Dr. Malsha Mendis | Wood Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Malsha Mendis | Wood Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Malsha Mendis, NSBM green University, Sri Lanka

๐ŸŒณ Dr. Malsha Mendis, a seasoned Senior Lecturer, Researcher, and Designer, specializes in the realm of materials, with a focus on solid wood furniture, wood constructions, organic wood preservatives, sustainable construction materials, design thinking, ergonomics, and anthropometry. ๐Ÿช‘๐ŸŒฟ Her professional journey reflects a fusion of creativity and scientific inquiry, where she passionately explores innovative design solutions. As an ambitious, creative, and dedicated professional, Dr. Mendis is on the lookout for new challenges that allow her to leverage her current creative skills, extensive research knowledge, and valuable experience. ๐Ÿš€ This pursuit aligns with her commitment to personal and professional development, symbolizing a continuous journey toward excellence in design and academia. ๐ŸŽ“โœจ

๐ŸŽ“ย Education :

๐ŸŒŸ Dr. Malsha Mendis has illuminated the academic realm with her dedicated pursuit of knowledge. From 02/2018 to 03/2022, she delved into the intricate world of Civil Engineering, earning her coveted Doctor of Philosophy from the esteemed Faculty of Engineering. Her groundbreaking thesis, “Decoding the Potentials of Vernacular Timber Preservation Technology for structural applications,” showcases her commitment to unlocking sustainable solutions in construction. Guided by a stellar team of mentors – Prof. Rangika Halwatura, Prof. Raj Somadewa, Prof. Hiran Amarasekara, and Dr. Randika Jayasignhe – her research promises to reshape the future of timber preservation.

๐ŸŽ“ Dr. Mendis’ academic journey traces back to her Bachelor of Design Honors (03/2013 โ€“ 03/2017), where she excelled in Product Design at the Faculty of Architecture. With a remarkable GPA of 3.81, she undertook an analytical study on non-verbal communication in the verandah, focusing on the British “Walauwa” in the UVA province. Her thesis, earning an outstanding A+, reflects her keen understanding of design nuances.

๐ŸŒˆ Driven by a passion for inclusivity, her Comprehensive Design Project resulted in the creation of a “Sequential Learning Device for Intellectually Disabled Early Childhood,” earning a commendable Grade A. Dr. Malsha Mendis emerges as a beacon of academic excellence, blending engineering prowess with creative ingenuity to make a lasting impact on the fields of Civil Engineering and Design. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ—๏ธโœจ

๐ŸŒ Professional Profiles :ย 

Scopus

Google Scholar

๐Ÿค Professional Affiliations ๐Ÿข:

SLIID-I-2014271: Member of Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers (SLIID). GREENSLยฎAPGBCSL: Associate Professional at Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL). 11090/C: Lifetime Member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). YSF/AM/19/15: Annual Member of Young Scientists Forum, National Science and Technology Commission.

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Teaching and Research Journey ๐ŸŽ“:

From 2018 to 2019, served as a Visiting Instructor for “Building Design Process and Applications” at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa.. Since June 2022, holds the position of Research Supervisor at the University of Moratuwa, actively contributing to teaching, research, and student supervision. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒ

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Impactful Engagements ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ:

On 30/08/2022, Dr. Mendis delivered a captivating Guest Lecture on “Introduction to the Process of Design” at the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University Of Moratuwa. On 10/11/2018, she shared valuable insights as a Guest Lecturer, focusing on “Seating โ€“ Wood as a material for furniture construction” at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa. Scheduled as a Guest Speaker on 27/07/2023 at the Studentsโ€™ Research Symposium, themed “Exploring Creative and Innovative Building and Construction Technologies towards a Sustainable Built Environment.” This symposium is organized by the Faculty Research Cell of the Faculty of Built Environment and Spatial Sciences at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University โ€“ Southern Campus. ๐ŸŒ

Dr. Malsha Mendis, through her diverse engagements, continues to be a guiding force in shaping the landscape of design, education, and sustainable development. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ—๏ธ

๐Ÿ†Awards and Honors :

๐ŸŒŸ Dr. Malsha Mendis, a luminary in the fields of design and forestry, has garnered prestigious accolades, attesting to her exceptional contributions.

