How do you describe your work to people outside your field?
I lead the Justice in Environments of Leisure Lab (JELL), which focuses on improving access to recreational spaces, including physical areas like parks and stadiums and digital spaces like video games. Our goal is to help people have meaningful experiences during their time off work that truly help them relax and create lasting memories.
Which SDG(s) does your work primarily address and in what ways?
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities: I research recreation access for groups that have traditionally faced barriers such as high costs, transportation challenges, limited involvement in design and unsafe experiences. This especially affects people at the intersections of race, gender, age and socio-economic status. For example, low-income residents find it harder to participate in recreational activities that require travel, equipment and facility fees, while people with disabilities face significant access challenges due to poorly adapted facilities and activities.
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The access barriers I study relate directly to creating inclusive, safe and sustainable cities. My recommendations for social and environmental justice in institutions are dedicated to peace and community development.
SDG 13 Climate Action: My work on natural environments explores how Indigenous leisure practices connect to climate change adaptation. This approach highlights alternative ways to understand climate resilience beyond Westernized approaches.
Can you share a moment when you saw the direct impact of your work on advancing the SDGs?
I developed a spatial justice framework for recreation accessibility that bridges the gap between institutional decisions and the people those decisions affect. This framework has been presented at conferences and implemented in several planning and design efforts. Key improvements include more evenly distributed green spaces, better engagement with underrepresented groups and the creation of safe, meaningful recreational experiences.
What partnerships or collaborations have you formed to enhance the impact of your work?
Our “Colour in Green” research project has advanced key collaborations with different agencies in a bid to understand and consider the perspectives of vulnerable groups about tree planting in urban green spaces. Through this project, The City of Edmonton's Open Spaces Planning and Design Directorate has implemented our spatial justice framework, particularly in the Greener As We Grow initiative to plant two million trees. We collaborated with newcomer agencies such as Action for Healthy Communities and Assist Community Services to engage with refugee and immigrant populations and capture their perspectives toward making inclusive decisions. Also, our partnerships with organizations like the National Intramural Recreations Sports Association and the Steadward Centre have helped us examine recreation access for vulnerable students, including visible minority groups, those with disabilities and students who live below the poverty line.
What inspired you to pursue this work?
As an immigrant, I've personally experienced barriers to leisure and recreation. I believe everyone deserves a chance to rest and rejuvenate from the hustle and bustle of life, regardless of their background. My research aims to make leisure a right, not a privilege.
What's next for you?
I'm committed to developing frameworks that connect research with SDG progress, ultimately improving opportunities for reprieve, health and well-being.
