From the rink to research: Teamwork, geomatics and impact

When you think of high-impact research, lab coats and microscopes might come to mind, not hockey sticks and lacrosse gear. But for NSCC graduate Matthew Sheffield, the path to applied research began on the ice. A 15-year veteran of the Canadian Deaf Hockey Team, Matthew has represented Canada in 6 countries and recently competed at the Deaf World Championships in Vancouver. Off the ice, he continues to lead by example, coaching the Valley Wildcats U16 AAA hockey team and the Valley Thunder Jr B Lacrosse team.

Discovering a passion for geomatics

That same drive and dedication fuelled his academic journey. Drawn to geography from a young age, Matthew discovered the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) and quickly immersed himself in the world of geomatics. “I was curious how I could turn my passion into a career,” he says. “I started with the GIS Technician program, then completed the Cartography & Geovisualization diploma and finally the GIS Graduate Certificate to round out the full suite of credentials.” What hooked him? “The ability to take data and visualize it in meaningful ways using tools like ArcGIS Pro, it’s fascinating.”

One of the most valuable lessons he learned at COGS was the power of collaboration. “Talking with classmates, learning how they approached different GIS problems and sharing ideas was incredibly enriching,” says Matthew. “We all came from different backgrounds, and that diversity made for a strong learning environment. Networking is also key, it’s a small industry and those connections can open doors.”

A door opens, joining AGRG

One of those doors opened when Matthew connected with Dr. Tim Webster and the Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) through his capstone project. “I saw great potential and drive in Matthew, qualities I look for when inviting students to work with AGRG,” says Tim. “He got wind of one of my project ideas on flood analysis and reached out, which is always a great sign.”

Matthew’s opportunity to join AGRG was made possible through GeoNova funding. “After graduation, my professor Dave MacLean asked about my summer plans. I mentioned wanting to stay in Nova Scotia, ideally in the Valley. That’s when he told me about the GeoNova-funded position at AGRG,” Matthew explains. “I submitted a letter to both Dave and Tim expressing my interest.”

Now part of the AGRG team, Matthew is focused on flood analysis across several counties in Nova Scotia. By georeferencing aerial imagery and comparing conditions before and after major storms like Hurricane Fiona, he helps assess how water reshapes the land. These insights inform infrastructure planning, identify at-risk areas and guide future development, making a real difference for Nova Scotia communities.

From coursework to career foundations

Matthew quickly learned that producing high-quality datasets takes more than technical skill, it’s a collaborative process that relies on precision, communication and shared goals. His experience with AGRG is strengthening his GIS skills, introducing him to new workflows and helping him build a solid foundation for a future in the industry.

He encourages other students to embrace applied research opportunities, even if they feel outside their comfort zone. “The hands-on experience, mentorship and chance to contribute to meaningful projects are invaluable. The people you work with want to see you succeed, so take advantage of their knowledge and experience.”

And when he’s not analyzing flood data or mentoring young athletes, you might just find Matthew enjoying a round of golf—making the most of summer in Nova Scotia.