Roanne Thomas

Roanne Thomas is an Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa, holding the Canada Research Chair in Qualitative Health Research with Marginalized Populations. Her research focuses on disability after breast cancer, lymphedema management, and arts-based methodologies such as photovoice and ethnodrama. She completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of New Brunswick and a postdoctoral fellowship in primary health care. Prior to her current role, she co-directed the Qualitative Research Centre at the University of Saskatchewan.

Her work emphasizes marginalized populations, including Indigenous women’s cancer survivorship and rural caregivers. Key contributions include the National Picture Project studying First Nations cancer experiences and co-chairing the Canadian Lymphedema Framework’s research group. Dr. Thomas has advised student Chad Hammond and published extensively on topics like hope, work integration post-cancer, and yoga interventions for disability.

• Education: PhD in Sociology (University of New Brunswick, 2001)
• Awards: Canada Research Chair (2011–present)
• Labs/Teams: Canadian Lymphedema Framework, Qualitative Research Centre (founded)

Her interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, healthcare, and the arts to address systemic gaps in cancer care, particularly for underserved groups.