Niki Kiepek – BSc, MSc(OT), PhD
Associate Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University

Affiliations

Co-Lead of the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM) Atlantic, Sex and Gender Advisory Council

Associate Scientist with the Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU)

Scientific Associate (Research) with Nova Scotia Health

Research Scholar with the Health Justice Institute

Member of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy

Member of the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law

Member of the Human Enhancement Drugs Network

Member of the Atlantic Mentorship Network

Member of the Centre for Transformative Nursing and Health Research

Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

Member of the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists

Member of the Canadian Society of Occupational Science

Member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Member of the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA

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