A well-known face on campus, Lily Brigham-Gale’s enthusiasm for helping others is admirable and has spanned multiple facets of the university experience.
An honours student in Biology, Lily has excelled academically. Her research work on the impact of caffeine on brain function in schizophrenia was highlighted at three recent undergraduate research conferences in biology and psychology. Equally at home as a teaching assistant in a biology lab and rallying a crowd of new students at orientation, Lily’s impact has been felt both inside and outside the classroom. From Open Campus Day to Orientation, she has helped countless new students feel welcomed and supported.
Beyond campus, Lily is a volunteer with Cancer Care at the Victoria General Hospital, and the communications officer for NSGIRL, a feminist non-profit organization. Her leadership as a Mount Mentor and Student Ambassador and dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all have had a lasting effect across MSVU.
Lily will deliver her valedictory address during the spring 2025 convocation on Thursday, May 15 at 10 a.m. You can watch the ceremony via MSVU’s Facebook and YouTube pages. We asked Lily to tell us more about her time at MSVU and what’s next for her. Read on to learn more about Lily.
Hometown: Bedford, NS
Degree being awarded: Honours Certificate in Biology
Why did you choose to study at MSVU?
I pretty much grew up on campus and MSVU has always been like my second home! My mum is a professor at the Mount so I would ride my bike in the halls and draw pictures in the faculty lounge while she taught. I chose to study at MSVU because I liked the idea of small class sizes and the fact that it is historically a women’s institution with mostly female faculty – especially in science! I knew I could really get to know my professors.
Who are your academic and research mentors (either at MSVU or beyond)?
My #1 academic mentor is my mum, Dr. Susie Brigham! She inspired my love for learning and encourages me in everything I do – academically and beyond. My thesis advisor Dr. Stefon van Noordt has been amazingly helpful throughout the project and has taught me so much; he really made my thesis possible. Dr. Reem Abuzaytoun has supported all my pursuits and has given me numerous opportunities to learn, grow, and teach as a student then as a teaching assistant in her chemistry labs.
What class, professor, project or learning activity held the most meaning for you? Why?
Definitely my honours thesis! It was an amazing opportunity to work and learn independently and it forced me to think deeply and critically. It was a wonderful challenge, and I would absolutely do it again. As part of the program, honours students are encouraged to present their research at conferences whenever possible, so I attended and presented at Science Atlantic and the in-house Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference. Attending conferences and presenting is an excellent way to connect with peers and faculty from a variety of backgrounds and gain experience translating your work to people outside of your field. It was also a fun experience to travel with my fellow honours students and some of our faculty members – I’ll never forget trying to get the professors to chug their beer at the end of the night! I would highly recommend doing an honours thesis for any program.
What is your favourite location on campus and why?
I have always loved the MSVU Community Garden! I have been gardening there since 2023, and a part of the Garden Society since its inception. I love the community that it brings, connecting MSVU students, faculty, and community members over a shared love of the outdoors! My favourite things about the physical space were the chickens, the bees, and the hammocks, and I’ll miss it dearly.
Do you have any favourite stories about your time at MSVU?
One of my favourite memories is from when we did a photoshoot on campus for the most recent Stranger Things inspired marketing campaign. After we finished the shot of us walking towards Evaristus with our bikes they let us race around the building (with helmets of course) in the rain – so fun! On the next shot of us walking in front of the birches, I almost fell into Westwood pond! It was getting dark, we were walking back and forth right on the gravel edge, and I nearly toppled in more than once (that would’ve only made a better story – and shot – though!).
What do you think differentiates MSVU from other post-secondary institutions?
So much! This is one of my favourite questions as a tour guide. I believe our roots as a historical women’s institution continue to shape the modern student experience, at least for me. I have so many women scientists to look up to at MSVU, and I know women still make up most of the faculty in the majority of departments. Because of the small class sizes students get different opportunities to engage not only with their classmates but also with faculty. In a class of 30 you can personally know your professor and they know you – it is not on every university campus that your professor says hi to you in the halls! We are also unique because of our beautiful campus! 40 acres of green space, trails, a garden, an ocean view, wildlife, and all so close to downtown Halifax; it’s really special.
Do you have any advice for current students or people considering going to MSVU?
Be enthusiastic in your interests and pursue things wholeheartedly – do not be the one who tells yourself “no” before you’ve even tried! I got so much more out of my student experience when I went after things I thought were interesting, and tried things I wouldn’t have thought to. I’m talking research, work, and learning opportunities – you can have it all by being interested, being enthusiastic to learn, and trying even (especially) when you don’t think you can. And being a smaller institution MSVU is the perfect place for it, so take advantage of that!
What will you miss most about your time at MSVU?
Everything! The people, the community atmosphere, the physical space! It literally has been my second home for 20 years. The thing I will miss the most of all will certainly be the people though. There is nothing, to me, like walking down the hall and saying “hi” to everyone you pass – staff, faculty, and students alike. Most of all, I’ll miss being a Mount Mentor!
If you could share just one piece of advice with your pre-Mount self, what would it be?
Say yes to every opportunity! I started in Fall 2020, during COVID-19, so I did not get the typical first-year experience. By the time campus opened again and things had picked up, I was pretty much in 3rdyear at that point. I decided I needed to make the most of everything that came my way – and if it didn’t come my way to find it myself! The following years were amazing, working on campus, making new friends, researching and learning as much as possible even beyond my coursework. I wish I could’ve started that way in 1st year!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Successfully completing my honours thesis and presenting it at multiple research conferences! And being named valedictorian of course!
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named valedictorian is like the culmination of my hard work and all the privileges, opportunities, and support I’ve been given throughout my time here. I think success is when opportunity meets preparedness and MSVU has given me both! I feel so honoured to represent this graduating class and I’m proud to be a representation of the work and support people have put into me.
What’s next for you?
I’m interested in pursuing research related to neuroscience and developmental biology, from both clinical and basic science perspectives. In the future, I hope to make significant contributions to the scientific community and beyond, and show up for people the way my mentors have supported me!