Researcher Stories: My Doctoral Journey from Sri Lanka to Huddersfield
Dona Wahalathanthree
Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
Hi, my name is Dona and I'm from Sri Lanka. I'm currently studying for a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). My research explores the Paradoxical Sensemaking of Corporate Sustainability Tensions at the Individual Level: Insights from B Corp Organisations in the UK.
Why I chose to study in the UK
I chose to study in the UK because of its strong global reputation for academic excellence, research quality and development opportunities. I was particularly attracted by the prospect of working alongside experienced researchers and being part of an internationally diverse academic environment.
The UK education system encourages independent thinking, critical reflection and research that can create real-world impact. These values strongly align with my interests in sustainability, leadership and organisational research.
Studying in the UK has also given me the opportunity to engage with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds. This has broadened my perspectives both academically and personally, and I felt the UK would provide the ideal environment to develop as a researcher and contribute meaningfully to my field of study.
Why I chose the University of Huddersfield
Before starting my DBA at Huddersfield, I had already completed a Master's degree in Birmingham, so I was familiar with the UK higher education system. However, choosing where to pursue my doctorate was an important decision.
The University of Huddersfield stood out because of its reputation for research excellence, student support and practical approach to business and management education. What particularly attracted me to the DBA programme was the opportunity to combine academic research with real-world organisational and leadership challenges.
The programme aligns closely with my interests in corporate sustainability, leadership and managerial decision-making, making it a natural fit for my research ambitions. I was also honoured to receive a Doctoral Scholarship from the University of Huddersfield, which has enabled me to focus on my research and fully engage with the opportunities available during my doctoral journey.
Another factor that drew me to Huddersfield was its supportive academic environment. From the beginning, I felt that the University genuinely values postgraduate researchers and encourages intellectual growth, critical thinking and independent research. The accessibility of supervisors and staff has been particularly valuable throughout my studies.
I was also impressed by the campus itself. The modern facilities, combined with the University's historic character and excellent research resources, create an environment that feels both professional and welcoming. It felt like the right place to continue my studies and develop as a researcher.
My research
I have always been interested in how organisations can balance commercial success with social and environmental responsibility. While many businesses are committed to becoming more sustainable, managers often face difficult decisions where competing priorities such as profitability, purpose and stakeholder expectations need to be balanced.
My research explores how managers in UK B Corp organisations make sense of these competing demands and how they navigate them in their decision-making for corporate sustainability. By understanding these experiences, I hope my research will contribute to both academic knowledge and practical guidance for organisations seeking to create long-term sustainable value.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about my research is having the opportunity to engage with business leaders and learn from their real-world experiences. It is rewarding to see how academic research can contribute to addressing practical sustainability challenges faced by organisations today.
Settling into life in Huddersfield
Moving to a new town can be a significant adjustment, but I quickly found Huddersfield to be a welcoming and convenient place to live.
Everything is easily accessible, including shops, public transport, parks and essential services, which made settling in much easier. I also appreciated the town's diverse community and friendly atmosphere.
Over time, I became familiar with local cafés, libraries and community spaces, helping Huddersfield feel more like home. The excellent transport links to nearby cities such as Leeds and Manchester have also made it easy to travel and explore the region.
Overall, Huddersfield has provided a comfortable and supportive environment that allows me to balance my doctoral studies, research and personal life.
My experience as an international student
My experience as an international student at the University of Huddersfield has been fantastic.
Although I had previous experience studying in the UK, moving from Birmingham to Huddersfield was still a new chapter in my academic journey. What made the transition easier was the welcoming and supportive environment at the University.
I found the supervisors, staff and wider research community approachable and encouraging, which allowed me to settle in quickly and focus on my doctoral research.
Being part of a diverse international community has also enriched my experience. I have had opportunities to engage with people from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds, which has enhanced both my academic and personal development.
Studying at Huddersfield has helped me grow as a researcher and professional while giving me the opportunity to experience a different part of the UK and build a new sense of community during my doctoral journey.
Getting involved beyond research
Alongside my studies, I have actively engaged with University life through student representation and cultural activities.
I currently serve as a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Representative within Huddersfield Business School. In this role, I help represent the experiences and perspectives of postgraduate researchers while supporting communication between students and the University.
I have also been involved with the Sri Lankan Society, taking part in cultural events and activities throughout the year. These experiences have given me the opportunity to connect with other students, celebrate cultural diversity and build a strong sense of community while studying abroad.
Research opportunities and conferences
Alongside my doctoral research, I have had the opportunity to work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant within Huddersfield Business School. This role has allowed me to teach undergraduate students, facilitate seminars, and develop my confidence as an educator. It has been a rewarding experience to support students' learning while enhancing my own communication and teaching skills. Balancing teaching with research has also helped me grow both professionally and personally.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my doctoral journey has been presenting my research at academic conferences and workshops. These experiences have given me the opportunity to share my work with researchers from around the world, receive valuable feedback, and build connections within the academic community. They have strengthened my confidence as a researcher and helped shape the development of my doctoral research project.
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