Join Our Team

Read a faculty profile of Dr. Savundranayagam, published by Western Undergraduate Research Journal.

Application Process and Work Opportunities

▶ Prospective Graduate Students

 

Students interested in completing a MSc or PhD in the Caregiving Research Lab should contact Dr. Savundranayagam to discuss their suitability. Ideal candidates include those with:

  1. Prior research experience, ideally in caregiving and/or dementia.
  2. A strong academic record.

Prospective Graduate Students contacting Dr. Savundranayagam should include:

  1. A transcript.
  2. A resume/CV.
  3. A description of their prior research experience.
  4. A description of how your current research interests align with the Caregiving Research Lab.

MSc and PhD students complete their degrees through the graduate program in Health and Rehabilitation Science in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Further information about this program can be found on Western's HRS program website.

▶ Prospective Undergraduate Students

 

Prospective undergraduate students include those who are:

  • Wishing to volunteer at the Caregiving Research Lab
  • Enrolled in Western's work-study program
  • Enrolled in the Scholars Electives Program
  • Wishing to complete a fourth-year independent study in the School of Health Studies

Undergraduate students contacting Dr. Savundranayagam should include:

  1. A transcript.
  2. A resume/CV.
  3. A writing sample.
  4. A description of their prior research experience, including course work.
  5. A description of how your current research interests align with the Caregiving Research Lab.
▶ Current Work Study Opportunities

Research Assistant - Communication and Dementia

Dr. Savundranayagam is looking for an enrolled undergraduate student to join her resarch team. The position will begin in September 2025 and run until April 2026, with the possibilty of continuing into the next semester if the student is a good fit for the research team. 

The research assistant will support ongoing studies on communication, caregiving, and dementia, including a person-centered communication intervention for personal support workers who support individuals living with dementia.

See the full job description here (Work Study Position Fall 2025)

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Job Start Date: Monday, September 22, 2025

Job End Date: Friday, April 24, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025