Shad Dalhousie

Program Directors

Abdullah Al-Shaghay, PhD

Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Statistics, Saint Francis Xavier University

Abdullah’s (he/him) introduction to Shad started when he joined as a Junior Faculty Member in 2017. Since then, he has been excitingly looking forward to Shad each summer and the experiences it brings. He appreciates working with the wonderful staff and students in this unique environment each year.

Abdullah received his Phd from the department of Mathematics and Statistics at Dalhousie University where he completed all of his post-secondary education. His specialization and research interests are in Number Theory. He is currently an Assistant Professor at StFX University in Nova Scotia.

Abdullah has always had a passion for mathematics outreach and teaching. He has worked with Nova Scotia Math Circles, Nova Scotia Math League, and done some volunteer tutoring. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, reading, and trying to learn about and experience new things.

Alex Sproul, BSc, MSc (Candidate)

Graduate student

Alex has been returning to Shad Dalhousie every year since 2018. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience from Acadia University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Experimental Social Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has also forayed into the world of computer science and data analytics, providing technology insights to a multitude of industries. His primary research interests are in interpersonal relationships and the contexts that promote psychological wellness. Alex returns to Shad every year because of the transformational leadership impact the Shad program has on its participants. It is an incredible, life-changing opportunity for participants, and Alex is deeply committed to ensuring each and every student grows throughout the month.

His passion for science and technology is matched only by his love of the fine arts. Alex published a children’s fantasy novel when he was 16 and continues to dabble in a wide range of other forms of writing. A current research project he is involved in investigates the impact of adverse childhood experiences on adult romantic relationships. When he’s not jogging around campus in oversized hats, you can find him reading while lying in his hammock or spoiling his two cat-children, Peaches and Mango.