NIROODHA R. PITAWELA
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
I possess significant expertise in natural products chemistry, particularly in analytical measurements encompassing mass spectrometry and chromatography. The published research in esteemed scientific journals is a testament to my adeptness in data analysis. Proficient in articulating intricate scientific principles and leveraging practical communication skills to convey information with clarity and precision and through practical experimentation, consistently yielding pioneering outcomes. An established record as a mentor and collaborator within multifaceted team environments underscores the capacity to inspire and contribute to impactful results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant/Former Lab Manager
University of Cincinnati
01.2021 - Current
- Developed advanced methodologies, such as flow chemistry, to achieve precise natural products.
- Conducted laboratory experiments over seven years with undergraduate researchers and colleagues, enhancing their practical understanding.
- Established four collaborations to analyze and understand the ultrafast dynamics of chromophores.
- Explored relationships between molecular aromaticity and reactivity of excited states, resulting in a peer-reviewed publication.
- Managed the laboratory as the Group Manager, facilitating effective communication, leading literature discussions and research meetings over two semesters, and ensuring compliance with lab safety standards.
NSF Research Fellow
University of Iowa
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Collaborated closely with Prof. Scott Shaw to research charge transfer processes with diverse applications in heterogeneous electrocatalysis, batteries, and electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs).
- Explored the potential of Ionic Liquids (ILs) as alternatives to conventional solvents, emphasizing their wide electrochemical stability windows, non-volatility, non-flammability, and high thermal stability.
- Conducted comprehensive electrochemical experiments, explicitly focusing on capacitance measurements to analyze the electrochemical double layer (EDL) structure of ILs. Notably, we uncovered a significant finding: the elongation of alkyl chains in imidazolium-based ionic liquids resulted in higher viscosities, capacitance, lower diffusion coefficients, and electrical conductivities.
- Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- Led organizing research update meetings, developed experimental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and managed the laboratory chemical inventory system.
- Mentored junior researchers, guiding study design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Post-undergraduate Research Intern
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Contributed to developing a low-cost paper-based microfluidic impedimetric device for the selective detection of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in hard water.
- Demonstrated practical applications of scientific methodologies and successfully achieved a cost-effective solution for water hardness detection.
- Collaborative research led to the creation of a novel detection device and a publication showcasing our innovative approach.
Undergraduate Research Intern
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Developed novel extraction techniques to isolate essential oils from natural products efficiently
- Established a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in natural perfume production and the practical aspects of consumer product research.
- Consumer satisfaction with the products was evaluated using over 100 users.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
The University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH05.2026
Master of Science - Analytical Chemistry
The University of Iowa
Iowa, IA05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Special
University of Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka02.2015
Skills
- Self-Directed and Motivated
- Strong Work Ethic
- Analytical measurements (ie mass spectrometry and chromatography)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Research design and quantitative analysis
- Best manufacturing practices
- Hands-on experiment work
- Project Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Laboratory Equipment and Maintenance
- Inventory and Supply Management
- Lab Safety
- Mentor for undergraduates and graduates
- Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Websites
Awards/honors/professional affiliations
- IRIS Graduate Research Fellow, 2024, Awarded to graduate students for advanced professional training and interdisciplinary collaboration to address challenges in sensing and perception.
- H. Brian Halsall Award, 2024, To a graduate student in their third year or beyond to promote and encourage perseverance and dedication to the field of chemistry.
- Chemistry Doctoral Enhancement Fellowship, 2023, To an outstanding graduate student to support recent accomplishments to date and future research potential.
- GSG Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award, 2023, For researchers who have an applied research or innovation focus.
- Proctor and Gamble Best Student Poster, 2022, For concise, innovative research presented during the Oesper Symposium Poster Session, University of Cincinnati.
- The American Chemical Society (ACS) Member, 2018
- Peer Reviewer, ACS Omega, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology
Publications and Selected Presentations
- Aromaticity of the Triplet States of Corannulene and Coronene, Govorov, D.; Pitawela, N. R.; Gudmundsdottir, A. D. J. Phys. Org. Chem, 2022, 36, 1, e4464
- A low-cost paper-based microfluidic impedimetric device for the detection of water hardness, Pitawela, N. R.; M. N. Kaumal. Indo. J. Pure App. Chem, 2021, 4, 3, 116-123
- Imidazolium triflate Ionic Liquids' capacitance-potential relationships and transport properties affected by cation chain lengths, Pitawela, R. Niroodha.; Scott, K. Shaw. ACS Meas. Sci. Au, 2021, 1, 3, 117-130
- Capacitive hysteresis effects in ionic liquids: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate on polycrystalline gold electrode, Pitawela, R. Niroodha.; Scott, K. Shaw. J.Electrochem. Soc, 2021, 68, 4, 46510
- Does molecular curvature affect molecular photodynamics?, Poster presentation at ACS National Conference, San Diego, CA, 2022
- Photophysics of Coronene and Corannulene in Solution and Crystals at Ambient Temperature. Oral presentation at NOBCChE National Conference, Orlando, FL, 2024
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant/Former Lab Manager
University of Cincinnati
01.2021 - Current
NSF Research Fellow
University of Iowa
01.2017 - 01.2021
Post-undergraduate Research Intern
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2016 - 01.2017
Undergraduate Research Intern
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2014 - 01.2015
Master of Science - Analytical Chemistry
The University of Iowa
Ph.D. - Chemistry
The University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Special
University of Colombo
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