The QUT Centre for Data Science is celebrating its graduates. Meet Dr Gayani Tennakoon who just took part in the latest graduation ceremonies at QUT.
What was your PhD in?
My PhD was in the field of data science, focused on data mining in graphs and networks. I focused on developing algorithms to discover knowledge from social networks using inherent hierarchy and interaction frequency.
How did you come to do a PhD on this? Did things change along the way?
After earning my bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in Sri Lanka, I worked as a software engineer for a couple of years. However, my passion for data science and graph theory never left me. While researching potential supervisors to deepen my expertise, I came across Prof Richi Nayak, whose work resonated with my interests. I was privileged to receive the QUT Postgraduate Research Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my dreams and relocate to Australia to continue my journey
How was your PhD journey? Any surprises?
Coming from an engineering background, transitioning to a PhD in the science stream presented its challenges, particularly in the beginning. There was a significant learning curve, but my programming skills proved invaluable when conducting experiments. Over time, I gained much more than just theoretical knowledge—I also developed strong communication skills, from writing research papers to presenting at international conferences. The journey was full of surprises, but the growth and the opportunities to learn across different disciplines made it incredibly rewarding.
Did you anything else at QUT besides your PhD?
I have had the privilege of working as a sessional academic, as well as volunteering to conduct a workshop with the Women in Technology organization. I actively contributed to the launch of the QUT Digital Observatory by showcasing one of my research projects. Additionally, I completed an HDR internship with Peabody Energy, where I developed an opinion-based safety observation classification model. I also had the opportunity to expand my expertise by working as a Data Analyst at QUT.
How was your experience with the Data Science Centre?
My experience with the Data Science Centre was incredibly enriching. I had the opportunity to gain exposure to various areas of data science research. It was a dynamic environment where we could learn from each other, which significantly broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of data science.
What’s next – or what are you doing now?
After completing my PhD in 2020, I eagerly embraced new opportunities. I began as a Data Science Research Assistant at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Social Science Research and later transitioned to a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Currently, I’m a Research and Development Consultant with the Centre of Social Data Analytics at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. The power of technology has allowed me to collaborate seamlessly with my colleagues in New Zealand and the US, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health and human services, like child maltreatment and homelessness. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my work contribute to tools that are deployed in real-world systems, making positive impact on society.