I am Dilushi Shashikala Kodithuwakku, a PhD student in Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology (ESM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, beginning in Fall 2025. I am originally from Sri Lanka, where I currently serve as a Senior Lecturer in Social Statistics at the University of Kelaniya. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong foundation in quantitative research and statistical applications. I hold a B.A. (Hons.) in Social Statistics, an MSc in Business Statistics, and an MA in Demography, which together have equipped me with a broad interdisciplinary perspective on the use of data and methodologies to address complex social and developmental challenges.

Over the years, I have gained extensive teaching and research experience in applied statistics, social statistics, and demographic analysis. My research has examined diverse areas such as road traffic accidents, tourism, labor force participation, and broader issues of social development. I have published my work in peer-reviewed journals, authored scholarly books, and presented findings at both national and international conferences. Several of my contributions have been recognized with awards for best research and presentations. In addition to research, I have taken on roles as an Editor-in-Chief, reviewer, and conference coordinator, which have allowed me to contribute to the academic community beyond the classroom. I am deeply committed to fostering the integration of statistical methodologies into social sciences research and to advancing data-driven decision-making in policy and practice.

I chose the PhD program in Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology (ESM) because it is a natural continuation of my academic background and research aspirations. The program’s curriculum offers comprehensive training in advanced statistical and methodological approaches, while also incorporating novel and emerging topics that are highly relevant to today’s research landscape. This comprehensive coverage ensures that I can further develop my expertise not only in quantitative methods but also in innovative approaches that are shaping the future of evaluation and applied statistics. What particularly attracted me to the ESM program is its interdisciplinary nature, which provides opportunities to apply methodological knowledge across education, social sciences, and policy-oriented research. The program’s strong academic reputation and recognition for producing impactful scholarship further motivated my decision, as I believe it offers the ideal environment to refine my skills, expand my research, and make meaningful contributions to both academia and society.