Faculty <br /> of Applied Sciences
Faculty
of Applied Sciences

Dr. Sathsara Dias

Dr. Sathsara Dias

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)

Ph.D. in Mathematics, Clarkson University, USA
M.Sc. in Mathematics, Clarkson University, USA
M.Sc. in Industrial Mathematics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
B.Sc. in Physical Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Email :sathsara.di@uwu.ac.lk
Phone : +94 55 356 0090

Research Interest

  • Data-driven modeling and analysis of complex dynamical systems
  • Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) — including custom sliding-window and operator-theoretic DMD frameworks
  • Koopman operator theory and spectral analysis of nonlinear dynamics
  • Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and reduced-order modeling
  • Machine learning and deep learning for scientific applications
  • Time-series analysis and real-time detection systems
  • Scientific computing and high-performance computing
  • Computational fluid dynamics and aerodynamic flow analysis
  • Oceanography and tidal/ocean circulation dynamics
  • Weather, climate, and environmental data analysis
  • Interdisciplinary applications: Aerospace Engineering; Oceanography & Environmental Sciences; Image Processing & Computer Vision
  • Bioinformatics & Neuroscience

Publications

Featured Journal Publications

Dias, S., Surasinghe, S., Priyankara, K.G.D.S., Budišić, M., Pratt, L., Sanchez-Garrido, J.C., & Bollt, E.M.
Analysis of Tidal Flows Through the Strait of Gibraltar Using Dynamic Mode Decomposition
Journal of Physical Oceanography, 2025
DOI: 10.1175/JPO-D-24-0196.1

Dias, S., Budišić, M., Piperni, P., & Helenbrook, B.T.
Identifying Buffet Oscillations Using Sliding-Window Dynamic Mode Decomposition
AIAA Journal, 2024
DOI: 10.2514/1.J063929

Dias, S., Helenbrook, B.T., Budišić, M., & Piperni, P.
Identifying the Onset of Buffet Boundary Using Sliding-Window Dynamic Mode Decomposition
AIAA 2026 (pending)

Conference Papers, Abstracts, and Proceedings

Tracking of Buffet Oscillations in Transient Simulations of a Transonic Airfoil Using Sliding-Window Dynamic Mode Decomposition
Poster Presentation, SIAM DS23, Portland, OR, USA, 2023

Sliding-Window Dynamic Mode Decomposition Approach to Tracking the Onset of a Buffet in a Transonic Airfoil
MCCNNY 2022, Clarkson University, 2022

Predicting the Onset of Shock-Induced Buffeting Using Dynamic Mode Decomposition with Sliding Time Windows
SIAM DS21, 2021

Predicting the Onset of Shock-Induced Buffet Using Dynamic Mode Decomposition
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, 2020

Dynamic Mode Decomposition Uncovers Hidden Oceanographic Features Around the Strait of Gibraltar
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, 2020

Analyzing the Transition to Buffeting of a 2D Airfoil using the Dynamic Mode Decomposition
SAMM 2020: Learning Models from Data, MPI Magdeburg, 2020

Analyzing the Transition to Buffeting of a 2D Airfoil using the Dynamic Mode Decomposition
MCCNNY 2020, Clarkson University, 2020

Jayaratne, K.P.S.C., & Dias, L.S.L.
Long-term Variation of Lightning Casualties in Sri Lanka: from 1958–2009
6th International Programme Committee Meeting and Scientific Seminar on SAARC STORM Field Experiments, Colombo, 2013

Positions Held

  • Senior Lecturer (Grade II), Department of Computer Science and Informatics, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka
  • Freelance Data Scientist
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, USA
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Mathematics, Clarkson University, USA

Memberships and Awards

Professional Memberships
– Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
– American Physical Society (APS)

Fellowships
– Inaugural Clarkson Ignite Fellow, Clarkson University (2019–2023)

Awards and Honors
– Best Oral Presentation Award — Math Conference and Competition of
Northern NY (MCCNNY), 2022
– SIAM Student Travel Award — Society for Industrial and Applied
Mathematics, 2021
– Audience Choice, Best Graduate Poster — RAPS, Clarkson University,
2020
– Best Poster Presentation Award — MCCNNY, 2020
– IPAM Student Travel Award — UCLA IPAM Workshop, 2019

Leadership in Societies
– Astronomy & Space Study Center (ASSC): Vice President (2002–2003),
President (2004–2005) — led Astronomy Summer Schools, Night Camps,
and public outreach workshops
– Mathematical and Astronomical Society, University of Colombo:
Vice President (2006–2008) — organized national quiz competitions
and served as judge
– Epsilon Delta Society, University of Colombo: Committee Member
(2005–2008) — organized mathematics events to foster appreciation
in the university community

Teaching

  • Mathematics