Name
Dr. Kusali Gamage
Program
US Fulbright Scholar
Cycle
2024
In 2024, I served as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar with the Department of Geology at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where I spent six months teaching, mentoring students, and fostering new avenues for collaboration.
I taught geology and oceanography courses and facilitated two proposal-writing workshops for geology and physics majors, and mentored two undergraduate research students. This was my first time teaching Sri Lankan students, and I truly enjoyed getting to know them. At first, many were reserved, but I encouraged them to participate in class discussions and communications. Over several weeks, they became more confident, actively engaging in conversations and even coming to office hours with questions. Many students also expressed curiosity about graduate programs in the U.S. and were interested in learning about career opportunities in geology, which made the interactions especially rewarding.
An unexpected but transformative aspect of my time in Sri Lanka was discovering the country’s rich graphite resources. This insight led me to engage in conversations with local researchers, the Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, and the U.S. Embassy. These efforts brought together university leadership, faculty, and industry partners to explore opportunities for U.S.–Sri Lanka cooperation in critical minerals, culminating in an upcoming NSF-funded bilateral workshop on graphite and critical minerals that will further strengthen these connections.
Upon my return, I brought fresh energy to my teaching at Austin Community College and now serve as the college’s Fulbright liaison, supporting other faculty in pursuing this transformative opportunity.
Highlight: Though I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, experiencing the university environment there was entirely new to me. Interacting with students, faculty, and non-academic staff was eye-opening; I observed both surprising similarities and notable differences compared to the U.S. education system. As an educator, the highlight was engaging with the students directly encouraging discussions, answering questions, and witnessing their curiosity and growth. Connecting with them in the classroom and seeing their enthusiasm made my Fulbright experience deeply rewarding and truly memorable.
Exploring Sri Lanka: One of the best parts of my time in Sri Lanka was exploring both the campus and the surrounding city of Kandy. Vibrant markets, cultural landmarks, and the serene hill country were places we explored, each offering a deeper sense of place. The campus itself was a destination to discover, with its beautiful flora and fauna, including the ever-present monkeys that made each walk memorable. We spent a lot of time outdoors, often taking the train from Kandy to the university. The train ride was not only convenient but also a joyful experience, offering stunning views and a chance to appreciate daily life along the way. It made reaching my 10,000 steps each day effortless! Another highlight was visiting the campus temple, a place of serenity and calm that became a regular stop. It was truly unique, I don’t think I’ve ever been to another campus that brings together natural beauty, academic life, and spiritual presence so seamlessly.
Advice: For new Fulbright scholars, my advice is not to over-plan before arriving in Sri Lanka. The island has so much to offer, and pre-set plans may lead to disappointment because there are countless opportunities to learn, explore, and engage along the way. Be flexible, stay curious, and allow yourself time to relax and reflect on the experience. If you pack your schedule too tightly, you may miss the true essence of what Sri Lanka has to offer, its culture, people, and unexpected moments of learning and connection.