Dr. Tristan Hopper
PhD: University of Alberta
MA: Dalhousie University
Hon. BA: University of Waterloo
Tristan’s research program is broadly focused on enhancing equity seeking youths’ experiences in recreation and leisure spaces. Dr. Hopper’s work primarily draws on the use of community-based participatory research methods and aims to build thriving communities and provide an effective support system through co-creating and co-implementing people-centered solutions through a trauma-sensitive, social justice approach. Hopper’s research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.
Tristan is a research associate with Growing Young Movers (GYM; http://growingyoungmovers.com), a community-based youth development program.
As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) research-practitioner, Tristan also has a keen interest in Therapeutic Recreation research and practice. These research interest involve meaning-centred practice with individuals experience mental illness and substance use. Tristan has practiced as a Recreational Therapist in various settings which include children’s mental health, forensics, and education.
In Tristan’s spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities, like running, gardening, and alpine skiing.