Hi, I’m
Mudith Weerabaddana
Graduate Student
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Dynamic geochemist with extensive experience at the University of Arizona, skilled in ICP-MS, IRMS, XRD, SEM, and data visualization.
Successfully optimized X-ray diffraction analysis, significantly reducing analytical uncertainty. Proven project management and mentoring abilities, leading collaborative research efforts and producing impactful scientific publications.
Excel in teamwork, communication, and adaptability, ensuring successful collaboration and innovative solutions in research environments.
I aim to use my research and data analysis experience, along with a strong passion for advancing cutting-edge technology, to expedite decision-making.
Overview
9
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
University of Arizona
Graduate Research Assistant
08.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Followed standard operating procedures for ICP-MS, IRMS, X-ray diffractometer, SEM, and drilling instruments.
- Independently analyzed geochemistry in 4000+ carbonate samples to reconstruct past SST and hydroclimate variability in the tropical Pacific.
- Analyzed and interpreted complex large marine geospatial and geochemical datasets and effectively visualized them using Python.
- QA/QC geochemical data obtained from analytical instruments.
- Designed a first-of-its-kind research to optimize the quantification of mineral phases in biogenic carbonates.
- Optimized X-ray diffraction analysis to reduce analytical uncertainty from 2% to 0.33% and improve the detectability of low calcite percentages.
- Performed Lost-on-Ignition (LOI) tests to quantify organic fraction in coral carbonate samples.
- Managed two local and international collaborative projects, producing progress reports and scientific papers, demonstrating excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Coordinated and mentored four undergraduate students’ projects.
Louisiana State University
Visiting Research Scholar
08.2018 - 09.2020
Job overview
- Analyzed offshore oil and gas drilling data and assessed the impact of barite pollution on the ocean sediments and marine ecosystems.
- Developed Ba/Ca as a proxy for offshore oil drilling pollution indicator.
University of Ruhuna
Senior Thesis
01.2016 - 12.2016
Job overview
- Conducted underwater benthic ecosystem surveys.
- Analyzed Sr, Ca, and Mg in carbonates to reconstruct past ocean temperature using ICP-MS.
- Created documentation and EIA reports as a part of project assignments.
Education
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ
Ph.D. from Geoscience
12-2025
Universidad Del Pais VascoEuropean Union Erasmus Mundus
Master of Science from Marine Environment and Resources
University of RuhunaSri Lanka
Bachelor of Science from Fisheries and Marine Science
Skills
- ICP-MS/IRMS/ICP-OES
- XRD
- SEM
- Geochemistry
- Research design
- Data analysis
- Data visualization
- Microsoft Excel
- Python
- Quality assurance
- Project management
- Chemical safety
- Laboratory management
- Clean lab
- SOP
- Project report writing
- Academic writing
- Mentoring
Publications
- Weerabaddana et al., (2021), 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112930
- Weerabaddana et al., (2024), doi.org/10.1029/2023PA004730
- DeLong et al., (2023), doi.org/10.1177/20530196221147616
Certification
- General Laboratory Safety, 25
- Responsible Conduct of Research, 22
- Information Security Awareness, 23
Affiliations
- President of the Association of Sri Lankans at the University of Arizona (2022-2024)
- Mentorship coordinator of the Association of Women Geoscientists (2024/2025)
- Co-treasurer of the Department of Geoscience GeoDaze Research Symposium (2024)
Accomplishments
- Third place, University of Arizona Grad Slam 2025
- Best Climate Talk, GeoDaze 2024
- Best Poster Presentation, GeoDaze 2022
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Arizona
08.2021 - Current
Visiting Research Scholar
Louisiana State University
08.2018 - 09.2020
Senior Thesis
University of Ruhuna
01.2016 - 12.2016
University of Arizona
Ph.D. from Geoscience
Universidad Del Pais Vasco
Master of Science from Marine Environment and Resources
University of Ruhuna
Bachelor of Science from Fisheries and Marine Science
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