As a member of the Center for Quantitative Science, Dr. Sivandran researches active learning strategies that build student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. His recent work centers on the responsible use of AI in higher education: he co-teaches C ENV 190: A Student’s Guide to the Responsible Use of AI, built on the premise that students should learn to think with AI, question AI, and go beyond AI. His research examines how generative AI is reshaping how students learn and how educators assess that learning, with a focus on protecting productive struggle rather than letting AI become a shortcut.

Dr. Gaj Sivandran is an environmental engineer specializing in hydrology, sustainable development, and climate resilience. His work integrates plant-water interactions into land surface models, studies contaminant transport from nonpoint source pollution, and addresses water and wastewater treatment challenges. Drawing on significant industry experience, he has worked on climate resilience planning, anaerobic digestion (biogas), decarbonization, circular economy initiatives, and carbon capture.

B.Eng., Environmental Engineering, University of Western Australia
B.Com., Finance and Accounting, University of Western Australia
Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Autumn 2027-28 Admissions: As an Assistant Teaching Professor in CQS, Dr. Sivandran does not ordinarily admit graduate students. Please reach out to Dr. Sivandran to inquire about their ability to admit new students.

Courses