Maryellen Gibson

Maryellen Gibson is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on harm reduction, substance use, stigma and health inequities through community-based approaches. She holds a Master of Public Health, graduate certificates in Substance Use Health & Wellbeing and Teaching Preparation, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Her work examines how systemic stigma and policy shape the lives of people who use drugs, with projects on opioid response, supervised consumption sites, cannabis harm reduction, and veterans’ health. She advocates for harm reduction, housing-first approaches and equitable care. Beyond academia, Maryellen has served on boards including Quint Development Corporation, Station 20 West, Saskatoon Sexual Health and Yorkton Veterans Foundation.