From the Lab to Leadership: How iAccelerate and Industry Engagement Are Shaping One PhD Student’s Journey

When Nuwangi Pramuditha Cooray began her PhD in physics at the University of Wollongong (UOW), she expected to spend most of her time in the lab. What she didn’t anticipate was how far her journey would stretch beyond science—into entrepreneurship, public speaking, and industry leadership. Today, her path reflects the growing importance of programs that support women in STEM to explore not just what they study, but who they can become.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Nuwangi completed her bachelor’s in physics at the University of Kelaniya in 2016 and worked as a teaching assistant before moving to Australia in 2019. She earned her master’s in physics at UOW in 2021 and started her PhD the following year. Her current research focuses on developing high-performance inorganic nano UV filters and sunscreen formulations suited to Australia’s harsh UV conditions—a timely project aimed at reducing skin cancer risk.
But behind the technical depth of her research lies a personal story of transformation.
During her master’s, Nuwangi, like many international students, found the academic journey isolating. The solitary nature of research, combined with the challenges of living in a new country, led to self-doubt and a loss of confidence—especially in public speaking. Recognising this, she entered her PhD with a commitment to pursue opportunities that would help her grow both personally and professionally.

This commitment led her to the LIFT Project, an initiative under the Commonwealth-funded Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) program at UOW. In 2024, she became one of the first recipients of the LIFT scholarship—an opportunity that would mark a turning point in her academic journey.
Through LIFT, Nuwangi joined the iAccelerate Activate program, a three-month entrepreneurship course designed to help researchers see their work through a commercial lens. For the first time, she explored the potential of turning her research into a viable product. The program sharpened her communication and pitching skills, and introduced her to a broader network of professionals across different industries. It was an experience that shifted how she saw the impact of her work.

She also completed a three-month industry internship at Nowchem Pharma and Skincare—her first experience in an Australian industry setting. Initially uncertain about how this would connect with her academic path, she quickly found it to be deeply relevant. At Nowchem, she gained hands-on experience in quality control, regulatory standards, and the complex process of scaling lab-developed products for factory production. Beyond the technical learnings, the experience helped build her confidence, refine her soft skills, and expand her professional network. Some industry contacts even expressed interest in her PhD research, opening doors to future collaborations.
Nuwangi didn’t stop there. She became a regular contributor to events and programs that support women in science. At the EmpowerHER STEM Summit 2024, she shared her journey with high school girls, reflecting on how childhood curiosity turned into a passion for real-world problem solving. She also participated in the Women in STEM Careers & Entrepreneurship Masterclass hosted by APR.Intern and Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad, where she deepened her understanding of resilience and learned to harness her STEM background for entrepreneurial impact.
Later, as a facilitator at UOW’s IP and Industry Engagement for HDRs workshop, Nuwangi tackled her public speaking fears head-on—one more step in building the confidence she once thought was out of reach.

Her growing impact culminated in 2025, when she presented her research outcomes from the Nowchem internship at the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (ASCC) Annual Conference. There, she was awarded the Jack Jacobs Memorial Trophy for the best original research conducted in Australia or New Zealand. It was a significant moment of recognition—validating her hard work, persistence, and dedication to bridging science with real-world applications.

Throughout this journey, Nuwangi has often reflected on a quote that resonates with her: “You’re always one decision away from a totally different life.” Her story—from Sri Lanka to Australia, from self-doubt to national recognition—proves just how true that can be.
She credits her growth to the support of those who believed in her: the iAccelerate team (Georgia Watson, Dr. Tamantha Stutchbury, and Prof. Danielle Skropeta), the Nowchem Pharma and Skincare team (including John Lamont, Dr. Thomas Higgins, and Dr. Felix Meiser), and her PhD supervisors Prof. Konstantin Konstantinov, Prof. Michael Lerch, and Prof. Phil Barker.
Nuwangi’s journey reminds us that supporting women in STEM goes far beyond research funding. It’s about creating pathways for leadership, building bridges to industry, and helping individuals discover the potential they didn’t know they had. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when academic talent meets real-world opportunity—and the ripple effect it can have for the future of science, industry, and women everywhere.