Sherry Scully is the Director of Workforce Development at The PIER, a living lab located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since 2014 Sherry has been leading projects that focus on workforce development in emerging industries, and industries undergoing transformation. In these roles, Sherry has conducted extensive primary research related to workforce development and future skills for the sustainable blue economy, and for the sustainable transportation and supply chain sectors. In previous roles she has developed and led professional development programs for educators across Canada. She is currently developing programs aimed at building awareness and engagement among youth, mid-career, and late career talent for roles in the transportation industry – an industry that is undergoing significant modernization as it pursues decarbonization strategies and net zero goals. Sherry has published two key resources being used in schools across Canada, including the ‘Taking Making into Classrooms: Ocean Toolkit’ teacher’s resource, and the ‘Wave of the Future: Canada’s sustainable blue economy’ book, and has developed content for ‘Blue Futures Pathways’ learning modules in partnership with SOI Foundation. With chapter contributions featured in University textbooks and two publications in the Journal of Ocean Technology, Dr. Scully’s work is contributing to the growing body of literature related to ocean literacy, the future of work, and talent management.  

Sherry’s work at The PIER will benefit the regional transportation industry, and the innovation ecosystem that supports it. Greater integration of research and education will result in a skilled, highly capable, and adaptable workforce available to meet the demands of a burgeoning industry that is intent on building sustainability into every aspect of its operations.