Dr. Jackie Oncescu

Biography

Jackie Oncescu is an associate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of New Brunswick. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management and a Master's degree in the same field from Acadia University, alongside a PhD in Human Kinetics with a focus on Community Recreation from the University of Ottawa. As a researcher and creative thinker, Jackie is committed to social change, aiming to bridge theory with participatory action research and human-centred systems design. Through her work, she strives to transform community physical activity, sport, and recreation provisions, addressing systemic barriers that limit access and inclusion. Her research interrogates exclusionary mechanisms within community sports organizations, advocating for co-designed, culturally relevant opportunities that foster a sense of belonging. Her recent projects include case studies exploring rural community sports organizations and the development of innovative service delivery models, collaborating with various community stakeholders. Jackie's work embodies a practical approach to support communities in enhancing their well-being.

Research Interests

Experience