From Lab to Screen: CBU’s Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie Makes TV Debut on ‘The Death Coast’
From the Springboard Content Lab and CBU News
In an exciting crossover from academia to television, Springboard alumna Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie is set to make her small screen debut in the new docuseries “The Death Coast,” premiering April 8 on USA Network and streaming the following day on Crave.
Stephanie MacQuarrie
Dr. MacQuarrie, Dean of the School of Science and Technology and Professor of Chemistry at Cape Breton University, brings her scientific expertise to this Nova Scotia-based series that combines history, science, and adventure.
Throughout the show, viewers will see her working in the lab and presenting critical findings that help the treasure-hunting team in their dangerous underwater quests.
“I felt like a fish out of water. I was comfortable doing the research, analyzing the data and explaining it, but I am no actress! I was nervous and had to run scenes many times; there was a lot more to the filming than I thought there would be.”
– Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, Cape Breton University professor
From lab to screen
Her journey to television contributor showcases the diverse paths available to those with scientific backgrounds. Dr. MacQuarrie’s academic credentials are impressive – a BSc from Mount Allison University, a PhD in organic chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and postdoctoral work at Queen’s University before joining Cape Breton University in 2009.
As a researcher, Dr. MacQuarrie leads NSERC, NFRF, and industry-funded research focusing on sustainability challenges related to wasted resources and carbon-based resource depletion. Her work specializes in converting agricultural feedstocks, forest residues, and seafood waste into valuable materials – expertise that proved invaluable for the scientific analysis required on “The Death Coast.”
The series follows Cape Breton native Captain Jeff MacKinnon, a third-generation treasure hunter who leads an elite team of divers exploring the treacherous waters off Nova Scotia’s coast – an area known for having the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the Americas. Dr. MacQuarrie’s involvement stems from a long-standing research relationship with Captain MacKinnon.
“I’ve had a research relationship with Captain Jeff MacKinnon for years. When he started working on this project and questions came up about the composition of recovered pieces, he came to me and asked if our lab could do some studies and figure out what was present.”
– Dr. MacQuarrie
The Death Coast premiers April 8
The premiere episode features the team’s search for Le Chameau, an 18th-century French cargo ship reportedly carrying rare coins when it sank. Using Cape Breton University’s state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. MacQuarrie and her colleagues Dr. Marzieh Baneshi and Dr. Raj Kaliaperumal provide crucial scientific analysis that aids the treasure-hunting mission.
Beyond her television appearance, Dr. MacQuarrie remains committed to scientific outreach as one of three NSERC Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering in the Atlantic Region, particularly focusing on under-represented groups – values that align perfectly with Springboard’s mission.
“The Death Coast” premieres Tuesday, April 8 on USA Network, with episodes available on Crave the following day. For the Springboard community, seeing one of our own bring scientific expertise to mainstream television represents an exciting opportunity to showcase how science connects with broader cultural narratives and real-world applications.
Don’t miss the chance to see Dr. MacQuarrie apply her scientific knowledge in this unique blend of history, adventure, and discovery as the team explores the mysterious depths of Nova Scotia’s infamous “Death Coast.”
