Dr. Rebecca Schiff

I am a transdisciplinary scholar with grounding in sustainability studies, health sciences and public health, social work, community development, environment and geography, and justice studies. Much of my research investigates community health and social issues for marginalized communities across diverse urban, rural, and remote geographies. My research focuses on determinants of community wellbeing, social service systems, and social aspects of sustainability, with an emphasis on community – engaged methodologies, community co - generation of knowledge, and integrated knowledge translation. My work applies an equity lens to the examination of social policy and programs, with a focus on the needs and voices of those most socially, politically, and economically marginalised. I have been actively involved as a board member and supporter for a diversity of organisations and associations focused on social justice at local, national, and international levels. With a focus on community - engaged, place based, and action oriented projects, the primary goal of my integrated research and learning activities is the translation of new and existing knowledge into program and policy change to achieve health equity and the transformation of health and social service systems.  

Some recent research projects include:

• Cooperative Housing – impacts on community wellbeing and social cohesion in the Canadian context. (Lakehead University – Strategic Research  Fund.)
• Justice system involvement in the context of homelessness and housing insecurity among women: assessment of legal issues and program needs in Thunder Bay. Partnership with           Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario (Funded by Law Foundation of Ontario)
• At the Crossroads -- Regional centres and the sustainability of Canada's rural and northern landscapes (SSHRC Connections grant) 
• Improving access to phosphorous and sodium restricted foods for those living with end-stage renal disease on remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario (funded by Northern Ontario        Academic Medical Association)
• Understanding the Dynamics of Hidden Homelessness in Rural and Northern Ontario (funded by Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)
• Housing and Health in Thunder Bay and Labrador: Building community capacity for data collection, analysis, and evidence-based policy interventions. (funded by Lakehead                    University VPREDI and CIHR) 
• Managed Alcohol Programs:  Evaluating Effectiveness and Policy Implications. Partnerships for Health System Improvement. PI _ B. Pauly and T. Stockwell (CIHR)
• Food: Locally Embedded, Globally Engaged (FLEdGE). PI - A. Blay - Palmer (SSHRC Partnership Grants)
• Northern Teaching Lodges: Learning Partnership for Community Development and Mino Bimaadizwin in First Nation Communities. PI - S. Thompson (SSHRC Partnership Grants)