Suran
Galappaththige
Research Fellow at University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. Working on mathematical modeling and simulation of cardiac electrical activity — bridging physics, biology, and computation to advance regulatory science.
Education
Advisor: Prof. Bradley J. Roth
Advisor: Prof. Piyasiri Ekanayake
Publications
Research Projects
A patient-specific model (PSM) is a computational model personalized to represent a particular patient. In silico clinical trials (ISCTs) use virtual patient cohorts to assess medical device performance. This project evaluates current PSM and ISCT methods for cardiovascular regulatory applications, with potential to reduce the size of real clinical trials.
Using 3D atria and bi-ventricular mesh models with CHASTE cardiac solver (finite element analysis) to simulate electrical wave propagation throughout the full heart. The goal is a computational model with known arrhythmia mechanisms to rigorously evaluate diagnostic device accuracy.
Cardiac EP models are increasingly used in clinical and regulatory contexts. This project assesses uncertainty in model predictions to ensure the reliability of clinical decisions. Contribution includes running simulations and analyzing outputs for parameter estimation.
Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) delivers nonexcitatory electrical stimulations during the cardiac absolute refractory period. Contribution: developing automated image analysis code to measure cardiomyocyte contractility from large image datasets.
Cardiac tissue modeled as a 2D bidomain with coupled PDEs describing extracellular and intracellular electrical properties. Active properties described by ion currents, solved numerically using Fortran to study tissue behavior under stimulation.
Examined the degradation of articular cartilage using micro-MRI: setting up experiments, acquiring and analyzing images, and analyzing T1, T2 and T1ρ relaxation times in different zones of the cartilage.
The physical properties of a polymer gel — its elasticity, permeability, dangling ends, and the diffusion of connected strands and foreign particles — produce density fluctuations measurable by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), a noninvasive technique for resolving the gel's different relaxation modes.
Skills
My research is interdisciplinary, sitting at the intersection of Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Computer Science. I have extensive experience in mathematical and computational modeling of biological systems, particularly cardiac electrophysiology, acquired over years of graduate research and postdoctoral work.
∂Numerical Methods
Finite difference methods for 2D cardiac tissue; finite element analysis (FEA) for 3D whole-heart models using CHASTE parallel solver (C++) and OpenCARP cardiac solver.
⌨Programming
⊞Scientific Computing
◎Image Analysis
Digital image analysis using Python and Parallel Python; micro-MRI T1, T2, T1ρ relaxation analysis in cartilage.
⚙Tools & Systems
🎓Certification
Introduction to Data Science in Python
View Certificate ↗
Coursework
PhD
Radiation Biophysics · Modeling Complex Systems · Bioelectric Phenomena · Nuclear Magnetic Resonance · Medical Physics · Theoretical Physics · Quantum Physics · Design & Analysis of Algorithms · Ethics and Practices of Science
MSc
Mathematical & Computational Methods · Electron Theory of Solids · Semiconductors · Ceramic Materials · Polymers · Material Characterization · Nuclear Materials
BSc
General & Modern Physics · AC Theory · Waves and Vibrations · Thermal Physics · Differential Equations · Numerical Methods · Mathematical Modeling in Economics · Regression & Time Series · Environmental & Health Physics · Applied Nuclear Science · Introduction to Nuclear Physics
Teaching
There is nothing more exciting to a teacher than the moment a student shows signs of joy in understanding. My teaching career spans nearly a decade before doctoral studies — from secondary schools in Sri Lanka, Oman, and the Maldives, to university laboratories and lecture halls in the USA. I love teaching, and my passion for science and for sharing knowledge drives that love every day.
- Physics & Mathematics Teacher
Wycherley International School, Colombo, Sri Lanka - Physics & Mathematics Teacher
Sri Lankan International School, Muscat, Oman - Physics & Mathematics Teacher
Jalaluddin School, Ministry of Education, Republic of Maldives
- Physics Teaching Assistant
Oakland University, Michigan, USA - Physics Lecturer
Oakland University, Michigan, USA - Physics Lecturer
American National College, Colombo, Sri Lanka - Temporary Demonstrator
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka - Faculty Member, Mathematics & CS
Informatics PLC, Colombo, Sri Lanka