NIROODHA R. PITAWELA
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Possesses significant expertise in natural products chemistry, particularly in analytical measurements encompassing mass spectrometry and chromatography. Published research in esteemed scientific journals serves as a testament to adeptness in data analysis. Proficient in articulating intricate scientific principles and leveraging practical communication skills to convey information with clarity and precision 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
GRFP IRiS Fellow
P&G Team at University of Cincinnati
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with the team of biologists and designers to optimize workflow and achieve objectives.
- Developed creative visuals to enhance brainstorming sessions.
- Networked and built strong presence with peers to facilitate professional relationships to facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge sharing.
- Contributed to research initiatives aimed at improving P&G product satisfaction.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Delivered frequent status reports on the project using comprehensive documents and presentations for P&G internal team members.
Graduate Research Assistant/Former Lab Manager
University of Cincinnati
06.2021 - Current
- Developed advanced methodologies, such as flow chemistry, to achieve precise natural products
- Synthesized natural products and characterized them with chromatography techniques.
- Utilized GC-MS, IR, and NMR for product characterization.
- Conducted laboratory experiments over three 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
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Of Iowa – Iowa City
- 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
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
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
05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Special
University of Colombo
02.2015
Skills
- Self-Directed and motivated
- Strong work-ethic
- Analytical measurements and chromatography (mass spectrometry, HPLC, ICP-MS)
- Wet chemistry and sample preparation
- Hands-on experiment work, best manufacturing practices
- Analytical thinking, problem-solving, research design and quantitative analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Inventory and supply management
- Mentoring for undergraduates and graduates
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- Laboratory equipment and maintenance
- Lab Safety
- Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Additional Information
Awards/Honors/Professional affiliations
- IRIS Graduate Research Fellow, 2024, Collaborate with P&G internal teams to prototype a novel product aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction.
- 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.
Timeline
GRFP IRiS Fellow
P&G Team at University of Cincinnati
08.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant/Former Lab Manager
University of Cincinnati
06.2021 - Current
NSF Research Fellow
01.2017 - 01.2021
Post-undergraduate Research Intern
University of Colombo
01.2016 - 01.2017
Undergraduate Research Intern
University of Colombo
01.2014 - 01.2015
Master of Science - Analytical Chemistry
The University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Special
University of Colombo
Ph.D - Chemistry
The University of Cincinnati
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