Doctoral Researcher · Machine Perception & Neurocinematics
I study how audiences perceive and feel film, using deep learning, neuroscience and film theory.
PhD researcher at Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University. Before academia I wrote, directed and edited short films; that practice now shapes how I model shot composition, pacing and sound, and how I read viewers’ neural responses to storytelling. I also teach as an Associate Tutor and support STEM outreach across Wales.
Publications
2026 · Poster
Evaluating AI Models against Neural Spectatorship: A Case Study of Mr. Bean
Senal Dharmasiri
BAFTSS Conference 2026
2025 · Under review
Threat, Trust & Curiosity: Exploring the Role of Emotional User Interfaces in Shaping Perceptions around Online Security
Linda Mohaisen, Senal Dharmasiri, Fiona Carroll, Sabeen Tahir
2025 · Under review
Towards Emotional Interfaces: An EEG Dataset for Human–Computer Interaction Research
Linda Mohaisen, Senal Dharmasiri, Fiona Carroll, Sabeen Tahir
In preparation
Why Are Audiences Moved by Film? Learning Shared Patterns of Audience Engagement from Content Features
Senal Dharmasiri, Wai Keung Fung, Shadan Khan Khattak, Esyin Chew
In preparation
Cross-Species Brain-to-Brain Communication: A Systematic Review of Interfaces Linking Distinct Biological Nervous Systems
Senal Dharmasiri
2019 · Conference paper
Computational Intelligence for Filmmaking
Senal Dharmasiri, Gihan Herath
Annual International Research Symposium (AiRS), ICBT
Research projects
2023 – 2027 · PhD research · Cardiff Met
Predictive Modelling of Cinematic Spectatorship
Modelling how audiences perceive and respond to film by combining deep learning, neural measures and film theory, including the BAFTSS 2026 study of AI models against neural spectatorship.
Supervisors: Dr Shadan Khan Khattak, Dr Wai Keung Fung
2022 · MSc research · Eureka Robotics Centre
Autonomous Drone Cinematography
MSc dissertation and internship applying autonomous drones to cinematography at Cardiff Met’s Eureka Robotics Centre.
Supervisors: Dr Esyin Chew, Dr Chow Sing Sia
2019 · BSc research
Computational Intelligence for Filmmaking
Bachelor’s dissertation on computational intelligence in filmmaking, presented at the Annual International Research Symposium (AiRS) 2019.
Supervisor: Mr Gihan Herath
2025 · British Council · Research Assistant
Empowering Handloom Artistry
A digital approach to globalising Sri Lanka’s heritage handloom industry, presented in the Threaded Heritage exhibition. Announcement
Team: Prof Chaminda Hewage, Dr Sumith Gopura, Dr Tharindu Gunawardena
2023 – 2024 · British Council · Research Assistant
Data Fusion Dynamics
A UK–Saudi collaboration in cybersecurity and AI, funded by the UK–Saudi Challenge Fund. Research Features
PI: Dr Sabeen Tahir. Co-Is: Dr Fiona Carroll, Dr Sheikh Tahir, Dr Linda Mohaisen, Dr Reem Moteab Alotaibi, Prof Roberto Di Pietro
UK Community Renewal Fund
Digital Technology Learning Support Network
DTLSN, a Cardiff Met and Swansea University project. Website
PI: Dr Fiona Carroll. Co-Is: Dr Chaminda Hewage, Prof Faron Moller
Also a Research Assistant on a cryopreservation project led by Dr Barry L. Bentley.
Experience
Associate Tutor
Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University
2023 – present
Research Assistant
Empowering Handloom Artistry · Data Fusion Dynamics (British Council)
2023 – 2025
Lecturer in Computing
Coleg Penybont, Bridgend College
2021 – 2022
Intern
Eureka Robotics Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University
2020 – present
IEEE
Social Media Manager
IEEE RiTA 2020, Robot Intelligence Technology and Applications
2020
VLM
Associate Director, Creative Services
Vision Link Media
2016 – 2019
Intern Editor
TVT, The Video Team, Sri Lanka
Also a STEM Ambassador, delivering workshops at Coleg Penybont and Ysgol Nantgwyn.
Education
PhD (in progress), Cardiff Metropolitan University
Predictive Modelling of Cinematic Spectatorship
2023 – 2027
MSc Information Technology, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Autonomous Drone Cinematography
2020 – 2022
BSc
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
Computational Intelligence for Filmmaking
2016 – 2019
Certificate in Psychology
American College of Higher Education
2016 – 2019
ISBT
HND Computer Science and HND Information Technology
International School of Business & Technology
2015
Memberships
- British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies (BAFTSS) · 2024–present
- IEEE Member · 2026–present
- IEEE Computational Intelligence Society · 2026–present
- IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society · 2026–present
Training & certifications
- BCI & Neurotechnology Spring School · 2024
- MathWorks MATLAB, Machine Learning and Deep Learning Onramps
- Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials
- Artificial Intelligence Foundations: Machine Learning; Tableau Essential Training (NASBA)
- Fundamentals of Digital Marketing; Digital Citizenship and Safety (Google)
Collaborate with me
Interested in the science behind film, perceptual AI or EEG research? Reach me through any of these profiles.
My startup · Founder
Sensiv Cinematics
The science of emotion, the art of cinema.
I founded Sensiv Cinematics to take my neurocinematics research out of the lab and into production. The London studio pairs audience testing with EEG, heart rate, skin response and eye tracking with full picture and sound post-production, so edits, grades and sound design are guided by how audiences actually respond.
- Neurocinematic testing: measure moment-by-moment engagement while audiences watch
- Post-production: editorial, colour, sound design and finishing
- Recut and re-test: confirm changes lift emotional response before release
Other work
Books on Kindle
Books by Senal Rashantha Dharmasiri, available on Amazon Kindle.
Cardiff Metropolitan University shield: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
