benefit from mentorship from STEM professionals or trainees.  You can help us to support and inspire the next generation of STEM scholars!

Please fill out this short form to indicate your interest. If you have any questions, please contact ScienceOutreach@dal.ca. 

Nova Scotia Engagement Days: Call for participation from departments and units

The Faculty of Science is looking for participation from departments and units for upcoming Nova Scotia Engagement Days events being held throughout the province this spring. Visit our myDal site (login required) to learn more about Nova Scotia Engagement Days and how you can volunteer to take part. If you're ready to express your interest in participating, please fill out this form. 

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.