Renusha Athugala

Renusha is a lecturer, researcher, and interactive media designer specialising in game design, immersive technologies, and experiential learning. He completed his PhD in 2021, exploring how computer-based interactivity and the arts intersect through cultural narratives inspired by Buddhism and Sri Lanka. His current work continues to merge creativity, technology, and culture - bridging science, art, and design to address contemporary challenges in education and interactive media.

At RMIT University, Renusha teaches across core studio courses in the Bachelor of Design (Games) and leads major curriculum innovations that integrate Unity, C#, immersive 3D technologies, VR, gesture-based interaction, holographic displays, and advanced game design learning. He also leads large-scale initiatives such as the RMIT Game Jam, GameVerse activities, industry-integrated teaching projects, and interactive installations showcased across campus. His work in educational innovation includes developing new reflective models, and publishing research. He has also completed the Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching at RMIT University, further strengthening his expertise in contemporary pedagogy and curriculum design.

Renusha is also an active creative practitioner whose interactive installations - such as SenseScapes, 5IVE, Morphology of Kinesis, and the Anamorphic 3D LED Display - have been featured in university-wide exhibitions, public showcases, and creative festivals. He regularly collaborates with industry partners including Ubisoft Da Nang, Gameloft, Ngu Hanh Games, and other creative studios to strengthen Vietnam’s growing games ecosystem.

His earlier industry experience includes game design projects with the Brain, Mind and Markets Lab at the University of Melbourne (2017–2019), Nokia Malaysia (2013), and extensive freelance digital design work.

Awards & Recognition:

• Melbourne Research Scholarship, University of Melbourne (2017)
• Dr Marios Hadjinicolaou Memorial Prize – Best Overall Achievement in Electronic & Computer Engineering, Brunel University (2014)
• Brunel International Students Scholarship Award (2014)
• Academic Excellence Award – Swinburne University of Technology (2012)
• Golden Key Honour Society – Lifetime Member (2012)