Many physical, mental, social and economic factors contribute to identity in today’s society. Leisure and consumption are two of the lesser understood factors, yet they speak volumes about individual identity. Amir Mostaghim, a Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities aims to shed light on the gender and ethnic stereotypes around leisure and consumption. His latest research explores gender and ethnic dimensions of marijuana use in Canada. Mostaghim joined UOIT in 2015 and teaches undergraduate courses in areas of policy development, policing, and perspectives in criminal justice. He aims to inspire his students to push the boundaries of social justice policy in Canada and around the world in order to improve the lives of marginalized populations. Previously, he was a sessional instructor at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario as well as University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario where he is currently finishing up his Doctorate in Sociology and Criminology. He also earned his Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy here. Intrigued by social science and human interaction, Mostaghim completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Psychology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. As an immigrant child in Canada, he grew up interested in the role of ethnicity, particularly around leisure. Both leisure and consumption play a key role in establishing an individual’s identity, yet little research has been done to examine this cause and effect. Mostaghim’s research aims to understand how the ways in which people enjoy leisure time helps establish their identities. A fervent social justice advocate, Mostaghim has served as a human rights observer with Amnesty International for more than a decade, and most recently led the sponsorship of 12 Syrian refugees into Canada.