The WTUN Secretariat had the opportunity to speak with Dhanushi Rodrigo, a doctoral researcher at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), to explore her research journey and what it means to be recognised with the WTUN BC Scholarship Prize.
Dhanushi’s path to her PhD is rooted in a diverse academic and professional background, beginning with business qualifications and an MBA, and evolving into a deep commitment to sustainability. Now undertaking doctoral research at ATU, she focuses on sustainability learning within supply chain networks, an area she believes is key to driving long-term, meaningful change.
Her work stands out for its innovative approach to integrating human and technological elements in sustainability education. From applying analytical tools like NVIVO and R Studio to co-leading AI-driven projects such as CropConnect, which won 1st Place in the 2025 Student Competition, Dhanushi’s research bridges theory and practice in ways that benefit both industry and community.
This year, her application impressed the WTUN BC Scholarship Prize assessment panel for its originality, relevance, and potential to deliver real-world impact. The panel also highlighted the strength of her industry endorsement, reinforcing the value and applicability of her work beyond academia.
Could you tell us a little bit about your academic journey and what led you to your PhD and your current research?
My academic journey began in business and professional qualifications, earning both ACCA and CIMA credentials alongside an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Professionally, I previously worked in sustainability roles across logistics, corporate functions, and sustainable finance. Whilst the concept of sustainability had intrigued me since childhood, seeing less fortunate people in communities and the need for greener environments, the practical exposure from work and college as a young adult inspired me to undertake a PhD and contribute to research in the emerging sustainability space. I am now a PhD researcher at Atlantic Technological University focusing on sustainability learning within supply chain networks as I believe education is important for long-lasting, positive change.
The assessment panel agreed that your project had demonstrated undertaking cutting-edge challenge led research with direct benefits to people and society, which can include a focus on technology. Can you tell us about the technological solutions and developments that you are using in your research?
My research studies integration of human and non-human elements in sustainability learning. This research findings hope to unveil knowledge structures including those pivoted on technology which supports sustainability education across the wide array of actors which play a huge role in our economies, from large corporations to smaller-scale farmers and members of the community. I also apply certain technological tools in my analysis of research findings such as Biblioshiny, R Studio, VOSViewer, NVIVO, and SPSS. In the future, I hope to possibly learn and leverage on Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques for my research. Beyond my core PhD work, I have co-led projects like CropConnect, which recently won 1st Place in the 2025 WTUN Student Competition. The idea delves on leveraging AI to bridge generational knowledge gaps in Irish farming communities. Additionally, me and a peer colleague are working on research applying machine learning techniques to examine smart mobility and EV adoption patterns in Ireland, demonstrating how data-driven technologies can inform sustainable policy.
How did you hear about the prize and what made you apply?
I learnt about the prize through my supervisors, Gabriela and George, who were encouraging me to apply. The award’s focus on recognising innovative, challenge-led research resonated deeply with my own research. Applying was a great step to share my work on sustainability learning and to highlight its benefits to both industry and community stakeholders.
How will being awarded this prize impact you and your work?
This recognition will not only enhance the visibility of my research but also open doors to new collaborations across the WTUN network and beyond. It will serve as a strong platform to engage with specially with policymakers and industry.
How do you envision the future of this project and where do you hope this project will take you?
I see this project evolving into a framework for sustainability learning that is both academically sound and practically applicable. My aim is to showcase importance of both people and technology integration to facilitate learning and therefore, enable faster adoption of sustainable practices. Ultimately, I hope to position the research as an enabler towards sustainability implementation founded upon understanding of what sustainability means as instilled through the knowledge learnt as opposed to relying on compliance approaches where true learning will not reflect and therefore changes may not be long lasting.
What advice would you give to aspiring individuals who are considering a PhD?
A PhD is as a lot about attitude and approach to life. Most often, PhD life will make you remember the quote ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. The journey will be challenging but rewarding. Be prepared to develop a broad skillset, from research methodologies to leadership and communication. Learn as you go but enjoy the process, both the ups and the downs. Engage with initiatives outside of your own PhD work such as WTUN or college initiatives as these will help personal development. Most importantly, see your work as part of a bigger picture, as your research will contribute to meaningful change.
This is your second success in a WTUN Competition. You and a peer from ATU won first prize in the Student Competition earlier this year too. What value have you found in taking part in these network activities?
WTUN activities have been invaluable in fostering collaboration and connecting with like-minded researchers from around the world. These platforms have allowed me to gain feedback from diverse audiences and co-create solutions with peers from different disciplines. The exposure to global sustainability challenges has enriched my own work and encouraged me to think both locally and globally. It is also a testament to our work and external validation that we are headed in the right direction.
This year, our annual congress will discuss the theme “The ‘GLOCALISATION’ Functional Role of Higher Education from Local to Global”. From your own research into sustainability education advancement methodologies, can you speak to the role of Higher Education Institutions to foster sustainability in their students and communities?
Higher Education Institutions have a unique position as both knowledge creators and community influencers. They can embed sustainability across curricula, empowering and ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with the skills and mindset to drive change. Equally, they engage in partnerships, scaling best practices globally. When HEIs adopt a “glocal” approach, tailoring global sustainability principles to local realities and challenges, they empower both students and surrounding communities to become active agents of positive change.