In his former leadership roles as Vice President, Research and Innovation and Director of the Institute of Urban Studies, Dr. Jino Distasio made a profound impact on the University and our community. Whether searching for ways to end poverty and homelessness through policy and innovation or working to create more opportunities for UWinnipeg researchers, he has become a tireless advocate for the importance of research and its potential to improve lives in Manitoba and beyond.
Now, Dr. Distasio will contribute to the UWinnipeg community in new ways, with his appointment on July 1, 2024 as the University’s Acting Dean of Science and Acting Dean of Kinesiology and Applied Health.
“I am looking forward to supporting the growth of students and the reach of our science and kinesiology faculties over the coming year,” Dr. Distasio said. “We have world-class labs and facilities, and we need to share this with the broader community.”
With a PhD in Urban Geography, Dr. Distasio successfully straddles community, academic, and policy spheres—continually producing research that impacts Winnipeg’s urban landscape for the better.
You may have read one of his many research reports, more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters, or more than 50 opinion pieces that have been published throughout Canada.
You may have seen him on the news providing insights on local issues and opportunities—or presenting at a conference in Canada or one of many international locations, such as Florence, New York, Halifax, or Seattle.
Or, you may have seen him taking part in local events, such as UWinnipeg’s Homecoming 2023 panel discussion on revitalization and collaboration in the downtown.
“We have been a strong ally in the downtown and the inner city,” Dr. Distasio said. “Faculty and researchers at this University have really played a strong role in helping support positive change in, and awareness of, the downtown and the inner-city through coursework, research projects, and partnerships with community-based organizations.”
Dr. Distasio has received more than $12 million in research funding awards since 2002, facilitating high-quality, community-based national studies on Canadian and global urban issues. He also served as co-principal investigator in a $110-million project examining homelessness and mental health in Canadian cities—the largest such initiative to be conducted globally.
Throughout his time at UWinnipeg, Dr. Distasio has consistently built authentic relationships and a culture of innovation. The University looks forward to seeing the impact he will continue to have as he leads the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health.
