Dr. Waruna Kulatilaka is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research interests are centered on advanced optical and laser-based diagnostics and imaging in chemically reacting flows such as combustion, propulsion, and energetics systems as well as plasma applications. In recent years, he has made significant contributions to the development of ultrafast-laser-based, multi-photon imaging techniques for highly reactive chemical species. He is also widely experienced in range of optical diagnostic techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), Raman spectroscopy, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), polarization spectroscopy and various wave-mixing techniques. Dr. Kulatilaka has published nearly 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and presented his work at over 125 national and international conferences including invited talks at numerous venues. Prior to his current appointment, he was a Senior Research Scientist/Contractor at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFRL-WPAFB), OH. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and completed a postdoctoral research term at the Combustion Research Facility at Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA. Dr. Kulatilaka is active in numerous professional organizations, including American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME, Fellow), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA, Associate Fellow), Optical Society of America (OSA, Senior Member), The Combustion Institute (Board Member–Central States Section), American Physical Society (APS, member), Society of Applied Spectroscopy (SAS, member) and American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE, member). He was awarded the 2012 Outstanding Technical Contribution Award from the Dayton Section of the ASME and was named one of Dayton’s 40 Super Achievers Under 40 in 2013.