ScholarX — Nipun Ariyaratne
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Nipun, a guy who had a keen interest in the medical sciences field which then deviated towards medical research field, specifically towards cancer research and molecular medicine. After his high school education in Sri-Lanka there came a turning point in his life which a psychological book written by himself was accepted by many keen universities around the world including NUS — Singapore, National Library- Russia, British Library- UK, Seattle Public Library- Washington, Hamilton City Library- New Zealand and almost all the medical libraries in Sri-Lanka. Enthusiasm towards medical research field motivated him towards applying for renowned universities in the UK as well as the USA and got selected to Montana State University- Bozeman.
What motivated you to join the ScholarX program?
Actually, since the day I am here in Montana I used to engage in several types of research on campus as a step of gaining basic research experience. I had a keen interest in the life sciences researches and was following several ted talks related to out breaking life science research. At this stage, I saw this Young SriLankan researcher Dr.Hasini Jayatilake who was Forbes 30 under 30 and felt interested in her researches. Then after about month or so I found that SEF is conducting a mentor-ship program and having Dr.Hasini as a mentor where I felt of applying this program and on my application I specifically selected her basically because I really needed to have her mentor-ship.
Your Top 3 learnings from the ScholarX program?
SEF is really a great program and a huge thanks are deserved by Akshika and his team. So basically, I gained a great initiation for my field through this program. Dr Hasini started from basics which I believe had a great impact on me not only academically but also it helped me in gaining active involvement in academic-related fields. Dr Hasini’s resume critiques paved my way in examining new heights of education.
I was able to polish my resume with volunteer and community-related tasks and as a result, I am initiating the first student chapter of United Nations Association of United States of America here in Montana and this is going to be the first student chapter of UNA-USA in the state of Montana.
I think having her influence and mentor-ship definitely paved my way towards leadership qualities too. Basically, because when she was going through my resume I felt what my week points are and felt the urgency for polishing those up.
What are your plans after graduation?
After my graduation, my plan is to start grad school and specifically in cancer biology. It might be somewhere in the United States depending on the graduation period and grad school accreditation.
It’s 2029, what are you up to?
I might end up being an academic or else being an entrepreneur related to drug development and pharmaceutical sciences. Trying to be a patent holder as Dr.Hasini too but again its lot of courage and dedication.
You have an unlimited pot of money. How would you invest this to improve the education system in Sri Lanka?
Might start a startup related to pharma industry/ drug development and do some investing in that way. Will start in Singapore probably but will link with Sri- Lanka.
