Staff Profile
Lakmali Karunarathne
Lecturer, Module Director and Academic Induction Lead in Data Science and Computer Science Department
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I am a Lecturer, Module Director, and Academic Induction Lead at York St John University, teaching across postgraduate (Level 7) Computer Science and Data Science programmes. I hold a Diploma in Information Technology with an A+ rating, a First-Class Honours degree in Software Engineering (Plymouth University, UK / NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka), and a Distinction in MSc Computer Science from York St John University.
I am currently pursuing my PhD in Computer Science at York St John University. My research interests focus on databases, the Internet of Things, Machine Learning, AI, Blockchain and emerging technologies. I have contributed as a Technical Reviewer, Programme Committee Member, Associate Editor, and Publicity Chair for over 100 international conferences across the UK, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland, Dubai (UAE), Canada, Austria, and China.
As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and External Examiner with Advance HE, I am dedicated to advancing inclusive, evidence-informed teaching and learning practices in higher education.
My teaching portfolio includes Database Systems and Security, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Agile Software Development, along with supervision of Dissertation and Applied Research Project (ARP) students.
- School – London, York Business School
- Email – l.karunarathne@yorksj.ac.uk
- Research - View my work in RaY
Further information
Teaching
I am the Module Director for the Database Systems and Security module and the Deputy Module Director for the Internet of Things, Applied Research Project, and Dissertation modules at York St John University.
Previously, I have led the Blockchain module as Deputy Module Director and served as Module Director for the Database module in the Degree Apprenticeship Programme. I have also led the Agile Software Development module, further broadening my teaching portfolio across key areas of computer science.
I supervise MSc (Level 7) Dissertation and Applied Research Project students, providing academic guidance and research support to help them achieve their learning outcomes and research goals.
My teaching philosophy focuses on creating an engaging, inclusive, and practice-oriented learning environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and independent research among postgraduate students.
Research
My research focuses on leveraging Internet of Things (IoT), Database Technologies, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, and Generative AI to address critical challenges in data management, system optimisation, and intelligent automation. I am particularly interested in developing innovative, data-driven, and secure solutions that integrate emerging technologies to enhance performance, scalability, and interoperability across complex digital ecosystems.
My goal is to advance the boundaries of intelligent computing by creating efficient and sustainable technology solutions that bridge theory and practice. Through my ongoing research, I aim to contribute to the evolution of smart systems powered by IoT and AI, promote innovation in data-centric computing, and inspire future research that explores the transformative potential of these technologies across diverse domains.
Professional activities
I have contributed to a wide range of academic and industry-focused projects that integrate innovation, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
I successfully completed the QR-funded project Database Optimization for Real-Time Analytics in Big Data Environments at York St John University – London Campus. The project focused on enhancing database performance, scalability, and efficiency through advanced schema design, indexing, caching, and data partitioning, integrated with real-time processing frameworks such as Apache Kafka and Apache Flink. The outcomes achieved notable improvements in query performance and system scalability. An abstract from this work was published at the 2nd Lincoln International Multidisciplinary Conference (LIMC) 2025, and the project received the Best Staff Oral Presentation Award at the Inaugural York St John University – London Campus Annual Research Conference.
I have also contributed to an industry collaboration with IBM and British Sugar (via Diffusion), focusing on digital transformation through real-time data streaming and predictive analytics.
My previous technical projects include Smart Garbage Bin Management, Automated IoT-based Sand Truck Management, Smart Domestic Electric Usage Monitoring, Sales and Distribution System, Employee Payroll Management System, and Online Banking Management System, reflecting my continued commitment to developing innovative and impactful technological solutions.
