Stephanie Chesser, PhD

Biography

During her master’s degree, Dr. Stephanie Chesser discovered the field of recreation and leisure studies and developed a deep understanding of the vital role they play in our health, well-being and quality of life. This led her to pursue her PhD in Recreation and Leisure Studies (specialization in aging, health and well-being) through the University of Waterloo. In 2017, she moved to Manitoba to complete her postdoctoral work through the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging. Chesser has been teaching at the university level since 2011.

When not at work, Chesser enjoys spending time with her family, travel (via planes, trains, and automobiles to places near and far), cooking and the occasional theatre movie. 

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba
  • PhD (Recreation and Leisure Studies), University of Waterloo
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services and Policy Research, Lakehead University 
  • MPH (Public Health), Lakehead University 
  • BScH (Biology), Queen’s University 

Research summary

Dr. Chesser's research explores the intersection of leisure, aging, health and well-being. She is particularly interested in ways we can create more inclusive communities for people to live, work, study and recreate in. Within her research, she uses qualitative methods grounded in reciprocity, respect, and the centring of participant perspectives.

Recent publications

Litwiller, F., Chesser, S., & Henhawk, D. (2023) Justice as inclusion: a critical conversation about inclusion and belonging. Leisure/Loisir, 47(4), 639-654.

Chesser, S., Steele-Mitchell, S., & Porter, M.M. (2022) The experiences of recreation staff in Manitoba long-term care homes during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leisure/Loisir, 47(3), 409-429. 

Sangrar, R., Porter, M., & Chesser, S. (2021) Exploring the interpretation of COVID 19 messaging on older adults’ experiences of vulnerability. Canadian Journal on Aging, 40(4), 533-542.

Chesser, S., Porter, M.M. Barclay, R., King, A., Menec, V.H., Ripat, J., Sibley, K.M., Sylvestre, G.M, & Webber, S.C. (2020) Exploring university age-friendliness using citizen science. The Gerontologist, 60(8), 1527-1537. 

Chesser, S., Porter, M. M., & Tuckett, A. G. (2019). Cultivating citizen science for all: Ethical considerations for research projects involving diverse and marginalized populations. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. 23(5), 497-508.

Highlights

  • Research Manitoba New Investigator’s Operating Grant (2023-2025)
  • University of Manitoba Centre on Aging Research Fellowship (2023)
  • Teaching and Learning Certificate, Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, University of Manitoba (2022)
  • University of Manitoba/SSHRC Explore Grant (2021-2022) 
  • SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant (2020-2021) 

Courses

Undergraduate level courses

  • Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation (REC 2150) 
  • Academic Skills in Kinesiology and Recreation Management (KPER 2120) 
  • Leisure and Aging (REC 4250) 

Graduate level courses

  • Research in Kinesiology and Recreation Studies (KPER 7000)