Mudith Witharama

Hi, I’m Mudith.

PhD student in Electrical & Computer Engineering @ UIUC.

I work on EMI/EMC, electric machines, and electrified transportation. I like to understand fundamentals, de-noise complex systems, and build things that actually move society forward.

EMI / EMC Electric Machines & Drives Power Electronics Transportation Electrification
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Quick snapshot
  • PhD in ECE, UIUC — focusing on EMI in modern motor drive systems.
  • Gold Medalist & most outstanding EE graduate, University of Moratuwa.
  • Winner, IEEE/AIAA ITEC+EATS Electric Aircraft Design Competition 2025.
  • Google Hash Code: #1 in Sri Lanka, #176 worldwide.
What I’m interested in
  • Conducted & radiated EMI in SiC/GaN-based motor drives.
  • High-power-density propulsion for electric aircraft.
  • Optimization & AI for power and transport systems.
  • How countries like Sri Lanka can leapfrog via smart electrification.

Research

A mix of machines, power electronics, optimization, and real infrastructure.

PhD Research @ UIUC
EMI in Wide-Bandgap Motor Drives & Electrified Propulsion

I study how modern SiC/GaN-based motor drives interact with machines and power systems from an EMI/EMC perspective. This includes modeling conducted emissions, understanding parasitic elements, and exploring mitigation strategies relevant for future electric aircraft and high-power-density propulsion.

Keywords: EMI/EMC, LISN measurements, dv/dt filters, wide-bandgap devices, electric propulsion.

Selected Publications
  • Advanced Genetic Algorithm for Optimal Microgrid Scheduling Considering Solar and Load Forecasting, Battery Degradation, and Demand Response Dynamics — IEEE Access, 2024.
  • Optimal Scheduling of a Solar-Powered Microgrid Using ML-Based Solar and Load Forecasting — IEEE World AI IoT Congress, 2023.
  • Challenges and Opportunities for Introducing End-to-End Electricity Market in Sri Lanka — National Symposium of Power Sector Reforms, 2023.

Full list on Google Scholar.

Projects

A few things I’ve built or worked on that I keep coming back to.

AI-driven Microgrid Scheduling
Genetic Algorithm + ML Forecasting · University of Moratuwa

Developed an AI-assisted day-ahead optimal scheduling framework for a campus microgrid using LightGBM-based solar/load forecasting and a tailored genetic algorithm. The proposed dispatch strategy reduced electricity costs while accounting for battery degradation.

Electric Vehicle Routing for Last-mile Delivery
Genetic Algorithm · Sri Lankan Urban Context

Modeled and optimized low-range EV fleets for grocery delivery, exploring feasibility and routing strategies under local constraints and infrastructure realities.

Optimal Power Flow with Graph Neural Networks
IEEE 30 & 130 Bus Systems

Implemented a GNN-based model to approximate AC optimal power flow solutions, aiming to reduce computation time while respecting system constraints.

[Placeholder] EMI Lab & Measurement Work

This section is for your ongoing EMI lab setups, pre-compliance testing, and measurement campaigns at UIUC. Add photos, short descriptions, and links once they’re public.

Contact

Open to conversations on EMI, electric transportation, strategy, or building things for Sri Lanka and beyond.