Make community connections visible and actionable.
We welcome graduate students—both Master’s and PhD—who are passionate about building healthier communities through research that makes a difference. Whether you're interested in placemaking, social infrastructure, social isolation, or community planning, the Healthy Communities Research Network (HCRN) offers a space to explore meaningful, relevant questions that matter to people and places.
Led by Professor Troy Glover, HCRN supports graduate students in designing and conducting research that bridges theory and practice. Students are encouraged to pursue their own thesis ideas or align with ongoing projects focused on the civic, spatial, and social dimensions of health and wellbeing.
What you can expect:
- A supportive and intellectually engaging research environment
- Opportunities to collaborate on community-based and partner-driven projects
- Guidance on qualitative and narrative methodologies
- Potential to co-author publications and present at academic conferences
- Connections to municipal, nonprofit, and public sector networks
Many of our students contribute to funded research, program evaluations, and knowledge mobilization initiatives. We’re committed to nurturing curiosity, rigour, and real-world impact.
Interested in joining?
We’re always eager to connect with motivated students who share our passion for building healthier, more connected communities.
If you're interested in joining the Healthy Communities Research Network:
- Review Professor Glover’s faculty profile.
- Learn more about the graduate programs offered through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.
- Reach out to Professor Glover directly to discuss potential fit and opportunities.
We look forward to hearing from you.