CQUniLife - From Sri Lanka to CQUniversity Bundaberg, Australia

Hi there, my name is Upamali Peiris, a PhD student at CQUniversity Australia’s Bundaberg campus.

I am from Sri Lanka and completed my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and a Master of Science in Crop Science from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

I’ve always dreamt of doing a PhD , especially in Australia. Whilst employed as a Lecturer at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, I was made aware of this wonderful university, CQUniversity Australia or ‘CQU’ located in the agricultural heart of Australia. The School of Medical and Applied Sciences and its Precision Horticulture Research group made me interested in doing a PhD here, where I was fortunate to meet my supervisors Professor Philip Brown and Dr. Chengyuan (Stephen) Xu. This encouraged me to apply at CQUniversity in the hope of completing my further studies.

How wonderful it was? I got selected for IPRA and APA scholarships, which opened the path to my dream.

It is the lucky day 11^th July 2016 that I started achieving my dream ‘PhD ’. How supportive these Aussies are? Though it was the first day, I felt at ease, surrounded by many. The most efficient, generous and helpful staff and peers made CQUniversity a ‘home’ for me.

I am enjoying my studies here at Bundaberg which is calm, nice and also a place made for education. Everything is well planned, the systems are efficient and the library is one of places that has drawn my attention as it is full of great resources.

Again, how lucky I am to be a part of CQU. Really it feels more and more is achieved when we work as a team in the research group. The well-equipped laboratories, the qualified staff and the relationships with government and non-governmental institutions are a real asset to the students.

I invite my colleagues who are dreaming of their higher studies to be a part of CQU. It is a family and it will make and drive you to ‘be what you want to be’.

I know at the end of my PhD I will gain knowledge, skills, new technologies, experiences and expertise. I have no doubt that when I go back to Sri Lanka to work as a Lecturer; they will be even more proud and happy on the investment made in me.

For further information about CQUniversity’s wide range of Science and Environment qualifications, including Research Higher Degrees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/study or phone 13 27 86 - +61 7 4930 9000 outside of Australia.

If you’re in Rockhampton this weekend, why not join us at our Open Day on Sunday, 21 August from 9 am - 1 pm. Visit cqu.edu.au/opendays for more information and to register.