Experts on Back to School 2026
91影视 is looking forward to welcoming students for the start of the 2026 school year. To support your fall reporting, we have compiled a list of available faculty experts, details on signature Orientation Week events, and timely story ideas. This page is updated regularly leading up to the semester. If you have a media request, please contact our media relations team.
Media experts
Research
Recess Project Canada
Founded by Ashoka Fellow Dr. Lauren McNamara, the Recess Project simultaneously studies and actively addresses social barriers that children face on school playgrounds. The project has worked with over 2,000 children by coordinating activities that create opportunities for all to feel included.
Dr. Lauren McNamara Ph.D
Founder and Director, Recess Project Canada
Ted Rogers School of Management's Diversity Institute
lauren.mcnamara@torontomu.ca
Health and Wellness
Communicable disease:
Professor Emeritus, School of Occupational and Public Health
tsly@torontomu.ca
Cultivating happiness and mindfulness:
Adjunct Faculty and Clinical Psychologist, Centre for Student Development and Counselling
dbrecher@torontomu.ca
Substance Use: Alcohol:
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
ssdermody@torontomu.ca
LGBTQ+ health (i.e., sexual identity and health):
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
ssdermody@torontomu.ca
OHTN Chair in HIV Applied Research in Gay and Bisexual Men鈥檚 Health
Professor, Department of Psychology
trevor.hart@torontomu.ca
Nutrition:
Professor, School of Nutrition
nick.bellissimo@torontomu.ca
Indigenous Housing and Student Housing
Shelagh McCartney
Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning
shelagh.mccartney@torontomu.ca
AI in the classroom
Assistant Professor, Lincoln Alexander School of Law
effoduh@torontomu.ca
Ethics of using AI:
Director, Zone Learning and Professor, The Creative School
richlach@torontomu.ca
Assistant Professor, School of Journalism
angela.misri@torontomu.ca
Postsecondary Education
Director, Centre of Free Expression
jim@jameslturk.com, (613) 277-0488
Transit/Commuting
Assistant Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning
raktim.mitra@torontomu.ca
Children's school transportation, safety and health:
Assistant Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning
raktim.mitra@torontomu.ca
Upskilling and Microcredentials
Linda Koechli
Dean, Chang School of Continuing Education
lkoechli@torontomu.ca
Body Positivity
Associate Professor, School of Fashion & School of Social Work
may.friedman@torontomu.ca
Finances and Budgeting
Associate Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management
akemper@torontomu.ca