Dinusha Senarathna is the ATL’s Graduate Student Spotlight for October 2025. Pursuing his PhD in the department of Physics, under the College of Arts and Sciences. Read his full interview below.
What course have you taught at URI?
At the University of Rhode Island, the courses that I have taught include PHY185 (Laboratory for General Physics I), PHY273 (Elementary Physics Laboratory I), and PHY275 (Elementary Physics Laboratory III), all of which focus on foundational physics concepts and experimental verification, using a hands-on approach and modern instruments.
What is your proudest teaching moment?
My proudest teaching moment was during one of the PHY273 labs. At the beginning of the semester, one of my students was struggling with the core concepts and had low grades for the lab reports because of that. I decided to dedicate extra time outside of lab hours during my tutoring sessions to help the student better understand the material. Over time, the student’s comprehension improved significantly, and this was reflected in the lab grades, which increased dramatically as the semester progressed. Seeing the student’s growth and confidence build was truly rewarding and reminded me of the impact that patient guidance can have on a student’s success.
What are the three qualities that you think make for a great teacher?
- Empathy: Understanding students’ backgrounds and learning needs is crucial.
- Adaptability: Being willing to modify teaching techniques, such as integrating multimedia or interactive demonstrations, to enhance student comprehension.
- Enthusiasm: Demonstrating genuine excitement for the subject inspires students to actively participate in conducting experiments.
What are you excited to do next in the classroom?
The next step is to integrate more augmented reality and/or virtual lab simulations. This
technology will allow students to practice and visualize procedures before entering the
physical lab, making them more prepared and less anxious about hands-on activities.
What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your classes?
In ten years, it is hoped students will remember the classes as the ones where physics
became relatable and exciting, and where they developed confidence not just in the
subject but also in using scientific technology—a skill that continues to benefit them in
diverse careers.
How do you relax after a long day of teaching?
After teaching, and especially after a long session of grading lab reports, I enjoy
watching an episode of our favorite K-drama with my wife. Surprisingly, coding also helps me to relax sometimes. It offers a focused, creative outlet that can similarly help shift the mind away from work-related fatigue and foster relaxation through problem-solving.
What is your favorite place to visit in Rhode Island? Why?
My favorite place to visit in Rhode Island is Newport. It is a quintessential seaside New
England town known for its natural beauty, historic colonial buildings, and the famous
Newport Mansions. I especially enjoy walking the scenic Cliff Walk along the coastline,
which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Newport combines cultural history
with beautiful coastal scenery, making it a perfect destination to relax and explore.