Alumni

Buddila Wijeyesekera

Career Path: reading for a PhD at the University of Galway, Ireland
Location: Galway, Ireland

Since completing my masters I have had the opportunity to work in the manufacturing industry and also had the opportunity to become the first "Sri Lankan" to get selected for 5 month research fellowship program offered by "Engineering For Change(E4C) By ASME(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, The research fellowship focused on the acceleration of wave energy powered desalination technologies to promote the SDGs Goal number 6 and 7 (Clean Water & Sanitation and Access to Clean and Affordable Energy).

Post completing the fellowship I worked as a Design & Estimation Engineer in Sri Lanka focusing on Mechanical Ventilation and HVAC Projects. In 2023 I had the opportunity to join a leading apparel and textiles manufacturer as a Sustainability engineer focusing on water, energy and waste managements within the organisation. During the tenure I was involved in orchestrating sustainability related initiatives to reduce the waste generated across the factories and also increase the group annual HIGG Index Audit(Sustainability performance metrics) score to 89% in 2022 from 71% in 2021. In 2024 I then joined Fonterra as a CAPEX Projects Engineer where I was involved in a number of various different engineering infrastructure improvements projects prior to arriving in Ireland for my PhD in 2024 January.

What are you doing now?

I am currently reading for my PhD in Energy retrofits and its Impact on the Indoor Environmental Quality of residential dwellings at the University of Galway in Ireland.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Back in 2019 while working as a Graduate Engineer in the manufacturing sector I started to browse the potential universities across different countries and decided that UK is my first choice. As i developed a passion towards renewable energy and sustainability I listed out the potential Universities and Northumbria University made it to the last 5 Universities. Eventually I selected Northumbria due to its location -Newcastle which I found to be one of most student friendliest cities in the UK. The particular masters offered by the University of Northumbria on Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies was also a deciding factor at the end. I honestly am truly happy that I selected Northumbria University at the end.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Amazing. I met people from different parts of the world with whom I still have contacts with. The team projects gave me the exposure to work with different cultures which ultimately was so useful in finding opportunities in the future. I further enhanced my communication and other interpersonal skills which made me stand out in my applications. Unfortunately, during the second semester of the masters all the lectures went online due to COVID-19 restrictions and then everything was restricted to the front of the computer screens. Lectures and seminars during before COVID-19 hit the UK was truly amazing and I am so grateful for all the lecturers who did a wonderful job in imparting their knowledge and experiences on us.

How connected was your course with industry?

Unfortunately no. I did not have the means to undertake the advance practice course as I self-funded the course with my parents support but I was able to build up a strong network connection with the IMechE during my time at the University, I even had the opportunity to attend an IMechE North East Region event which was held at the University premises itself where I met few mechanical engineers working on the renewable and sustainability sectors....

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

No I did not take the placement option during my time at the University.

What was the best thing about your course?

The ability to gain knowledge in a wide variety of subjects and topics focusing on renewable energy and sustainability. From thermal energy to wind energy I gained a broader spectrum of knowledge which has been really useful to date. I cannot recommend enough the course to any future prospective students who are looking to gain specilised knowledge within the renewable and sustainable energy domains.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Getting selected as the First ever " Sri Lankan" for the ASME s flagship E4C research fellowship wouldn't have been possible if not for my Masters from the University of Northumbria. This also went on to help me in securing a fully funded PhD at the University of Galway in Ireland. I am truly grateful for my parents, lecturers and friends whom I had met at Northumbria for this.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Research, teamwork, Engineering simulations & modelling, Communication, Planning and Organising are some of the key skills that I have been using since Graduating from the University of Northumbria in 2021.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

The diversity of students I met during my time at the University. I had the opportunity volunteer as a STEM Ambassador through the North East Hub of STEM Learning(UK). In 2021 July I was awarded the " Highest number of hours by a new STEM Ambassador" at the North East STEM Awards. Apart from this the vibrant learning environment and the facilities provided to the students are truly exceptional. I have countless memories to cherish from the Zone 24 x7 area provided us engineering students to complete our assignments together without any time constraints.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

My advice to anyone considering studying at Northumbria is "go for it". Because Northumbria University offers its students exceptional facilities and a vibrant learning environment where we as students can thrive and grow to become professionals of tomorrow. The excellent ask4help team is always there for you whenever you need help.