Dr. Kalpa Harindra Perera Henadhira Arachchige

Hyattsville, MD 20783 · (978) 412-6741 · kalpahenadhiraa@gmail.com

I am a highly skilled scientist with expertise in physics and solar wind magnetohydrodynamic simulations, computational physics, data science, machine learning, mathematics, statistics, psychology, and sociology. This broad knowledge allows me to make data-driven decisions and provide diverse solutions to scientific problems with meaningful data visualizations. I work as a physics tutor while conducting research on signal processing for EEG data analysis. My unique skills blend enables me to contribute meaningfully to academic and research environments.

Experience

Physics Tutor

Self-Employed (Physics Tutoring LLC) MD

o Assisting physics students with coursework, homework, and practice exams to ensure a solid understanding of physics concepts and accurate problem-solving skills.

December 2023 - Present

Data Science Immersive Fellow

General Assembly

o Leveraged and implemented data visualization and machine learning techniques across diverse platforms.

o Designed and executed multiple open-ended data science projects to address various challenges, enhancing proficiency in data-related skills.

August 2023 - November 2023

Research Assistant

Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology

o Performed solar wind magnetohydrodynamics simulations on a high-performance parallel supercomputer.

o Analyzed satellite observations (SOHO/EIT, OMNI Web) using statistical data analysis and image processing techniques.

o Presented research at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

September 2020 - August 2023

Summer Student

NASA Heliophysics Summer School (UCAR, CPAESS)

o Acquired expertise in Heliophysics and networked with professionals in various fields within the Heliophysics domain.

July 2021

Research Assistant

Center for Advanced Materials (CAM)

o Fabricated and tested thin-film Perovskite solar cells

May 2019 - April 2020

Teaching Assistant

University of Massachusetts Lowell

o Facilitated physics laboratory sessions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of practical experiments and concepts

o Assessed and graded tutorial assignments, providing constructive feedback to aid student comprehension and improvement

September 2018 - August 2020

Teaching Assistant

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

o Demonstrated expertise as an instructor for the electronics laboratory, guiding students through practical applications and hands-on experiments

o Facilitated physics laboratory sessions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of practical experiments and concepts

o Assessed and graded tutorial assignments, providing constructive feedback to aid student comprehension and improvement

January 2017 - July 2018

Publications

Comparing the Performance of a Solar Wind Model from the Sun to 1~au Using Real and Synthetic Magnetograms

DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/ac8d59

Citation: Kalpa Henadhira Arachchige et al. 2022 ApJ 938 39

Optimization of Numerical Simulations of the Solar Wind From the Sun to 1~au

ISBN 9798380322294

Citation: Kalpa Harindra Henadhira Arachchige et al. 2023 ProQuest Dissertations and Theses

Education

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Ph.D. Physics
Dissetation title: Optimization of Numerical Simulations of the Solar Wind From the Sun to 1~au

GPA: 3.81

August 2018 - August 2023

Universtity of Peradeniya

B.Sc. Physics
Project title: Rotating Vane Electric Field Mill Using Intel Galileo Board

GPA: 3.84

March 2013 - December 2016

Trinity College Kandy, Sri Lanka

Primary Education (High School)

GCE A/L, GCE O/L

March 1998 - December 2011

Alliance Française de Kandy

French Language class

Participated in Beginner Level, Intermediate Level, and Advanced Level classes

January 2003 - December 2009

Skills

Instrumentation Skills
  • UV-Vis Spectroscopy
  • Fluorescence Spectroscopy
  • Spin Coater
  • Thermal evaporation coater
  • Solar Cell Simulator (PV-IV curve tracing)
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Oscilloscope Operation and Troubleshooting
Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF)
  • Solar Corona Module (AWSOM-R)
  • Inner Heliosphere Module (AWSOM-R)
Data Science Skills
  • Languages: Python, SQL, Scala, R, Matlab*
  • Web Development: HTML, CSS
  • Data visualization: Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau, Power BI
  • Machine Learning:
    • Linear Regression
    • Logistic Regression
    • Decision Trees
    • Random Forest
    • Naive Bayes Classifier
    • Support Vector Machines
    • K-Nearest Neighbors
    • Clustering (K-Means, DBScan)
    • Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
  • Big Data Processing: Apache Spark, Databricks
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Deep Learning:
    • Neural Nets
    • CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks)
    • RNN (Recurrent Neural Networks)
    • LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory)
    • Transfer Learning
    • TensorFlow
    • Keras
  • Database Management: SQLite, PostgreSQL
  • Cloud computing: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Containerization: Docker
  • Version Control: Git
  • Time Series Forecasting: ARIMA, SARIMA
  • Statistical Analysis: Hypothesis Testing
Interpersonal Skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication Skills
  • Adaptability
  • Active Listening
  • Presentation Skills
  • Time management
Languages
  • English: Proficient in both speaking and writing
  • French: Classroom Knowledge
  • Sinhala: Native Speaker

Workshops and Conferences

Solar Heliospheric and Interplanetary Environment (SHINE)

Stowe, VT
Poster title: The Connection Between the Free Parameters of a Solar Wind Model and the Sunspot Solar Cycle in the Context of Solar Wind Predictions at 1~au
6-11 August 2023

Solar Heliospheric and Interplanetary Environment (SHINE)

Honululu, HI
Poster title: Comparing the Performance of a Solar Wind model from the Sun to 1~au using Real and Synthetic Magnetograms
26 June - 01 July 2022

AMERICAN Geophysical Union (AGU)

New Orleans, LA
Poster title: Comparing the Performance of a Solar Wind model from the Sun to 1~au using Real and Synthetic Magnetograms
13-17 December 2021

Interests

Besides my scientist role, I am passionate about singing, traveling, and engaging in social work. Outside of work, I enjoy watching TV series and movies and have a particular fondness for sports.

Awards & Certifications

  • First Year graduate student award, department of physics University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Dr. C. A. HEVAVITHARANA MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR PHYSICS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Dr. A. W. WOLFENDALE PRIZE FOR PHYSICS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • University Award for Academic Excellence, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka