S. T. Tanushi De Silva

My name is Tanushi De Silva. I’m a Masters by Research student in Mechanical Engineering at RMIT University undertaking a research degree in collaboration with CSIRO. I completed my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree with Monash University (Clayton, Australia) in 2020.

I have an interest in metal additive manufacturing (AM) & engineering project management. I enjoy problem solving and hope to have a career in which I can share my passion & enthusiasm as a mechanical engineer to create positive change.

I’m originally from the small & beautiful island of Mauritius. I came to Melbourne in 2017 to study for a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Monash University and completed my degree with First Class Honours in 2020. Throughout my degree, I had the opportunity to complete several group projects and contribute to two student engineering teams. These collaborative environments stoked my interest in complex problem solving while allowing me to explore various fields of mechanical engineering.

During my free time, I enjoy reading non-fiction, creating digital illustrations, cooking – without trying to burn my kitchen down – and the serenity of the beach.

Portrait of S. T. Tanushi De Silva

Skills

  • Materials & mechanical characterisation
    • Sample preparation for microscopy
    • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
    • Optical microscopy (OM)
    • ASTM Standard Test Methods for powder characterisation of metal powders (Hall flowmeter, Carney flowmeter, Arnold meter)
    • Dynamic flowability testing using a revolution powder analyser
    • Particle size distribution (PSD) measurement using a laser diffraction particle analyser
    • Density measurements
    • Hardness testing
  • Image processing & programming
    • MATLAB
    • ImageJ
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
    • SolidWorks
    • AutoCAD
  • Fabrication of samples using electron beam melting (EBM)

MRes Project

Prior work

  • 2020: Aerodynamics Co.-Lead & Engineer at Monash Human Power (MHP) Team (Monash University, Melbourne)
    • Project description & responsibilities
      • A student engineering subteam tasked with designing & manufacturing a human-powered vehicle
      • Project managed/led a subteam of 6 engineering students
      • Used SolidWorks to create 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) design prototypes for a human-powered bike under multiple design constraints
      • Effective communication, i.e. project documentation, regular interaction with project superiors, collaborator teams, and subordinate students
  • 2020: Undergraduate final year project – Automating the delivery of fluids in a microfluidic chip (Monash University, Melbourne)
    • Project description & responsibilities
      • Designed & tested a system for fully automating fluid flow within a microfluidic chip in order to prevent sample contamination
      • Learnt basic electrical design & schematic development
      • Used Arduino and other electronics (valves, relay modules, transistors) to create circuits
      • Created an interface for users in LabVIEW
  • 2018: Undergraduate Warman Design & Build Challenge 2018 (Monash University, Melbourne)
    • Project description & responsibilities
      • Designed & built an autonomous prototype collection & placement system in a team
      • Teamwork
      • Creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills
      • Designed prototypes using SolidWorks
      • Used hand tools such as drills, jigsaws, and handsaws

Further information

  • Senior Supervisor: Dr Rou Jun Toh (RMIT University)
  • Associate Supervisor: Prof. Ivan Cole (RMIT University)
  • Associate Supervisor: Mr Stefan Gulizia (CSIRO)
  • Associate Supervisor: Dr Christian Doblin (CSIRO)

Discover more

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.