AYANTHI THISERA

• Member of metals and composites processing group.
• Utilizes microscopy techniques to understand structure-function relationship of alloys.
• Projects: Understanding structure-function relationship of laser-treated Al alloys, Development of Niobium Based Alloys for Turbine Applications: Microscopy characterization.

• Microscopy imaging, analysis, and data interpretation to draw inferences and conclusions in several projects.
• Successfully used Vienna Ab-initio simulation package to conduct DFT calculations.
• Mentored graduate students.
• Identified sources and submitted successful research user proposals to national labs.

• Worked as a lead TA in organic chemistry laboratory and a TA in general chemistry laboratory for undergraduates
• Actively engaged in supporting teaching coordinator in implementing rigorous teaching and learning experiences.

• Research Projects: Understanding the diffusion and dissolution mechanisms of metals on/into metal oxides using real-time in-situ TEM heating., Real-time atomistic imaging of reactor material corrosion under fusion-relevant conditions.
• Extracurricular Activities: Secretary of big blue toastmasters club (2021), Vice president of membership of big blue toastmasters club (2022), Secretary of Sri Lankan student association at the university of Kentucky (2022), Social chair of Microscopy Society of America student council.

• Awards

1. Research Award issued by Graduate Student Congress.

2. Max Steckler Fellowship 2020, Outstanding oral qualifier award.

3. 2023 Microscopy and Microanalysis student scholar award.

• Dissertation: Slow-release fertilizers: Development and fertilizer nutrient leaching and mobility.