2020 Graduate Student Teaching Award Recipient: Rambukkana Maggonage Sureka Perera

Rambukkana Maggonage Sureka Perera, from Sri Lanka, is one of the Faculty of Graduate Research and Studies, Teaching Assistant Award recipients for 2020. She is PhD Candidate for Analytical Chemistry.

Why did you choose this area of study?

I have chosen chemistry as it is an incredibly fascinating field of study. Because it is so fundamental to our world, Chemistry plays a role in everyone's lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way. Chemistry also puts a person in an excellent position to choose from a wide variety of useful, interesting and rewarding careers.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I would love to be in a research scientist position in an industrial environment. Hopefully, this step would help me shortcut my way into defining what exactly I would like to do long term.

Who are three of your heroes (living or historical), and why?

Two of my heroes are my mother and father. My mother is a great role model for me, and she is well organized, detailed oriented and always keeping the house clean and welcoming. My father is a hard-working, dedicated employee who would pride himself in giving his all and completing any task he set out to do. Both of them are masters at helping me to meet a full range of human needs.

Thirdly, my undergraduate professor, Prof. Deraniyagala is the hero of my academic life. He always made a good example to be a humble, courageous, friendly, well-prepared person and, most importantly, to be a generous and caring person to others.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I believe honesty is one of the most overrated virtue. Someone should be only as good as his or her word. If someone's word is not worth anything, that person has lost a piece of his soul. Being honest is difficult, but it is the bedrock of character.

Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?

'Deep work' by Cal Newport is by far the best and most effective book I have read on focusing intently on my work. It helped me to become much better at resisting the temptation of distraction and remaining concentrated. This is one of my most highly recommended books for students.

What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?

Interpersonal skills, or being able to get along with everyone around you and interact with them well, are essential skills for humanity. Having characteristics like empathy, respect, and cooperativeness, shows that significance and caring is one of the major forms of interpersonal skills that are necessary for day-to-day work to go with them smoothly and efficiently.

Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?

Formal training with continuous guidance by the TA coordinators was effective in developing teaching skills and increasing feelings of efficacy. At the same time, consistent feedback and evaluation from students, instructors/lecturers and coordinators helped to build confidence, intrinsic motivation and professional development.