Niki Kiepek – BSc, MSc(OT), PhD
Associate Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University
About
In my research, I strive to 'untangle knowledge' by exploring underlying assumptions, values, and worldviews. As an occupational scientist, I examine how certain activities become more or less social sanctioned and uncover diverse meanings and experiences. My main area of study is substance use (licit, illicit, and prescribe) and I provide equal opportunity for people to share beneficial and adverse experiences. I use diverse methods, such as interviews, surveys, photo elicitation, critical discourse analysis, and ecological momentary assessment.
I collaborate with co-researchers, student trainees, and citizen researchers to explore diverse topics:
- Gendered meanings and experiences of substance use
- Personal experiences when accessing addiction services in Atlantic Canada
- Experiences of medical management of lower back pain
- Substance use and addiction in the scope of occupation therapy
- Psychotherapy in the scope of occupational therapy
- Design of simulations to teach clinical competencies
Theoretical approaches
My research tends to be informed by social constructionism and hermeneutics. I seek to understand how some ideas and perspectives become authoritative and legitimate, while others are absent or silenced. I attempt to frame my understandings by drawing on anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and decolonising approaches.
Research topics
- Beneficial and non-problematic substance use
- Addiction
- Harm reduction
- Decriminalization
- Social sanctioning of occupation (i.e., activity)
Methodology
I draw on various methods of inquiry:
- Narrative interviews
- Surveys
- Photo elicitation
- Critical discourse analysis
- Ecological momentary assessment
- Knowledge synthesis
- Health record review