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Experienced Academic Staff

Our exceptional faculty brings together international expertise, rigorous training, and a passion for nurturing young minds through innovative educational practices.

Our Experts

Dr. Catherine Bush, Ph.D
Curriculum Expert – Biology, Environmental Science & Research Education
North Carolina, USA
Dr. Catherine Bush is a biologist and researcher with extensive experience in molecular phylogenetics, biodiversity, and community health research. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Wake Forest University, where she led international field expeditions across South America, Asia, and Oceania to study and document plant evolution and new species discovery. She is currently completing her Master of Public Health (Epidemiology) with a Certificate in Biostatistics at East Carolina University. Catherine has served as a university lecturer and professor for over a decade at institutions including Elon University, UNC Greensboro, and Valdosta State University, where she developed student-centered science curricula, research training programs, and community-engaged learning experiences. Her recent work includes research on health disparities, environmental health, and community-based epidemiology, contributing to NIH-funded studies and public health initiatives. At CIC, Catherine supports the development of a globally informed, inquiry-driven science curriculum that encourages students to explore the natural world with curiosity, scientific rigor, and environmental awareness.
Dr. Kohila Kulendra, Ph.D
Curriculum Expert – Science & Research Education
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Dr. Kohila Kulendra is a Biomedical Research Scientist with over 12 years of experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, working with leading research institutions in Canada and the United States. She has conducted advanced research in areas including breast cancer biology, genetic expression, and infectious disease, and has contributed to internationally recognized scientific publications. She has held research and teaching roles at the University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, New York University, and Louisiana State University, where she has supervised and mentored students, guided laboratory research, and led collaborative scientific projects. Kohila brings to CIC a passion for inquiry-based learning, scientific literacy, and hands-on experimentation, ensuring that students are introduced to science not just as a subject, but as a way of thinking, questioning, and discovering. Her work supports the development of a robust and curiosity-driven STEM curriculum grounded in global research standards.
Padmini Bandaranayake
Expert in Academic strategy formulation, Mental health and wellbeing
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Ms. Padmini Bandaranayake is a seasoned academic with over three decades of experience at the University of Peradeniya, where she served as Senior Lecturer and Head of Sociology. She holds an M.Sc. in Human Development from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Her research on mental health, gender, and social inequality—funded by the World Bank and ICES—has shaped national discourse. At CIC, she brings her expertise to creating a curriculum that supports both intellectual and emotional growth.

Imalie Tissera
Expert in Finance, Entrepreneurship and Creative Arts
Mumbasa, Kenya

Imalie Tissera combines a background in finance, innovation, and education to bring a global perspective to CIC. A former Financial Analyst at TECO Energy (USA) and Corporate Finance Associate at Acuity Holdings, she later founded “Flashplash”, a brand creating interactive learning tools, and “Yevaana”, a sustainable fashion label. Her diverse experience helps shape a curriculum that blends creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness, preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Girish Menon
Expert in Digital learning, Marketing and Innovation
Mumbai, India
Girish holds an MSc in Digital Marketing Communications from the University of Central Lancashire, UK, and brings global experience from Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. As Director at Excel Technologies (UAE & India), he specializes in digital learning integration and marketing innovation to enhance modern education at CIC.