Cal State LA honors Alhambra resident with Outstanding Professor Award at 2025 University Convocation and Investiture
Rupa Purasinghe, Alhambra resident and professor of civil engineering in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST), was honored for excellence in teaching and outstanding achievements during the Cal State LA 2025 University Convocation and Investiture on Aug. 18. Purasinghe was one of four faculty members to be presented with the Outstanding Professor Award, which celebrates significant accomplishments in scholarly inquiry or creative work, professional contributions, and community service.
Since joining Cal State LA, Purasinghe has distinguished himself as an educator and leader in engineering and technology education. He has chaired the civil engineering and technology departments, where he led strategic academic and industry-aligned initiatives to strengthen applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and workforce development. His work focuses on bridging traditional engineering disciplines with emerging technologies to prepare students for the evolving demands of modern infrastructure and the industrial sector. Under his leadership, the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Technology have expanded their curriculum and industry partnerships, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and real-world problem-solving.
A champion of experiential learning, Purasinghe has played a key role in integrating hands-on lab experiences, project-based coursework, and capstone design into both civil engineering and technology programs. He is actively involved in accreditation efforts, program assessment, and continuous improvement processes, ensuring that students receive a rigorous and relevant education.
Purasinghe has served as a principal investigator and co-investigator on several grants supporting curriculum development, workforce training, and STEM research. His research interests include engineering materials, infrastructure sustainability, engineering education, and the application of digital tools in engineering. He has published and presented widely on these topics and maintains strong ties with industry and professional organizations to align academic training with career opportunities for students.
As department chair, Purasinghe has led initiatives to modernize facilities, recruit diverse faculty, and strengthen collaborations across ECST and with community college and high-school partners. As a dedicated supporter of STEM education, he coached students from Alhambra High School (AHS) for the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) TEAMS Competition. Additionally, he served as a mentor for AHS science fair projects and was a long-time judge for the event. He is committed to expanding access and pathways into high-demand engineering and technology fields, particularly for first-generation students.
Purasinghe holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering and brings a global perspective to his work, informed by academic and professional experience both in the United States and internationally. He is known for his student-centered approach, mentoring countless undergraduate and graduate students in their academic, research, and career development. He regularly advises student teams participating in national engineering competitions and industry-sponsored projects.
