Gayani has been with WSP since 2016. She manages our Victorian facility, bringing civil engineering and laboratory experience in commercial and research environments across Australia and Asia. With projects spanning critical sectors including road, rail, water, maritime, civil and building structures, mining and renewable energy, she has an important role in developing the reliable, sustainable infrastructure that powers and shapes our world.
She’s been keen on lab work from an early age. “During high school, I developed an interest in physics laboratory sessions, which I found incredibly engaging,” she says. “These hands-on learning experiences motivated me to work in a field where I can tackle real world problems.”
After graduating, Gayani joined a government research organisation focusing on geotechnical engineering laboratory testing. “I enjoyed the grounded, systematic approach to tasks in the laboratory and felt fulfilled by physically interacting with materials and directly observing the results of my efforts.”
It’s no surprise then that she never saw herself thriving in a desk job – and it makes perfect sense that she relaxes with another kind of lab work: experimental cooking! She’s mastering a great Margherita pizza and got the thumbs up from her family for last year’s BBQs. “Being with my husband and daughter are my greatest joys,” she says, explaining that they give her the refreshment and grounding to thrive in her professional life.
A BBQ at Gayani's place
Embracing ongoing change
Technology and work methods have changed rapidly across Gayani’s career. “We’ve evolved from manually-operated equipment and kerosene burettes to cutting-edge technologies like electronic data loggers and advanced instrumentation for 24/7 remote operation.”
She remains passionate about innovation and continuous learning. “Embracing new technologies and methodologies enhances our capability to deliver exceptional precision and reliable outcomes. It also underscores our commitment to advancing our field as well as advancing society. I’m dedicated to leveraging this ethos to make a meaningful impact on our community and contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future.”
She’s particularly proud of WSP becoming the first-ever testing sample provider and technical advisor for rock testing in both national and international proficiency testing programs. “This accomplishment didn’t come without its challenges,” she says. “In an initial attempt, dental plaster hardened inside a pump, and my team and I ended up with plaster all over our clothes!”
The team has remained the sole provider and technical adviser for the program for five consecutive years.
Gayani and the WSP Lab team
WSP’s thermal resistivity testing facility was one of the first to gain accreditation from Australia’s leading national accreditation body (NATA) and service renewable energy projects. Another significant achievement was establishing tunnel boring testing capabilities. WSP is now one of only two labs capable of servicing tunnelling projects in the southern hemisphere.
For Gayani, experiences and achievements such as these encapsulate why she finds her role at WSP so fulfilling. “It’s a blend of teamwork, innovation, cutting-edge technology and shared commitment to excellence and innovation that makes every day an opportunity for growth and new achievements. Over my seven years with WSP, I’ve seen firsthand how our focus on quality and client satisfaction has driven our success in tackling complex engineering challenges.”
Triaxial Testing in progress
As a Technical Assessor with NATA, Gayani is leveraging her expertise to influence and enhance the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing globally.
“It’s gratifying to know that my contributions help uphold the integrity of our industry and lead to safer, more reliable outcomes,” she explains. “The opportunity to actively contribute to and shape industry standards, mentor emerging professionals, and engage in meaningful global collaborations is so rewarding.”
Thermal Resistivity testing on remoulded and undisturbed tube specimens
Gayani says that WSP’s collaborative environment fosters collective growth and innovation – and she’s keen to see more women join the industry’s journey.
“It is truly heartening to see an increasing number of undergraduate women participating in our lab rotation programs, many of whom are considering careers in engineering. I wholeheartedly encourage them to continue on this path. Embracing diversity and inclusion within engineering is essential and will enrich our field.”
Find out more about WSP’s in-house laboratory testing capabilities.
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