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Welcome to My Academic Journey

Earth’s dynamic processes have always fascinated me, driving my transition from Physics to Geology and Geophysics. Now, as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Seismology and Geophysics at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), my research focuses on crustal attenuation, seismic wave propagation, and site amplification, aiming to improve ground motion models and seismic hazard assessments.

I am passionate about understanding how seismic energy travels through the Earth, refining models that contribute to earthquake risk mitigation. My work combines seismic data analysis, attenuation studies, and geophysical modeling to enhance our ability to predict and prepare for seismic events.

Beyond research, I enjoy taking on challenges, whether in the field, the lab, or in sports. I am always open to collaborations and discussions that push the boundaries of seismological & geophysical research.

Let’s connect and explore new possibilities in seismology and geophysics.

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Research Interests

      

My research is deeply rooted in the analysis of seismic data. I specialize in crustal attenuation studies, earthquake hazard analysis, and the development of ground motion models. These areas are critical in my overarching goal of mitigating seismic risks. Beyond traditional seismology, I am also passionate about applying advanced geophysical methods to explore the subsurface. This dual approach allows me to blend theoretical principles with practical applications, seeking innovative solutions to enhance our comprehension of Earth's dynamic systems.

Education

  • Summer 2024

Ph.D. in Earth Science (Major in Geophysics & Seismology)

The Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), University of Memphis, TN, USA

Research areaStudying Lateral Variations of Crustal Attenuation using Lg Q Tomography and Separation of Intrinsic and Scattering Attenuation using Coda waves in the Crust of Alaska

Supervisor: Dr. Chris H Cramer

  • Spring 2019

M.Sc. Geology

Bowling Green State University, OH, USA

Thesis title: Coulomb Stress Changes by Long-term Slow Slip Events in the Southcentral Alaska Subduction Zone

Supervisor: Dr. Yuning Fu

  • Fall 2015

        B.Sc. (Special) in Physics, Minor in Mathematics & Statistics

Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Thesis title: A study of Tsunamigenic earthquakes occurring in the off-shores of North Western Sri Lanka

Supervisor: Dr. N.G Shantha

Honors & Awards

  • 2025

           GAGE/SAGE Travel Scholarship

           Awarded by the NSF to participate in the Community Science Workshop 2025

​           NAIRR Travel Scholarship

           Awarded by the NSF to participate in the NAIRR Pilot AI Unlocked Workshop

  • 2024

Best Poster Presentation Award

36th Annual Student Research Forum, University of Memphis

Celebrate Student Success Award for publications, presentations, leadership, and service

Awarded by the Graduate Student Association, University of Memphis

  • 2023 

NASA’s Mars InSight Lander's "InSight Seers" Meeting Observers program Travel Scholarship

Awarded by Jet Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL), NASA

Awarded to 10 US applicants

CAS Travel Enrichment Award

Awarded by the University of Memphis, College of Art & Sciences

GAGE/SAGE Community Science Workshop 2023 Travel Scholarship

Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS)

  • 2021-22

SZ4D Community Meeting 2022 Travel Scholarship

Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under award EAR-2221949

  • 2019-20

The University of Memphis Carnegie R1 Doctoral Fellowship

Awarded by the University of Memphis for being an outstanding applicant for graduate study at the Ph.D. level

  • 2018

Geology Foundation Fund Research Award

Awarded by the Geology Department of Bowling Green State University for the best research progress in the first year of the MS degree

ADVANCED TRAINING & TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS

  • 2024 Short Course on Magnetotelluric Instrumentation and Data Processing

EarthScope, Albuquerque, NM, October 27 – November 1, 2024

  • 2024, Seismology Skill Building Workshop (SSBW), Scientific computing in seismology

EarthScope, Online 2024

  • SEG EVOLVE Virtual Internship

Society of Exploration Geophysics (SEG), Virtual, October 2020 – March 2021

  • Internship in Seismic Interpretation and Drilling Methods

Petroleum Resource Development Secretariat (PRDS), Colombo, Sri Lanka, January – April 2015

  • Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), Colombo, Sri Lanka, January 2011-May 2012

  • Physical and leadership training, Sri Lanka Army Physical Training School, Panagoda

Organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Sri Lanka, January 2010-March 2010

Professional Affiliations 

  • 2024 - Present

Reviewer for the Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR)

  • 2017-Present

Member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Member of the Geological Society of America (GSA)

Member of the Seismological Society of America (SSA)

  • 2019-2024

Member of the SEG student chapter for CERI, University of Memphis

Skills

  • Field Experience: Seismic Reflection, Seismic Refraction, Magnetotelluric, Magnetic, GPR, Gravity, ERT, Electrical Resistivity

  • Coding: MATLAB, Seismic Analysis Code (SAC), GenericMapping Tools (GMT), Mathematica, Python

  • GUI: Esri ArcGIS, ENVI-Geospatial, QGIS, AWK, OpendTect

© 2024 by Anuradha Mahanama, PhD. Powered and secured by Wix

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