Meet Sri Lankan Researcher- Durga Dharmadana

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

My research focuses on functional amyloid-forming human neuropeptides, their nanostructure formation, cytotoxicity profile as compared to toxic amyloids and bionanomaterial applications. Typically, amyloid formation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, however recently, it has been found that peptides/proteins which are not apparently associated with amyloid diseases are also form amyloids under physiological conditions. These so-called functional amyloids are non-toxic to the host cells and provide beneficial functions to the host organism.

Functional amyloids are characterized in a wide range of organisms ranging from microorganisms to humans. Mammalian and human examples include Pmel17 protein assisting melanin production and neuropeptides and peptide/protein hormones stored as amyloid-like structures inside secretory granules of the brain. So far, my work contributed to enhancing the current understanding of the functional amyloid formation and advancing its applications.

Currently, I am working on translating these peptide nanostructures into biomaterial applications, including nanoneedles for drug delivery and inorganic nanomaterials for diagnostic tools or nanoelectronics.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

My Ph.D. project at Peptide Nanotechnology Lab, RMIT University, Australia was based on functional amyloids forming native neuropeptides and their potential applications as biomaterials, including designing drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools. As a pharmacist, I always had an interest to be involved in the development of pharmaceutical formulations which is the main reason I chose this project.

Since functional amyloids are an emerging field, several areas have not been touched yet. I thought hence this would be a great opportunity for me to make a significant contribution to the advancement of this field.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

I was inspired by amazing academic mentors, throughout my master’s and Ph.D. career, especially my master’s primary supervisor Dr. Chayanika Padumadasa (Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura), and Ph.D. primary supervisor Dr. Celine Valery (RMIT University, Australia). Also listening to inspirational talks from leading women in the world.

Can you share with us some of your publications?

Yes. You can find it here.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

I think it is important to take care of your mental health during the Ph.D. candidature. Ph.D. students are more prone to experience stress and depression due to the failures and rejections they face during the Ph.D. candidature. I believe choosing good academic mentors and seeking assistance from experts in the field can help you to overcome these challenges.

To me one of my biggest achievements has been completing my Ph.D. in Biomedical Science with great comments from the examiners having been through the challenges that come with a PhD

I was fortunate to collaborate and visit one of the leading research laboratories in southeast Asia for natural product chemistry very early in my career where I developed a keen interest to become a researcher. So I encourage budding researchers to take all opportunities given to experience lab visits and speaker engagements.

According to your opinion, what are the changes that the Sri Lankan education system needs to do, in order to meet the requirement of the international industry and academia?

Sri Lankan education system is a teacher-centered system, especially at the primary and secondary school levels. I suggest changing this to a student-centered system where students get more opportunities to practice active learning. This approach makes students independent, willing to take risks, improve participation, encourage self-learning, and most importantly improve soft skills. These are the main skills that the international industry and academia look for when recruiting employers.

Given the chance, I will definitely help build the research community and projects in Sri Lanka.