2011 Innovative Learning through ETDs Award<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Ph.D. Psychology<\/p>\n\n\n\n
University of Waterloo, Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his doctoral dissertation, Ryan Kennedy designed his entire Ph.D. project to guide and support development and implementation of outdoor smoking bans. The study focused on a ground breaking municipal ban on smoking in outdoor spaces in a community in the Ontario, Canada region. It was designed to provide other jurisdictions with the evidence needed to make the case for, and to implement, such a ban.\u00a0
To promulgate the policy, he created a high quality video \u2013 despite a very modest budget. \u00a0The video was carefully designed to support advocacy and political decision making. \u00a0To ensure it would reach advocates and public health officials in Canada, Ryan distributed the video through networks linked to the Canadian Cancer Society and other influential tobacco control organizations. He also disseminated it internationally through the World Health Organization, using channels that reach 171 countries implementing the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control. \u00a0To supplement this, Ryan has conferred with public health leaders contemplating implementation of outdoor bans in jurisdictions beyond Canada (e.g., New York City, Australia). In Canada, he has worked with community leaders (e.g., in Ottawa, Ontario) to conduct outdoor air quality monitoring on patios at pubs.\u00a0
This work has documented the need for bans to protect the public against exposure to second hand smoke, using local data that has triggered media stories and support for such bans. \u00a0This dissertation provides a model for other students who are seeking to do studies that not only advance knowledge, but provide societal betterment. \u00a0The \u201cWoodstock\u201d video<\/a>\u00a0is available on a number of websites worldwide.\u00a0
Ryan is now a Scientist at the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, with an adjunct appointment in the Center for Global Tobacco Control, Harvard School of Public Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thesis:<\/p>\n\n\n\n