Nishadi Bandara

Dynamic research professional with a proven track record at the University of Connecticut, specializing in material characterization and innovative polymer synthesis. Adept at problem-solving and project management, I developed advanced graphene-based materials for energy applications, showcasing strong analytical skills and effective communication in mentoring students and collaborating with teams.

• Bandara, N.M.; Adamson, D.H., Graphene-Based Elastic, Conductive Hydrogel Sponge, oral presentation, ACS Spring 2024, 03/01/24
• Bandara, N.M.; Adamson, D.H., Moisture Enabled Electric Power Generation Using Graphene-Based Hydrogels, oral presentation, ACS Fall 2025, Submitted for an oral presentation
• Bandara, N.M.; Adamson, D.H., Graphene-Based Hydrogels for Sensors in Human Motion Detection, poster, R. T. Major Poster Session, Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 03/01/25
• Bandara, N.M.; Adamson, D.H., Graphene Aerogel Showing Super Capacitor Properties, poster, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 05/01/24
• Bandara, W.R.N.M.; Liyanage, J.A.; Kumarasinghe, A.R., Enhancing Aqueous Stability and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide Membranes, 7th International Research Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 11/01/19

• Bandara, N.M.; Umaiya, K.; Joyce, M.J.; Gouveia, C. E.; Adamson, D.H., Graphene-Based Conductive Hydrogels Synthesized by a Solvent Interfacial Trapping Method for Piezoresistive Strain Sensing and Environmental Absorption Applications., Resubmitted to ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces journal after revisions
• Bandara, N.M.; Liu, J.; Ferland, B.; Mahmoudi, M.; Adamson, D.H., Moisture Driven Electric Power Generation Using Graphene-Based Hydrogels for Sustained Power Output and Self-Powered Sensing., Manuscript under preparation
• Mohammadi Sejoubsari, R.; Xu, T. O.; Ward, S. P.; Bandara, N. M.; Zhang, Z.; Adamson, D. H., Electrically Conducting Porous Hydrogels by a Self-Assembled Percolating Pristine Graphene Network., Soft Matter, 2025, 21, 6, 1225-1232
• Bandara, N.M.; Liu, J.; McDermott, S.T.; Adamson, D.H., Fabrication of Hydrophobic Surfaces on Dialysis Membranes via Surface-Initiated Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization for Anti-Fouling Applications., Manuscript under preparation
• Bandara, W.R.N.M.; Liyanage, J.A.; Kumarasinghe, A.R., Fabrication and Characterization of Water Stable Multi-Layer Graphene Oxide Membranes by Potassium Ion Cross-linking., Proceedings of the Tri Annual Session of Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Sri Lanka, 2019, 36, 02, 36
• Bandara, W.R.N.M.; Liyanage, J.A.; Kumarasinghe, A.R., Novel Membranes for Treatment of Water: Graphene Oxide Membranes Cross-linked with Metal Cations., Proceedings of the International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019, 141

• Dr. Douglas Adamson, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, 860-486-4716, douglas.adamson@uconn.edu
• Dr. Kelly A. Burke, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Director, Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, 860-486-3133, Kelly.burk@uconn.edu
• Dr. Rajeswari Kasi, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, 860-486-4713, rajeswari.kasi@uconn.edu

Moisture-Driven Electric Power Generation Using Graphene-Based Hydrogels, Invention disclosure approved, currently under consideration for patent filing., University of Connecticut, 2025, Douglas H. Adamson, Nishadi Bandara

• Member of American Chemical Society, 2024, 2025
• Member of Society of Plastic Engineers, University of Connecticut Chapter, 2021, present
• Member of Chemical Society, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015, 2018
• Voluntarily involved in the Science seminars for high school students in rural areas in Sri Lanka, 2017