Diluka Galappaththige, Ph.D.

Diluka Galappaththige, Ph.D.

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

About Me

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta, Canada. My research focuses on next-generation wireless communication systems, with particular emphasis on bridging communication and sensing technologies for future 6G networks.

I received my Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Southern Illinois University in 2021, where my work explored advanced architectures for wireless systems, including cell-free massive MIMO and intelligent reflective surface-aided communications. Prior to that, I obtained my B.Sc. (First-Class Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

My research combines rigorous mathematical modeling, signal processing, and system-level design to address emerging challenges in wireless networks. I am particularly interested in developing efficient, scalable, and intelligent communication frameworks that support both data transmission and sensing capabilities in future wireless ecosystems.

In addition to research, I am actively involved in mentoring graduate students, contributing to course development, and supporting teaching in areas such as communication systems, signal processing, and engineering mathematics.

Research Interests

My research lies broadly in wireless communications and signal processing, with a focus on enabling technologies for 5G, beyond 5G, and 6G systems. Key areas include:

  • Massive MIMO systems (co-located and cell-free architectures)
  • Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) and near-field ISAC
  • Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)
  • Full-duplex wireless communication
  • Backscatter communication and ultra-low-power Internet of Things (IoT) systems
  • Wireless power transfer and energy harvesting
  • Machine learning for wireless communications
  • Millimeter-wave and terahertz communications

My work aims to unify communication, sensing, and computation into efficient and intelligent wireless systems, paving the way for future smart and connected environments. If you are interested in collaborating on a research project, feel free to contact me at diluka.lg@ualberta.ca.

Career Highlights

  • NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (2024-2026)
    Awarded a highly competitive national fellowship to conduct research on integrating communication and sensing for 6G wireless networks.

  • Extensive Research Contributions
    Authored and co-authored 45+ peer-reviewed publications in leading IEEE journals and conferences, with strong citation impact (h-index 17).

  • Scholarly Leadership & Editorial Roles
    • Associate Editor, IEEE Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Guest Editor for Symmetry and Entropy journals
    • Active reviewer for numerous IEEE journals and conferences
  • Awards & Recognition
    • IEEE Exemplary Reviewer Award (2020, 2021)
    • NSF and institutional travel awards for research dissemination

  • Industry & Collaborative Research Experience
    Contributed to industry-academic collaborations (e.g., Huawei Canada) focused on advancing wireless technologies for 6G systems.

  • Teaching & Mentorship
    Mentored graduate students and supported undergraduate and graduate teaching in communication systems, signal processing, and applied mathematics.