Thurai Rahulan was born in Sri Lanka and graduated in July 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Science from the University of Salford, England. He was awarded a Doctorate degree in July 1984. Thurai commenced full time employment in March 1983 on British Ministry of Defence projects, subsequently moving in January 1988 to Jaguar Cars Limited, Coventry. He returned to Salford University in October 1990 to teach aeronautics, where he is currently a Senior Lecturer.