I’m currently a Doctoral student at Cardiff School of Technologies, diving deep into Machine Perception and ‘Neurocinematics’. Here, I share my research journey, projects, and the insights that drive my academic adventure.”
My current research integrates deep learning, neuroscience, and film theory to study how we perceive, interpret, and emotionally respond to films.
Before academia, I spent several years making short films, writing, directing, and editing projects myself. This hands-on experience showed me the importance of shot composition, pacing, and sound design. Now, these insights inform my research, helping me understand how computational models can reflect creative choices and how neural responses can uncover our subconscious reactions to storytelling.
Outside the lab, I serve as an Associate Tutor and promote STEM through community outreach activities across Wales. If you’re curious about the science behind your favourite film scenes or interested in collaborating on perceptual AI, please feel free to get in touch!
Publications
Linda Mohaisen, Senal Dharmasiri, Fiona Carrol, Sabeen TahirThreat, Trust & Curiosity: Exploring the Role of Emotional User Interfaces in Shaping Perceptions around Online Security
Manuscript Submitted 2025
Linda Mohaisen, Senal Dharmasiri, Fiona Carrol, Sabeen TahirTowards Emotional Interfaces: An EEG Dataset for Human–Computer Interaction Research
Manuscript Submitted 2025
Senal Dharmasiri, Gihan HerathComputational Intelligence for Filmmaking (Conference Paper) – AiRS 2019
ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 2019 (ICBT)
Senal Dharmasiri
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FILM, TELEVISION & SCREEN STUDIES CONFERENCE 2026
Senal DharmasiriCross-Species Brain-to-Brain Communication: A Systematic Review of Interfaces Linking Distinct Biological Nervous Systems
In Preparion
Senal Dharmasiri, Wai Keung Fung, Shadan Khan Khattak, Esyin ChewWhy Audiences are moved by film? Learning Shared Patterns of Audience Engagement from Content features ”
In Preparation
Explore My Work
Projects
These are some of the upcoming events.
Empowering Handloom Artistry: A Digital Approach to Globalize the Heritage Handloom Industry in Sri Lanka
(2025)
Data Fusion Dynamics: A Collaborative UK-Saudi Initiative in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
(2024)
Empowering Handloom Artistry: A Digital Approach to globalize the Heritage Handloom Industry in Sri Lanka (2025)
More Info:
Data Fusion Dynamics: A Collaborative UK-Saudi Initiative in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
Funded by Application for UK- Saudi Challenge Fund, British Council. PI: Dr.Sabeen Tahir (Cardiff Met University), Co-In: Dr. Sheikh Tahir (Cardiff Met University), Dr. Fiona Carroll (Cardiff Met University), Dr. Reem Moteab Alotaibi (King Abdulaziz University), Dr. Linda Mohaisen (King Abdulaziz University)and Prof Roberto Di Pietro (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KAUST).
More Info:
DTLSN – Digital Technology Learning Support Network
More Info:
HND Computer Science
International School of Business & Technology
Certificate in Psychology
Associate Tutor – Cardiff School of Technologies (2023- Present)
Research Assistant (2025)
Empowering Handloom Artistry: A Digital Approach to globalize the Heritage Handloom Industry in Sri Lanka (2025)
Prof. Chaminda Hewage, Dr. Sumith Gopura, Dr. Tharindu Gunawardena
Research Assistant (2023 – 2024)
Data Fusion Dynamics: A Collaborative UK-Saudi Initiative in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Linda Mohaisen, Dr.Sabeen Tahir, Dr. Fiona Carroll, Dr. Sheikh Tahir, Dr. Reem Moteab Alotaibi, Prof Roberto Di Pietro
Lecturer in Computing – Bridgend College (2021-2022)
Intern – Eureka Robotics Centre (2020 – Present)
Msc. Internship – Autonomous drones Cinematography(2022)
- Supervisor – Dr. Esyin Chew, Dr. Chow Sing Sia
STEM Ambassador – Workshop at Coleg Penybont | Bridgend College
STEM Ambassador – Ysgol Nantgwyn, organised by First Campus in collaboration with Eureka Robotics center.
Social Media Manager – The 8th IEEE International Conference on RiTA – Robot Intelligence Technology and Applications (2020)
Associate Director – Creative Services – Vision Link Media (2016-2019)
Intern – Editor – TVT Sri Lanka
Reading for PhD
Predictive Modeling Cinematic Spectatorship
Msc. Information Technology (Internship)
Internship – Eureka Robotics Centre
Supervisor – Dr. Esyin Chew
Bsc. (Hons) Software Engineering
Supervisor – Mr. Gihan Herath
HND Information Technology
HND Computer Science
International School of Business & Technology
Certificate in Psychology
IEEE Membership (102524476)
IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Membership
IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society Membership
- BCI & Neurotechnology Spring School 2024
- MATLAB Onramp
- MATLAB Machine Learning Onramp
- MATLAB Deep Learning Onramp
- Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials Course – Cisco Networking Academy
- Artificial Intelligence Foundations : Machine Learning – NASBA
- Tableau Essential Training – NASBA
- The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing – Google
- Digital Citizenship and Safety Course _ Google
Senal Dharmasiri 