(Re-) Introducing Prai Wattanatakulchat

Meet the Contemplative Studies Centre's newest PhD candidate, Prai Wattanatakulchat.

Having previously completed Honours and worked as a research assistant with the Contemplative Studies Centre, Prai continues her academic journey with her PhD project, Temporal dynamics of meditative mechanisms. Prai’s thesis aims to investigate the timings of mechanisms of action underlying the effects of continued meditation practice on health and wellbeing, and how each mechanism may potentially interact with one another over time. The research aims to identify if, how and why continued meditation may lead to health and wellbeing outcomes, with a view to increasing efficacy and accessibility of those potential benefits.

Prai credits the diverse, experienced and multi-disciplinary CSC team with ensuring she is comfortable and supported to pursue this next step in her research career. The interdisciplinary nature of contemplative studies at the Centre also provides a unique opportunity to integrate Prai’s own personal spirituality with the empirical approach of her psychological studies. While she has only just begun her PhD, she has already developed skills in survey-building and working effectively in a team with many moving parts. Prai looks forward to taking advantage of the many opportunities to learn and try new things over the next three years, such as conducting qualitative research for the first time and collaborating with like-minded researchers in Australia and overseas.

When Prai isn’t studying, she enjoys baking (another skill much appreciated by the CSC team!), doing yoga and seeking out new experiences (currently bouldering). She has a dog back in Thailand who loves beach walks when she is home.