Aruggoda K. Isuri U. Kapuge
Newark,DE
Summary
Results-driven geoscientist with 8+ years of experience in marine geology, oceanography, and geochemical analysis. Proven expertise in managing complex analytical projects, collaborating with international research teams, and delivering data-driven insights for environmental and resource management applications. Experienced in oceanographic research operations with 150+ days at sea on research vessels. Skilled at translating scientific data into actionable recommendations for stakeholders and decision-makers.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Delaware
01.2021 - Current
- Published research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and presented at major international conferences, significantly enhancing academic visibility and fostering global collaboration.
- Developed and optimized novel analytical protocols for isotope extraction and geochemical analysis of deep-sea sediment samples, improving laboratory efficiency by up to 85% while maintaining rigorous quality control standards.
- Managed multi-year interdisciplinary research project, coordinating with 15+ international collaborators across 8 countries and streamlining workflows to meet tight deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.
- Processed and interpreted large datasets using advanced statistical analysis and time series techniques, designing experiments with sophisticated statistical methods that yielded robust results supporting key hypotheses.
- Mentored junior researchers in laboratory techniques and experimental design best practices, while securing funding through grant proposals to support innovative research initiatives.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Earth Sciences
01.2024 - Current
- Facilitated student learning through tutoring sessions, weekly office hours, and one-on-one mentoring, helping students master complex concepts and achieve improved academic outcomes.
- Graded assignments, exams, and papers according to university standards, providing timely and constructive feedback that enabled 75+ students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids, real-world examples, and differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learner needs in an inclusive classroom environment.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and collaborated with instructors to adjust instructional strategies, while organizing review sessions before exams to optimize test preparation.
- Managed course materials on learning management systems, coordinated administrative tasks, and served as a liaison between faculty and students to ensure smooth departmental operations.
Shipboard Scientist (Sedimentologist) Exp 403
International Ocean Discovery Program
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Served as sedimentologist on a 2-month international research expedition with 24/7 operations, analyzing 700+ meters of sediment cores in a high-pressure, real-time shipboard environment.
- Collaborated with 30+ scientists from 12 countries in time-sensitive settings, performing detailed sedimentological descriptions, lithological classifications, and operated specialized analytical equipments onboard, while managing sample inventory and database documentation to ensure data integrity.
- Co-authored IODP 403 expedition preliminary report and authored XRF data report for Site U1619, contributing to high-impact scientific outcomes from this high-recovery expedition.
- Conducted ship-to-shore education outreach programs for middle- and high-school students, promoting public engagement with ocean science research.
Marine Scientist
National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA)
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Developed predictive models for sustainable fisheries management using MATLAB and satellite imagery, providing forecasting services for oceanic conditions to support maritime industries and conducted ocean acidification impact assessments on primary production by analyzing satellite imagery and in-situ oceanographic data.
- Built a comprehensive oceanographic database for the Indian Ocean region comprising 10 years of historical shipboard data, ensuring rigorous quality control and maintenance standards.
- Performed fieldwork aboard R/V Samuddrika, including water sampling and environmental monitoring, managing end-to-end data collection and analysis workflows.
Graduate Researcher
Geological Survey and Mines Bureau
04.2017 - 07.2020
- Led an independent research project on the longest paleoclimate and paleomonsoon reconstruction (0 - 80 ka) record in Sri Lanka.
- Conducted multi-proxy environmental analysis for climate risk assessment applications and published findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Performed geochemical analysis and managed field operations, including drilling (underwater/on-land), sampling (sediment/paleo-coral), and surveying (sea-level).
Research Intern
International Seabed Authority
10.2018 - 01.2019
- Participated in a 90-day deep-sea mineral exploration cruise aboard R/V Yuzhmorgeologiya, studying polymetallic nodules and ferromanganese crusts in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
- Conducted underwater surveys and assisted in data and sample collection operations, performing mineralogical analysis and resource assessment of deep-sea mineral deposits.
- Completed a 120-hour professional training course on ocean mineral resource exploitation from Saint Petersburg University, Russia.
- Contributed to international efforts in evaluating deep-sea mineral resources, conducted comprehensive literature reviews to support seabed resource management initiatives and environmental impact assessments gaining specialized expertise in marine geo-resources and exploration techniques.
