Lakmali Weerasena – Ecological Conservation Award – Best Researcher Award

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Lakmali Weerasena – Ecological Conservation Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lakmali Weerasena distinguished academic and researcher in the field Ecological Conservation. She specializes in scientific computing with a particular focus on analyzing complex optimization problems and designing efficient algorithms using graph data structures for modeling and data analysis, both theoretically and in practical applications. Her research interests span various domains including engineering, conservation biology, and management science, where she explores emerging models. Drawing from classical optimization techniques, statistical concepts, and modern methodologies such as machine learning, she seeks to address multifaceted challenges. Her contributions extend beyond theoretical investigations to applied research, as evidenced by her publications across diverse areas in applied mathematics, operations research, and statistics in esteemed scientific journals. Furthermore, she actively engages with the academic community by organizing conference sessions and presenting her research as both an invited and contributing speaker, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in her field.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

Lakmali Weerasena holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Clemson University, where she completed her dissertation on “Approximation in Multiobjective Optimization with Applications,” under the guidance of Professor Margaret Wiecek. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University, focusing on optimization models for designing spatially compact ecological reserve systems, supervised by Professor Emeritus Douglas Shier. Lakmali’s academic journey began at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Mathematics. Additionally, she pursued non-degree graduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, delving into Introduction to Machine Learning offered by the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering during the spring of 2023. With her diverse educational background spanning across mathematics, optimization, and machine learning, Lakmali Weerasena exhibits a multidisciplinary approach to her academic pursuits.

 Work experiences

 

She has built a distinguished career in academia, currently serving as the UC Foundation Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga since August 2022. Prior to this role, she held positions as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the same institution from August 2016 to August 2022, and as Assistant Professor of Mathematics (Limited Term) at Albany State University from August 2015 to May 2016. Earlier in her career, she served as a Lecturer at Kennesaw State University from August 2014 to May 2015 and as a Visiting Lecturer. Her academic journey began at Clemson University, where she served as a Graduate Teacher of Record from August 2007 to December 2013 while completing her Ph.D. in Operations Research. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of mathematics education and research, allowing her to excel in her current role as an esteemed faculty member.

Teaching Experience

In her tenure at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, TN, USA, since August 2016, she has demonstrated her versatility and expertise in teaching across a wide range of courses in the Department of Mathematics. Her teaching portfolio encompasses both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering topics such as computational and applied mathematics, probability and statistics, mathematical statistics, operations research (both linear and nonlinear), applied statistics, mathematical programming, introductory statistics, discrete mathematics for computer science, elementary linear algebra, calculus, and precalculus. Additionally, she supervises graduate-level courses focused on doctoral research, graduate research, and thesis preparation. Through her dedication and proficiency in teaching diverse mathematical subjects, she plays a pivotal role in fostering students’ understanding and appreciation for mathematics at both introductory and advanced levels.

Conferences

Invited Presentations
1. Breadth First Search Algorithm to Identify Connected Reserve Systems, ASB Special Session
on Women in Biology Inspired by Women in Biology, March 2024, Association of Southeastern
Biologists
2. A Sequential Approach to the Design of Compact and Connected Reserve Systems, Research
Colloquium in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka, January 2024.
3. An integrated approach to the design of compact and connected reserve systems, AWM Special
Session on Exploring the Intersection of Mathematics and Ecology: Research Applications and
Findings, September 2023, AWM Research Symposium.
4. Spatially explicit mathematical model for invasive species management, AMS Special Session
on New Developments in Operations Research and Management Sciences I, October 2022, 2022
Fall Southeastern Sectional Meeting.
5. Advancing local search approximations for multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems,
Department of Mathematics Colloquium, October 2021, UTC, TN, US
6. An approximation approach for the generalized multiobjective set cover problem, Multi-Criteria
Decision Making (MCDM) section, INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the
Management Sciences) Conference, October 2021, California.
7. An approximation algorithm for the generalized multiobjective set cover problem, Approximation
Approaches for Multiobjective Optimization in stream Multiobjective Optimization session
under Multiobjective Optimization, 31st European Conference on Operational Research Conference,
July 2021, Athens, Greece (supported by UTC SimCenter grant).
8. Design of an algorithm with multiple-cost efficient rules for the generalized multiobjective set
cover problem, SimCenter and Department of Mathematics Colloquium, April 2021, UTC, TN,
USA.
9. Generalized set cover problem with conflict objective functions: algorithm and applications in
ecological conservation., Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) section, INFORMS (Institute
for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Conference, October 2019, Seattle, USA
(supported by UTC grant).
10. Combinatorial optimization for ecological conservation, the 43rd Annual Meeting of the SIAM
Atlantic Section, September 2019, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, TN (supported by
UTC grant).
11. Approximation method for optimum design of a fin, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville,
Knoxville, TN, February 14, 2019 (supported by Department of Mathematics, The University
of Tennessee at Knoxville).
12. Multiobjective design of a fin in a steady-state regime, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)
section, INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Conference,
November 2018, Arizona, USA (supported by UTC grant).

Awards

She has mentored several students who have received prestigious awards and recognition for their academic achievements. Chathuri Aththanayaka participated in and presented a poster at the AWM Research Symposium, supported by the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF DMS 2113506) in 2023. Christopher Tompkins received the NCUR Support Award from UTC in the same year. Delwyn Sam and Jonathan Stegmann were both honored with the Honor College Student Award from UTC in 2021 and 2018, respectively, highlighting their exceptional academic performance and contributions. Dell Zimmerman was granted the Scholarship, Engagement, the Arts, Research, Creativity, & Humanities (SEARCH) grant at UTC in 2018, where Dr. Soubantika Palchoudhury led the project. Additionally, Nichols Graham received the Undergraduate Research Award from Albany State University in 2016, recognizing his outstanding research endeavors under her guidance. These accolades underscore her dedication to mentoring and nurturing talented students, fostering their growth and success in academia.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

1. Weerasena L., Aththanayaka C., Bandara D., Advances in the decision-making of set covering
models under uncertainty, Annals of Operations Research (forthcoming, 2024):
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany).
2. Fadul M., Reising D., Weerasena L., Loveless T.D., Sartipi M., Tyler J., Improving RF-DNA
Fingerprinting Performance In An Indoor Multipath Environment Using Semi-Supervised Learning,
IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security (2024): 1-16
(Publisher: IEEE).
3. Fadul M., Reising D., Weerasena L., An Investigation into the Impacts of Deep Learning-based
Re-sampling on Specific Emitter Identification Performance, The Journal of Engineering (2023):
1:11 (Publisher: Wiley, New Jersey, US).
4. Weerasena L., Shier D., Tonkyn D., McFeaters M., Collins C., Sequential approach to reserve
design with compactness and contiguity considerations, Ecological Modelling (2023): 478:10281
(Publisher: Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands). CrossRef Google Scholar
5. Weerasena, L., Ebiefung, A., Skjellum, A., Design of a heuristic algorithm for the generalized
multi-objective set covering problem, Computational Optimization and Applications (2022): 82:717-
751
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
6. Weerasena, L., Hunt, N., Bandara, D., McKnight, M., Spatially Explicit Multi-objective Mathematical
Model for Invasive Species Management, Biological Invasions (2022): 24:1839–1862
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
7. Belinskiy, B., Hinton, D., Weerasena, L., Khan, M., On the Sturm–Liouville problem describing
an ocean waveguide covered by pack ice, Applicable Analysis (2021): 1-23
(Publisher: Taylor and Francis, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
8. Weerasena, L., Advancing local search approximations for multiobjective combinatorial optimization
problems Journal of Combinatorial Optimization (2021): 1-24.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
9. Weerasena, L., Belinskiy, B. P., Hiestand, J. W., Optimal effectiveness and efficiency of a fin in
steady-state: multiobjective approach Optimization and Engineering (2020): 1157-1180.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
10. Weerasena, L. Algorithm for Generalized multiobjective set covering problem with an application
in ecological conservation, Int. J. of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation (2020):
Volume 10 No.2, 167 – 186.
(Publisher: Inderscience, Geneva, Switzerland) CrossRef Google Scholar
11. Belinskiy, B. P., Hiestand, J. W., Weerasena, L., Optimal design of a fin in a steady-state regime.
Applied Mathematical Modeling (2020): Volume 77, Part 2, 1188-1200.
(Publisher: Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands) CrossRef Google Scholar
12. Gunasekera, S., Weerasena, L., Saram, A., Ajumobi, O., Exact inference for the Youden index to
discriminate individuals using two-parameter exponentially distributed pooled samples, Biostatistics
& Epidemiology (2019): 38-61.
(Publisher: Taylor and Francis, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
13. Weerasena L., Wiecek M.M., A tolerance function for the multiobjective set covering problem.
Optimization Letters (2018): 1–19.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
14. Palchoudhury S., Jungjohann K.,Weerasena L., Arabshahi A., Gharge U., Albattah A., Miller
J., Patel K., Holler R., Enhanced legume root growth with pre-soaking in α Fe2O3 nanoparticle
fertilizer. Royal Society of Chemistry Advances (2018): 24075–24083.
(Publisher: The Royal Society of Chemistry, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
15. Vanderpooten D., Weerasena L., Wiecek M.M., Covers and approximations in multiobjective
optimization. Journal of Global Optimization (2017): 67(3) 601–619.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar

