Anura Rathnayake

Anura Rathnayake is a Scholarly Associate Professor and Program Coordinator at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) at Washington State University (OC-Bremerton). He holds a Ph.D. in Optical Measurements and Control from Saitama University, Japan, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and held various research and teaching roles at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, including Head of Department from 2011–2016.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing focus), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2000
  • Ph.D. in Optical Measurements and Control, Saitama University, Japan, 2007

Research Interests include industry-collaborated engineering design and precision agriculture with a focus on decision support systems for crop management. His work spans agricultural machinery optimization, canopy monitoring using remote sensing, and plant health diagnostics through optical techniques.

Scientific Awards include the Fulbright Advance Research Fellowship, Endeavour Postdoctoral Fellowship, and IMechE Educational Awards. His publications highlight advancements in spray drift mitigation, intelligent sprayer systems, and non-destructive plant diagnostics.