University of Bath, UK

Second year Ph.D in Electronic Engineering (currently ongoing)

Research project focus: Satellite-based atmospheric imaging

The research project's main focus is the development of instruments (payloads) to be installed within CubeSat nanosatellites particularly for upper atmospheric tomographic imaging. This involves instrumentation for satellites and constellation design for global imaging.

2005-2010

University of Bath, UK

MEng (Hons) First Class in Electronics with Space Science and Technology with Industrial Placement

Year 4 modules include: Computational Intelligence, Satellite, Terrestrial & Mobile Communications, Remote Sensing & Satellite Navigation Systems, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Optical devices and Communications Systems

Other Modules: Group Business & Design Project (GBDP), Microprocessors & Digital Electronics, Electrical Systems & Control, Space Electronics & Vehicles/Platforms, Programming in C/MATLAB, Networks & Protocols and Electromagnetics

Skills Developed: Group projects throughout the course have enhanced my ability to work in a team as well as developing effective interpersonal skills.

Design work has developed my problem solving skills and the ability to analyze logically.

2001-2005

Stafford International School, Sri Lanka

London GCE A/AS Levels (conducted by Edexcel Board of Examination):

4 Grade As – Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry

London GCE Ordinary Level: 5As, 2Bs, 1C (English – A)

2007-2008

STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratories

·      Worked on an R&D project to design a vertex detector for the future International Linear Collider (ILC) as a part of a team of four scientists, an engineer and two graduate students.

·      Assisted in the software development to enable detector simulation and particle reconstruction for the ILC.

·      Was involved in the optimization of simulated detector designs where performance of different sensor technologies (CCD/DEPFET) were analyzed with the help of physics processes.

·      Presented my work at the 2008 annual Institute of Physics Conference. Greatly enhanced my public speaking and presentation skills through the above and various other meetings where I presented my work throughout the placement.

·      Experience obtained in electronic hardware, namely CCD sensors, where different prototypes were tested and analyzed to gauge their performance. Developed my technical knowledge extensively on semiconductor devices and related electronics.

·      Assisted in the repair of Tevatron, a synchrotron (circular particle accelerator) at Fermilab, Chicago, USA. Practiced multitasking and effective time management when I worked on various projects in parallel to meet multiple deadlines.

Summer

2009

Anglo Australian Observatory, Australia

Was awarded a three-month student fellowship, where I worked on developing a control system for a self-motile fiber positioning system – ‘Starbugs’ – to transport payloads across a field plate in large telescopes. Gained experience in digital image processing and control/operation of mini robotic systems, particularly using LabVIEW. This included characterization of operating parameters and developing simulations via MATLAB to model the motion of Starbugs.

Winter

2008

University Demonstrator for UCAS events (Bath)

Assisting the Department to increase awareness on industrial placements and its benefits through presentations and advice, given to prospective students.

Summer

2006

Nikini Automation Systems, Sri Lanka

Exposure to applications in the fields of Pneumatics and Electro pneumatics. Introductory knowledge in the operation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Developed an awareness of the industry.

Winter

2005

Asiri Hospitals Limited, Sri Lanka

Insight into the management and curative aspects of different departments from surgical to laboratories. Constant change of environment and teams enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to adapt to different situations.

2009

Primary author of a peer-reviewed paper published by the journal Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A (Nucl Instr Meth A): D.Bailey, E.Devetak, M.Grimes, K.Harder, S.Hillert, D. Jackson, T. Pinto Jayawardena, B.Jeffery, T. Lastovicka, C. Lynch, V. Martin, R. Walsh, The LCFIVertex Package: Vertexing, Flavour Tagging and Vertex Charge Reconstruction with an ILC Vertex Detector (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2009.08.059)

2008

Best Placement Report (2007-2008) awarded by the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath.

2007-2009

John Barr Memorial Scholarship, awarded by Schlumberger, based on academic merit.   

2005-2006

Undergraduate Residence Scholarship awarded by the University of Bath based on academic excellence.

2005, 2003

High Achiever Awards by Edexcel International for academic excellence in GCE A Levels (2005) and Outstanding Performance in Sinhala (2003).

1998-2003

Five years of distinction or merit certificates in Practical and Theory Music (Piano), and Spoken English for speakers of other languages conducted by Trinity College, London.

Operations

Manager

2009

The GBDP (see above) undertaken in the third academic year required to emulate a business, with each member assuming the role of a manager. I was the Operations Manager in charge of the operation procedures of the product, including managing capital resources and manufacturing/office facilities. Allowed me to practice sound decision making and effective management skills whilst working cooperatively with other group members.

Teacher

(Voluntary)

2004

Taught English to grades 8-10 at the School for the Blind, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. With some students having multiple disabilities, I was responsible for both the physical and psychological well-being of the students. Helped me realize the importance of commitment, as well as improve my project planning and team work skills by assisting in the Canada project for disabled children.

Office

Bearer

2004/2005

Senior Office Bearer (prefect) in school, which strengthened my organizational skills, quality of responsibility and leadership ability.

Technical

Grounding knowledge in Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL) for use with FPGAs, LabVIEW, and confident in MATLAB.

Computing

Grounding knowledge in using the Linux Operating System. Familiar with C/C++ programming languages. Competent in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Languages

English (Mother Tongue); Sinhala (Native Language)

Driving

Full (clean) UK driving license

Music

Both listening to and playing the piano. Enjoy Classical, Celtic and Instrumental music. Spent two years as a soprano in the Stafford International School choir.

Travel

Interest in other cultures, significant historical places, places of natural beauty and meeting people from different walks of life. Have traveled extensively in Asia, Europe and parts of Australia.

Reading

Enjoy reading a variety of books, including historical, philosophical and fiction.

Sports

I do swimming as a leisure sport and have taken part in athletics in school sports events.

Academic

Prof. C. Mitchell (Supervisor)

Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY UK

Tel: 01225 386610. E-mail: C.N.Mitchell@bath.ac.uk

Employer

Dr. Kristian Harder (Industrial Supervisor)

STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory,

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX UK

Email: kristian.harder@stfc.ac.uk, K.Harder@rl.ac.uk