Dalhousie School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

We’re proud to share that Dr. Zahra Jafari of Dalhousie University is a 2026 recipient of the Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) New Investigator Grant.

Her project, An Inclusive Approach Towards Developing Biomarkers of Subjective Cognitive Decline and Progression to Dementia, aims to improve the early detection of cognitive decline using innovative eye-tracking technology and visual memory tasks. The goal is to identify those at higher risk earlier, helping individuals, families, and health-care providers access support and plan for care sooner.

Congratulations, Dr. Jafari! Learn more about her work and the other researchers here: www.alzheimer.ca/en/research/alzheimer-society-research-program/latest-funding-results?fbclid=IwY2xjawSmCCZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeo-UvnChglp3YsQOOL-wtuWjK6JZ5KflU9gTaW2DmPDbh2vDzugus2lt8-Bk_aem_0g1b3_WG1hl2ib2HP3LG2w

SCSD held its anniversary gala luncheon on April 29 where we celebrated 50 years of teaching and clinical excellence. You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/wzpfUHdGd1Y

We couldn't be where we are today without our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community partners.

On the occasion of our 50th anniversary, Will Webster, Joy Armson, Pat Cleave, Elizabeth Kay-Raining Bird, and Anne Godden-Webster donated a portrait of Mabel Hubbard Bell to the School! The artist, Jo Napier of Great Women Productions, showcases the contributions of women to advancements in science, law, health care, and social welfare. The portrait was presented to the School at a special gathering! It is now displayed proudly in our reception area along with a short text about her contributions.

SCSD is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Clients of our speech, language, and hearing clinics, as well as alumni, share the impact the School has:

Bruce Bottomley SCSD: 50 Years of Impact and Connection

SCSD's Savanna Richard & Sophia Hibbert received a SAC Student Initiative Grant for Promoting Hearing Health at Dalhousie University on World Hearing Day!

Only two weeks until the SAC conference!

That’s right – Early bird rates end for the 2026 SAC conference on March 18th!

Don’t miss your chance to strengthen your skills, exchange knowledge, and reconnect with peers, all in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Explore our incredible program with sessions for everyone, led by experts on relevant topics and providing practical skills, now: https://sac-conference.ca/program/

Register now and take advantage of Early Bird Savings: https://sac-conference.ca/

Only two more days to register for our 50th anniversary gala luncheon on April 29! There is no charge to attend, but we ask that you register by April 15 — contact [email protected] for details. The event will include an insightful panel discussion with leaders Dekota Clayton (BSc'10, MSc'13), Jenna Smith (MSc'16), and Keara Boyce (MSc'21).

Congratulations to first-year SCSD student, Robyn Moore, who received the SAC student achievement award for her passion for speech-language pathology and promise as a clinician!