YASHODHA ALUTH GEDARA
Stillwater
Summary
Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at Oklahoma State University conducting research in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. My work centers on developing stereoselective enzyme-catalyzed transformations to improve the efficiency and sustainability of organic synthesis. Through reaction optimization, analytical characterization, and mechanistic analysis, I aim to enhance catalytic selectivity and performance. I am equally dedicated to mentoring students and promoting international engagement within the scientific community.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Oklahoma State University
01.2023 - Current
- Optimize reaction conditions and evaluate catalytic performance using LC-MS, NMR, and chromatographic methods.
- Interpret mechanistic pathways to improve selectivity and catalytic efficiency.
- Develop enzyme-catalyzed organic transformations with emphasis on stereocontrol and sustainability.
Teaching Assistant
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Led laboratory instruction in organic chemistry courses, guiding students through practical experiments to enhance understanding of core concepts.
- Mentored undergraduate students in experimental design and data analysis, ensuring adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
- Facilitated study groups and tutoring sessions to enhance student understanding.
- Assisted professors in preparing course materials and lectures for diverse subjects.
- Graded assignments and exams, providing constructive feedback to students.
Cultural Coordinator
Sri Lankan Student Association
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with diverse student organizations to coordinate and execute multicultural events, enriching the campus cultural landscape.
- Organized cultural events celebrating Sri Lankan heritage and community engagement.
- Coordinated logistics for workshops, performances, and festivals showcasing cultural diversity.
- Collaborated with student leaders to promote events through social media channels.
- Represented Sri Lanka at international student programs, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing global engagement.
Temporary Demonstrator
University of Kelaniya
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Prepared materials and guided experiments to support undergraduate laboratory instruction.
- Developed interactive learning materials and resources in collaboration with faculty.
- Organized workshops and events to enhance student engagement and learning opportunities.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK02.2026
B.Sc. - Chemistry
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka05.2021
Skills
- Biocatalysis
- Enzyme Engineering
- Organic Synthesis
- Reaction Optimization
- Process development
- LC-MS
- NMR
- Chromatography
- Scientific Writing
Awards
- 2nd Runner-Up - Inter-University Poster Competition in Chemical Sciences, 2020
- 3rd Runner-Up - Inter-University Poster Competition in Chemical Sciences, 2020
- Certificate of Distinction - Australian National Chemistry Quiz, 2014
Publications
- Ranaweera, Y.; De Silva, R. C. L., 2021, Fertilizer effects on calcium ion mobilization in soils., Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences, 208-215
- Kumari, W. M. G. N.; Ranaweera, Y. C.; De Silva, R. C. L., 2022, Cost-effective chromium removal from tannery effluent., International Journal of Environmental Issues
Leadership Service
Cultural Coordinator, Sri Lankan Student Association, Oklahoma State University, 08/2022, 05/2023, Represented Sri Lanka at international student programs, promoting cultural exchange and global engagement., Collaborated with diverse student organizations to organize multicultural events.
Research
- Doctoral researcher in biocatalysis focused on developing enzyme-catalyzed stereoselective organic transformations to advance sustainable synthetic methodologies. My work integrates reaction optimization, analytical characterization, and mechanistic investigation to improve catalytic efficiency and selectivity.
- Graduate Research Assistant, Oklahoma State University, 08/2022, Present, Develop enzyme-catalyzed organic transformations with emphasis on stereocontrol and sustainability., Optimize reaction conditions and evaluate catalytic performance using LC-MS, NMR, and chromatographic methods., Interpret mechanistic pathways to improve selectivity and catalytic efficiency., Prepare manuscripts, scientific presentations, and competitive fellowship materials.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Oklahoma State University
01.2023 - Current
Teaching Assistant
Oklahoma State University
08.2022 - 05.2025
Cultural Coordinator
Sri Lankan Student Association
08.2022 - 08.2023
Temporary Demonstrator
University of Kelaniya
05.2021 - 05.2022
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Oklahoma State University
B.Sc. - Chemistry
University of Kelaniya