About Us Image

Uthpala is an electrical engineer exploring innovative energy solutions using quantum technology theories at the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University, Australia. Her research, blending electronics, thermodynamics, and quantum physics, focuses on studying nano-scale energy management devices and circuits advised by Prof. Malin Premaratne. Uthpala earned her First Class Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2019 and her PhD in quantum device engineering in 2025. Currently, she is a Research Fellow at Monash University. Before moving to Melbourne, she served as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Peradeniya in power, energy, and high voltage engineering.

Scholarships, Awards & Travel Grants

  • Kathleen Fitzpatrick ARC Fellowship
    Kathleen Fitzpatrick ARC Fellowship PhD Thinker – 2024
    University of South Australia
  • Monash Educator Advancement Program
    Monash Educator Advancement Program – 2024
  • Graduate Research Accommodation Scholarship
    Graduate Research Accommodation Scholarship – 2024
    Monash Residential Services
  • Monash Graduate Scholarship
    Monash Graduate Scholarship & International Tuition Fee Scholarship
  • Short Term Internship Scholarship
    Short Term Internship Scholarship – 2019
    Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thailand
  • Travel Grant – WePower, World Bank Group
    Travel Grant – WePower, World Bank Group Conference – 2019
    Kathmandu, Nepal
  • ADEPT Summer School
    Full Scholarship – ADEPT Summer School 2018
    Shanghai University of Electric Power, China

Professional Experience

  • GWNET
    GWNET – Women in Energy Storage (2020 – 2021)
    Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition
    Mentored by Prof. Ed Brown, Loughborough University, UK
  • Research Intern
    Research Intern (March 2019)
    Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand
    • Conducted experimental research on thermosyphon solar water heaters
    • Devised regression model under supervision of Prof. Bundit Limmeechokchai
  • RMA Pvt Ltd
    Engineering Trainee (Oct 2017 – Jan 2018)
    Resource Management Associates Pvt Ltd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
    • Designed electrical installations for a pediatric ward in Negombo Hospital
  • Greater Kandy Water Supply Project
    Engineering Trainee (Oct 2016 – Jan 2017)
    Greater Kandy Water Supply Project, Katugastota, Sri Lanka
    • Gained knowledge in motor protection and controls
  • Kelenitissa Diesel Power Plant
    Engineering Trainee (Volunteer) (2 weeks, August 2018)
    Kelenitissa Diesel Power Plant, Sri Lanka
    • Prepared technical reports on plant operations
  • Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant
    Trainee (Volunteer) (Nov 2015 – Dec 2015)
    Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, Norochcholai, Sri Lanka
    • Extracted data from P&ID diagrams to develop a computerized equipment management system

Professional Affiliations

  • IEEE
    Graduate Member – IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
    Membership ID: 94131499
  • IESL
    Associate Member – Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL)
    Membership ID: AM-24480
  • BCS
    Student Member – British Computer Society (BCS)
    Membership ID: 990673852