Biotechnologist | FHEA (UKPSF) | Graduate Research Scholar at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

As an interdisciplinary biotechnology scientist, I proudly hold the esteemed title of Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA) Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). With a rich background spanning Agricultural Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Multi-Omics (including Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Transcriptomics), along with expertise in Design and Analysis of Experiments and Statistical Data Analysis, my contributions to the field are multifaceted.

Beyond the confines of traditional research and development, I am a catalyst for positive change, an innovator, and a voracious learner with diverse interests across applied biotechnology. My fervor lies in leveraging Biotechnology applications to propel R&D forward, particularly in the realms of biosecurity and the intersection of science and management.

Demonstrating adaptability through a track record of success across various roles in biotech and life sciences research, I specialize in fostering R&D infrastructures that empower organizations to unlock their full potential, aligning their efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering innovation.

I eagerly anticipate engaging in multidisciplinary research collaborations where I can contribute as an inventive and resourceful scientist. Moreover, I am deeply committed to championing the effective integration of science into policy directives and management strategies, ensuring readiness to meet the evolving needs of our global community.

Education

Ph.D. (Biochem.) | The University of Western Australia, Australia | (2017-2020)

Thesis: Unravelling the underlying components of autophagy-mediated photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana.

I completed the experiments at three research laboratories:

The University of Western Australia: LC-MS/MS Proteomics: targeted and shotgun, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Isotope labelling, Metabolomics

The Australian National University: NGS– RNASeq, Bioinformatics

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research: Microscopic studies

M.Sc. Agric. (Plant Molecular Biology) | The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel | (2014-2016)

Thesis: Analysis of constitutively Active PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE1/ PYR1 LIKE (PYL) receptors in the early development of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Side Project: Identifying the function and biological role of novel protein (ABA receptor-like protein) and its interactor proteins by Y2H screen with Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA library.

B.Sc. Agric. (Hons) [Biotechnology] | Wayamba University of Sri Lanka | (2008-2012)

Research Project: Screening of traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties for salt tolerance and molecular genetic screening of fragrant gene (badh2.1).

In-Plant Training: Application of Biotechnology in Intra Cellular Pathogen Diagnostic of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in Sri Lanka.