CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA - Ph.D. (Biology) 2015
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA - M.S. (Biology) 2009
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - B.Sc. (Hons. - 1st Class) 2005
POSITIONS
Project Suport Officer (vocational placement), EPA - Victoria, Melbourne Oct. 2016 - Nov. 2016
Teaching Assistant, University of Miami, FL, Aug. 2014 - May 2015
Aldridge Curator, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL, Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2014
Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, Aug. 2010 - Dec. 2010
Instructional Assistant, Department of Biology, Texas State University, TX, Aug. 2007 - May 2009
Academic Staff Member, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2005
HONORS AND AWARDS
Best Poster - Runner Up - Biology Graduate Student Symposium - Dept. of Biology, University of Miami - 2013
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) Travel Award - 2012
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) Travel Award - 2011 (Declined due to fieldwork in Sri Lanka)
McLamore Fellowship in Tropical Biology, Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - Fall 2009 - Spring 2010 ($ 22,000.00)
Certificate for Academic Excellence, Department of Biology, Texas State University, TX - 2009
Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, Kappa Zeta Chapter, Texas State University, TX - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
M.D. Dassanayake Gold Medal for Best Performance in Botany - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2005
Award for Academic Excellence - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2005
GRANTS AND FUNDING
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - 2014 ($ 1080.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - 2013 ($ 1077.00)
Kushlan Graduate Research Grant - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2013 ($ 1313.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - 2012 ($ 645.00)
Kushlan Graduate Research Grant - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2012 ($ 125.00)
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) Research Grants for Graduate Students - 2011($ 800.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2011($ 1800.00)
Jay M. Savage Graduate Research Support Fund - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2011($ 500.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2010 ($ 1800.00)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Biodiversity, Plant Systematics, Plant Taxonomy, Conservation and Sustainability
PUBLICATIONS
1. Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Prince J. S. & Whitlock B.A. (2014). Seed coat micromorphology of Gordonia sensu lato (including Polyspora and Laplacea; Theaceae). Brittonia doi 10.1007/s12228-014-9347-z.
2. Zona S., Davis P., Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Prince J. & Horn J.W. (2012). Seeds of Eriocaulaceae of the United States and Canada. Castanea 77: 37- 45.
3. Sha Q., Gunathilake A., Forstner M.R.J. and Hahn D. (2011). Temporal analysis of the distribution and diversity of Salmonella in natural biofilms. Systematic and Applied Microbiology 34: 353-35.
4. Yakandawala D.M.D. and Gunathilake L.A.A.H., (2008). Phylogenetic relationships of Gordonia species (Theaceae) that are endemic to Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 36: 51-58.
INVITED SEMINARS
1. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. (2012). Sri Lanka - A Biodiversity Hotspot. Department of Biology - Plant Talk, Florida International University, Miami, FL
2. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. (2012). On being a woman in science and the research I do - Guest Lecturer (BIL149), Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL
CONTRIBUTED ORAL PRESENTATIONS (** Indicates talks presented by LAAHG)
1. Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Reza A.H.M., Das A. & Whitlock B.A. (2014). Ecological Niche Models show longterm isolation between species of Gordonia in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats region of India. Annual Graduate Student Symposium - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL**
2. Gunathilake A., Yakandawala D.M.D. and Whitlock B.A. (2013). Phylogenetic Relationships of Species of Gordonia (Theaceae) Endemic to Sri Lanka. Botany 2013 Meeting, New Orleans, LA**
3. Whitlock B.A., Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. (2011). Intraspecific Geographic Variation of DNA Barcodes within Gentia affinis, Swertia perennis and Western North American Gentinopsis (Gentianaceae). Botany 2011 Meeting, St Louis, MO
4. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. (2011). Plant family of the month – Theaceae. Friends of the Gifford Arboretum Monthly Meeting (March 2011), University of Miami, FL**
5. Gunathilake A., Karunarthne N., Devolld B., Dharmasiri S. and Dharmasiri N. (2009). Arabidopsis pic64 Mutation Defines a Novel Gene Involved in Auxin Response. American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), Southern Section Meeting, Austin TX**
6. Siriwardena C., Karunarathne N., Dharmasiri S., Gunathilake A., & Dharmasiri N. (2009). Characterization of pic59, a novel Arabidopsis Mutant Associated with Auxin Signaling Pathway. American Society of Plant Biologists, Southern Section Meeting (ASPB), Austin TX
