Introducing Dinuk Welagedera

Meet Dinuk Welagedera, a new Master of Psychology student whose research topic is "The Interaction between Meditation and Lifestyle Factors, and its Effect on Cognitive Functioning."

Dinuk Welagedera joins the Contemplative Studies Centre from the University of New South Wales to undertake a Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) investigating the interaction between meditation and lifestyle factors, and its effect on cognitive functioning.

A large body of evidence has demonstrated that meditation and mindfulness-based interventions can improve cognitive functioning. However, these studies tend to recruit experienced practitioners, with little focus on the role of practitioners’ lifestyle factors on improvements in cognitive functioning. Dinuk’s research will examine how meditation and lifestyle factors interact to affect cognitive functioning, with a particular focus on working memory and attention. By addressing the overlooked role of everyday lifestyle in meditation outcomes, his study aims to understand whether combining meditation with specific lifestyle practices enhances cognitive benefits.

Coming from a Buddhist background, Dinuk is already personally engaged with mindfulness and meditation, with a keen undertstanding of its value and benefits. He was drawn to the CSC by its unique empirical approach to contemplative practices and appreciates the opportunity to work alongside other academics from interdisciplinary backgrounds who share a common interest in understanding and researching meditation. He looks forward to potential opportunities to interact with monastics and hopes to collaborate one day with Budhhist groups such as the Buddhist Society of Victoria and the Budhhist Society of Western Australia.

In his spare time, Dinuk enjoys watching Marvel movies and Star Wars, socialising with friends, spending time with family and going for walks in nice parks.