My journey towards success began with a fervent passion for mathematics nurtured since my childhood, a passion that flourished during my undergraduate studies at the esteemed University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Fuelled by a thirst for knowledge, I embarked on a transformative academic odyssey, earning a MSc in mathematics from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, and ultimately achieving a PhD from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), United Kingdom.
Due to the challenges of being a trailing spouse and a mother to two children, I had to navigate several career breaks with resilience, ensuring that my aspirations were never derailed. During these intervals, I dedicated myself to honing my pedagogical skills, undertaking a pedagogic course at the Stockholm Institute of Education, Sweden, and acquiring a teaching qualification from the British Council, Singapore, by attending weekend and evening classes. Subsequently, in the UK, I furthered my pedagogical skills by obtaining a postgraduate certificate in Academic Practice in Higher Education from UWE Bristol.
Before finding my home at UWE Bristol as a mathematics lecturer, I traversed career landscapes, leaving my mark at institutions such as the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; Lancaster University, United Kingdom; the British Council, Singapore; and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. I am honoured to hold the status of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), and I am actively engaged as a member of the Mathematics and Statistics Research Group (MSRG) at UWE Bristol. Moreover, I am proud to be a member of both the London Mathematical Society and the European Mathematical Society.
At the core of my research lies a commitment to advancing the field of Mathematics Education. My research endeavours focus on promoting and enriching the student learning experience, particularly by leveraging technology to address Mathematical Common Student Errors (CSEs) in e-Assessment questions. Through UWE Bristol's in-house algorithmic e-Assessment System (Dewis), I have pioneered innovative approaches for diagnosing and remediating Mathematical CSEs in e-Assessment questions, empowering students to correct their mathematical misconceptions and attain mastery in mathematics.
Each experience of living, learning, and working among diverse ethnic groups in various countries has enriched my perspective and sharpened my expertise, preparing me to adeptly serve as a mathematics lecturer today to a diverse group of students, encompassing various nationalities, ethnicities, backgrounds, and abilities.
As my journey towards success unfolds, one thing remains abundantly clear: my unyielding thirst for learning, unwavering commitment to enhancing student learning, and dedication to shaping the future of Mathematics Education know no bounds.