Jeffrey Stepnisky

Dr. Jeffrey Stepnisky serves as Associate Professor and Kule Chair of Ukrainian Community and International Development in the Department of Sociology at MacEwan University's Faculty of Arts and Science. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, his work bridges sociological theory, collective memory studies, and Ukrainian diaspora research with significant contributions to understanding identity, space, and historical trauma.

His educational foundation includes a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park. Research interests span sociological theory, phenomenology, self-identity dynamics, environmental sociology, and Ukrainian societal structures, with specialized focus on Soviet Gulag memory, Revolution of Dignity commemoration, and Ukrainian Canadian heritage sites.

Recent publications demonstrate concentrated exploration of Ukrainian historical memory through Soviet Gulag studies, Drahomanov's intellectual legacy, and revolutionary commemoration practices. His work consistently integrates cultural sociology with spatial theory, revealing how physical environments shape collective trauma processing and national identity formation in post-Soviet contexts.

Key recognition includes:

• SSHRC Insight Grant for 'Memorializing Revolution: A Study of Ukraine's Maidan Museum' (2024-2027)

Stepnisky actively supervises undergraduate independent studies and honors theses in collective memory, Ukrainian studies, and identity formation. Current SSHRC-funded projects examine Kyiv's Maidan Museum memorialization practices and Edmonton's Ukrainian Canadian memory landscapes, including sites like the Galician Hotel, Rudyk Block, and Holodomor Memorial.

He leads field research teams documenting Ukrainian diaspora memory practices while collaborating with George Ritzer on sociological theory textbooks, maintaining active engagement with both Ukrainian academic communities and Edmonton's local Ukrainian cultural institutions.