Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation - Academic Programs

Email

jc.spence@ualberta.ca

Phone

(780) 492-1379

Address

1-153 University Hall
8840 - 114 St NW
Edmonton AB
T6G 2J9

Degrees
PhD Science, School of Graduate Studies, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec - 1998
MA Physical Education with specialization in Psychology of Sport, Department of Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec - 1991
BA Psychology, Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec - 1987

Background

• 2016-present:  Vice Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 2015-2016: Interim Vice Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 2011-present: Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 2010-2015: Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 2004-2011: Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 2001-2004: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 1998-2001 Senior Research Associate, Alberta Centre for Well-Being, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 1997-1998 Research Coordinator, Alberta Centre for Well-Being, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta.
• 1996-1997 Research Associate, Alberta Centre for Well-Being, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta.

Dr. Spence has expertise in the area of behavioural medicine and research methods. His research focuses on both the benefits and determinants of physical activity and how physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are related to obesity. Dr. Spence has studied the broad social determinants (e.g., SES) and population physical activity patterns. More recently, he has focused on (a) the physical environment and how it may influence physical activity choices and risk for obesity among both children and adults (e.g., urban form, location of food establishments); and (b) the role of policy initiatives such as tax credits for promoting physical activity. Dr. Spence has a strong background in physical activity measurement, meta-analysis, and ecological models of behaviour and health.