7. Gunathilake A. (2009). Arabidopsis pic64 Mutation Defines a Novel Gene Involved in Auxin Response. 14th Annual Biology Student Colloquium, Texas State University, TX**
8. Dharmasiri N., Dharmasiri S., Gunathilake A., Karunarathne N., Siriwardena C. & Collier C. (2008). Characterization of New Auxin Response Mutants in Arabidopsis. 105th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), Dallas TX
9. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. & Yakandawala D.M.D. (2005). Phylogenetic Relationships of Gordonia Species Endemic to Sri Lanka. Peradeniya University Research Sessions, Sri Lanka**
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
1. Gunathilake A., Prince J., Whitlock B.A. (2013). Low Vacuum Mode Revels Distinct Seed Micromorphology in the three Tribes of Theaceae. Biology Graduate Student Symposium – Dept. of Biology, University of Miami, FL
2. Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Prince J.S. & Whitlock B.A. (2012). Comparative Analysis of Seed Coat Morphology of Gordonia s.l. (Theaceae). Botany 2012 Meeting, Columbus, OH
3. Gunathilake A. & Whitlock B.A. (2012). Endemic Species of Gordonia as a Model to Understand Plant Diversity and Biogeography in Sri Lanka. Biology Graduate Student Symposium – Dept. of Biology, University of Miami, FL
4. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. & Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae) in Western North America. Botany 2012 Meeting, Providence, RI
5. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. & Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae). Plant Biologists of South Florida (PBSF) meeting, Miami, FL
6. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. & Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae). Research and Creativity Forum, University of Miami, FL
7. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. &Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae). Biology Graduate Student Symposium – Dept. of Biology, University of Miami, FL
8. Gunathilake A., Dharmasiri S., &Dharmasiri N. (2008). Characterization of pic64, an Arabidopsis mutant that is resistant to auxinic herbicide 2,4 D. 105th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), Dallas, TX
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
1. Course: Herbarium Techniques, conducted jointly by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, UK, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NY at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Aug 20th to Aug 31st 2012)
2. Workshop: Tropical Botany, conducted by Dr. Walter Judd, sponsored by the National Tropical Botanical Garden - Kampong, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and the Montgomery Botanical Center Miami FL (June 25th to July 14th 2012)
3. Workshop: What you need to know now to get a job later - conducted by Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL. (November 2011)
4. Workshop: HERS Leadership, led by Dr. Jacqueline Dixon. Sponsored by Scientists & Engineers Expanding Diversity & Success (SEEDS), University of Miami, FL (October, 2010)
5. Workshop: Know Your Institutional Types - Sponsored by Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) unit, University of Miami, FL (October, 2010)
6. Workshop: CV Development - conducted by Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL. (November 2009)
CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
1. Botany 2013 (Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America & several other societies), New Orleans, LA (2013)
2. International Biogeography Society Meeting 2012, Miami, FL (2012)
3. Botany 2012 (Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America & several other societies), Columbus, OH (2012)
4. Fairchild Mini Symposium on Tropical Biology, Miami, FL (2012)
5. Scientific Symposium: Ethnobotany: A 17th Century Vision of Our 21st Century World. Organized by the National Tropical Botanic Garden - Kampong, Miami, FL (2011)
6. Plant Biologists of South Florida (PBSF) meeting, Miami, FL (2010)
7. American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), Southern Section Meeting, Austin TX (2009)
8. 105th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), Dallas TX (2008)
UNDERGRADUATE MENTORING
Jorie Heilman - Supervision and mentoring, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2013
Jorie Heilman - Research mentoring in Whitlock Lab, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2012 - Spring 2013
Jae Sharder - Supervision and mentoring, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2011 - Spring 2013
Lourdemillard Bellevue -Supervision and mentoring, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2010 - Spring 2011
Rajiv McCoy - Research mentoring in Whitlock Lab, University of Miami, FL, Fall 2009 - Spring 2010
Chelsea Padgett - Research Mentoring in Dharmasiri Lab, Texas State University, TX - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
Sherry Biscomb - Research Mentoring in Dharmasiri Lab, Texas State University, TX - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
TEACHING
BIL 151 (General Biology Lab) - Fall 2010 & Fall 2014, University of Miami, FL