๐Ÿ… Best Designer Award: Dr. Mendis earned the coveted “Best Designer” recognition for her outstanding performance in the 3rd and final year Design Projects. This esteemed award is reserved for the design grandaunt who achieves the highest total marks, not less than an impressive 70%.

๐Ÿ“š Symposium Excellence ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ: In 2020, she shone as the “Best Presenter” in Session 07 – Wood Science, Wood, and Non-wood Industry, captivating the audience with her paper titled “Investigating Hydroscopic Property of Historical Timber against Load Bearing: A Case Study on Ambalam(s) Sri Lanka.” Co-authored with esteemed colleagues, this presentation was a standout at the 25th International Symposium on Forestry and Environment.

Dr. Malsha Mendis, through her accolades, underscores her commitment to excellence in design research and her significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the realm of historical timber properties. ๐Ÿ†๐ŸŒณ๐ŸŒ

๐Ÿง  Research Interests ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒ :

๐ŸŒฒ Dr. Malsha Mendis, a visionary researcher, navigates the realms of timber, culture, heritage, design, and intellectual impairments with unwavering passion and curiosity. Her multifaceted research interests reflect a commitment to understanding the intricate interplay between natural materials, cultural contexts, and inclusive design practices. Through her work, Dr. Mendis seeks to bridge the gaps between tradition and innovation, shaping a sustainable and culturally rich future. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ๐ŸŒณ๐ŸŽจ

๐Ÿ“šย Publication Impact and Citations :ย 

Scopus Metrics:

  • ๐Ÿ“ย Publications: 10 documents indexed in Scopus.
  • ๐Ÿ“Šย Citations: A total of 20 citations for his publications, reflecting the widespread impact and recognition of Dr. Malsha Mendisโ€™s research within the academic community.

Google Scholar Metrics:

  • All Time:
    • Citations: 57 ๐Ÿ“–
    • h-index: 3 ๐Ÿ“Š
    • i10-index: 1 ๐Ÿ”
  • Since 2018:
    • Citations: 56 ๐Ÿ“–
    • h-index: 3 ๐Ÿ“Š
    • i10-index: 1 ๐Ÿ”

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ A prolific researcher with significant impact and contributions in the field, as evidenced by citation metrics. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publications ( Top Note ) :

1.ย  Influence of timber grain distribution on orientation of saw cuts during application; Reference to Heritage structures in Sri Lanka

Published in Case Studies in Construction Materials, 2019, Cited by 15

2.ย  Unleashing the Potentials of Traditional Construction Technique in Bioclimatic Building Designs: A Case of Ambalam Sri Lanka

Published in International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 2020, Cited by 6

3.ย  Investigation on the Significance of Design Elements of Timber with Respect to Architectural and Structural Engineering Aspects: Review on Ambalam in Sri Lanka

Published in Asian Studies International Journal, 2018, Cited by 4

4.ย  Investigation on the Mechanical Property Variation on Timber Caused Due to the Thermal and Chemical Modification

Published in 2020 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference, 2020, Cited by 3

5.ย  A study on chemical insertion and physical property changes of sunken timber; Terminalia arjuna along with river water in Sri Lanka

Published in IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2020, Cited by 3

6.ย  Decoding the societal transitions on environmental innovation under vernacular timber construction practice in Sri Lanka

Published in 2019 From Innovation to Impact, 2019, Cited by 3

7.ย  Utilization of Sustainable Timber Materials for Innovative Green Building Solutions

Published at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019, Cited by 3

8.ย  DEFINING THE EFFECTIVE SIZE AND PROPORTIONS OF A MUD-CONCRETE BLOCK

Published in The 3 rd Research Symposium, 2018, Cited by 3

6.ย  Impacts of chemical modification of wood on water absorption: a review

Published in Journal of the Indian Academy of Wood Science, 2023, Cited by 2

10.ย  Preliminary investigation on ancient timber structures through microscopic analysis

Published in From Innovation to Impact (FITI), 2020, Cited by 2