About
Hey! I’m Vikum.
I’m a mathematics researcher and educator at Clemson University, where I’m continuing doctoral study in Mathematical Sciences. I’m interested in combinatorics, discrete dynamical systems, graph theory, and cryptography, and I use Python to explore examples, visualize patterns, and test conjectures.
I made this site to bring together my research, teaching, and the mathematical ideas I’m working on.
University
I earned my M.S. in Mathematical Sciences at Clemson University in December 2025. My research focuses on combinatorics and discrete dynamics, and my graduate studies have also covered probability, stochastic processes, and optimization.
Before Clemson, I completed my B.Sc. (Honours) in Mathematics at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in September 2022, with a minor in Physics.
View selected university coursework
Clemson University
- Probability and Stochastic Processes
- Data Analysis and Matrix Analysis
- Mathematical Programming
- Advanced Linear Programming
- Discrete Optimization
- Network Flow Programming
- Abstract Algebra I
- Abstract Algebra II
- Introduction to Dynamical Systems Theory
- Combinatorial Analysis
- Cryptography
- Theory of Graphs
- Master's Project Course
University of Peradeniya
- Linear Algebra
- Real Analysis
- Probability Theory
- Financial Mathematics
- Basic Life Sciences (Foundation Course)
- Computer Applications (Foundation Course)
- Basic English (Foundation Course)
- Vector Methods
- Differential Equations
- Abstract Algebra I
- General Physics I
- General Physics II
- Introduction to Probability Theory
- Classical Mechanics
- Real Analysis II
- Real Analysis III
- Mathematical Methods
- Mathematical Modelling
- Graph Theory
- Vibrations and AC Theory
- Groups, Rings and Fields
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Classical Mechanics II
- Numerical Analysis I
- Introductory Solid State Physics
- Differential Geometry
- Partial Differential Equations
- Group Theory
- Complex Analysis I
- Number Theory
- Combinatorics
- Topology II
- Independent Study/Project Work
Research
Bulgarian solitaire with distinguishable cells
Working with Dr. Svetlana Poznanović, I study what happens when we track individual cells in Bulgarian solitaire. A configuration can return to its original shape before its labeled cells return to their original positions. Our coauthored preprint connects these movements with Ferrers diagrams, permutation cycles, and periodic orbit lengths.
Cryptography and graph theory
At the University of Peradeniya, I worked with Dr. Rajitha Ranasinghe on encryption constructions based on Collatz sequences and graph labeling. I implemented proposed encryption and decryption algorithms in Python and coauthored the following papers:
Teaching
Graduate Teacher of Record — Clemson University
January 2025–Present
I teach Business Calculus I (MATH 1020), explaining mathematical concepts and their applications in business.
Graduate Teaching Assistant — Clemson University
August 2023–December 2024
I supported courses in precalculus, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.
Demonstrator — University of Peradeniya
September 2022–April 2023
I worked as a Demonstrator at the University of Peradeniya, supporting undergraduate teaching.
Alongside my academic work, I’m interested in applying mathematical and computational methods to quantitative research in financial markets.
Contact
I welcome conversations about mathematics, research, teaching, and computational projects. You can reach me at vbandar@clemson.edu.