BIL161 (Evolution & Bio Diversity Lab) - Summer II 2010, University of Miami, FL
BIO 3310 (General Science Lab I) & BIO3320 (General Science Lab II) - Spring 2009 & Summer 2009, Texas State University, TX
BIO 3465 (Plant Physiology Lab) - Fall 2007 & Fall 2008, Texas State University, TX
BIO 3490 (Developmental Biology Lab) - Spring 2008 & Spring 2009, Texas State University, TX
Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology, Analytical Methods, Advanced Microbiology - 2005, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
SERVICE
Graduate Student Symposium Committee - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2012
Senate Member (Biology Dept.) - Graduate Student Association, University of Miami, FL, Spring 2012
Departmental Seminar Committee - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, Fall 2010 - Spring 2011
Graduate Student Symposium Committee - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2010
Departmental Seminar Committee - Department of Biology, Texas State University, TX, Fall 2007 - Spring 2009
Historian, Tri Beta Biology Honor Society, Kappa Zeta Chapter - Texas State University, TX, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
President, Botanical Society - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2003/2004
President, Molecular Biology Society - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2003/2004
Committee Member, Botanical Society - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2001/2002 & 2002/2003
OUTREACH
Co-organizing a philanthropic project under Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) to improve the sanitary conditions of pre school kids in two pre-schools in a rural area in Sri Lanka. This project (“Toilets for tots”) was one of the 15 projects chosen to receive funding (USD 500.00) through CGI U in 2015.
Day event for the 4 - 10 year olds of the Coral Gables Museum Summer Camp, FL (June, 2014)
Event for 8-9 year olds at the Gifford Arboretum for “Bring Your Kids to Work Day 2011” at University of Miami, FL. (April, 2011)
Mentoring a High School student (Western Hearne, San Marcos High School, TX) in Auxin Research - (Summer 2008)
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
American Society of Plant Taxonomists
American Philosophical Society
American Society of Plant Biologists
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA - M.S. (Biology) 2009
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - B.Sc. (Hons. - 1st Class) 2005
POSITIONS
Project Suport Officer (vocational placement), EPA - Victoria, Melbourne Oct. 2016 - Nov. 2016
Teaching Assistant, University of Miami, FL, Aug. 2014 - May 2015
Aldridge Curator, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL, Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2014
Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, Aug. 2010 - Dec. 2010
Instructional Assistant, Department of Biology, Texas State University, TX, Aug. 2007 - May 2009
Academic Staff Member, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2005
HONORS AND AWARDS
Best Poster - Runner Up - Biology Graduate Student Symposium - Dept. of Biology, University of Miami - 2013
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) Travel Award - 2012
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) Travel Award - 2011 (Declined due to fieldwork in Sri Lanka)
McLamore Fellowship in Tropical Biology, Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - Fall 2009 - Spring 2010 ($ 22,000.00)
Certificate for Academic Excellence, Department of Biology, Texas State University, TX - 2009
Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, Kappa Zeta Chapter, Texas State University, TX - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
M.D. Dassanayake Gold Medal for Best Performance in Botany - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2005
Award for Academic Excellence - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2005
GRANTS AND FUNDING
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - 2014 ($ 1080.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - 2013 ($ 1077.00)
Kushlan Graduate Research Grant - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2013 ($ 1313.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, - 2012 ($ 645.00)
Kushlan Graduate Research Grant - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2012 ($ 125.00)
American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) Research Grants for Graduate Students - 2011($ 800.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2011($ 1800.00)
Jay M. Savage Graduate Research Support Fund - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2011($ 500.00)
J. Gerry Curtis Plant Sciences Scholarship - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2010 ($ 1800.00)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Biodiversity, Plant Systematics, Plant Taxonomy, Conservation and Sustainability
PUBLICATIONS
1. Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Prince J. S. & Whitlock B.A. (2014). Seed coat micromorphology of Gordonia sensu lato (including Polyspora and Laplacea; Theaceae). Brittonia doi 10.1007/s12228-014-9347-z.
2. Zona S., Davis P., Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Prince J. & Horn J.W. (2012). Seeds of Eriocaulaceae of the United States and Canada. Castanea 77: 37- 45.
