Meet our Scientists

What do you do in your Job?

I am a research scientist in River Hydraulics and Hydrology which involve the scientific study of the circulation, movement, distribution and quality of ground and surface waters on Earth. I am working within the multidisciplinary environmental science team modelling the longer-term impacts on water due to changes in climate, land use and population.

What is your favourite top fact about your field of expertise. e.g. Did you know…..?

Did you know the Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science field that deals with the study of interaction between natural systems and human systems? It is the science field that takes biological, chemical and physical sciences to study and provide solutions to environmental problems.

If you had to summarise the impact your job has on everyday life – what would you say in two sentences?

Governments and policy makers around the world need information about water scarcity and equitable supply of water under current and projected change in population, land use and climate. Hydrological modelling is an indispensable tool to assess the current and future impacts in river basins and provide information needed for effective decision-making.

What’s the best thing about your job?

1. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental science research

2. Dealing with most challenging and most pressing environmental problems

3. Working towards sustainable solutions

4. Involving in multidisciplinary approach consist of scientists, social scientists, economists and stakeholders

5. Combining everybody’s knowledge and skills to enhance our understanding

6. Working in different climatic and geographic regions around the world

7. Traveling and meeting colleagues and communities in different parts of the world; and learning their cultural knowledge and traditional practices

What do you wish you had known before starting in this career?

The main objective of the environmental scientific research is to ensure that our ecosystems are maintained and protected for future human generations by considering ethical, social, economic and scientific aspects. I wish I had acquired some knowledge in ethical, social and economic aspects before starting my scientific career.

What did you study at school?

At GCE Advanced Level, I studied Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Pure Mathematics. At university, my first degree was Civil and Structural Engineering and my master degree was in Numerical Modelling of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids. My PhD research was in River Hydraulics.

What inspired you into a career in science /engineering?

During my school age, I spent a lot of school holiday time with my Dad’s work including field and public engagement visits, who was a chief administrator of a district in Sri Lanka and agricultural and rural settlement planner. These experiences at an early age inspired my interest in the water-related environmental sciences and engineering, and in becoming a Research Scientist.

What five top tips would you have for people wanting a job like yours?

1. Get involved with conservation / environmental community groups and get interested

2. Volunteer yourself in local community and citizen science projects; and grow your skills

3. Study appropriate science and mathematical subjects at high school and university

4. Increase ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

5. Enthusiastic to learn and undertake new scientific challenges