Kurupanawa Gamage Sajani Nisalka Yasarathna
Research Assistant
- From a young age, I was always curious about how the world around me worked, especially the tiny, invisible molecules that shape everything we see, touch, and feel. This curiosity led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where I’ve had the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of molecules, reactions, and discoveries that could one day change lives.
My academic journey has not been confined to classrooms. I was selected for an international exchange program with Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Germany, where I was introduced to global perspectives in science and research. I’ve also conducted hands-on research on the synthesis of bioactive natural products, with a particular focus on essential oils, green chemistry approaches, and computational chemistry.
Beyond the lab, I’m passionate about using artificial intelligence and cheminformatics to accelerate drug discovery, areas I believe represent the future of science and healthcare. I’ve volunteered in leadership and educational outreach roles through AIESEC and The Chemical Society, where I’ve mentored and organized programs for younger students, which helped me realize how much I enjoy inspiring others to fall in love with science the way I did.
I’m excited to guide the next generation of curious minds, helping them not only learn but also imagine how they can use science to make the world a better place.
- Universities attended -
- Justus Liebig University Giessen Justus Liebig University Giessen Virtual International Program - Virtual Semester Abroad, Chemistry
- University of Colombo University of Colombo Bachelor of Science - BS, Chemistry
- Preferred format of mentorship - I have flexible availability throughout the week and can adjust my schedule as needed. I’m happy to accommodate sessions on weekdays and weekends depending on the students’ needs.
- Time zone - SLST
- Your general weekly avability for sessions - I have flexible availability throughout the week and can adjust my schedule as needed. I’m happy to accommodate sessions on weekdays and weekends depending on the students’ needs.
- Any additional information you’d like to share with us? -
- Currently I am full time employed, but I am considering transitioning to this role, depending on the offer, work conditions and how the work is organized.
- Brief Summary of Your Research Interests.
- My research interests lie at the intersection of green chemistry, sustainable organic synthesis, and natural product chemistry, with a particular focus on the application of essential oils and photochemical reactions such as singlet oxygen processes. I am also deeply interested in solar energy applications, sustainable energy materials, and water treatment technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, I have a strong focus on toxicity testing using model organisms (e.g., zebrafish) and the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques for chemical analysis. My growing interests in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, and artificial intelligence in drug discovery reflect my desire to integrate technology with traditional chemistry to accelerate innovation and impact.
- Please describe your past experience mentoring or teaching students.
- I have experience mentoring and teaching students through my involvement with AIESEC and The Chemical Society (ChemSoc) at the University of Colombo. In AIESEC, I helped guide and prepare young graduates for international teaching opportunities by conducting interviews, providing training, and supporting them throughout the process. As part of ChemSoc, I participated in outreach programs to teach schoolchildren basic chemistry concepts and spark their interest in science through interactive sessions. These experiences have strengthened my communication, leadership, and mentoring skills, and have deepened my passion for inspiring the next generation of learners and researchers.
- List 3–5 example project ideas students could pursue with your guidance.
- Exploring the Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils: Extract and test different essential oils to evaluate their effectiveness against common bacteria.
- Green Synthesis of Natural Products: Investigate eco-friendly methods to synthesize simple organic compounds using sustainable reagents.
- Modeling Molecular Interactions Using Computational Chemistry: Use beginner-friendly software to visualize how molecules interact, helping predict properties of natural compounds.
- Studying the Effect of Light on Chemical Reactions: Perform simple photochemical experiments to observe how light influences reaction rates or product formation.
- Assessing Water Quality Using Natural Indicators: Collect local water samples and analyze their quality using natural chemical indicators and simple testing methods.
- What types of final deliverables can your students expect to produce?
- Research paper
- Literature review
- Data analysis report
- Podcast or video
- Presentation or oral defense
- Any additional project themes, trending ideas, or real-world challenges you’d love to explore with motivated high school students?
- Developing biodegradable materials to reduce plastic waste Investigating natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides or fertilizers Exploring battery materials and energy storage solutions for a greener future Studying the impact of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems using bioassays Using machine learning to predict the properties of new chemical compounds
- 🗣️ Communication & Presentation
- Academic writing (papers, reports)
- Public speaking / oral presentations
- Creating research posters or infographics
- Storytelling through data
- Making a compelling final product (website, video, podcast, app)
- 🔍 Research & Inquiry Skills
- Formulating research questions
- Conducting literature reviews
- Identifying credible sources
- Understanding academic research structures (papers, abstracts, citations)
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- 🧠 Critical Thinking & Analysis
- Analyzing arguments and data
- Identifying biases and limitations
- Drawing logical conclusions
- Evaluating conflicting evidence
- 📊 Quantitative & Qualitative Methods
- Designing experiments or surveys
- Statistical analysis
- Data visualization
- Interview techniques and thematic coding (qualitative)
- 🎨 Creativity & Problem-Solving
- Brainstorming innovative solutions
- Connecting interdisciplinary ideas
- Applying knowledge to real-world challenges
- 📅 Project Management & Organization
- Setting research goals and timelines
- Managing independent work
- Documenting progress
- Revising based on feedback
- 🤝 Collaboration & Mentorship
- Working in small research teams
- Engaging in intellectual discussions
- Receiving and applying constructive feedback
- Building research confidence and autonomy