Lionel Hewavitharana

Dr. Lionel Hewavitharana is a Professor of Engineering at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), affiliated with the College of Science & Engineering and the Department of Engineering and Physics. His academic journey includes teaching and research roles at institutions such as the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka), Louisiana Tech University, and the University of Central Florida (UCF).

• Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering (University of Peradeniya, 1984), MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Louisiana Tech University, 1997 and 2003).

His research focuses on Thermal and Fluid Sciences, with specialties in Macro and Micro Energy Systems, Numerical Heat Transfer, and Experimental Heat Transfer. At UCF, he led the development of a $200,000 Capstone Design studio facility and taught courses such as Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Capstone Design. He has also held roles as an instructor and researcher in thermodynamics, statics, and dynamics.

Dr. Hewavitharana has extensive industry experience, including work at Ventech Engineering and its subsidiary. His academic advising and curriculum development contributions are notable, particularly in engineering design education.