Farah Warnakulasuriya, a UWA Master of Information Technology student specialising in Software Systems, is gaining a new appreciation for digital technology’s potential for positive impact through her internship with Patches Australia.
Motivated by a desire to gain experience and apply her skills outside the “traditional tech bubble”, Farah applied for an internship through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship (the Centre) and was matched with a role as a research intern supporting Patches’ project trialling the use of virtual reality (VR) goggles in therapy.
“I have been leading this really special project, combining research, technology, and social impact,” Farah said.
“I had to figure out which VR platform could best support the social development of children with additional needs; after researching and comparing platforms, I was able to recommend one which the Patches team loved, and now have a subscription to use. I also got to develop a web system to help manage VR sessions across schools.
“The best part of the internship was helping launch the very first VR therapy day at the Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program at North Cottesloe Primary School – this was the first time VR had been introduced in this way in an OSHC program in Perth, and I was able to help lead it! Seeing the kids so engaged, curious, excited and smiling was incredible, I’ll never forget that feeling of watching something I’d researched come to life in a way that made a real difference,” she said.
Dr James Fitzpatrick, Patches CEO, said that Farah’s contribution was significantly progressing a project started by the team and previously supported by UWA McCusker Centre interns, Chensu Yang and Ethan Ren.
“Farah has applied her previous experience as a software developer, her passion for making a difference, and her quiet determination to bring this project to the first clinical and education system trials,” Dr Fitzpatrick said.
“Farah, through her strong work ethic and tenacious problem-solving skills, has instilled confidence in our team that the future of the Australian technology industry is in good hands. We look forward to offering an ongoing role for UWA McCusker interns to develop our VR therapy project further, and make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families,” he said.
For Farah, the internship experience has changed the way she views the role of technology in people’s lives.
“I come from a technical background, so stepping into the healthcare space and working with young children was new and a bit daunting; it has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way.
“I used to think being a good software engineer was mostly about clean code and smart architecture, but now I realise it’s also about empathy. It’s about listening, adapting, and understanding the context your tools are being used in. The best technology is created when you understand the people it's for.”
On whether she would recommend the Centre’s internship program for other students, she was emphatic: “1000 times yes.”
“It’s a reality check, a growth experience, and a reminder of why we do what we do. It taught me that your skills, no matter what field you’re in, can make a real difference when applied thoughtfully. You get to learn, contribute and grow, all at once.”