Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Profiles
Professional Memberships
Hobbies and Interests
Languages
Timeline
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Nandana Pathirage
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Nandana Pathirage

Teaching Fellow in Computing
Hamilton,WKO

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Not actively looking

Desired Job Title

Teaching Fellow in ComputingSenior LecturerResearch FellowUser Experience Researcher

Work Type

Full TimeConsultingPart TimeContract Work

Location Preference

Hybrid
Location: Hamilton, WKO, NZ
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balance

Summary

Academic professional with expertise in computer science and user experience design, focused on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. Enhances educational experiences through engaging course content and mentorship. Collaborates with industry experts to enrich curriculum and foster real-world applications.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Teaching Fellow in Computing

University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ
02.2024 - Current
  • Executed teaching and administrative responsibilities to support student learning and departmental operations.
  • Designed and delivered comprehensive course materials for undergraduate students in core subjects of computer science and software development. Subjects taught, involved, and supervised include: GAMEX201-26A (HAM): Applied Game Development, COMPX585-25B (HAM): Preparation for Research in Computer Science, COMPX324-25B (HAM, TGA): User Experience Design, COMPX374-25B (HAM, TGA): Software Engineering Industry Project, COMPX171-24B (TGA): Introduction to Digital Professional Skills, COMPX271-24B (TGA): Introduction to Software Development Methodologies, HECSS363-24B (HAM): The Impact Lab, COMPX151-24B (HAM): Exploring Innovative Technologies CSMAX596(BLK): Computer Science Internship (supervision). Further, I provide academic guidance and mentorship, assisting students with coursework, project development, and career planning. Additionally, I supervise students' projects, guiding them through the research, development, and presentation phases to ensure they meet high academic standards. I also create and administer assessments to evaluate student performance, offering constructive feedback to support their academic growth.
  • Coordinated with industry professionals and academic experts as guest lecturers, enriching curriculum with real-world insights. Engaged in outreach initiatives to build connections with industry partners, alumni, and prospective students, enhancing department visibility and engagement.

Research Support

University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ
03.2023 - 02.2024
  • Supported research in Computer Science through writing and collaborative efforts with researchers and scholars to develop and enhance academic papers. Contributed insights, conducted literature reviews, and structured research documents to ensure clarity and adherence to high academic standards.
  • Tutored students and colleagues in Computer Science, providing tailored guidance and explanations on complex topics. Facilitated discussions and addressed queries to promote deeper understanding of concepts and enhance academic performance.
  • Provided economic analysis and research support to senior economists.
  • Supported department faculty with administrative assistance, as well as curriculum and research support.
  • Assisted in writing grant proposals and funding applications to secure research support.

Doctoral Assistant (DA)

University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ
02.2020 - 02.2023
  • Managed responsibilities to enhance educational experience for undergraduate students, including designing and conducting practical classes that provided hands-on application of theoretical knowledge, reinforcing core concepts and developing essential practical skills.
  • Managed laboratory classes where students engaged in experiments, data analysis, and problem-solving exercises, creating a safe and conducive learning environment while guiding students through procedures and fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
  • Led tutorial sessions to complement classroom learning, offering an interactive platform for students to ask questions, seek clarification on challenging topics, and engage in discussions that deepened their understanding of the subject matter.

Lecturer

International College of Auckland
Auckland, NZ
01.2020 - 10.2021
  • Delivered engaging lectures and conducted classes aligned with contracted modules to facilitate student learning.
  • Developed engaging course materials for diverse student populations.
  • Facilitated interactive class discussions to enhance critical thinking skills.
  • Coordinated curriculum updates to align with industry standards and trends.

Senior Lecturer

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU)
, SL
04.2013 - 07.2024
  • I actively engage in diverse teaching activities within the realm of Computer Science, IT, and Mathematics. These include conducting practical classes, tutorials, seminars, and discussions across a wide spectrum of subjects, such as Software Process Engineering, Requirement Engineering, Programming Fundamentals, Fundamentals of Databases, Advanced Databases, Object-Oriented Analysis and Designing, Management Information Systems, and Software Engineering Project.
  • Conducted classes and delivered lectures, adhering to guidelines set by Vice Chancellors and Dean to ensure quality education.
  • Organized and administered examinations and assessments to evaluate and support student progress effectively.
  • Collaborated with university officials to enhance academic standards through the implementation of best practices.