3. Sha Q., Gunathilake A., Forstner M.R.J. and Hahn D. (2011). Temporal analysis of the distribution and diversity of Salmonella in natural biofilms. Systematic and Applied Microbiology 34: 353-35.
4. Yakandawala D.M.D. and Gunathilake L.A.A.H., (2008). Phylogenetic relationships of Gordonia species (Theaceae) that are endemic to Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 36: 51-58.
INVITED SEMINARS
1. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. (2012). Sri Lanka - A Biodiversity Hotspot. Department of Biology - Plant Talk, Florida International University, Miami, FL
2. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. (2012). On being a woman in science and the research I do - Guest Lecturer (BIL149), Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL
CONTRIBUTED ORAL PRESENTATIONS (** Indicates talks presented by LAAHG)
1. Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Reza A.H.M., Das A. & Whitlock B.A. (2014). Ecological Niche Models show longterm isolation between species of Gordonia in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats region of India. Annual Graduate Student Symposium - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL**
2. Gunathilake A., Yakandawala D.M.D. and Whitlock B.A. (2013). Phylogenetic Relationships of Species of Gordonia (Theaceae) Endemic to Sri Lanka. Botany 2013 Meeting, New Orleans, LA**
3. Whitlock B.A., Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. (2011). Intraspecific Geographic Variation of DNA Barcodes within Gentia affinis, Swertia perennis and Western North American Gentinopsis (Gentianaceae). Botany 2011 Meeting, St Louis, MO
4. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. (2011). Plant family of the month – Theaceae. Friends of the Gifford Arboretum Monthly Meeting (March 2011), University of Miami, FL**
5. Gunathilake A., Karunarthne N., Devolld B., Dharmasiri S. and Dharmasiri N. (2009). Arabidopsis pic64 Mutation Defines a Novel Gene Involved in Auxin Response. American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), Southern Section Meeting, Austin TX**
6. Siriwardena C., Karunarathne N., Dharmasiri S., Gunathilake A., & Dharmasiri N. (2009). Characterization of pic59, a novel Arabidopsis Mutant Associated with Auxin Signaling Pathway. American Society of Plant Biologists, Southern Section Meeting (ASPB), Austin TX
7. Gunathilake A. (2009). Arabidopsis pic64 Mutation Defines a Novel Gene Involved in Auxin Response. 14th Annual Biology Student Colloquium, Texas State University, TX**
8. Dharmasiri N., Dharmasiri S., Gunathilake A., Karunarathne N., Siriwardena C. & Collier C. (2008). Characterization of New Auxin Response Mutants in Arabidopsis. 105th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), Dallas TX
9. Gunathilake L.A.A.H. & Yakandawala D.M.D. (2005). Phylogenetic Relationships of Gordonia Species Endemic to Sri Lanka. Peradeniya University Research Sessions, Sri Lanka**
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
1. Gunathilake A., Prince J., Whitlock B.A. (2013). Low Vacuum Mode Revels Distinct Seed Micromorphology in the three Tribes of Theaceae. Biology Graduate Student Symposium – Dept. of Biology, University of Miami, FL
2. Gunathilake L.A.A.H., Prince J.S. & Whitlock B.A. (2012). Comparative Analysis of Seed Coat Morphology of Gordonia s.l. (Theaceae). Botany 2012 Meeting, Columbus, OH
3. Gunathilake A. & Whitlock B.A. (2012). Endemic Species of Gordonia as a Model to Understand Plant Diversity and Biogeography in Sri Lanka. Biology Graduate Student Symposium – Dept. of Biology, University of Miami, FL
4. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. & Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae) in Western North America. Botany 2012 Meeting, Providence, RI
5. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. & Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae). Plant Biologists of South Florida (PBSF) meeting, Miami, FL
6. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. & Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae). Research and Creativity Forum, University of Miami, FL
7. Gunathilake A., Groff P.A. &Whitlock B.A. (2010). Phylogeny and Geography of the Gentiana affinis Complex (Gentiana section Pneumonanthe, Gentianaceae). Biology Graduate Student Symposium – Dept. of Biology, University of Miami, FL
8. Gunathilake A., Dharmasiri S., &Dharmasiri N. (2008). Characterization of pic64, an Arabidopsis mutant that is resistant to auxinic herbicide 2,4 D. 105th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), Dallas, TX
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
1. Course: Herbarium Techniques, conducted jointly by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, UK, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NY at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Aug 20th to Aug 31st 2012)
