Teaching
Courses, Workshops, and Mentorship
“To teach is to learn twice.”
— Joseph Joubert
Teaching Experience
I consider teaching to be a vital part in the development of a scientist. I have had the privilege of teaching undergraduate courses to students in two countries in multiple languages. A table of the courses I’ve taught or assisted in teaching is shown below in descending order by year.
| Course name | Course Code | Year | Semester | University/Institute | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Natural Resource Management | 11:216:217 | 2025 | Fall | Rutgers University | English |
| Vertebrate Zoology | 11:216:325 | 2025 | Spring | Rutgers University | English |
| Invertebrate Zoology | 11:216:324 | 2024 | Fall | Rutgers University | English |
| Wildlife Management | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | English |
| Fundamentals of Conservation Biology & Wildlife | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | English |
| Principles of Ecology | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | English |
| Fish Biology & Fisheries | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | English |
| Animal Form & Function | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | English |
| Animal Behavior | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | Sinhala/English |
| Evolution & Biogeography | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | Sinhala/English |
| Introduction to Environmental Science | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | Sinhala/English |
| Variety of Animal Life | - | 2017 | - | University of Colombo | Sinhala/English |
Temporary teaching assignments at the University of Colombo included ‘Entomology’, ‘Comparative Anatomy’, and ‘Parasitory’. All of these were Level IV (Year 4) courses.
Workshops
- Python Crash Course for Data Analysis (2020) - A 1.5 hour primer on using Python for data analysis and statistics for the Rutgers Data Club. The course materials can be found here including a recording of the session
- A Primer on Applying to Graduate School (2021. Co-presenter with Tharushi de Silva) - A workshop on how to apply for graduate schools (with a focus on Australia and North America) for Sri Lankan undergraduate students. This workshop was organized by BEEZ at University of Colombo. Total attendance was in excess of 300 participants.
- A 2 day workshop on statistical analysis and writing to Wildlife Ranger Officers in Sri Lanka (2018) - This was as part of a larger diploma course to equip senior wildlife rangers with skills necessary in advancing their careers. The workshop was organized by Prof. Nihal Diyawansa and was led by myself and Udari Peiris.
Mentorship
I have provided mentorship to both undergraduate and graduate students in both research and educational capacities. I have been a consistent participant in the Mentor/Mentee program of the DEENR Graduate Program at Rutgers University.