I am a postdoctoral research fellow at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where I work at the intersection of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and metabolomics to develop bio-based scalable solutions for industrial biotechnology. My research focuses on understanding and engineering non-conventional yeasts, particularly Issatchenkia orientalis, also known as Pichia kudriavzevii, to improve the production of bio-based chemicals and advance the bioeconomy.

My scientific journey began in Sri Lanka, where I earned a B.S. in Chemistry summa cum laude from the University of Peradeniya. I then pursued my graduate studies at Rice University, earning both a Masters and Ph.D. in Chemistry, along with a Certificate in Teaching and Learning. During my doctoral research, I investigated triterpene biosynthesis in tomato through a combination of genomics, metabolomics, and biochemical characterization. This work contributed to the discovery and evolutionary understanding of novel triterpene synthases.

At the Berkeley Lab, my research has expanded into the fields of genetic engineering and microbial-biotechnology. I have developed high-efficiency transformation protocols for Issatchenkia orientalis enabling genome-wide CRISPR interference studies that were previously not feasible. My work aims to identify genes and metabolic pathways involved in stress tolerance, sugar metabolism, and chemical production, providing tools and knowledge that can accelerate the devlopment of robust microbial platforms for sustainable manufacturing.

Beyond research, I am committed to education, mentorship, and scientific communication. Throughout my career, I have taught and mentored students ranging from high school students to undergraduate, and graduate interns. I have held numerous leadership roles in organizations, advocating for graduate student development, professional opportunities, and inclusive scientific communities. I also enjoy translating complex scientific ideas into accessible knowledge and helping others grow as scientists.

My goal is to leverage synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to address challenges in biomanufacturing while continuing to foster innovative, collaborative, and inclusive research environments.