Education
Ph.D. - Marine Geochemistry, Paleoceanography, Deep Ocean Circulation, Carbon Cycle
University of Delaware
Newark, DE, USA06.2026
Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Marine Sciences - Oceanography and Marine Geology, Paleomonsoon, Paleoclimate, Geochemistry, Sedimentology
University of Ruhuna
Sri Lanka01.2017
Skills
- Isotope Geochemistry: Stable (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O) and radiogenic (εNd, 87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/204Pb) isotope analysis using ion chromatography (MC-ICP-MS, ICP-MS)
- Geochemical & Mineralogical Analysis: XRF, WD-XRF, XRD, SEM, gas chromatography (GC-MS), grain size analysis, magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition
- Sample Preparation: Clean lab techniques, column chromatography (TRU-spec, Ln-spec, DGA resins), microwave digestion, chemical extraction protocols, foraminifera/fish teeth identification and processing
- Expedition Experience: 150 days at sea on international research expeditions (R/V JOIDES Resolution, R/V SONNE, R/V Yuzhmorgeologia) conducting sediment coring, water sampling, and environmental monitoring
- Specialized Field Operations: Underwater and on-land drilling, paleo-coral sampling, sea-level surveying, scientific diving
- Geophysical Surveys: Seismic, gravity, magnetics, bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling
- Statistical & Modeling Tools: Time-series analysis, predictive modeling, trend analysis, large dataset processing using Python, R, and MATLAB
- Specialized Software: Ocean Data View (ODV), ACycle, AnalySeries, ArcGIS, QGIS
- Database Management: Scientific database design and implementation, LIMS, advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency
LABORATORY & ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
MARINE & FIELD OPERATIONS
DATA ANALYSIS & COMPUTATIONAL SKILLS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
- Research Management: Multi-year project planning and execution, grant writing and budget management, international team coordination across 8 countries
- Communication & Outreach: Technical reporting, scientific writing and publication, stakeholder communication, education outreach programs
- Team Development: Training and mentoring junior researchers, laboratory safety management, field operations leadership
- Peer-mentoring
- Experimental Design & Execution: Protocol development, validation, implementation, and quality assurance controls for complex research projects
- Scientific Communication: Peer-reviewed publication, technical report preparation, research proposal writing, and presentation of findings
- Laboratory Management: Equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols and best practices
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Training junior researchers, coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, and fostering productive research environments
- Student Development: Tutoring, mentoring, and providing constructive feedback to enhance learning outcomes
- Classroom Management: Lesson planning, assignment grading, and creating inclusive learning environments
- Communication: Translating complex concepts into accessible content for diverse learner audiences
RESEARCH
TEACHING
Accomplishments
- IODP Expedition Awards: $20,000 + expedition stipend (2024-2026)
- Geological Society of America Research Grant: $1,800 (2022-2023)
- National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka: ~$5,000 (2019-2020)
- American Geophysical Union Travel Grant: $1,000 (2018)
Certification
- Emergency First Responder (American Heart Association, 2023)
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver & Rescue Diver
- Shipboard Safety Training (IODP certified)
- General Radiation Producing Device General Training
- Laboratory Safety training
- Chemical Safety Training
Awards
University of Delaware Doctoral Fellowship for Excellence Award (September 2024 - August 2025)
MARITIME EXPERIENCE
- Total Sea Time: 150+ days on research vessels
- May–June 2025: Research expedition, Labrador Sea to Iceland (upcoming)
- June–August 2024: IODP Expedition 403, Arctic Ocean (60 days)
- October 2018–January 2019: R/V Yuzhmorgeologiya, Pacific Ocean (90 days)
- July–August 2017: RV Sonne 258/2, Indian Ocean (38 days)
LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK
- Sedimentology team member on international research expedition (IODP 403)
- Coordinated research collaborations across 8+ countries
- Organized international conference sessions (AGU 2024, OSM 2024)
- Student representative for departmental committees (3 years)
- Mentor for International students, graduate and undergraduate students, "Letters to a Pre-Scientist" program
- Education outreach - Ship-to-shore, UD Coast Day, Zoom sessions or undergraduate students in Sri Lanka
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- Peer-Reviewed Publications: 8+ papers published or in review (including Science, Science Advances, Nature Communications, Scientific Reports)
- Conference Presentations: 20+ presentations at international conferences (AGU, Goldschmidt, ICP, ICAM)
- Technical Reports: Multiple expedition reports and government briefings
Timeline
Shipboard Scientist (Sedimentologist) Exp 403
International Ocean Discovery Program
06.2024 - 08.2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Earth Sciences
01.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Delaware
01.2021 - Current
Marine Scientist
National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA)
08.2020 - 01.2021
Research Intern
International Seabed Authority
10.2018 - 01.2019
Graduate Researcher
Geological Survey and Mines Bureau
04.2017 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Marine Sciences - Oceanography and Marine Geology, Paleomonsoon, Paleoclimate, Geochemistry, Sedimentology
University of Ruhuna
Ph.D. - Marine Geochemistry, Paleoceanography, Deep Ocean Circulation, Carbon Cycle
University of Delaware