Thea Duffie | Chair
Hi! My name is Thea (she/her), and I am your ISSA chair for the 2026/27 academic year. I’m originally from St. John’s, NL, but I’ve been living here in Halifax for the past seven years! I completed my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Design at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) and love to see where Information science and design intersect. My interests include data management and visualisation, alternative/unconventional taxonomies, and the role that information professionals can play in shaping perceptions and implementations of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
My role as chair comprises overseeing the general operations of ISSA and its related activities and ensuring that the responsibilities of the ISSA Executives are fulfilled. I attend and facilitate various meetings and serve as a representative to a variety of external organisations.
Morgan Carter | Academic Chair
Hello! My name is Morgan (she/her), and together Jaime and I serve as the academic co-chairs for ISSA. Our role is to coordinate talks and events that either help MI students navigate the program or provide opportunities to learn more about the information field from professionals. We also work with students and faculty to ensure that MI students’ voices are heard in academic matters.
I was born and raised in Calgary, AB and completed my undergraduate degree in mathematics education at the UofC in 2022. I made the move to Halifax last year for the MI program after working in the financial sector for 3 years. I have completely fallen in love with Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki and all the amazing food and nature this province has to offer. Outside of class, I love trying out new recipes, swimming, camping, going for long walks by the ocean, and reading (food memoirs and litfic novels are my fav!).
Jamie Pritchard | Academic Chair
Hey everyone 🙂 My name is Jaime (she/her) and I am academic co-chair alongside the lovely Morgan! I moved to Halifax last year after finishing my undergrad at UofT, but I’m originally from Tobermory, Ontario. I’m a baseball fan, I love animals, and I also work as a bartender outside of school.
My background is in business and automotive history, but I’m very interested in reading practices and community connection. I’m writing my thesis about a home healthcare program that is integrating book gifting and trying to support home literacy! I’m always happy to chat and would love to talk about the program or anything else.
Zoe Cunningham | Non-Academic Chair
Hi! My name is Zoe (she/they), and I’m serving as non-academic co-chair alongside Paige. Our job is to handle all the fun stuff! We’re looking forward to running some great events for you this year.
I moved out to Halifax at the end of last summer for the MI program from Ontario. In my undergrad, I dual majored in anthropology and classics at McMaster University with a specialization in archaeology. I’m particularly interested in information stewardship and accessibility, and hope to work in heritage and culture. I LOVE Halifax and would be stoked to give recommendations on coffee shops, book stores, or breweries. Outside of school, I have a real passion for media (films, books, games, you name it), bartend/coach axe throwing on weekends, and love being active and getting outside.
Paige Parent | Non-Academic Chair
Hey! My name is Paige (she/her) and I’m the second half of your non-academic co-chair duo. We are responsible for organizing events and activities outside the scope of school life to try to bring some variety and balance to your next year!
I’m from Fredericton, New Brunswick so I’m definitely not new to the Maritimes but moving here last year was my first time in Nova Scotia outside of regularly scheduled Ikea trips. I found Halifax to be incredibly welcoming and I have no doubt it’ll be the same for you! My undergrad was in Classics which has very little to do with my current area of study which is focused on public libraries, their role as a community-support, and the impact of this role on library workers.
I’m a cafe and thrifting fiend and enjoy a variety of hobbies like knitting, pottery, and jewelry-making so if any of that strikes your fancy, don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat!
Hannah McCarty | Finance Chair
Hello! My name is Hannah McCarty (she/her). I am originally from the United States. I graduated with my undergrad degree at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado. My degree is Mental Health Counseling. After graduation, I dabbled in teaching for roughly 7 years and then realized my true passion was within reach at Dalhousie University. Other than my son, this was the best decision I have made for myself and my family. I moved to Annapolis Valley with my family last year and I have fallen head over heels in love with Halifax and Nova Scotia. This place is magical. Outside of the MI program, I love to read, ride my horse, do yoga, and hike with my family and friends.
Grace and I serve as the finance co-chairs for ISSA. Our role is to make sure the budget allows for academic and non-academic activities for the year. Grace and I work with ISSA to make sure the budget will provide all that is needed for the MI program.
Grace Edwards | Finance Chair
Hi, I’m Grace! I studied English, Creative Writing, & Gender & Women’s Studies in my undergrad and I am so interested in the intersection of information & social justice.
Sadie Thompson | Communications Chair
Hello all! My name is Sadie (she/her) and I am the ISSA communications chair! My role mainly consists of sending all the emails, taking minutes on meetings, and trying to make sure that everyone has the information they need in both ISSA and our faculty. When you get emails from ISSA, that’s me!
I am originally from Truro, NS, but moved back to Halifax after completing my undergrad in anthropology at uOttawa. It’s been so nice to be back in such a beautiful city and province. I have a passion for finding new and great coffee shops so I am always happy to chat recommendations! I also love fashion, reading, live music, and bad television.
Emma Sewell | Digital Publications Chair
Hi everyone! My name is Emma Sewell and I am your ISSA Digital Publications Chair meaning I take care of everything on the ISSA website and graphic design for our events. I am originally from Whitby, Ontario (can I get some noise from my GTA homies?) and completed my undergrad at Queen’s University in Religious Studies. Following my undergraduate degree, I completed a diploma of Interactive Media Design at Seneca Polytechnic, which led me into a 5-year freelancing career as a graphic and web designer before starting the MI here at Dalhousie. I work at Saint Mary’s University in their library part-time through the school year in student outreach + engagement, so if you have an interest in marketing and libraries feel free to reach out – I’m happy to get a coffee and chat!
Beyond school I am an outdoor kid at heart – you can find me on the tennis court every Tuesday, surfing on the weekends, taking advantage of free student yoga classes at the DalPlex, and participating in beginner classes in Dal Dance Society.
