MrsAsha Wijegunawardana

Dr. Asha Wijegunawardana is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Biotechnology who trained in handling all laboratory facilities and techniques related to Molecular Biology and Medical Entomology research work during her tenure as a research carrier. She is passionate to be part of a very small portion of the research community focuses on implementation research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Sri Lanka. Especially she is among the very few working on the vector control research in the field where active disease transmission has been taken place.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Wayamba, Sri Lanka (2001-2006) with a major in Biotechnology and Master of Philosophy degree in Molecular Biology from Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2007 – 2010). In the year 2014, I have registered for my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. My thesis research was supported by funds received through both the WHO/TDR postgraduate research grant and IAEA CRP grant received for the use of sterile insect technique for the control of Aedes mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. I have completed the PhD thesis research in year 2018.

I am currently join into the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, rajarata University of Sri Lanka to advance my professional skills further while utilizing 13+ years professional experience in scientific research and general office administration. I have worked and trained at a range of laboratory facilities from Government University settings in Sri Lanka to large well established International organizations like IAEA, IPCL in Seibersdorf, Austria; Moscamed Brasil; Mahidol University, Thailand. I was trained in handling all laboratory facilities and techniques related to Molecular Biology research work during this tenure of my research carrier.

Specific highlights of my career and professional work include; having of skills required for fulfillment of responsibilities as academic mentor and researcher including sound knowledge of scientific methodologies and techniques which could applied for both plant and food science research, especially with hands on experience with plant tissue culture methods. In addition I have a higher ability of working and communication effectively with a team for the better success of teamwork and the ability to communicate effectively in English.