Derya Tarhan

Derya Tarhan is an Assistant Professor in Capacity Development and Extension at the University of Guelph, with an office in Landscape Architecture. His research and teaching focus on social and solidarity economy (SSE), community development, and participatory socio-environmental change through co-operatives and democratic practices.

Education:

• PhD in Adult Education and Community Development, University of Toronto
• MAES in Local Economic Development, University of Waterloo
• Bilingual Honours BA in International Studies and Economics, York University

Research Interests:

Dr. Tarhan critically examines how social and solidarity economy organizations—particularly co-operatives—advance socio-environmental justice through democratic participation. His work integrates public policy design, social movement activism, and adult education to address energy democracy, Indigenous food sovereignty, and community resilience. Key themes include corporate appropriation of community energy models, socio-spatial marginalization in urban housing, and Indigenous-led social economy solutions for food security.

Publication Trends:

His 2015-2025 publications reveal a consistent focus on co-operative models for socio-ecological transformation, with increasing emphasis on Indigenous sovereignty and energy justice. Early work analyzed renewable energy co-operative development and business succession, while recent research critically interrogates tensions between community energy initiatives and social justice outcomes in Ontario. Cross-cutting themes include policy barriers to democratic energy transitions and the role of SSE in decolonizing food systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Jack Quarter Prize in Social Economy, University of Toronto
• CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching, Trent University
• Alan H. Weatherley Graduate Fellowship in Environmental Leadership, University of Toronto

Professional Engagement:

Dr. Tarhan serves on the board of the Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation and the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation. His applied work includes Ontario renewable energy co-operative development, bridging academic research with community action. The provided text does not specify research grants or graduate student supervision.