Dilani Dissanayake
Birmingham,ALABAMA
Summary
Dedicated Researcher with expertise in advanced cell culture techniques and molecular biology at the Division of Pulmonary/Allergy and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, UAB, Birmingham, AL. Demonstrates a proven ability to lead teams in enhancing scientific integrity through strategic research planning and critical thinking. Proficient in data analysis, fostering innovation and academic growth through collaboration. Aiming to further advance research methodologies and contribute to pioneering studies.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Researcher
Division of Pulmonary/Allergy and Critical care
Birmingham, AL
02.2024 - Current
- Advanced Cell Culture Techniques: Skilled in culturing and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), airway epithelial cells, and the cryopreservation of mammalian cells. Proficient in media preparation and maintaining sterile techniques for optimal cell growth.
- Molecular Biology: Extensive experience in gene editing, PCR, sequencing analysis, genotyping, and other molecular biology assays.
- Flow Cytometry: Expertise in cell sorting and analysis, including the preparation and optimization of protocols.
- Laboratory Management: Efficiently managed lab orders, and data entry to ensure smooth operations, and accurate record-keeping.
- Conducted experiments properly by adhering to health, safety and environmental regulations.
- Entered test data into analysis programs and databases to assess results.
- Managed laboratory teams and delegated tasks to complete experiments.
- Supported organization in maintaining work environment focused on scientific integrity and quality while fostering learning, open communication, collaboration and teamwork.
- Tracked scientific equipment inventories, reported faulty equipment, and ordered new materials.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to design experiments, collect data, and interpret results.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
Laboratory Research Assistant
University Of Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Laboratory Research and Experiments: Conducted advanced experiments in molecular biology, microbiology, and biotechnology, contributing to cutting-edge research initiatives.
- Conducted laboratory experiments in accordance with established protocols.
- Student Mentorship and Supervision: Supervised and guided undergraduate and master’s students in their research projects, fostering skill development and academic growth.
- Teaching and Practical Training: Designed and conducted short practical sessions for undergraduate students, enhancing their hands-on learning experience and understanding of laboratory techniques.
- Utilized advanced statistical techniques to analyze data sets across multiple disciplines.
- Reviewed experimental data to catch potential lab errors and correct mistakes.
- Performed literature reviews to ensure accuracy of results.
- Examined experiment results to identify potential underlying causes for scientific findings.
- Drafted manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Assisted in the design and implementation of experimental protocols.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Laboratory Demonstrator
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Teaching and Instruction: Delivered engaging lectures on molecular biology and microbiology to undergraduate students, ensuring clarity and comprehension of complex concepts.
- Hands-On Practical Training: Designed and conducted practical laboratory sessions, equipping students with essential techniques and fostering a deeper understanding of experimental methodologies in molecular biology and microbiology.
- Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
- Maintained a clean and safe working environment by disposing of hazardous waste properly.
- Received specimens and reviewed for quality, labeling and accessioning,
- Instructed students on proper use of laboratory equipment and techniques.
- Used scientific method to assist colleagues and supervisors with experiments.
- Encouraged an atmosphere of open discussion among students about their experiences in the lab.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka12-2019
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology, Microbiology And Biotechnology
University of Colombo
Sri LankaSkills
- Research processes
- Pattern and trend analysis
- Data assessments
- Method validation
- Research presentation
- Interpreting results
- Effective multitasking
- Digital research tools
- Interpretation of findings
- Fieldwork experience
- Data collection and organization
- Data analysis
- Research planning
- Scientific writing
- Team collaboration
- Documentation expertise
- Qualitative research
- Experiment design
- Sample processing
- Critical thinking
- MS office
Relevent Course Works
- Advanced molecular docking (2021)- Spark Institute of Advanced Science, Kerela, India
- Protein bioinformatics (2022)- Institute of Biology Sri Lanka.
- Phylogenetics (2022)- Institute of Biology Sri Lanka
First Author Publications
- DMDC Dissanayake, WMNH Kumari, NV Chandrasekharan, CD Wijayarathna. Isolation of Heavy Metal Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain TWSL_22 and Evaluation of Heavy Metal Bioremediation Potential of Recombinant E. coli Cloned with isolated cadD. FEMS Microbiology letters. (2023), Vol 370. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnad092
- DMDC Dissanayake, NV Chandrasekharan, CD Wijayarathna. Multi-Metal-Resistant Staphylococcus warneri strain TWSL_1: Revealing Heavy Metal-Resistant Genomic Features via Whole-Genome Sequencing. Access Microbiology (2024). Preprint Published.
Conference Presentations
- DMDC Dissanayake, PMM Priyadarshani, STKK Fernando, NV Chandrasekharan, CD Wijayarathna. Evaluation of Heavy Metal Bioremediation Potential of E. coli BL21 Cloned with cadD and Metallothionein Genes. Proceedings of the International Conference on Environmental Governance (2021), Colombo (Sri Lanka), pp40, ISSN: 2815-035X.
- DMDC Dissanayake, WMAP Ranathunga, WMNH Kumari, NV Chandrasekharan, CD Wijayarathna.Determination of heavy metal tolerance and removal ability of the Staphylococcus sp. TWSL_1 isolated from an industrial effluent. Proceedings of the 15th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (2022), Colombo (Sri Lanka), pp40, ISBN: 978-624-5574-62-9.
- DMDC Dissanayake, M Wachi, NV Chandrasekharan, CD Wijayarathna. Genome sequencing, assembly, annotation, and analysis of a heavy metal resistant Staphylococcus warneri strain TWSL_1. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium (2022), Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, pp291, ISSN: 2815-0481.
- DMDC Dissanayake, DMWD Divisekera, S Hettiarachchi. Investigation of the anti-bacterial activity of Moringa oleifera and assessment as a potential ingredient to increase the shelf life of minimally processed Alternanthera. Proceedings of Rajarata International Research Conference - RIRC 2019. Pp41.
- TVG Lirushie, DMDC Dissanayake, CD Wijayarathna. Use of CadC protein of Bacillus species from industrial effluent for biosensor construction. Proceedings of the 78th Annual Sessions (2022), Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, pp51, ISSN: 1391-023X.
- PM Wijayaweera, CD Wijayarathna, DMDC Dissanayake. Use of cop operon of Staphylococcus epidermidis TWSL_17 in biosensor construction. Proceedings of 1st Ruhuna International Undergraduate Sri Lanka Research Symposium (2022), University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka). Pp41, ISBN: 978-624-5553-34-1.
- NM Wijayawardhana, DMDC Dissanayake, CD Wijayarathna. Evaluation of heavy metal tolerance, metal specificity, and bioremoval capacity of the recombinant bacterial strain constructed with heavy metal resistant cadD gene. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium (2023), Faculty of Science, University of Colombo.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Sinhala
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Researcher
Division of Pulmonary/Allergy and Critical care
02.2024 - Current
Laboratory Research Assistant
University Of Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2020 - 01.2024
Laboratory Demonstrator
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
08.2019 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology, Microbiology And Biotechnology
University of Colombo
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