Name: Suzanne Huot
Position: Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy and Supervisor in the Graduate Programs of Rehabilitation Sciences
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to UBC
I came to UBC in 2017 to begin a faculty position in our Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. I am also affiliated with the UBC Centre for Migration Studies. I previously completed my PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Occupational Science) at the University of Western Ontario
What is your main research aim?
My research program studies international migration, focusing mainly on the experiences of voluntary and forced migrants settling in communities across Canada. The aim of this work is to understand the complex, systematic barriers they experience to engaging in meaningful occupations following migration and to inform policies and develop practices that create more inclusive spaces that support participation.
Tell us about your lab! What skills/research tools do you use?
Trainees in my lab have diverse research interests that require building collaborations with a range of communities and partners. While their studies vary in focus and methodology, all their projects share a common interest to advance equity and justice. Our work is positioned within a critical theory paradigm aimed at promoting positive social change by centering the lived experiences of those situated within, and actively resisting, intersecting forms of oppression.
What expertise can trainees expect to learn from you?
Trainees obtain a strong foundation in critical qualitive research methodologies and methods. They are encouraged to develop theoretical frameworks that will guide their research toward making novel contributions to understandings of human occupation. They are actively encouraged to be first authors on conference presentations and publications that mobilize their theoretical and empirical work. Trainees are also supported in engaging in a range of professional development opportunities, such as interdisciplinary training and fellowship programs, delivering guest lectures, and co-supervising research projects, among others.
How does your work affect Canadian health?
My work addresses key social determinants of health that contribute to inequitable physical and mental health outcomes for populations experiencing forms of marginalization in Canadian society. Barriers to adequate and affordable housing, precarious employment, ineligibility for government-funded supports and services, among other systemic issues disproportionately impact particular communities, often racialized newcomers. My work seeks to actively resist and dismantle these barriers to enhance people’s health and wellbeing by supporting their occupational engagement.
What do you like to do outside of academia?
Metro Vancouver has such a dynamic food scene, I enjoy going to restaurants with my family to try new things and to take comfort in my favorite dishes. My son and I are avid Pokémon Go players and are active members of UBC’s Pokémon Go community that meets regularly for events. My family loves going to the beach when the weather is nice, and staying home to play Nintendo or watch Netflix when the rainy season is upon us.
Are you recruiting new grad students?
I am current recruiting an MSc and a PhD student interested in working in area of immigrant labour market integration.
In particular, I have funding available to support students researching the role of advanced digital technologies in immigrant job searching and employment experiences, and/or the shifting mobilities and spatialities of immigrant employment and lifelong learning.
For more information, please visit: Centre for Migration Studies