Head of the Department Information Technology

KDU
, SL
02.2015 - 09.2018
  • I managed and administered the departments' affairs.
  • Developed curricula and syllabi for department subjects, enhancing academic rigor and relevance.
  • Monitored academic staff activities to ensure alignment with departmental goals and standards.
  • I recommended suitable Visiting Lecturers to the Vice Chancellors through the appropriate channels.
  • I recommended external examiners to the Vice Chancellors through the appropriate channels.
  • I prepared timetables for each semester.
  • Facilitated QA program activities to ensure compliance with academic standards.

Project Manager

Global Promotions (Pvt) Ltd
, SL
01.2009 - 04.2013
  • Managed and customized the debt collection system to meet the unique needs of each client. This system integrated payment processing, account management, contact management, collector work management, and management reporting, among other functions. My experience included serving clients in the USA and Canada. In my role, I handled both new client onboarding and addressed the ongoing needs of existing clients within my work environment.
  • Analyzed customer requirements and customized debt collection system to align with specific needs, enhancing client satisfaction.
  • I clearly communicated the business requirements and the proposed solutions to the technical and development teams.
  • I documented the customer requirements, business model designs, and workflows.
  • Supported clients in system operations and resolved operational issues through regular follow-ups with technical team, ensuring timely project deliverables.
  • I conducted the final test phase to determine if the product had been successfully customized to meet the customer's requirements.
  • Conducted product training programs and presentations to educate clients on system functionalities, facilitating smoother adoption.

Lecturer - Visiting

KDU
, SL
02.2012 - 02.2013
  • Delivered engaging lectures and facilitated classes for Database Management Module, fostering student understanding and application of key concepts.
  • Developed course materials for diverse academic programs at a leading educational institution.
  • Delivered engaging lectures to enhance student understanding and participation in coursework.
  • Collaborated with faculty to design curriculum aligned with industry standards and student needs.

Business Analyst

Duo Software (Pvt) Ltd
, SL
02.2008 - 01.2009
  • Conducted testing and analyzed processes for Subscriber Management System (SMS) to align services with customer demands.
  • Analyzed business processes to identify areas for improvement and efficiency.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to gather requirements and define project scope.
  • Developed detailed documentation for business analysis and project deliverables.

Education

PhD - Computer Science

University of Waikato
NZ
01-2023

Master - Strategic Business IT

University of Portsmouth
UK
01-2011

Bachelor Science Honours - Computing

University of Portsmouth
UK
01-2008

Skills

  • Academic mentorship and industry collaboration
  • Project guidance
  • Problem solving and decision making
  • Effective communication
  • Interactive teaching
  • User-centered design

Accomplishments

  • Successfully completed the Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE) course.
  • Academic Distinction (Batch Top), MSc in Strategic Business IT - University of Portsmouth.
  • Achieved Merit Award, International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies - NCC Education.
  • Achieved Merit Award, International Diploma in Computer Studies - NCC Education.

Profiles

PPNV Kumara, 0000-0001-7121-0345

Professional Memberships

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), New York, NY, US
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE CS), Washington, DC, US
  • Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), Colombo, SL
  • British Computer Society (BCS), Swindon, GB

Hobbies and Interests

  • Hiking and outdoor activities
  • Music appreciation
  • Volunteering in community events
  • Travelling and learning about different cultures
  • Lifelong learning and professional development
  • Information and knowledge management

Languages

English
Full Professional
Sinhala
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Limited

Timeline

Teaching Fellow in Computing

University of Waikato
02.2024 - Current

Research Support

University of Waikato
03.2023 - 02.2024

Doctoral Assistant (DA)

University of Waikato
02.2020 - 02.2023

Lecturer

International College of Auckland
01.2020 - 10.2021

Head of the Department Information Technology

KDU
02.2015 - 09.2018

Senior Lecturer

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU)
04.2013 - 07.2024

Lecturer - Visiting

KDU
02.2012 - 02.2013

Project Manager

Global Promotions (Pvt) Ltd
01.2009 - 04.2013

Business Analyst

Duo Software (Pvt) Ltd
02.2008 - 01.2009

PhD - Computer Science

University of Waikato

Master - Strategic Business IT

University of Portsmouth

Bachelor Science Honours - Computing

University of Portsmouth

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Nandana PathirageTeaching Fellow in Computing