Dr. Chamila Liyanage earned her PhD in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and joined the department following her graduation. She has over a decade of experience, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. Before joining NUS to pursue a PhD, she was a lecturer at the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering with 1st Class honours and received two prestigious university awards for academic excellence.
Dr. Chamila is passionate about pedagogical research and is committed to exploring innovative teaching methodologies. Her work focuses on preparing future-ready graduates by developing the 4Cs: Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Creativity and Innovation, and Communication. She fosters an intellectually stimulating learning environment that encourages independent, interactive, constructive, and collaborative learning.
Teaching Awards
- Nominee for ATEA (AY 2023/2024)
- College Educator Award (AY 2023/2024)
- College Teaching Excellence Award (AY 2022/2023)
- Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (AY 2019/2020)
Selected Education Publications/Conferences:
- Cherner, Y. E., Liyanage, C. N., & Cherner, P. I. (2025). Enhancing Gen Z STEM Learning with Adaptable Virtual XRD Laboratories. Journal of Chemical Engineering (Manuscript ID: ed-2025-00712g).
- Liyanage, C. N., & Blackwood, D. J.* (2020). Engineering Students’ Perception on Workshop-Based Learning for Design and Materials Selection. Journal of Materials Education, 42(3–4), 131–144.
- Cherner, Y. E., Liyanage, C. N., & Cherner, P. I. (2026). Smart Labs: AI-Integrated Virtual and Hybrid Facilities for Next-Generation STEM Learning. WCAIA 2026.
- Invited Panellist (June 2025). Immersive Technologies for Deeper Learning in Engineering Education. ICMAT Education Forum 2025, Singapore.
- Liyanage, C. N. (Dec 2025). Inviting AI into the Assignments: A Constructive Approach to Student–AI Relationships in Higher Education. HECS 2025, Singapore.
- Liyanage, C. N. (2025). Beyond Traditional Teaching: Cultivating 21st-Century Skills Through the Flipped Classroom in Large, Diverse Classroom Settings. PCE 2025, France.
- Liyanage, C. N. (2025). From Design to Implementation: A Flipped Classroom Case Study in Materials Science. AMDES 2025, Singapore.
- Cherner, Y. E., & Liyanage, C. N. (2025). Enhancing Materials Science Education: A Blended Approach with Virtual and Hybrid XRD Labs (Poster). AMDES 2025, Singapore.
- Liyanage, C. N. (2024). Breaking Barriers: Fostering Comprehensive Learning in Engineering Principles and Practice through Virtual-Physical Lab Integration. IMSE 2024, United Kingdom.
- Cherner, Y. E., Liyanage, C. N., & Cherner, P. I. (Aug 2023). Cloud-based Online XRD Laboratories and Synchronized Remote Collaboration Platform for Education and Training. IUCr Congress 2023, Australia.
- Blackwood, D. J., & Liyanage, C. N. (2019). Engineering Principles and Practices: Students’ Learning and Perception. AMES 2019, China.
- Blackwood, D. J., Gu, W., Liyanage, C. N., & Kong, H. Z. (2018). Engineering Principles and Practice (EPP): Workshop-Based Modules in Materials Science and Engineering. AMES 2018, National University of Singapore.
Teaching
Lectures, tutorials, and/or laboratory instruction across the following modules:
- MLE5001 – Structures and Properties of Materials
- MLE1001A – Materials Science & Engineering Principles & Practice I
- MLE2001A – Materials Science & Engineering Principles & Practice II
- MLE4102A – Design Project
- EG2401 – Engineering Professionalism
- MLE1002 – Materials Science & Engineering Principles & Practice II
- MLE3103 – Materials Design and Selection
- IE2141 – System Engineering and Dynamics
- MLE6101 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials