Sociology Alumni Interviews

David Eliot

David Eliot, a graduate of the StFX Sociology program, has built a career at the intersection of technology, research, and advocacy. During his time at StFX, he was active in the local climate movement, an experience that shaped his commitment to community engagement and public knowledge. His studies also sparked his interest in AI, leading to his new book Artificially Intelligent: The Very Human Story of AI (releasing Oct 14, 2025). Beyond his academic work, David serves on the board of Dyslexia Canada, advocating for the rights of people with learning differences.

Jermal Mansfield

Jermal Mansfield is a dedicated community leader, committed to advancing community development and ensuring access to the resources needed for communities to thrive. A graduate of the STFX Sociology program, he has gone on to serve as an advisor to the Health Minister, while continuing to promote leadership and equity. His accomplishments include receiving the STFX Black Leaders Award twice, being named among the Top 100 Future Black Leaders under 30 in the African Nova Scotian community, graduating with honors in Marketing, and completing a Harvard Certificate in Negotiation Mastery.

Tara Lee Reddick

Tara Lee Reddick graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2021 with a degree in Sociology and completed the Bachelor of Education program in 2024. She currently serves as the African Nova Scotian Success Teacher at St. Andrew Junior School in Antigonish. A dedicated mother of four, Tara is also a community leader, artist, actor, and producer, deeply committed to uplifting and empowering her community through both education and the arts. We had the opportunity to interview her to learn how the experience of studying sociology at StFX has shaped her career.

Michelle Annett

Michelle Lesley Annett is a dedicated educator and researcher with roots at St. Francis Xavier University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Honours Sociology in 2017. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Critical Sociology at Brock University, followed by a PhD in Sociology from Carleton University. Michelle is a contract instructor at StFX, where she teaches various sociology courses. Her research spans a diverse range of topics, including sex work, disability studies, family studies, social reproduction, decriminalization, accessibility, addictions, and much more. Michelle's work is grounded in a strong commitment to social justice, accessibility, and inclusive education. We had the opportunity to interview her to learn how the experience of studying sociology at StFX has shaped her career.

Evan Curley

Evan Curley is a Canadian sociologist based in rural Nova Scotia whose research spans art, craft, cultural organizations, rurality, and identity. With a strong foundation in social theory, he integrates sociological and philosophical perspectives in his work. Currently a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University, Evan studies coastal resource use and management, fisheries conflicts, and the sociological aspects of boatbuilding in Nova Scotia. He also lectures at both Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier Universities and actively contributes to academic communities, including the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation. We had the opportunity to interview him to learn how the experience of studying sociology at StFX has shaped his career.

Zak Chatur

Zak Chatur graduated from StFX with a major in Sociology in 2018. Following his undergrad degree, he went to Dalhousie and studied Law. Since graduating he has moved and is now working in Alberta. We had the opportunity to interview him to learn how the experience of studying sociology at StFX has shaped his career.

Laurenne Mercier

Laurenne Mercier graduated from the Honours Program in Sociology from StFX in 2016; she won the Canadian Sociological Association Award for her honours thesis “Look Out For Him, He’s a Hockey Player”. She went on to get a postgraduate degree in Sports Business Management from Durham College. Since then, Laurenne has worked with the Nashville Predators, the Edmonton Oilers, and most recently, founded Treadstone Sports Agency, a sports marketing agency that works with elite athletes in Canada and the US. We had the opportunity to interview her to learn how the experience of studying sociology at StFX has shaped her career.

For an update on Laurenne, click here.