2. Workshop: Tropical Botany, conducted by Dr. Walter Judd, sponsored by the National Tropical Botanical Garden - Kampong, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and the Montgomery Botanical Center Miami FL (June 25th to July 14th 2012)
3. Workshop: What you need to know now to get a job later - conducted by Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL. (November 2011)
4. Workshop: HERS Leadership, led by Dr. Jacqueline Dixon. Sponsored by Scientists & Engineers Expanding Diversity & Success (SEEDS), University of Miami, FL (October, 2010)
5. Workshop: Know Your Institutional Types - Sponsored by Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) unit, University of Miami, FL (October, 2010)
6. Workshop: CV Development - conducted by Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL. (November 2009)
CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
1. Botany 2013 (Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America & several other societies), New Orleans, LA (2013)
2. International Biogeography Society Meeting 2012, Miami, FL (2012)
3. Botany 2012 (Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America & several other societies), Columbus, OH (2012)
4. Fairchild Mini Symposium on Tropical Biology, Miami, FL (2012)
5. Scientific Symposium: Ethnobotany: A 17th Century Vision of Our 21st Century World. Organized by the National Tropical Botanic Garden - Kampong, Miami, FL (2011)
6. Plant Biologists of South Florida (PBSF) meeting, Miami, FL (2010)
7. American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), Southern Section Meeting, Austin TX (2009)
8. 105th Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), Dallas TX (2008)
UNDERGRADUATE MENTORING
Jorie Heilman - Supervision and mentoring, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2013
Jorie Heilman - Research mentoring in Whitlock Lab, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2012 - Spring 2013
Jae Sharder - Supervision and mentoring, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2011 - Spring 2013
Lourdemillard Bellevue -Supervision and mentoring, Gifford Arboretum, University of Miami, FL - Fall 2010 - Spring 2011
Rajiv McCoy - Research mentoring in Whitlock Lab, University of Miami, FL, Fall 2009 - Spring 2010
Chelsea Padgett - Research Mentoring in Dharmasiri Lab, Texas State University, TX - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
Sherry Biscomb - Research Mentoring in Dharmasiri Lab, Texas State University, TX - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
TEACHING
BIL 151 (General Biology Lab) - Fall 2010 & Fall 2014, University of Miami, FL
BIL161 (Evolution & Bio Diversity Lab) - Summer II 2010, University of Miami, FL
BIO 3310 (General Science Lab I) & BIO3320 (General Science Lab II) - Spring 2009 & Summer 2009, Texas State University, TX
BIO 3465 (Plant Physiology Lab) - Fall 2007 & Fall 2008, Texas State University, TX
BIO 3490 (Developmental Biology Lab) - Spring 2008 & Spring 2009, Texas State University, TX
Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology, Analytical Methods, Advanced Microbiology - 2005, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
SERVICE
Graduate Student Symposium Committee - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2012
Senate Member (Biology Dept.) - Graduate Student Association, University of Miami, FL, Spring 2012
Departmental Seminar Committee - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL, Fall 2010 - Spring 2011
Graduate Student Symposium Committee - Department of Biology, University of Miami, FL - 2010
Departmental Seminar Committee - Department of Biology, Texas State University, TX, Fall 2007 - Spring 2009
Historian, Tri Beta Biology Honor Society, Kappa Zeta Chapter - Texas State University, TX, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
President, Botanical Society - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2003/2004
President, Molecular Biology Society - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2003/2004
Committee Member, Botanical Society - University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2001/2002 & 2002/2003
OUTREACH
Co-organizing a philanthropic project under Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) to improve the sanitary conditions of pre school kids in two pre-schools in a rural area in Sri Lanka. This project (“Toilets for tots”) was one of the 15 projects chosen to receive funding (USD 500.00) through CGI U in 2015.
Day event for the 4 - 10 year olds of the Coral Gables Museum Summer Camp, FL (June, 2014)
Event for 8-9 year olds at the Gifford Arboretum for “Bring Your Kids to Work Day 2011” at University of Miami, FL. (April, 2011)
Mentoring a High School student (Western Hearne, San Marcos High School, TX) in Auxin Research - (Summer 2008)
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
American Society of Plant Taxonomists
American Philosophical Society
American Society of Plant Biologists