Academic X’cellence: Sharing stories from our inspiring StFX community
It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with StFX that our campus is filled with highly engaged students, educators, researchers, and leaders. Academic X’cellence shines a spotlight on members of our educational community to find out more about their unique experiences—both inside and outside of the classroom. (To see the full series, please click HERE.)
Here we meet Allison Randall of Yarmouth, NS, a fourth year aquatic resource student who is taking a major in biology. Allison spent two summers involved in research primarily focused on coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on salt marsh ecosystems. She participated in an exchange abroad in Norway and is a MacBain/Riley International Fund global engagement award recipient. Allison is also a student leader in residence.
Allison Randall: Understanding the physical workings of water and exploring how societies perceive and value it
What drew you to aquatic resources?
I grew up with the ocean quite literally in my backyard, which kept my curiosity up. When I heard about the program, I loved that it was an interdisciplinary program. I wanted to not only understand the physical workings of water but also explore how societies perceive and value it.
Favorite class at StFX?
AQUA 202, The Ocean’s Commons and Society. I enjoyed it because it challenged me to think about topics in fisheries from a new perspective. The course introduced sociological concepts that are rarely associated with fisheries, broadening my understanding of the field.
At StFX, you’ve been involved in research, an international exchange, and an international conference. Let’s start with the exchange year.
I had the incredible opportunity to spend the fall 2023 semester abroad in northern Norway, studying at Nord University in Bodø. I took courses from the Aquaculture and Marine Biosciences semester package, which provided a rich learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond academics, I immersed myself in the local culture and natural beauty of Norway. I discovered more about my own culture through interactions where people pointed out everyday habits I hadn't even noticed. During my time there, I went on breathtaking hikes, experienced a traditional Scandinavian sauna with a cold plunge in the fjords, and witnessed the ultimate light show—the northern lights. The semester abroad allowed me to grow both personally and academically, which may sound cliché, but it’s true! I returned from Norway with new knowledge and countless stories to share.
Would you recommend an exchange?
I would recommend going on exchange to anyone curious about it. If you are seriously considering it and are able to do it, nothing is stopping you. You can always celebrate something that happened, but you will always wonder about something that was never complete. It is a great way to diversify your degree.
Tell me about your research
For the past two summers, I’ve conducted research in salt marshes along the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, contributing to various projects primarily focused on coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on salt marsh ecosystems. This past summer, I worked on a project examining a novel symbiotic relationship between Geukensia demissa (ribbed mussels) and Fucus vesiculosus (bladder wrack). The research aimed to explore how the seaweed influences the mussels, particularly whether bladder wrack helps mitigate climate change effects—like shading mussels during heat waves.
Did your research experience impact your education?
Yes, it takes all the knowledge from classes and gives you real-life applications. It is also beneficial in class when you have research experience. It gets you thinking about how your research applies to the class which helps you learn the material. Working with professors is a great way to get to know them and get reference letters.
Is there an opportunity at StFX that stands out to you?
I received one of the MacBain/Riley International Fund global engagement funds in the 2024 winter semester. This award allowed me to go to the International Conference on Water, Energy, and Environmental Management this July hosted in Amsterdam. The fund paid for the travel and conference costs. It was a great experience to see what people around the world were researching and talking about! Conferences are a great way to network with academics and professionals in your field of study.
Tell me about some of your other involvements at StFX?
In my first year, I was on the StFX competitive cheerleading team. That was a perfect way to start my time at StFX. I got to meet so many new people who all shared a love for the sport. Halfway through my first year, I got the rare experience of becoming a Community Advisor (CA) in residence. I continued to do this for the duration of my time in residence and now I am a Senior Community Advisor working in Bishops Hall. I have enjoyed working in different residence buildings because you get to meet and inspire lots of new students every year! Most of the time it doesn’t feel like a job because you become so close with the other CAs and residents. I gained so much confidence and friendships from all my involvement in the campus community.
Would you have advice for a first year student?
Get involved and be as active in the campus community as much as you can. When you get involved, you meet and make so many friends. This campus is diverse, and you can find people who are just like you, however, you must look for them. There are lots of amazing campus resources and supports, use them! Make the most of your time here at StFX, it goes by fast!
