As an eight-year-old space enthusiast, Divaratne wanted to go to the moon. Her history professor father suggested she study physics to learn how. At the very least, “he thought it might give me the answers I was always looking for,” she said, “and I just fell in love with physics.”
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka before earning a full scholarship to continue her studies in the United States. Divaratne ended up in Ohio, and between her master’s program, doctoral program and first two jobs, she spent time at four different universities. In her first teaching role, she was the first instructor to implement a flipped classroom method at that university. She thought it provided a more active learning environment for her students. “And they’re actually still doing it,” she added proudly.
What she’s doing as the SciDome director impacts more than just college students. “I get invited to middle and high schools to talk to their STEM learners,” she said. “I want to instill in them a curiosity to explore scientific ideas and contribute to solving today’s global challenges. I want to encourage and inspire the younger generations.” These efforts are facilitated by The Works, which has developed into a valuable community partner during her tenure. “That collaboration gives us a lot more opportunity to connect with the public,” she claimed.
Divaratne is doubling down on the idea of community collaboration. As the chair of the forthcoming Licking County Learning Lab, she’s coordinating with The Works, Newark Earthworks and Dawes Arboretum to create programming for first-year Ohio State Newark students. As the director of the new STEMM learning community, she’s connecting young STEM and healthcare majors with employers across the region. “I understand how hard it is to find a place in this field,” she said, “so I’m passionate about helping these students and guiding them the right way.” That passion makes her the perfect proponent of the importance of STEM education in today’s world. Just ask her: “It’s my responsibility to share that idea with this community.”
After experiencing so many campus environments, Divaratne has a powerful appreciation for this one. It’s not exactly where she expected to be — after all, she envisioned voyaging into space. But she knows she still landed someplace stellar. “I’ve never seen another university with the same resources and committed staff and faculty as Ohio State Newark,” she said. “It’s unique, and I’m proud to be a Buckeye because of it.”