Madhubhashitha Herath

PhD, MEng, BSc Eng (Hons), CEng, MIMechE(UK), AMIE(SL)

About Me

I am a Charted Mechanical Engineer currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Built Environment from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, 2017 - 2020

Thesis: Light Activated Shape Memory Polymer Composite based Smart Structures: A Framework for Material Development and Activation Methodologies

Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems Engineering form the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2013 - 2017

Thesis: Development of a Prosthetic Hand for Power Grasping Applications

Bachelor of Science of Engineering in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2008 - 2013

Thesis: Application of Vegetable Oil-based Metal Working Fluids in Machining Metals

Teaching Experience

Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka (2021 to present)

Mechanics of Materials


Tutor – Faculty of Health Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Australia (2017 – 2020)

Computational Mechanics in Design, Non-Destructive Testing


Lecturer (Probationary, Contract and Temporary) – Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2013 – 2017)

Mechanical Engineering Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, Mechanics of Materials, Engineering Drawing


Visiting Lecturer – Faculty of Engineering, South Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2014 – 2017)

Mechanics of Materials, Design of Machines


Visiting Lecturer – Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Vocational Technology, Sri Lanka (2015)

Design of Machines

Research Experience

Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka (2021 to present)

Smart Materials and Structures, Advanced Manufacturing


PhD Scholar - University of Southern Queensland, Australia (2017 – 2020)

Smart Materials and Structures, Deployable Space Structures, Composite Manufacturing, Testing and Simulations, Structural Heath Monitoring, Fibre Optics and Laser


Visiting Researcher - Harbin Institute of Technology, China and Nanjing Tech University, China (2018)

Composite Manufacturing, Polymer Engineering


Masters Student - University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (2015 – 2017)

Robotics, Additive Manufacturing


Faculty Member - University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2013 – 2017)

Metal Machining, Additive Manufacturing, Engineering Design

Global Recognition and Awards

  • Best Student Paper Finalist at ASME Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, USA 2019

  • Pitchfest Finalist at Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition, Australia - 2019

  • Young Researcher Award at 11th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials, Australia – 2018

  • Best Poster Runner Up at Open Day Centre for Future Materials USQ, Australia – 2018 and 2020

  • USQ Fees Research Scholarship and USQ International Research Scholarship by University of Southern Queensland, Australia - 2017

  • Migara Ranathunga Trust Award for Best Industrial Trainee by Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka - 2012

  • Future Creation Excellence Award by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, Japan – 2004

  • National Awards for Inventions by Inventors Commission, Sri Lanka - 2002

Administrative Involvements

  • Faculty Board Member – Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna and Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellasa University

  • Committee Member – IESL Library and Publication Standing Committee, IESL Young Members Section and IESL Mechanical Engineering Sectional Committee

  • Committee Member – Reaccreditation of Engineering Undergraduate Programme (Washington Accord)

  • Committee Member – Curriculum Revisions and Quality Assurances of Bachelor of Science of Engineering Degree Program

  • Committee Member – Procurement of Laboratory Equipment and Engineering Software

  • Co-Chair, Organizing Committee – National and International Conferences, Exhibitions, Workshops and Seminars

  • Academic Sub Warden – Male Undergraduates

  • Module Coordinator – Bachelor of Science of Engineering Degree Program

  • Academic Advisor – Engineering Undergraduates

  • Project Supervisor – Engineering Undergraduate Projects

Key Industry Collaborations

  • Structural Health Monitoring of the Carnarvon Bridge in Stanthorpe QLD, The Department of Transport and Main Roads, Australia, 2019 - 2020

  • Design of a Fallopian Occlusion Device, Leo Med LLC, Medical Devices, USA, 2014 – 2016

  • Design and Development of a Bottom Hem Piping Attaching Machine, MAS Active Trading (Pvt) LTD, Sri Lanka, 2014 – 2015

  • Troubleshooting and Design Optimization of Pellet Making Machine, Lalan Group of Company, Sri Lanka, 2015 – 2016

  • Design and Fabrication of Salvinia Removal Mechanism, Southern Provincial Irrigation Department, Sri Lanka, 2015 – 2016

  • Design, Fabrication and Installation of Water Wheel Powered Water Pump, Sri Lanka Army, 2014 – 2015

Professional Memberships

  • Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

  • Member of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)

  • Member of Institute of the Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)