👋 Hi, my name is
Suchinthaka Wanninayaka
I'm a Ph.D. Candidate & ML Researcher
Passionate Machine Learning researcher with 5+ years of experience in Generative AI, Computer Vision, and Deep Learning. Specialized in image reconstruction, multimodal learning, and Semantic Communication frameworks.
About Me
I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Davis, researching cutting-edge Machine Learning and AI systems. My work focuses on Generative AI, Diffusion Models, and Semantic Communications.
I have a strong track record of designing scalable and efficient AI-driven solutions for visual understanding, image generation, and communication-oriented tasks. My research pushes the boundaries of modern AI through innovative frameworks like Diff-GO, LaMI-GO, and TACO.
When I'm not doing research, I enjoy building full-stack applications and exploring new technologies. Previously, I worked as a Software Engineer at Axiata Digital Labs and Codify Lanka, developing enterprise-grade platforms.
Research Interests
Skills & Technologies
Programming Languages
AI/ML Frameworks
AI/ML Expertise
Development & Infrastructure
Experience
Graduate Student Researcher
University of California, Davis
United States
Leading research on cutting-edge AI/ML systems for semantic communications and generative AI.
- Led research on Federated Learning, Diffusion Models, Vision Transformers, GANs, Image Compression, and Semantic Communications using PyTorch on HPC GPU servers
- Developed innovative frameworks for diffusion-based semantic communication (Diff-GO, Diff-GO+, LaMI-GO, TACO)
- Managing GPU servers to optimize lab computation resources
- Published multiple papers in top-tier venues (IEEE TWC, TNNLS, ICC, GLOBECOM)
Teaching Assistant
University of California, Davis
United States
Assisted in teaching undergraduate courses in electrical and computer engineering.
- Computer Networks
- Introduction to Digital & Analog Systems
- Electronic Circuits and Systems
Software Engineer
Cut+Dry
Sri Lanka
Developed enterprise-grade eCommerce and logistics solutions for the food industry.
- Designed and optimized advanced payment systems for an eCommerce platform, ensuring scalability and efficiency
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance financial operations for a high-impact logistics platform
- Implemented innovative solutions to streamline processes and improve user experience
Software Engineer
Axiata Digital Labs
Sri Lanka
Led development of telecom enterprise solutions.
- Spearheaded the design and implementation of the 'API Catalog' feature for ADL Digital Telco Enabler, enhancing development efficiency
- Delivered scalable backend and frontend solutions for leading telecommunication enterprises, improving strategic decision-making
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment of solutions
Research Internship
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Singapore
Conducted research at the Smart Systems Lab on IoT and Machine Learning.
- Researched IoT and Machine Learning, developing air quality monitors and an IoT gateway with diverse wireless protocols
- Collaborated with a team to analyze data and implement machine learning algorithms for real-time air quality monitoring
- Conducted experiments to optimize sensor placement and data collection methods for improved accuracy
- Presented research findings at industry conferences
Education
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of California, Davis
Sep 2022 - Jun 2026 (Expected)
GPA: 3.91/4.0 - Research focus on Generative AI, Diffusion Models, and Semantic Communications.
M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of California, Davis
Sep 2022 - Sep 2025
GPA: 3.91/4.0
BSc. Engineering (Hons) in Electronic and Telecommunication
University of Moratuwa
Dec 2015 - Jan 2020
GPA: 3.75/4.20 - Specialized in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering.
Projects
Diff-GO: Diffusion Goal-Oriented Communications
A noise-optimized diffusion framework with Noise-Restricted Forward Diffusion (NR-FD) process for ultra-high bandwidth efficiency semantic communication.
Diff-GO+: Enhanced Generative Feedback Framework
Improved semantic image generation quality through local generative feedback (LGF) with dictionary learning for effective noise codebook design.
LaMI-GO: Latent Mixture Integration Framework
Task-driven latent integration using VQ-Diffusion models and VQGAN for ultra-high bandwidth efficiency while maintaining semantic fidelity.
TACO: Task Adaptation and Context Embedding
Vector Quantized VAE for task-driven semantic quantization and imitation learning, improving autonomous driving applications.
Digital Telco Enabler (ADL-DTE)
Led the API Catalog feature design and implementation, improving development efficiency with scalable backend and frontend solutions for telecom enterprises.
CutAndDry Payment System
Robust payment system and reporting tools for a universal eCommerce and logistics platform in the food industry.
Get In Touch
I'm currently open to new opportunities and collaborations. Whether you have a question, want to discuss research, or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out!