معرفی
Professor Don Kulasiri is a distinguished academic at Lincoln University in New Zealand, holding the position of Professor in the Department of Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences. He serves as the Head of the Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS) and has previously held leadership roles as Head of Department in both the Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences and Computing Group. Professor Kulasiri maintains numerous international affiliations including Visiting Professor positions at Oxford University's Mathematical Institute, Princeton University, and adjunct positions at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
His research spans computational and mathematical systems biology, with a particular focus on understanding the mathematical basis for biological and environmental phenomena through physics-based modeling. Professor Kulasiri has developed models related to memory formation and impairment in the brain, focusing on computational modeling of biochemical pathways related to synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer's disease. He also works extensively on stochastic mathematics applied to environmental systems, having developed a mechanistic and stochastic theory for understanding solute transport in underground aquifers.
Professor Kulasiri's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward computational neuroscience and Alzheimer's disease research, with over half of his most recent work focusing on synaptic plasticity, memory formation mechanisms, and calcium signaling dysregulation in neurodegenerative conditions. His work consistently integrates mathematical modeling with biological experimentation, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach that bridges physics, mathematics, and life sciences.
- Fellow of Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand
- World Class Research rankings (A grade) by PBRF panel, New Zealand government (2012, 2018)
- Sigma Xi honorary membership for outstanding PhD thesis (1990)
- Lincoln Vice Chancellor commendations (2004-2008, 2013)
- Member of European Physical Society (EPS)
With an impressive record of supervising 60 PhD students and 19 masters students over 33 years, Professor Kulasiri currently mentors 10 PhD students at Lincoln University. He has served as Principal Investigator for significant government-funded research programs including a NZ government (MBIE) funded national research program to improve wine quality and yield (2017-2022), and as Co-PI for the reimagine urban agriculture research programme funded by the National University of Singapore (2020-2023).
Professor Kulasiri leads the Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS) and is instrumental in the Complex Systems, Big Data and Informatics Initiative at Lincoln University. His research team develops innovative computational approaches including WaphHound® technology for odor detection using wasps, and applies machine learning and AI to solve complex problems in agriculture, environmental science, and neuroscience.