Hiroshan Gunawardane
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I was fortunate to be exposed and to actively participate in both academic as well as industrial research during my undergraduate studies in my home country. This developed my enthusiasm for exploring novel and innovative things in a methodical approach. Following my passion, I decided to pursue a career related to research and innovation. I strongly believe a graduate degree with a specialized training and hands-on experience would turn me into highly qualified personnel to pursue a career that is interesting to me.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I completed my M.A.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering at UBC. I have decided to stay for my Ph.D. at UBC based on the experience I had during my master’s studies. UBC always offers unique opportunities to their graduate students to expand their horizons to advance their careers. The research culture, training, and education offered at UBC are quite intriguing.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Ph.D. program in the department of mechanical engineering offers so many options for their students. However, I am working on a multidisciplinary project that gives me the opportunity to apply my engineering knowledge and skills in a different area, such as biomedical engineering.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
It’s really suspiring to see the diversity, equity, and inclusion offers by the UBC community to their international students. Apart from that, the city of Vancouver and northern Vancouver are beautiful, alive, and always full of surprises.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
My graduate program often gives me the opportunity to interact with new people, talk to them, learn from them, and work with them, I enjoy it a lot.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My past research experience well equipped me to face the challenges ahead of me well.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love hanging out with truly good friends, hiking, biking, soccer, listening to good music... Oh! the list goes on…
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Find what you truly love and do it, it doesn’t have to be what someone else expects you to do.
