Tharake Wijenayake

Tharake Wijenayake is a Quantitative Analyst at Zacks Investment Management in Chicago, IL, where he develops and implements quantitative models to support investment strategies. His work involves rigorous data analysis and statistical forecasting, directly contributing to portfolio construction and risk management for client portfolios. He is focused on applying mathematical models to the selection and allocation of equities, often within the large-cap and multi-asset sectors typical of Zacks Investment Management’s research-driven approach.

Dr. Wijenayake joined Zacks Investment Management in 2017, building on an extensive research background that includes a postdoctoral researcher role and research assistant positions at the University of Texas at Dallas. There, he specialized in quantitative modeling, computational methods, and advanced data analytics, which provided foundational techniques for financial market analysis and algorithmic investment processes.

He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Peradeniya. Dr. Wijenayake leverages his expertise in quantitative analytics and scientific computing to drive systematic investment solutions, with a particular emphasis on equity markets and quantitative risk assessment.