Dr Sithara Walpita Gamage is the Academic Lead (Student) in the School of Civil Engineering and Construction Management at Adelaide University, where she provides strategic leadership focused on student experience, curriculum quality, and graduate success across civil engineering and construction programs.
 
She brings experience in engineering higher education, with a strong track record in student-centred curriculum design, programmatic assessment, and professional practice education. Her work has contributed to curriculum development, accreditation processes, and program quality assurance, with a focus on maintaining coherence, academic standards, and a strong student experience.
 
Her work is grounded in the design of authentic, industry-aligned learning experiences that develop students’ problem-solving capability, creativity, and professional identity. She has led major curriculum initiatives across civil engineering, associate degree, and flexible entry pathways, supporting improved retention, expanded access, and strong graduate employment outcomes.
 
At a national level, Dr Gamage contributes to the advancement of engineering education policy and practice through her service on Engineers Australia’s Accreditation Advisory Committee and the Associate Deans of Teaching and Learning network. Through these roles, she supports the evolution of accreditation standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessment practices, including sector-wide responses to emerging challenges such as generative AI.
 
Her scholarly work focuses on engineering education, digital learning, and academic integrity, with publications that have attracted national and international attention. She is also active in mentoring academics and supporting the development of scholarly teaching practice across institutions.
Alongside her education leadership, Dr Gamage has a background in water engineering, with expertise in surface water hydrology, and has contributed to national initiatives including the Australian Rainfall and Runoff guideline update.
 
Dr Gamage is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and future-focused learning environments, and to supporting students to succeed in an evolving engineering profession.