Degradation of bone scaffolds
MPhil thesis: a simulation study of how biodegradable scaffolds degrade in bone tissue engineering, combining hydrolysis, crystallisation and tissue growth in one multiphysics model.
Aeneas Jerron Velu
Physicist, researcher & maker
I simulate how biodegradable medical implants break down inside the body, analyse data for development programmes, and teach people to build things with Arduino, MATLAB and Python. I hold an MPhil in Physics from the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
About
My background is in physics and computer science. My research uses numerical methods (finite difference and finite element) to model how polymer scaffolds degrade while bone tissue grows. Alongside research I have worked as a data analyst and, most recently, as an information management associate with IOM (UN Migration) on the cyclone response in Sri Lanka.
I have tutored IGCSE science and maths since 2013 and run maker workshops for students and educators. I also spent 18 months on a research exchange at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Bergen.
Research
Molecular weight change in polyesters
Computational analysis of how hydrolysis changes molecular weight in biodegradable polyester implants, published in ACS Omega (2024).
Medical image processing
Undergraduate project on identifying lung cancer in CT images using image processing.
Publications & Conferences
Jun 2026
A Unified Multiphysics Model for Degradation of Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, India
2025
Modeling Bone Tissue Growth and Scaffold Degradation Using Wolff’s Law and Reaction-Diffusion Dynamics
Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications, University of Jaffna
Also: Exploring the Effect of Temperature on Poly(Lactic-co-Caprolactone) Degradation (co-author); Portable Solar-Powered Water Purification and Hydrogen Production System (co-author).
2024
Computational Analysis of Biodegradable Polyester Materials for Biomedical Applications
ACS Omega 9 (17), 19108–19116. With P. Thirunavukkarasu, T. Rahman, K. Mustafa, D. Velauthapillai.
Also: Mechanical evolution of tissue engineering scaffolds (Vingnanam Research Conference); Smart Tracking of Plastic Containers for an Efficient Waste Management Future; Gamification of Plastic Waste Management for Behavioral Change (both International Conference on Plastics & Environmental Sustainability).
2023
In Silico Study on Biodegradation and Crystallization of Polymeric Implants
Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, India
2021
Computational Modeling and Simulation Study on Degradation of Scaffolds in Bone Tissue Engineering
Technological Advances in Science, Medicine and Engineering Conference
Experience & Education
Feb – Jun 2026
Information Management Associate, SLSC Sector
International Organization for Migration (UN Migration)
- Updated the ShelterCluster website for the Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah response.
- Coordinated with government, NGO and CSO partners; handled data management, analysis and reporting.
- Built KoboToolbox assessment tools and supported DTM with tool development and data cleaning.
Jul 2024 – Jun 2025
Data Analyst
Institute for Development Research & Training
Managed and analysed project datasets for research and development programmes.
2021 – 2024
Research Assistant
University of Jaffna
Ran numerical and simulation studies for biodegradable medical implants and coordinated academic writing.
2018 – 2021
Teaching Assistant
University of Jaffna & Open University of Sri Lanka
Led physics lab demonstrations, marked reports and supported course delivery.
2019 – 2021
Workshop & Training Facilitator
Taught Arduino, PCB design, MATLAB/SIMULINK and IoT to undergraduates and educators, and ran a Makerspace programme for school students at American Center Colombo.
2013 – present
Tutor
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for IGCSE students.
2021 – 2025
MPhil, Physics
University of Jaffna. Research exchange at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen (Feb 2022 – Aug 2023).
2014 – 2018
BSc, Physics
University of Jaffna
Projects & achievements
Solar water purification and hydrogen system
A compact unit combining a solar still with water electrolysis. Presented at an international conference, 2025.
Smart plastic container tracking
A tracking system for more efficient waste management. Presented at an international conference, 2024.
Reverse vending machine for PET bottles
1st runner-up, Sampath Green Inventor, 2018.
Community and youth work
Youth Forum Member at American Corner Kandy (2021–2022), leading an English-speaking forum. Participant in the National Youth Social Innovation Challenge, 2018.
Skills & Training
Technical skills
- Python, MATLAB, C++, FORTRAN, Java, PHP
- Simulation methods, data analysis, academic writing
- PCB design, Arduino, microcontroller programming
- KoboToolbox, Linux/Unix, web development basics
- Prompt engineering and generative AI tools
Selected certifications
- LK Domain Registry: Database Management Systems & SQL (2026)
- WIPO Academy: IP Training Strategies (2025)
- Google (Coursera): Foundations of Project Management and five AI courses (2025)
- KoboToolbox: Humanitarian Needs Assessment (2025)
- Harvard (edX): Introduction to Probability (2024)
More courses
- Agriculture.lk: Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management (2025)
- UoM CODL: Python for Beginners (2023)
- deeplearning.ai (Coursera): Neural Networks, Project Structuring, Optimization (2022)
- University of Michigan (Coursera): Python Data Structures (2022)
- Duke (Coursera): Data Science Math Skills (2022)
- Harvard (edX): Using Python for Research (2021)
- American Corner Kandy: Cybersecurity, Business English, DynEd (2021)
- American Center Colombo: Makerspace Training (2018)
Contact
Open to research, data and education roles, and to collaborations on simulation and maker projects.