Rashmi Erandika Liyanage
Lawrence,USA
Summary
Detail-oriented Ecology and Evolutionary Biology M.A. student with expertise in plant–soil feedbacks and soil microbial ecology. Experienced in experimental design and ecological data analysis using R. Pursuing a Research Technician position to leverage analytical skills and contribute to impactful ecological research.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Kansas Biological Survey
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted greenhouse and field experiments on plant–soil feedbacks to assess impacts of varying rainfall treatments
- Investigated links between soil microbial communities and plant trait responses to enhance understanding of ecosystem interactions
- Measured plant functional traits such as height, leaf number, and chlorophyll (SPAD) to evaluate plant health and growth
- Analyze ecological data using R (linear mixed-effects models)
- Manage and organize large experimental datasets
- Conducted research at University of Kansas
Graduate Teaching Assistant – BIOL 152
University of Kansas
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Facilitated discussions and engaged students in active learning activities.
- Facilitated student learning in lab and discussion sessions
- Coordinated study sessions to enhance student understanding of course content.
- Graded assignments and provided feedback
- Assisted professors in preparing and delivering course materials.
Temporary Lecturer – Research Division
University of Peradeniya
09.2023 - 07.2024
- Coordinated research workshops and academic activities to enhance collaborative learning
- Managed research documentation and publications to ensure compliance and accessibility
- Conducted research in Sri Lanka to explore local academic trends and contribute to regional knowledge
Teaching Assistant (Botany)
Open University of Sri Lanka
07.2021 - 07.2023
- Conducted laboratory sessions and practical teaching
- Facilitated student discussions to enhance understanding of complex subjects and concepts.
- Assisted professors in preparing course materials and lectures for diverse student needs.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to improve student performance.
- Assisted with grading and student support
Graduate Research Study (M.Sc.)
University of Peradeniya
2020 - 2023
- Executed research project in Sri Lanka focused on soil health
- Analyzed mechanisms for soil restoration using microbial applications
- Assessed impact of cyanobacteria on soil quality in salt-affected environments
Undergraduate Researcher (Botany)
University of Peradeniya
2019 - 2020
- Conducted soil and microbial analyses to evaluate ecological health of degraded forest ecosystems
- Assessed soil fertility and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to inform restoration strategies
- Identified soil constraints to enhance ecological restoration outcomes
- Sri Lanka
Education
M.A. - Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Kansas
USAM.Sc. - Environmental Soil Science
University of Peradeniya
Sri LankaB.Sc. (Hons) - Botany
University of Peradeniya
Sri LankaSkills
- R
- Mixed-effects models
- Data analysis
- Visualization
- Ggplot2
- Lme4
- Experimental design
- Soil sampling
- Trait measurement
- Plant height measurement
- Leaf measurement techniques
- Chlorophyll analysis
- Data management
- Statistical analysis
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Publications
- Liyanage, R. et al. (2021). Some edaphic properties in Dicranopteris linearis dominated landscape: A perspective for restoration success. Ceylon Journal of Science.
- Kariyawasam et al. (2020). Proceedings of Young Scientists Forum Symposium.
Links - Research Gate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rashmi-Liyanage
Research
- Kansas Academy of Science Annual Meeting, 01/01/26, Poster, Accepted
- Soil Ecology Society Meeting, 01/01/26, Submitted
- Multiple oral and poster presentations, 01/01/19 - 12/31/25
- Graduate Research Assistant, Kansas Biological Survey, University of Kansas, 09/01/24, Present, Conduct greenhouse and field experiments on plant–soil feedbacks under varying rainfall treatments, Measure plant functional traits including height, leaf number, and chlorophyll (SPAD), Analyze ecological data using R (linear mixed-effects models), Manage and organize large experimental datasets, Investigate links between soil microbial communities and plant trait responses
- Undergraduate Researcher (Botany), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 01/01/19, 12/31/19, Conducted soil and microbial analysis in degraded forest ecosystems, Assessed soil fertility and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity, Identified soil constraints affecting ecological restoration success
- Graduate Research Study (M.Sc.), Environmental Soil Science, Sri Lanka, 01/01/22, 12/31/22, Reviewed the role of cyanobacteria in improving soil quality in salt-affected environments, Evaluated mechanisms of soil restoration and microbial applications
Timeline
Graduate Teaching Assistant – BIOL 152
University of Kansas
01.2025 - 05.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
Kansas Biological Survey
09.2024 - Current
Temporary Lecturer – Research Division
University of Peradeniya
09.2023 - 07.2024
Teaching Assistant (Botany)
Open University of Sri Lanka
07.2021 - 07.2023
Graduate Research Study (M.Sc.)
University of Peradeniya
2020 - 2023
Undergraduate Researcher (Botany)
University of Peradeniya
2019 - 2020
M.A. - Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Kansas
M.Sc. - Environmental Soil Science
University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Hons) - Botany
University of Peradeniya