Stephanie Nixon

Dr. Stephanie Nixon is the Associate Vice-Principal (Research) and Director of the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University, Faculty of Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Public Health and Bioethics from the University of Toronto and a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her research focuses on global health equity, HIV rehabilitation, and systemic oppression in healthcare systems. She co-founded the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation and developed the Coin Model of Privilege and Critical Allyship to address unearned advantage in health systems.

Education:

• PhD in Public Health Science and Collaborative Program in Bioethics, University of Toronto (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2006–2008)
• MS in Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto (2000)
• BSc in Physiotherapy, McMaster University (1995)
• BA in Kinesiology, Western University (1992)

Research Interests: Dr. Nixon’s work explores how systems of oppression (e.g., racism, ableism, cisgenderism) shape global health outcomes and the role of privileged individuals in dismantling inequities. She co-founded the field of HIV rehabilitation in Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing equitable access to care and critical allyship frameworks.

Key Contributions: Her Coin Model and related publications (e.g., BMC Public Health 2019) translate anti-oppression theory into actionable strategies for healthcare professionals. She advocates for decolonizing global health research, addressing racial inequities in physiotherapy education, and fostering inclusive clinical practices.

Leadership and Impact: Through her directorship and vice-dean role, she promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and equity-focused policies. She has spearheaded initiatives to increase representation of Indigenous and racialized students in healthcare programs and led projects on HIV advocacy in low-resource settings.