Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Tharshikka Vickneswaran

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

My research is focused on future expansion of climatic changes on the natural (earth slopes) and engineered infrastructures (buried pipes) and mitigate the associated risks by using the site-specific historical climatic and soil data using coupled Geotechnical-Hydrological finite element computer program. This will add new capabilities to an existing computer program.

The updated program will then be used to develop a real-time prediction of the stability of earth slopes and the mechanical behavior of buried structures subjected to different extreme climatic events and natural hazards. The prediction based on the site-specific climatic and soil data can be used by the emergency and disaster management agencies to warn the potential risk of failure and evacuate people to reduce the loss of lives and properties.

I am currently working with Clemson University, USA.

You can find my publications here.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

Climate change and seasonal variability have increased the occurrence of extreme events (droughts, hurricanes, flooding). These extreme climatic events have caused significant socio-economic loss in different regions around the world. Failure to take account of the potential adverse effects of climate changes on the performance of natural and engineered infrastructures like earth slope and buried pipelines will lead to additional risks to human lives and the country’s economy. Precautions should be taken to gain the necessary knowledge to enable a more effective adaptation to the potentially adverse consequences of climate change.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

My inspirations for my work mainly came from my adviser, who is passionate about doing research and teaching students. Also, the crucial role of Geotechnical engineers in constructions inspired me to explore the field. Therefore, I want to contribute to the advancement of Geotechnical Engineering through research and to engage and prepare the next generation through teaching and knowledge sharing

What’s one of your biggest personal achievements so far?

1. I received the following awards,
   • Recipient of Aniket Shrikhande Memorial Annual Graduate Fellowship 2020.
   • Recipient of Graduate Travel Grant- 2020.
   • Recipient of David Rozendale Travel Grant- 2020.
   • Recipient of the Aniket Shrikhande Graduate Assistantship- 2018–2019.
   • Emerging Leaders Annual Fellowship, Clemson University- 2019.
2. I was able to successfully work on a small project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) along with my research and publish a conference paper and a journal paper.
3. I was selected as a member of the GeoCongress Planning Committee through the American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute-Graduate Student Organization (ASCE GI-GSO) student chapter.
4. I was selected as a member of The Honor Society of PHI KAPPA PHI-2020 to present.
5. Treasurer of ASCE GI-GSO, Clemson University Geotechnical Engineering Society (2019-Present).
6. Selected to be a part of Civil Engineering Graduate Student Advisory Council, Glenn Department of Civil Engineering- 2021.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

1. Focus and be efficient.

Focus on the research is very important. The focus might be a single word, but it has a very deep meaning. Whenever you are doing research, you should make sure that you are 100% focused on your research. Keep everything aside, including your phone, food, people, etc., and focus on your research. When you focus on doing your research, you can be efficient. For example, if you can do something without focusing in 4 hours and if you focus without any distractions, then you can finish it in 2 hours.

2. Hard work

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. You should be very aware of this quote throughout your research. Most of the time, I felt that maybe I’m talented, particularly because I could not figure out new things and finish the things in time. But that is not the reason. I worked hard, and I figured out the things that I thought I would never finish. Therefore, most of the time, you have to work hard to challenge yourself.

3. Don’t give up and believe in yourself.

Sometimes we feel like giving up when we are doing our Ph.D. due to stress and depression. In those cases, you should always remember that you chose this path and you wanted to succeed in it. No matter what, you can do it and believe in yourself. In the end everything you suffered will be paid off.

4. Improve the communion skill to create connections.

The researcher has to face more challenges once they start doing research. Sometimes we will not be able to find answers from the internet. Therefore, we need to contact more professors or specialists in that particular area. Good communication can help us to clear the questions and to gain knowledge. It is always good to have connections in industries and also in academia. Because being in touch with individuals from other universities and industries will help us explore more about the research gaps and ideas.

What motivated you to be a researcher?

I’m curious about learning and doing new things. I knew Ph.D. is not for everyone, and it is hard to do it. However, to achieve my dream of becoming a professor to contribute to the advancement of Geotechnical Engineering through research and to engage and prepare the next generation through teaching and knowledge sharing, Ph.D. is the only gateway.

The reason for choosing Geotechnical engineering is that a Geotechnical engineer has an integral role in all construction projects, as every structure is meaningless without a good foundation. Also, the soils from each part of the world are unique, and nobody knows how they will behave during extreme climatic events such as heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, and earthquakes.

My current Ph.D. adviser Ravichandran and another faculty from Clemson helped to develop the Civil Engineering curriculum in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna. Dr. Ravichandran taught many Civil Engineering classes during the summer semesters and December holidays voluntarily. He motivated us to work hard, overcome obstacles, and pursue our dreams. Upon graduation, he hired me with the funding from a teaching assistantship offered by the Department of Civil Engineering, Clemson University. With the help of Dr.Ravichandran, I was able to start my Ph.D. in Geotechnical engineering.

According to your opinion, what are the changes that the Sri Lankan education system needs to do, in order to meet the requirement of the international industry and academia?

The education system should improve the students’ communication skills and help create connections with individuals from industries and academics worldwide. In my opinion, language shouldn’t be a barrier to a student’s achievement.

Therefore, the universities should make sure that each student is fluent enough to communicate with individuals around the world. Along with coursework, universities should encourage undergraduates to do research. Students should be able to take part in small projects throughout their undergraduate studies. This way, graduates will be able to create new ideas and conduct research in the future.