As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled analytics professionals continues to grow. At the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, Dr. Dilhani Marasinghe helps students develop the critical-thinking and technical skills needed to succeed in the fast-changing world of data analytics, artificial intelligence and business intelligence.
Since joining the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2022, Dilhani has become known for her engaging teaching style, passion for problem-solving and dedication to student success.
From Sri Lanka to UTC
Originally from Sri Lanka, Dilhani grew up in a family that valued education. Inspired by her mother, who was a teacher, she knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in education.
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “Education was a big part of my family background.”
Her academic journey began through Sri Lanka’s competitive national university entrance process, through which she was selected for a special program at one of the country’s top universities that admitted only two students from each of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts. Dilhani graduated in 2010 with a degree in statistics and operations research, laying the foundation for her future career in data analytics and business research.
She later moved to the United States to continue her education, earning a master’s degree in statistics from Clemson University and a doctorate in industrial engineering focused on supply chain and management science.
During her studies, she developed a growing interest in analytics, data visualization and using data to solve real-world business challenges.
Why data analytics matters in today’s business world
For Dilhani, the most exciting part of data analytics is uncovering meaningful patterns and turning information into actionable insights.
“What I enjoy most is finding patterns in data, creating visualizations and using insights to solve real-world problems,” she said.
As industries continue adopting artificial intelligence, automation and predictive analytics, Dilhani believes data literacy is becoming essential across nearly every career field.
“The field has grown rapidly,” she said. “There are more tools, more automation and more AI than ever before. Almost everything today is based on data.”
Her teaching focuses not only on technical analytics skills but also on helping students think critically and communicate insights effectively to influence real-world decisions.
From pupil to UTC professor
Through her studies, Dilhani worked as a lecturer and graduate teaching assistant in statistics and quality assurance. After completing her doctorate, a friend recommended she apply for an open faculty position at UTC.
The opportunity turned out to be the perfect fit.
“I love nature, mountains and waterfalls, so Chattanooga felt like home,” she said.
Today, she enjoys being part of a collaborative campus environment where faculty members are invested in helping students grow professionally and personally.
“People are so nice at UTC,” she said. “The professors are friendly and always willing to help students succeed.”
In her dedication to student growth, Dilhani co-advises the Business Analytics Club at UTC. She received the 2026 Outstanding Mentor award for the profound impact she’s made.
Advice for students interested in data analytics careers
As demand for careers in data analytics, supply chain management and AI continues to rise, Dilhani encourages students to stay engaged both inside and outside the classroom.
Her advice for students pursuing analytics careers includes:
- Attend classes regularly.
- Connect with professors and mentors.
- Ask questions and seek help when needed.
- Stay informed about trends in AI and analytics.
- Develop strong critical-thinking skills.
- Learn how to apply data to real-world business problems.
She also encourages students to take advantage of networking and professional development opportunities.
“Get plugged into clubs and connect with your peers,” she said. “Join conferences and webinars to see where the world is going.”
To stay current in the rapidly evolving analytics field, Dilhani regularly participates in workshops, conferences and webinars while collaborating with colleagues and students.
Beyond the classroom
Outside of teaching, Dilhani enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Pubudu Jayasekara, and their 8-year-old son, Binula.
A passionate outdoorswoman and nature lover, she frequently visits national parks throughout the United States. Her favorite destinations include Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park, and she plans to visit Yellowstone National Park this summer.
She also has become known among colleagues in Fletcher Hall for her dessert-making skills, especially mango mousse and jelly sago, popular Sri Lankan desserts.
Whether she is teaching students about predictive data analytics, discussing the future of artificial intelligence or sharing homemade desserts with coworkers, Dilhani brings enthusiasm and curiosity to everything she does.
Her message to students is simple:
“Don’t wait for the future. Create it.”
