The SWE Graduate Community would like to recognize Ayumi Manawadu for her commitment to SWE at Washington State University, STEM outreach, and community and cultural engagement.
Ayumi Manawadu, Washington State University
Ayumi is a leader within the Washington State University (WSU) SWE section and in the community. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, her current research focus at WSU is developing sensor systems for concrete damage detection.
Ayumi first experienced SWE when she moved from Sri Lanka to the United States to pursue her PhD. Because of her passion for community service, Ayumi volunteered for WSU SWE’s 2018 Kids’ Science and Engineering Day (KSED). At this annual carnival-style outreach event, kids are taught science and engineering principles through hands-on demonstrations. Motivated by this experience, Ayumi wanted to continue to inspire future generations through SWE leadership, despite the fact that not many graduate students were involved with the section at that time. Ayumi became the WSU SWE Industry Mentor Program Coordinator, where she paired students with industry professionals with similar interests. By contacting new mentors through LinkedIn, alumni websites, faculty and staff and opening and promoting the program to a wider audience, including graduate students, Ayumi was able to increase the number of mentor/mentee pairs from 7 to 58 by March 2019.
Ayumi was the 2019 KSED Club Coordinator, tasked with recruiting other student organizations to participate and provide demonstrations. Surpassing her goal of 30 organizations, Ayumi increased organization participation from 25 to 45 groups and raised the number of volunteers to a record-breaking 300. She was elected WSU SWE Vice President (VP) for FY20, where she oversaw seven sub-committees with the primary goal of organizing KSED 2020. Before being postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19, KSED 2020 was expecting a record breaking participation of 350+ students from the community. Ayumi’s other VP responsibilities include fundraising and communication. Still interested in increasing graduate student engagement and opportunities within SWE, Ayumi introduced a graduate student spotlight in the WSU SWE weekly newsletter and served on the societal GradSWE International Student Team in 2019.
Ayumi is also a member of the WSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Student Association, and a student member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. As a Graduate Senator, she works with the WSU Graduate and Professional Students Association to resolve issues impacting graduate students. Ayumi loves engaging with diverse cultural experiences on campus and in the community - even though she is from Sri Lanka, she has performed multiple times at WSU India Night and Vaishaki Night. She has volunteered with the Indian Student Association on multiple occasions and enjoys participating in cultural events happening across campus. Ayumi also teaches an introductory course in engineering mechanics as the primary instructor. In the community, Ayumi collaborates with the WSU Center for Civic Engagement and the Palouse STEAM Coalition to recruit volunteers to work with the schools and provide students with exposure to exciting science and engineering opportunities and leaders.
Ayumi was a finalist for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship Award and won co-first place at the Western Regional 3-minute thesis competition in 2020. She also received a GPSA Senator of the Year Award and a WSU President’s Award for Leadership in 2020, for her services to the university, graduate and professional students, and the community.
Ayumi participating in the WSU 3MT Finals
Thanks to Ayumi’s efforts, expanded leadership, professional development, and outreach opportunities have been made available for many WSU students. Ayumi has advanced the WSU SWE mission and inspired more graduate students to get involved with the section. As she continues into her career, Ayumi is determined to continue to engage with diverse cultures, serve the community, and empower others.
The SWE Graduate Community is proud to recognize Ayumi Manawadu (Washington State University) as a 2020 GradSWE Outstanding Individual!
The SWE Graduate Community is proud to recognize Ayumi Manawadu (Washington State University) as a 2020 GradSWE Outstanding Individual!
