I am a highly enthusiastic research and education professional with a passion for developing and unleashing the potential of tertiary students. My key strengths include conducting construction industry based research, developing programmes of learning and delivering virtual and face-to-face degree level classes on key construction management subjects. My qualifications include a PhD in Engineering (Construction Management), a First Class Honours Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education (GDTE). I have extensive experience in curriculum design, delivery, assessment and moderation in the New Zealand tertiary education sector. This includes developing qualifications such as a Bachelor of Construction, a Graduate Diploma and a Master of Professional Practice in Construction/Engineering Management.

My research interests lie between the areas of construction innovation, construction supply chain management and construction education. My research partners and I designed and applied a VR model of a sustainable building as an alternative way of conducting construction site visits to promote sustainable building features. The VR-based building model we created enabled a more engaged and learner-centred environment in the classroom. This research project was published at the IEEE EDUCON conference in 2019. In early 2020, I was able to empower the research students to go beyond doing their assessments and transform their research project outcomes to research articles presented and published at NZBERS 2020 organised by Massey University. I connect with other staff through conducting interdisciplinary research projects with lecturers from other departments.

I have developed a strong network among Otago Polytechnic, Capable NZ, Future Skills Academy, Massey University, AUT University, Unitec Institute of Technology and Southern Institute of Technology. I actively participate in research and professional development activities organised by the aforementioned organisations. I am a reviewer for the International Journal of Construction Supply Chain Management Journal. Also, recently I became a reviewer for the 54th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA) 2020 organised by AUT University.

My research profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Don_Amila_Sajeevan_Samarasinghe