Tara-Leigh McHugh PhD

Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology
University of Calgary

Dr. Tara-Leigh McHugh's research expertise is focused on understanding and enhancing the psychosocial physical activity experiences of women and girls, and Indigenous youth. As a former athlete, she is committed to understanding and addressing the various factors that shape women's and girls' equitable participation in sport. Over the 20 years of her research career, Dr. McHugh's program of research has been driven by her vision for the equitable participation of women and girls in all roles and across all levels of sport. Dr. McHugh has demonstrated local, national, and international leadership in advancing research, practices, and policies focused on addressing the psychosocial factors that are necessary for ensuring the equitable participation of women, girls, and Indigenous youth in sport.

Dr. McHugh is committed to engaging in qualitative, collaborative, and community-based participatory research approaches. Her work is currently funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Olympic Studies Centre.