Kasun Dilshan Abeyrathne Eluwawalage
Newark,DE
Summary
Ph.D. Candidate in biochemistry specializing in protein purification and biochemical assay development. Proficient in enzymology, mass spectrometry, and RNA modifications with a strong background in high-throughput purification and kinetic assay design. Demonstrated ability in oligonucleotide synthesis and method optimization, consistently delivering high-quality results and advancing scientific innovation.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
08.2022 - Current
- Purify proteins using AKTA chromatography systems, optimizing affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography protocols for high-purity yields.
- Design, develop, and execute biochemical and enzymatic assays to study enzyme kinetics, inhibitor/activator mechanisms, and small molecule interactions.
- Conduct mass spectrometry analyses (Agilent Infinity 1290 LC-MS) for protein, oligonucleotide, and small molecule characterization.
- Synthesize and purify DNA, RNA, and chemically modified RNA oligonucleotides using the Mermade 4 oligosynthesizer.
- Develop and optimize HPLC methods for analytical and preparative separations.
- Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines for biochemical experimentation and transfection studies.
- Mentored three rotation students and currently mentoring an undergraduate student in research projects, experimental design, and technical skills development.
- Assisted with the design of experiments, study protocols, and data collection methods.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Led undergraduate laboratory sessions (General Chemistry 103, Bioorganic Chemistry 106) emphasizing safe lab practices, experimental techniques, and critical analysis.
- Provided personalized mentorship, held office hours, and assessed coursework to support academic growth and student engagement.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Conducted laboratory demonstrations and mentored third-year undergraduates majoring in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
- Provided assessment support, assignment guidance, and skill development training.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Biochemistry
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware04.2025
Bachelor of Science - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
University of Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka01.2019
Skills
- Protein purification
- Enzyme kinetics and assays
- Biochemical and biophysical assays
- Mass spectrometry
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Data analysis
- Mentoring students
- Problem solving
- Team mentorship
Projects
- Characterizing the selectivity, substrate recognition, and function of Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO)
- Identifying the potential interaction partners of Fat mass and obesity-associated protein
Accomplishments
- Elizabeth Dyer Award for Excellence in Teaching
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Delaware
08.2022 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Delaware
08.2021 - 08.2022
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Colombo
01.2020 - 01.2021
Doctor of Philosophy - Biochemistry
University of Delaware
Bachelor of Science - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
University of Colombo
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