Have you met … Nancy Spencer?

What is your role in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR)?

I am an educator and researcher in the Faculty. I am also engaged in quite a bit of service work both within KSR and in the broader community. 

Having obtained all of your education at the U of A, what does it mean to you to work for your alma mater?

As a student, I was fortunate to have amazing mentors to learn from in my development as an educator, researcher, and colleague. It feels special to work at the U of A, not because I obtained my degrees here, but because of the incredible people who taught and supported me when I was journeying through my education. It also feels special to work here as my mom, dad, and stepmom all attended the U of A.  My mom and dad both worked here and my stepmom and grandfather are in the Athlete Hall of Fame. I feel connected in numerous ways. It is cliche, but people make the place.

What do you love most about teaching and mentoring? 

Teaching and mentoring are such privileges.  I am inspired on a daily basis by the curiosity, energy, and hopefulness that students bring with them. My mentoring approach has been to support students to explore their own interests and passions, rather than ensure they align perfectly with my own.  Being in a position to learn alongside students and to understand the world through their perspectives has really supported my own growth as a researcher and educator.  

What is the focus of your current research?

The focus of my most recent project is a community-based participatory series of studies in collaboration with an Autistic community member and an adapted physical activity practitioner. Our research collective developed around our desire to support flourishing and joy in the lives of Autistic people in sport and recreation. We are also committed to transforming adapted physical activity research and practice by responding to the priorities and needs of Autistic people and their families in ways that centre their voices via research that is carried out for, with, and by them.

What inspires you to focus your work on people who are marginalized?

The initial impetus for my research focus is embedded in my personal life experiences with family and friends. I was also aware from a young age that my own ways of being in the world made my entry into all kinds of spaces, including sport and recreation, fairly welcoming.  Awareness of my own privileges has come with a deep concern for and curiosity to understand the experiences of those who are so often othered in these same spaces. I hope to, in some way, contribute to more socially just and inclusive research and practice. 

What does it mean to you to centre the voices of communities in your research?

I appreciate this question because it is a reminder to reflect, not only on research findings, but also what happens throughout the research process. To centre voices of community is to support meaningful, authentic, accessible, and valued ways for people to share their experiences and expertise about things that matter to them.  

What would you say to encourage other KSR grads to pursue similar work to yours?

I think students need to pursue their passions and what is in their hearts. Authenticity is essential to work that seeks positive social change.  Moving through the research world in an open, curious, and kind way has also created possibilities for me to engage in relational work with community even when I wasn’t actively looking for it. Collaborations are a vital, necessary, and joyful part of my research.  Being a good listener and taking the time to develop trust with others are essential.

What’s something your KSR colleagues and students might be surprised to learn about you?

I would love to try acting. It would be a fascinating way to learn and experience stories.