Chad Hayes

I am a second-year MSc student in Community Health Sciences, supervised by Dr. Rob Lorway and Dr. Deb McPhail. My critically oriented qualitative research focuses on the effects of evangelical and Catholic Christianities on public health, a topic shaped by decades of personal experience. My thesis examines institutional attitudes towards 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Manitoba’s evangelical Christian-funded independent schools, but my research interests span a variety of topics, including the role of religion in colonialism and Indigenous health, white supremacy, reproductive rights, global health, and STBBI prevention and treatment. I applied to be a SPECTRUM fellow because I am interested in equity-focused social policy, I recognize the importance of community partnerships in research, and I have a desire to connect with government partners to advocate for policies that improve the lives of marginalized communities.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in English from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 and served as a nuclear power officer for three years. I received my Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2013 and completed my paediatric residency training in 2016. I practiced as a paediatrician for several years before moving to Manitoba to be with my partner. I have been awarded a University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship.

As a first-generation white settler, I live with my partner in rural Manitoba. I enjoy hiking, woodworking, and playing guitar. I don’t mind the cold, but I quickly get tired of shoveling snow.