September 15, 2026 | 613 Words | 3-4 Minutes
Dr. Mikihiro Sato, Assistant Professor of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and affiliate of the Social & Behavioral Science Institute (SBSI), studies how sport can contribute to healthier individuals and communities. His research examines two forms of engagement—participating in sport and physical activity and experiencing sport as a spectator—and the factors that encourage or limit participation. Through this work, he explores how sport participation and community environments can promote physical activity, strengthen social connections, and improve health and well-being.
His research also considers the broader community conditions that shape opportunities to participate in sport and recreation, including access to parks and recreational facilities and other environmental factors. Ultimately, his work seeks to better understand how sport can create value beyond competition and economic impact by improving people’s lives and contributing to more active, connected, and healthy communities.
In this affiliate spotlight, Dr. Sato shares what sparked his interest in the societal impact of sport, how SBSI has supported his collaborative research, and a few personal connections to sport—from a favorite local 5K to an unexpected childhood experience with sumo.
Q&A with Miki
🔬 Research & Big Ideas
What problem or societal challenge is your research trying to address?
My research examines how two forms of engagement with sport—participation in sport and physical activity, and watching sport as a spectator—contribute to health and well-being. I study the factors that encourage or discourage these forms of engagement, and how sport can improve well-being for individuals while also benefiting communities by promoting more active, connected, and healthy populations.
⚡️ Quick Takes
What is your favorite Fall activity?
Participating in the Cupcake 5K, a community event hosted by the Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation Center, has quickly become my favorite fall activity. Last year, my younger son joined the 100-meter dash, and this fall he plans to run the 5K with us.
🤝 Collaboration & Connection
How has being part of the SBSI community supported your research?
An SBSI grant has supported collaborative research with my colleagues on how park and recreational facility availability, residential segregation, and other environmental factors relate to opportunities for sport and leisure-time physical activity. This work advances my broader goal of understanding the role of community environments in sport participation, health, and well-being.
🌱 Inspiration & Perspective
What first sparked your interest in this field?
Working in the sport industry sparked my interest in this field. Although sport is often viewed through a business lens—which remains important—I became interested in its potential to improve people’s lives and benefit society beyond its economic impact. This interest continues to guide my research today.
🎉 Fun & Personable
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was in a sumo club when I was in elementary school in Japan. Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling, typically associated with larger athletes. People are often surprised because I am on the smaller side.
Connect with Miki
Interested in learning more about Miki’s research or exploring opportunities for collaboration? Connect with him to continue the conversation around sport, physical activity, health and well-being, and the role of community environments in shaping opportunities for participation.
Email Miki Miki’s Profile
About the SBSI Affiliate Program
The SBSI Affiliate Program brings together social and behavioral science researchers from across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Affiliates gain access to a vibrant network, professional development opportunities, and resources to advance their research and collaborations. The program helps SBSI and its members explore new directions, share knowledge, and address societal challenges together.
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