Shikha Patel – Urban Planning – Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Shikha Patel distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Collective Urban Planning .Shikha Patel is a highly qualified and skilled professional in the field of Urban Planning.   Complementing her academic qualifications, she has earned professional certifications, including LEED Green Associate since October 2020 and Council of Architecture (India) membership since August 2014. This comprehensive educational and professional background showcases her dedication and expertise in the fields of architecture, urban design, infrastructure, and construction.

Eduvation

She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Planning at Qatar University in Qatar, a journey that commenced in January 2021. Her academic journey has been marked by notable achievements, including a Master’s in Architecture with a specialization in Urban Design from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India, where she not only completed her degree from June 2017 to June 2019 but also received the prestigious Gold Medal from VTU. Prior to her master’s, she earned an MBA in Infrastructure & Construction from JNU, India, demonstrating her diverse academic interests. Her educational foundation includes a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Gujarat University, India, spanning from June 2008 to August 2013. Complementing her academic qualifications, she has earned professional certifications, including LEED Green Associate since October 2020 and Council of Architecture (India) membership since August 2014. This comprehensive educational and professional background showcases her dedication and expertise in the fields of architecture, urban design, infrastructure, and construction.

Professional Profiles:

Experience:

Since March 2023, she has been serving as a Research Assistant at Qatar University, where her contributions have significantly advanced ongoing research endeavors. Prior to this, she dedicated her time as a Volunteer at the United Nations from March to December 2021, showcasing her commitment to global causes. Her academic and research journey began in September 2019 at Qatar University, where she previously held the role of Research Assistant until May 2020. Before transitioning to her role in Qatar, she gained valuable experience as a Teaching Assistant at various institutions in India, including BMSSA, Nitte School of Architecture, and GSAP, from August 2015 to May 2019.

During this period, she also took on roles as Business Development Manager at 100 Krafts from August 2015 to October 2016, Retail Planner at Tesco HSC from August 2014 to July 2015, and Junior Architect at SHS Designs from September 2013 to June 2014. Her diverse professional background reflects a well-rounded individual with a wealth of experience in academia, research, and various industry sectors.

Book Chapters
Patel, S. and Kollarath, R.M. (2023) ‘Urban solid waste management for energy generation’, Urban Energy
Systems, pp. 119–139. DOI:10.1002/9781119847595.ch8.
INTERESTS
    Urban Planning, Sustainable, Remote sensing,Architecture, Philosophy
Research Assistant
Qatar University – Appointed under a Collaborative Grant research scheme [QUCGCENG-19_20-4] titled “The Action Plan for the Implementation of Qatar National Masterplan based on Integration of Land Use and Public Transport Systems”, led by Dr. Raffaello Furlan.
Retail Planner – Tesco HSC, India
Designed and delivered Tesco store layouts for the Eastern European region collaborating with a team of on-site contractors and architects. Prepared and presented reports, proposals, applications and contracts for Tesco stores. Proposed new design standards for retail store as a part of research and development team.
Publication
  • A comprehensive systematic review: Impact of Land Use/ Land Cover (LULC) on Land Surface Temperatures (LST) and outdoor thermal comfort
          Building and Environment
          023-12 | Journal article
          DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.111130
          ONTRIBUTORS: Shikha Patel; Madhavi Indraganti; Rana N. Jawarneh

  • Environmental Sustainability Comparative Assessment of Low-Rise and High-Rise Neighbourhoods based on People’s Lifestyle Preferences: The Case of Doha, Qatar

    The 2nd International Conference on Civil Infrastructure and Construction (CIC 2023)
    2023-09-01 | Conference paper
    CONTRIBUTORS: Shikha Patel
  • Urban Solid Waste Management for Energy Generation                                                                                                    Urban Energy Systems
    2023-08-22 | Other
    DOI: 10.1002/9781119847595.ch8
    ISBN: 9781119847441
    ISBN: 9781119847595
    CONTRIBUTORS: Shikha Patel; Reshmi Manikoth Kollarath