Priyantha Kulasekera

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT PRIYANTHA KULASEKERA

I consider myself as a soil physicist/hydrologist and data science enthusiast motivated in investigating soil-water processes influencing the storage of water and transport of contaminants in order to conserve and protect the valuable water resources in the environment. This involves understanding and studying of physical, chemical and biological processes within the soil-water-plant environment and identifying the potential threats of pollution of water resources, developing suitable indicators to identify the adverse impacts, simulating the processes to predict the consequences to aid the developing and adopting of precautionary strategies in environmental management to avoid environmental catastrophes. I am actively looking for new opportunities to start a challenging career as a Soil Physicist, Hydrologist, Data Analyst or a Technical Writer engaged in Environmental Earth Science and Groundwater Research. Highlights of experience *Modeling impact of climate changes on groundwater recharge *Investigating the impacts of shale gas development on groundwater to identify indicators of impacts.*Investigated the soil-water processes in vadose zone of agricultural lands, analyzed and published the findings in international journals.*Developed a method to identify preferential flow in vadose zone using soil water content sensors.*Designed, developed and tested an inclined downdraught gasifier (prototype) for agricultural waste.*Evaluated a cardamom dryer, and was involved in experimentation to develop a vacuum dryer. Goal: To achieve growth through sharing knowledge and experience. Specialties:* Investigating the persistence of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and developing indicators of impacts of shale gas exploration and development on groundwater.* Investigating and modelling soil water processes in vadose zone.* Soil physics and groundwater * Energy applications and alternative energy sources in agriculture (Dehydration of grains, fruits and vegetables; gasification of biomass)[Please contact me for a detailed resume.]