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I am a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). My research focuses on multimodal interaction, user comfort in long-duration VR, and AI-powered interactive systems. I combine rigorous research with hands-on industry experience to develop practical XR solutions and contribute to both academia and the gaming/XR industries. With a background as a senior XR/game developer and lecturer, I bring hands-on experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Python, and XR platforms. I enjoy translating research insights into industry-ready tools and experiences, leveraging my skills in AI-driven voice commands, gesture, gaze, and haptics to create comfortable, immersive user experiences across devices.…I am a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). My research focuses on multimodal interaction, user comfort in long-duration VR, and AI-powered interactive systems. I combine rigorous research with hands-on industry experience to develop practical XR solutions and contribute to both academia and the gaming/XR industries. With a background as a senior XR/game developer and lecturer, I bring hands-on experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Python, and XR platforms. I enjoy translating research insights into industry-ready tools and experiences, leveraging my skills in AI-driven voice commands, gesture, gaze, and haptics to create comfortable, immersive user experiences across devices.

Upulanka Premasiri

Game Developer, Developer, Web Designer, +1

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I am a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). My research focuses on multimodal interaction, user comfort in long-duration VR, and AI-powered interactive systems. I combine rigorous research with hands-on industry experience to develop practical XR solutions and contribute to both academia and the gaming/XR industries. With a background as a senior XR/game developer and lecturer, I bring hands-on experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Python, and XR platforms. I enjoy translating research insights into industry-ready tools and experiences, leveraging my skills in AI-driven voice commands, gesture, gaze, and haptics to create comfortable, immersive user experiences across devices.…I am a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). My research focuses on multimodal interaction, user comfort in long-duration VR, and AI-powered interactive systems. I combine rigorous research with hands-on industry experience to develop practical XR solutions and contribute to both academia and the gaming/XR industries. With a background as a senior XR/game developer and lecturer, I bring hands-on experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Python, and XR platforms. I enjoy translating research insights into industry-ready tools and experiences, leveraging my skills in AI-driven voice commands, gesture, gaze, and haptics to create comfortable, immersive user experiences across devices.

Available to hire

I am a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). My research focuses on multimodal interaction, user comfort in long-duration VR, and AI-powered interactive systems. I combine rigorous research with hands-on industry experience to develop practical XR solutions and contribute to both academia and the gaming/XR industries.

With a background as a senior XR/game developer and lecturer, I bring hands-on experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Python, and XR platforms. I enjoy translating research insights into industry-ready tools and experiences, leveraging my skills in AI-driven voice commands, gesture, gaze, and haptics to create comfortable, immersive user experiences across devices.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

PhD Candidate at HIT Lab NZ, University of Canterbury

January 1, 2023 - Present

Research and development in enhancing user comfort in long-duration VR using diverse multimodal interaction techniques such as gestures, AI-driven voice commands, gaze, haptic touch, and default controllers.

Lecturer at University of Moratuwa

January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023

Delivered modules to undergraduates – Essentials of Multimedia, Multimedia Systems, Multimedia Technologies; active member of the faculty curriculum revision committee; course coordinator and supervisor for the Digital Systems and ICT project; created course content, materials, and an examiner for the Master’s in Information Technology degree; course coordinator for open.uom.lk online platform.

Senior XR Developer, Founder, & Director at Voasiz (PVT) Ltd

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023

Founded and managed a small remote Indie Game Development Studio; contributed as a senior developer to XR-based projects requested by clients.

Lecturer at NSBM University/University of Plymouth, NSBM Green University Town

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021

Delivered modules to undergraduates – Programming Languages and Compiler Design, Mobile Application Development; course coordinator and supervisor for final year research project; created course content and materials.

Software Engineer – AR, VR, Digital Games at Layer7 Innovations

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021

Integrated VR interaction mechanics, physics, animations, and UI systems for immersive environments; contributed to production-level AR/VR simulations and digital games; adhered to industry practices including version control and performance optimization.

Senior Developer at iXR Co

January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020

Developed and optimized real-time interactive systems using Unity and Unreal Engine for immersive applications; conducted functional testing and bug fixing; worked with XR SDKs and platform constraints for cross-device compatibility.

Software Engineer - Intern at Liveroom (PVT) Ltd.

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver features; followed Agile/Scrum-based development workflows; participated in sprint planning and reviews; gained exposure to production pipelines and coding standards.

External Visiting Lecturer at University of Kelaniya

January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023

Delivered modules including Computer Game Design, Advanced Topics in Game Design and Animation, Game Design, Artwork, and Programming across 2020–2023 sessions.