DrGayani Gunasekera

Gayani’s research sits at the intersection of work, identity and inclusion. Her work examines how identities are shaped, negotiated and reconstructed across organisational, social and institutional contexts. She is particularly interested in the experiences of migrants, culturally diverse workers and equity groups, and in how organisational structures, social norms and institutional practices shape experiences of work, belonging and participation.

Her research spans four intersecting areas: (i) immigrant identities, identity work and identity regulation in workplaces; (ii) diversity, equity and inclusion in organisations, with particular attention to culturally diverse and migrant workers; (iii) equity, belonging and student experiences in higher education; and (iv) qualitative, interpretive and insider research methodologies.

Her research contributes to understanding how individuals navigate organisational and institutional contexts, and how workplaces and educational institutions can foster more inclusive and equitable forms of participation.

Her expertise includes:

• Immigrant identities, identity work and professional identity negotiation
• Diversity, equity and inclusion in organisations and workplaces
• Skilled migrant women’s experiences of work, belonging and participation
• Identity regulation and inclusion practices in organisational contexts
• Equity, belonging and student experiences in higher education
• Qualitative, interpretive and insider research approaches