Sachindri Wijekoon, PhD

Assistant Professor

Room 2539, EC
519 661-2111 xTBA
 

ORCID:  

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Toronto & Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital)
  • PhD (澳门六合彩开奖预测)
  • MScOT (University of Toronto)
  • HBSc (University of Toronto)

Graduate Program Supervision

  • Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Science and Health and Aging Fields |

Research In Profile

Professor Wijekoon's research delves into the intricate relationship between aging, social marginalization, and participation. Her program of research recognizes that older adults do not constitute a uniformly homogeneous group, as the opportunities and experiences available to them differ based on their respective social positions. By focusing on the experiences of marginalized older adults, particularly those who are racialized and immigrants, professor Wijekoon uncovers the complex factors that shape their participation in everyday life. Some of her research interests include exploring the challenges and opportunities encountered by marginalized older adults in their meaningful activities during later-life transitions (e.g., immigration, becoming a caregiver, end-of-life, etc.), community participation of immigrant older adults, and how older adults facing intersecting forms of discrimination (e.g., racism and ageism) participate and engage with their daily lives. Methodologically, this work is rooted in collaboration and engagement with older adults, where their insights, needs, and priorities guide the research questions and shape the research agenda. 

Furthermore, she is dedicated towards exploring anti-oppressive approaches. Through critical inquiry, professor Wijekoon aims to develop a globally relevant and socially responsive occupational therapy framework founded on the principles of challenging and dismantling oppressive structures, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equitable access to occupational opportunities for marginalized groups.

Featured Publications and Projects

Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • Wijekoon, S., & Peter, N. (2022). Examining racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in occupational science research: Perspectives of persons of color. Journal of Occupational Science, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), 1–20.  
  • Welch, C., Senman, L., Loftin, R., Picciolini, C., Robison, J., Westphal, A., Perry, B., Nguyen, J., Jachyra, P., Stevenson, S., Aggarwal, J., Wijekoon, S., Baron-Cohen, S., & Penner, M. (2022). Understanding the Use of the Term “Weaponized Autism” in An Alt-Right Social Media Platform. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.  
  • Singh, H., Sangrar, R., Wijekoon, S., Nekolaichuk, E., Kokorelias, K. M., Nelson, M. L. A., Mirzazada, S., Nguyen, T., Assaf, H., & Colquhoun, H. (2022). Applying “cultural humility” to occupational therapy practice: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 12(7), e063655–e063655.  
  • Wijekoon, S., Laliberte Rudman, D., Hand, C., & Polgar, J. (2022). Taking refuge in religion: Buddhist-oriented coping following late-life immigration. Canadian Journal on Aging, 1–11. Available from:  
  • Wijekoon, S., Rudman, D. L., Hand, C., & Polgar, J. (2021). Late-life immigrants’ place integration through occupation. Journal of Occupational Science, 1–17.  
  • Wijekoon, S., Wilson, W., Gowan, N., Ferreira, L., Phadke, C., Udler, E., & Bontempo, T. (2020). Experiences of occupational performance in survivors of stroke attending peer support groups. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 87(3), 173–181. Available from:  
  • Hand, C., Huot, S., Laliberte Rudman, D., & Wijekoon, S. (2017). Qualitative-geospatial methods of exploring person-place transactions in aging adults: A scoping review. The Gerontologist, 57(3), e47–e61. Available from:

Visit  for a comprehensive list of publications.

Graduate Student Opportunities

Our lab is currently seeking potential MSc and PhD students interested in the following areas:

  • Social isolation and loneliness in racialized and immigrant older adults
  • Exploring equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in age-friendly initiatives
  • Examining the applicability of 'Aging in Place' among marginalized older adults
  • Exploring the experiences of older adults through an intersectional lens
  • Factors contributing to resilience in older adults facing marginalization

For graduate opportunities, email professor Wijekoon at swijekoo@uwo.ca including a copy of your CV and a letter of intent.

Additional Information

Media Highlights

  • "," FHS News Story (June, 2024)
  • , BRI Quarterly (January, 2023)
  • , CAOT Conference 2019: Sessions on Newcomers and People with Refugee Backgrounds (September, 2019)

Professional Activities

  • Team member, , Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists