Thiruni Thirimanne is a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Bruce MacVicar. Her research focuses on modelling and spatial analysis of erosion sensitivity in urban and rural landscapes, with an emphasis on how urbanization and climate variability influence watershed hydrology, sediment

transport, and river stability. Using geographic information

systems (GIS) and Python-based analytical tools, she develops

computational approaches to evaluate erosion risk and support

sustainable watershed management. Her work aims to improve

predective understanding of how changing landscapes influence 

river processes and channel responses. ​ 

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Thiruni’s work sits at the intersection of hydrology, hydraulic

engineering, and fluvial geomorphology, examining how urban

development alters sediment dynamics and channel morphology

in river systems. Through a combination of spatial modelling,

geomorphic assessment, and field-based observations, she

investigates how rivers respond to changing watershed conditions and how these responses can inform more effective management and restoration strategies. She is also interested in the policy dimensions of watershed management and in strengthening the connection between scientific research, decision making, and the communities that live alongside urban waterways. Outside of research, she enjoys spending time outdoors, baking, playing badminton, and doing pottery. 

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