Prof. Jay S. Gunasekara

Sarath (JS) Gunasekera was an old boy of St. Aloysius College, Ratnapura and Royal College, Colombo 7. He earned the first place in Ceylon at the High School (now GCE Advanced Level) Examination in 1963 and entered the second year of Engineering at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. He graduated with the only first class in Mechanical Engineering in 1967, and proceeded to Imperial College at the University of London, UK to obtain his MSc with Distinction and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He returned to Sri Lanka in 1972 as the Lecturer-in-Charge to start a new department of Production Engineering at the University of Peradeniya.

Dr. Gunasekera has been the chairman of the department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ohio from 1991 to 2006. He came to the US in 1981 on his sabbatical leave from Australia as a Senior NRC/USAF Fellow and spent one year researching in metal forming and die design at the WPAFB. He joined Ohio University as an Associate Professor in 1983, and was promoted to full professor with tenure in 1985. He was made the first Moss Professor at Ohio University in 1987 for his significant contribution to research and development in CAD/CAM and manufacturing engineering area.

Dr. Sarath Gunasekera is an internationally recognized researcher in the area of metal forming and manufacturing. He has made significant fundamental contributions and pioneered discoveries in the design of streamlined extrusion dies, forging and heat treatment problems and ring rolling. He has undertaken research and consulting projects for the USAF, GE, Pratt & Whitney, GM, and over 50 other US companies.

Dr. Gunasekera has published 6 books or book chapters and over 150 technical publications in refereed journals and conferences. He was awarded the highest doctorate (D.Sc.) Degree by the University of London in 1991 for his contribution in research and publications in the field of manufacturing engineering. He was made a Fellow of the City & Guilds of London, which is the highest honor conferred by that institution.

Dr. Gunasekera is a foundation Magnet School Professor (formerly Champion Professor in Forging) of the FIA (Forging Industry Association), Fellow of the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), past Director of the SME-NAMRII (North American Manufacturing Research Institute) board, and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK. He is recognized in Who’s Who in Engineering Education, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America, Who’s Who in American Education, The International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, International Leaders in Achievement, The International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, Men of Achievement, and Who’s Who of Engineering Leader’s of America.