Devyani Chandran

Dr. Devyani Chandran is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Community Studies at Western Washington University, where she also serves as Director of the Palliative Care Institute and Chair of the Health & Community Studies Office. She previously held an Assistant Professor position at St. Olaf College. Her expertise lies in community-based approaches to chronic illness, aging, palliative care, and HIV/AIDS care. Dr. Chandran teaches courses on aging, interpersonal dynamics, and social justice.

Education:

• PhD in Social Welfare, University of Kansas (dissertation: Older adults living with HIV/AIDS)
• MSW, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
• BA, Delhi University

Research Focus: Dr. Chandran’s work emphasizes holistic community-based strategies for managing chronic conditions and end-of-life care. Her research has explored the intersection of aging, HIV/AIDS, and social welfare systems, with publications in journals such as Social Work and Health Care and AIDS and Behavior.

Teaching & Leadership: She leads courses on aging, small group systems, and diversity. Her administrative roles include directing the Palliative Care Institute, fostering interdisciplinary palliative care education and practice.