Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Teaching Supervision Outreach
Funding Awards
References
Conference Presentations
Research
Accomplishments
Selected Publications
Timeline
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Tharanga J. Don

Auckland,New Zealand

Summary

Dynamic research fellow analyst with a proven track record in conducting insightful research and analysis. Experienced in gathering and interpreting data, identifying trends, and providing strategic recommendations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for driving innovation and excellence in research initiatives.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2020 - Current
  • Development of a unique intraluminal subclavian vein device designed to reduce organ dysfunction by minimizing systemic tissue oedema and improving lymphatic fluid return in critically unwell patients. This involved design in MATLABLabVIEW benchtop device experimentation.
  • Developed, validated, and deployed computational models of the lymphatic system integrating imaging and anatomical/physiological knowledge to advance understanding of lymphedema, lymphatic diseases, and lymphatic system development.
  • Created statistical and web-based analytical tools leveraging melanoma patient data to uncover clinical patterns in lymphatic drainage, resulting in publications that have redefined understanding of lymphatic pathways and provided a data-driven, patient-based approach to clinical decision-making.
  • Authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, with research shedding new light on mechanisms of lymphatic flow and drainage that were previously difficult to evaluate clinically.
  • Actively contributed to institutional sustainability committees, initiating and leading projects to advance sustainability in academic research and operations.
  • Secured and managed grant funding, supervised junior researchers, and fostered interdisciplinary teamwork.
  • Provided consulting for CH4 Global (parameter sensitivity for CH4 minimization technology).
  • Principal investigator for AI-driven Acoustic Wellness Monitor to enhance NZ healthcare delivery.
  • Delivered tutorials and workshops, and mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Iffi Technologies
Manukau, New Zealand
08.2019 - 12.2019
  • Led projects in two-stroke engine modeling, FEA/CFD simulation, and mechanical system optimization.

Work-Study Engineer

PTech
Banbury
07.2012 - 01.2014
  • Improved engineering processes, workflow efficiency, and implemented best-practice manufacturing protocols.

Mechanical Design Engineer

MAS Holdings
Biyagama, Sri Lanka
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Spearheaded product development using advanced CAD, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.

Education

Ph.D. - Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering

University of Auckland
New Zealand
06.2020

M.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering

Coventry University
United Kingdom
01.2012

B.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering

University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka
08.2009

Skills

  • Python
  • R
  • MATLAB
  • ANSYS Fluent
  • STAR-CCM
  • WinBUGS
  • FEA/CFD
  • C
  • Machine learning
  • Applied statistics
  • Data visualization
  • SQL
  • Database management
  • PostgreSQL
  • Academic writing
  • Grant proposals
  • International presentations
  • Team management
  • Grant budgeting
  • Cross-disciplinary coordination
  • Computational modeling
  • Statistical analysis
  • Grant management
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Technical writing
  • Project management
  • Research methodology
  • Effective communication
  • Team leadership
  • Mentorship and training

Teaching Supervision Outreach

  • Designed and delivered modules in biomechanics, fluid dynamics, and applied statistics at undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Supervised postgraduate thesis projects and undergraduate research assistants.
  • Organized workshops and seminars on scientific writing, computational methods, and data analytics.

Funding Awards

Lead/submitted multiple successful grant applications; experience in project budgeting and reporting.

References

Full academic and professional references available upon request.

Conference Presentations

  • Don T.D.J., Safaei S., Maso Talou G.D., et al. Modular CFD Model of Interstitial Lymphatic Fluid Uptake. Lymphatic Forum, Chicago, June 2025.
  • Don T.D.J., Safaei S., Maso Talou G.D., et al. Multiphysics Computational Modeling of the Lymphatic System. Queenstown Research Week: Lymphatics in Health and Disease, Queenstown, Aug-Sept 2023.
  • Don T.D.J., Suresh V., Cater J.E., Clarke R.J. Investigations of Lymphatic Drainage from the Interstitial Space. Fluids in New Zealand Conference, Auckland, Feb 2021.

Research

Accomplished multidisciplinary researcher with expertise in computational modeling, quantitative analysis, and advanced biomedical engineering. Demonstrated success in leading collaborative projects, authoring high-impact publications, and contributing innovative methods in both fundamental and translational research. Strong background in statistical methodologies, AI/ML for biomedical applications, and mentorship of students and junior researchers.

Accomplishments

Best biomedical engineering project, Velocity Ideas Challenge, University of Auckland 2025
HRC Explorer Grant 2025
MPPT travel grant 2025
Lymphatic Forum 2025 travel grant

Selected Publications

  • Fanning J. E., Singhal D., Reynolds H. M., Jayathungage Don T. D., et al. Patterns of forearm lymphatic drainage in 1,400 melanoma patients. Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2024
  • Fanning J.E., Chung D.K., Reynolds H.M., Jayathungage Don T.D., et al., upper extremity lymphatic collateralization post-axillary lymph node dissection Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2024.
  • Situ J., Walker C., Jayathungage Don T. D., et al. Discordance in sentinel lymph node mapping injections in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2024;1–8.
  • Don T.D.J., Safaei S., Russell P.S., Phillips A.R.J., Reynolds H.M. A systematic bond graph approach for assessing active and passive forces in interstitial lymphatic fluid uptake. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine (under review), 2024.
  • Don T.D.J., Safaei S., Maso Talou G.D., Russell P.S., Phillips A.R.J., Reynolds H.M. Computational fluid dynamic modeling of the lymphatic system: A review of existing models and future directions. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, 2023.
  • Don T.D.J., Sharifzadeh-Kermani A., Safaei S., Russell P.S., Phillips A.R.J., Reynolds H.M. Reproducibility study to simulate a chain of collapsible contracting lymphangions with progressive valve closure. Physiome, 2023.
  • Don T.D.J., Suresh V., Cater J.E., Clarke R.J. Modeling uptake and transport of therapeutic agents through the lymphatic system. Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering, 2021

Timeline

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland
01.2020 - Current

Mechanical Design Engineer

Iffi Technologies
08.2019 - 12.2019

Work-Study Engineer

PTech
07.2012 - 01.2014

Mechanical Design Engineer

MAS Holdings
01.2009 - 01.2011

Ph.D. - Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering

University of Auckland

M.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering

Coventry University

B.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering

University of Peradeniya
Tharanga J. Don