Simran Bansal Champions Dementia Family Caregiving Through Research

Meet Simran Bansal (she/her), a first-year MSc student at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI) whose research is making waves in the world of dementia family caregiving. Under the mentorship of Dr. Kristina Kokorelias and Dr. Nathan Stall, Simran’s work focuses on understanding the evolving needs of family caregivers for people living with dementia, and how their use of health and social care services has shifted from the pandemic to post-pandemic period. Using journey mapping methodology, Simran is uncovering valuable insights into the real-life experiences of family caregivers, an area that is crucial yet often overlooked. 

✨ How Simran Found Her Path in Research 

Simran’s academic journey began at the University of Waterloo, where she pursued her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences. During her studies, Simran’s interest in dementia was sparked by a course on physical activity and aging. This led her to complete an undergraduate thesis where she exercised with people living with dementia, exploring how family caregiving shaped their experiences. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her current research, and Simran is passionate about understanding the complexities of family caregiving in dementia. 

💡 What’s Been Exciting About RSI? 

The RSI community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of Simran’s experience. “The community here is incredibly welcoming and understanding,” she says. Whether it’s connecting with students across MSc and PhD programs, or getting involved in the Rehabilitation Science Graduate Students’ Union (RSGSU) as an MSc representative, Simran feels right at home. “Seeing everyone working, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, is really inspiring – it makes you want to accomplish more,” she shares. 

Being part of RSI has also been a journey of self-discovery. Simran has grown academically and personally, with mentors and peers supporting her every step of the way. “It’s been a journey of understanding what it takes to be a great MSc student,” she says, reflecting on the ongoing support and guidance she’s received. 

📚 Growth at RSI: Skills for Success 

Since starting at RSI, Simran has gained valuable skills, including presenting in seminars, collaborating with others, and staying organized. One key takeaway for her has been how to manage her time effectively. “Make your calendar your best friend!” she advises. Simran stresses the importance of setting manageable deadlines and pacing yourself, ensuring that you don’t just rely on due dates but allow yourself enough time to truly understand your project’s objectives. Plus, if you need extra support, whether from your supervisor or RSI’s resources, it’s always okay to ask for help. 

🔑 Advice for Prospective Students 

Simran’s top piece of advice for prospective students is to start early. “Email supervisors early if you want to explore the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree with them,” she says. “Don’t be scared to reach out!” Reading their papers and attending RSI’s info sessions will give you insight into whether a supervisor’s research aligns with your own interests. Simran also highly recommends joining the RSGSU, as it’s a fantastic way to stay connected and meet new people. 

Another valuable piece of advice from Simran is to consider pursuing a collaborative specialization, if possible. “You get to meet new people outside of your network, and there are also awards that can benefit you.” This specialization not only broadens your research perspective but also creates new opportunities and connections that enrich your academic journey. 

📚 Simran’s RSI Favourites: 

• Favourite Course: REH3301H – Knowledge Translation in Rehabilitation: Foundational Knowledge and Innovative Applications – This course equipped Simran with the tools and resources to understand how to make research accessible to the public. It’s been a game-changer for how she views the broader impact of her work. 

• Favourite Study Spot: The 10th floor at RSI – ideal for quiet focus and a great view to keep her inspired. 

• Snack of Choice: Coffee, the essential fuel for those long research sessions. 

• Favourite Event: The Speaker Series, organized by RSGSU’s Speaker Series Committee, gives students the opportunity to engage with guest speakers and connect with peers. It’s a meaningful opportunity to explore both professional insights and personal stories. 

📍 RSI in Three Emojis 

To describe her experience at RSI, Simran chose the following three emojis: 

💙 – Representing the sense of purpose and meaningful work she found at RSI. 

🤝 – “It’s a place where genuine connections are formed – with peers, mentors, and the broader community.” 

🪴 – Symbolizing personal and professional growth as a developing researcher. 

📝 Simran’s Top Tips Before You Graduate: 

Embrace every moment of being a student at U of T, right in the vibrant heart of Toronto. Take time for casual coffee chats with mentors at cozy cafés, study in the stunning libraries, and treat yourself to lunch at a new local spot now and then. As Simran put it, “Deadlines will come and go, but don’t forget to pause and truly soak in the unique experience of grad life.” 

💬 Final Thoughts 

Simran’s journey at RSI is a beautiful blend of academic growth, community engagement, and research that has real-world impact. Her work in dementia caregiving is a prime example of how research can make a difference in people’s lives. With the ongoing support from her mentors and the RSI community, Simran is not only growing as a researcher but also as a person.