Read profiles of FASS alumni who are making a mark. Got a tip? Email alumni@dal.ca with your profile ideas.
Alumni Spotlight
Acting for change
Jason (JJ) Wilson (BA’17, BSW’20) explains the importance of setting Black youth up for success by addressing institutional inequalities within the education system and making mental health services more accessible.
Students and alumni come together to advance food security
Food researcher Cassie Hayward (BA’19) says it will take community support to address systemic gaps.
Out North: Sharing the collection of Canada’s LGBTQ2+ archives
Craig Jennex (BA’10) didn’t expect his music undergrad set him on a path towards becoming a scholar of the culture, politics and history of gender and sexuality in Canada. But he credits studying popular music with Jacqueline Warwick in the Fountain School of Performing Arts with inspiring him to think differently about his studies.
Revitalizing an old art
Katerina Bakolias (BA’15) turned a creative project into a family affair with the support of a grant from the National Theatre School.
The power of comedy
As an improv expert, Leslie Seiler (BA’00) is no stranger to adaptation. That’s served the Second City actor, improviser, writer and director well throughout the pandemic so far.
A new perspective on an old problem: Stef Peel (MA’20)
Stef Peel’s journey to a Master’s in Social Anthropology didn’t follow a conventional path, but her studies helped her answer questions about HIV that science could not.
Military to civilian, skeptic to scholar: Noel Guscott (BA’20)
Noel Guscott spent four years in the Armed Forces after poor grades and family issues sapped his self-confidence as an undergraduate the first time around. This spring, he graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from Dal and a SSHRC scholarship to pursue a MA.
Eastern Shore family selling “Stay at Home” T-shirts for COVID-19 research
Dr. Bradley Atkinson (BSc’81, BA’83) has been practising medicine for 26 years in Sheet Harbour, where his daughter, Rebecca Atkinson, owns Sober Island Brewing Company. The family has teamed up to raise funds towards Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation’s work around the pandemic.
Change makers
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. From pushing to create laws that protect children to building a tool that enhances workplace inclusivity, we’re highlighting several female Dal grads who are effecting change through their leadership, innovation and advocacy.
By design: Kaelen MacDonald (BA’18)
Kaelen MacDonald (BA’18) was interviewed by The Coast for its Career Minded publication focusing on the realities of the job market. She reflects on unique experiences gained through the Costume Studies program and how she’s building her career.