Sri Lankan student excels in biological science at a leading Australian university
“I was first exposed to the world of science at a very young age. When my parents first bought me a microscope I killed a mosquito to get a blood specimen” recalls Pathum Ravinath Dhanapala who is a PhD candidate in Biological Science at Deakin University, Australia. At the time he didn’t realize that it was his first step to an enduring journey to fulfill his passion.
After successfully completing his Ordinary Level Examination at Nalanda College and completing a foundation level course at ACBT, Pathum arrived in Australia to begin his tertiary education. “I was only 17 when I first came to Au s t r a l i a to s t a rt my undergraduate studies at Deakin University and I was obviously very nervous, but it took me only a few weeks to get accustomed to the new system, and the flexible culture at Deakin helped a lot”, says Pathum.
Pathum enrolled in the Deakin Bachelor of Biological Science after the university was recommended to his father by a family acquaintance. Pathum’s father who was keen to see his youngest son become a doctor ensured that Pathum was financially funded for his overseas education.
“As parents we recognized Pathum’s enthusiasm and interest to learn about science from a young age and we encouraged him to excel in that path”, said Mr and Mrs Dhanapala. “We are very happy and grateful for the support given to our son at Deakin University. As a renowned education facility, Deakin managed to recognize the potential that Pathum has in his chosen sphere” added Mr. Dhanapala. He also went onto say that the flexible payment schemes at Deakin is a great convenience especially since his other two children are also studying in the university and he has funded all three of them.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Pathum received a scholarship for his PhD at Deakin University, where he is currently collaborating with CSIRO for his research on genetic modification. While continuing his research, this 25-yearold young man is also tutoring at the university. “I was never opened to the real world until I came to Australia and the university atmosphere helped me a lot to adjust to the lifestyle here. Once we graduated we were ready as professionals to face the real world and take up challenges in our professions because at Deakin, you are prepared for the future” says Pathum.
Pathum Dhanapala is one of many Sri Lankan students who had found success at Deakin University, Australia. With the focus on further strengthening the ties between Sri Lanka and Deakin, Professor K. Baskaran the Associate Dean (International) and Chair in Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment at Deakin University, recently visited the country to meet some of the university’s local partners.
According to Prof. Baskaran “the limited opportunities in Sri Lanka for students to pursue higher studies in the subjects covered under the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment and the obstacles to get into a local university are the main reasons that students turn to Deakin”. Prof. Baskaran also added that as the university offers innovative research facilities, particularly for those who are studying science, more and more local students who are passionate about a long-term career in science want to study at Deakin, especially students from Sri Lanka.
Deakin University is an innovative and strategic education and research university that delivers the perfect preparation for the highly competitive global job market. Established in 1974, Deakin has four modern campuses located in Australia: one in Melbourne, two in Geelong and another in the city of Warrnambool. Deakin University has a strong focus on the international studentship and currently over 7500 students from 130 countries study at Deakin. The university is formed of four main faculties, which include the Faculty of Business and Law, Faculty of Arts and Education, Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment.
The courses at Deakin University are focused on preparing students to be ready to face the challenges of their profession once they graduate. As a result, the university has a high level of involvement with industry partners that offer students internship opportunities. The Global Citizenship Program is a milestone of the university that allows both students and staff to travel overseas for placements, study tours, volunteer work, exchanges etc. The practical knowledge that students gain from their course work provides them a strong grounding in the knowledge, skill and experience required in the job market.
One of the steadily growing faculties at Deakin is the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment and it is an area that many Sri Lankan students enroll for both undergraduate and post graduate programmes. “We ensure that international students are given the necessary support to better integrate with the culture and systems of the university. The multicultural staff and student base has always been a positive impact for international students” added Prof Baskaran.