Advancing Physics Education and Research

Dr. Adam Sarty: A Leader in Science and Education

Explore the remarkable career of Dr. Adam Sarty, a distinguished physicist and educator dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists.

THEN

  • 1980: Adam Sarty, Saskatoon — 1st, midget 600, 1,5000 metres
  • 1983: World cross-country championships, England — 65th, under-20 men

Dr. Adam Sarty

Dr. Adam Sarty serves as the Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s University. With a robust background in experimental nuclear physics, Dr. Sarty has been a pivotal figure in the Department of Astronomy & Physics since 2000. His passion for physics was ignited by his high school teacher, Norm Stonehouse, and has since flourished into a career marked by excellence in teaching and community engagement. Dr. Sarty has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching from the Canadian Association of Physicists and the Science Champion Discovery Award from Halifax’s Discovery Centre. His commitment to education and leadership is further recognized by awards such as the Volunteer of the Year from Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Municipality, the Educational Leadership Award from the Atlantic Association of Universities, and a 3M National Teaching Fellowship.

NOW

Saint Mary’s University:

  • Associate Vice-President, Research
  • Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

“I remember going over 500 days without missing a day of running – then I remember being injured. It was fun to have that drive, and lucky to have the ability, to push for those achievements. My younger daughter, Isabel, has the exact same drive. I watched her become the first Nova Scotian woman to break 2:00 in the 200m freestyle, breaking records dating back to late ‘70s/early ‘80s. Those times in people’s lives generally don’t last long, just a year, maybe two or three. Most of us aren’t so lucky to have long careers like Tom Brady or Simone Biles. But they build the foundation for the rest of one’s life.”

Honors and Distinctions

Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Recognized by the Canadian Association of Physicists for outstanding teaching in undergraduate physics.

Science Champion Discovery Award

Awarded by Halifax’s Discovery Centre for significant contributions to science education and outreach.

Educational Leadership Award

Presented by the Atlantic Association of Universities for exemplary leadership in educational initiatives.