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I was a three-time Academic All-Canadian at Laurentian University where I earned a B.A. (Honours) in Sport Psychology and a B.Ed. with a focus on Physical Education. Following teaching positions in Nigeria and Italy, I completed an M.S.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), and an M.Sc. in Diagnostics and Interventions from Leipzig University (Germany). I returned to Laurentian University to complete my PhD in Interdisciplinary Culture and Society in 2021. Prior to joining Laurier, I was a Senior Lecturer in Sociocultural Studies at the University of Portsmouth (England). My academic interests stem from my transnational experiences in sport, physical activity and education.
My research broadly focuses on understanding psychosocial and cultural aspects of sport and physical activity, as well as exploring different methods of making research findings accessible for diverse audiences. I strive to conduct most of my work in collaboration with, or in response to, community needs and desires so that research outcomes result in impactful change that increases engagement and enjoyment in community sport programs.
- ISSP Developing Scholar Award, International Society of Sport Psychology (2025)
- Exceptional Alumni Award, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University (2024)
- Outstanding Paper of the Year, Division 47 American Psychology Association (2022)
- Governor General Academic Gold Medal, Governor General of Canada (2021)
- Middleton, T. R. F., Gill, D. E., Brown, D. J., & Biddle, S. J. "The Evolution of Sport and Exercise Psychology." Routledge International Society of Sport Psychology Perspectives in Sport and Exercise Psychology book series (Forthcoming).
- Giffin, C., Coholic, D., Gilchrist, M., Romain, M., & Middleton T. R. F. "Investigating the Benefits of an Arts-Based Mindfulness Program Conducted with Varsity Student Athletes." Discover Mental Health. (2026)
- Fogaca, J., Herrera, A., Quartiroli, A., & Middleton, T. R. F. "The development of sport psychology professionals: A glance into the international landscape." The Sport Psychologist. (2025)
- Middleton, T. R. F., Wadey, R., Cavallerio, F., Wagstaff, C. R. D., & Sparkes, A. C. "Telling tales in sport, exercise and performance psychology: The how, what and why of creative analytical practices." Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology. (2025)
- Middleton, T. R. F. "Layering reflexivity into participatory research." Participatory Research in Sport and Physical Activity. (2024)
- Li, Y., Schinke, R. J., Middleton, T. R. F., Li, P., Si, G., & Zhang, L. "Evolution in the Chinese Whole Nation system (CWNS) from the Vantage of Athletes’ Career Development and Transitions: An Etic to Emic Approach." International Journal for Sport and Exercise Psychology. (2023)
- Middleton, T. R. F., Schinke, R. J., Habra, B., Lefebvre, D., Coholic, D., McGannon, K. R., & Giffin, C. "Centralising forced immigrant male youths’ stories in the development of socially just and inclusive community sport programs." Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology. (2022)
- Middleton, T. R. F., Schinke, R. J., Lefebvre, D., Habra, B., Coholic, D., & Giffin, C. "Critically examining a community-based participatory action research project with forced immigrant youth." Sport in Society. (2022)
- Middleton, T. R. F., Schinke, R. J., Habra, B., Lefebvre, D., Coholic, D., & McGannon, K. R. "The changing meaning of sport during forced immigrant youths’ acculturative journeys." Psychology of Sport and Exercise. (2021)
- Middleton, T. R. F., Petersen, B., Schinke, R. J., Kao. S.F., & Giffin, C. "Community sport and physical activity programs as sites of integration: A meta- synthesis of qualitative research conducted with forced migrants." Psychology of Sport and Exercise. (2020).
- KP381 Advanced Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- KP340 Community Development Through Sport
- KP460 Children in Physical Activity
- KP181 Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Middleton, T. R. F. (PI), Giffin, C. (Co-PI), Schinke, R. J., Wagstaff, C. R. D. & Quartiroli, A. "A synthesis of Current Evidence for the Systematic Support of Migrant Athletes' Mental Health". Economic and Social Research Council / Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada – Synthesizing Research on Envisioning Governance Systems That Work. $30 000 (2024).
- Schinke, R. J., Coholic, D., Lariviere, M., & Middleton, T. R. F. "What Does 'Safe Sport' Mean for Forced Migrant Athletes? Stories and Lessons from Forced Migrant Athletes Resettled in Canada". Advanced Olympic Research Programme. $20 000 USD (2021).