Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Nirupama Abeysekara

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

I am a PhD student at the University of Queensland, Australia and currently working on the project leading to drug discovery for the disease scabies. Scabies is an itchy contagious skin disease caused by an infestation of a parasitic mite species. This affects more than 300 million people worldwide annually. There is no vaccine available and the available drugs are suboptimal. So, I am trying to investigate the potential of Manuka oil as a novel topical scabicide.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

I started on my PhD project largely owing to my initial curiosity for parasitology and genetics, combined with my passion for working on the well-being of humans and animals. I would like to learn new things and communicate our findings and solutions to the global research community.

My ultimate goal is to find a novel, highly effective treatment for scabies. Currently, I am contributing my best to understanding and elucidating the molecular target of this disease. This may lead to the development of new drug candidates from the discovered chemical compounds together with pharmacological industry partners.

I am an enthusiastic hardworking researcher so I hope I can contribute my best towards this project and ultimate outcomes of this research will possibly prevent scabies and associated sequelae worldwide and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia.

What is the name of your current institute?

University of Queensland, Australia — Scabies Group.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

I find my inspiration from the devastating stories of this disease all around the world as well as from Australia where I am currently pursuing my PhD Reading and hearing these stories regarding the people who are affected by this disease motivates me to work more and more on this research field. Additionally, I am part of a highly inspiring lab group where I receive necessary training from my lab members and mentorship from my supervisors Dr. Katja Fischer, Dr. Deepani Fernando, and Prof. Malcolm Jones. It is truly a satisfying journey of learning and training with a culture that encourages regular intellectual thoughts.

Can you share with us some of your publications?

Yes, you can find it by clicking this URL.

What’s one of your biggest personal achievements so far?

I was humbled to receive a full scholarship to pursue a PhD from the University of Queensland, Australia which is ranked as the second-best university in Australia and among the top 50 universities in the world. I would say that is my biggest achievement. Additionally, I was awarded as one of the best research presenters at the 2nd international research conference Uva Wellassa University (IRCUWU), also I received first-class Honours and was among the best students who obtained GPA of >3.90 in Master of Science at University of Peradeniya.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

A researcher is one who seeks solutions for currently unresolved problems. So always we have to work with perseverance. No matter how hard the research life is, the passion for your research interest is so important. There will be ups and downs but you have to confront them with great courage. We should learn from our failures and mistakes. In research, there can be so many discouragements and disappointments, so having a passion for confidence can keep you going. This is one of Marie Curie’s famous quotes “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood”.

What motivated you to be a researcher?

I became a researcher because I have a passion for discovery and working on the well-being of humans and animals. My parents and my husband always motivated me to pursue my passion for science. Also, I can’t forget my mentors who inspired me to be a researcher Prof. Rupika Rajakaruna, Dr. Piyumali Perera, Dr. Gnana Gunawardana, Prof. Sarath Bandara including other lecturers from the University of Peradeniya. Moreover, women scientists like Marie Curie have shown us how we can become influential in Science.

If there is a chance, will you help build research in Sri Lanka?

Yes indeed. Getting the opportunity to do research in the field of parasitology is important for me since I can transfer the knowledge and hands-on experience in the areas of human and veterinary health which I gain here in Australia to my home country.

My project and anticipated outcomes have the possibility to foster ongoing collaboration with parasitologists who are involved in veterinary health, medical health, and science sectors in Sri Lanka and Australia. I can help Sri Lankan students who would like to study parasitology by sharing my knowledge and experience with them and by teaching them how to adapt to a new culture if they are willing to do a higher degree by research. So, if there is a chance, I am willing to help in building research in my motherland.

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?

In my perspective, we should get rid of conventional exam-oriented systems and should try to apply the knowledge we gained in different disciplines. Moreover, improving practical components and encouraging the entrepreneurial mindset of education is a must.

School and university students must be encouraged to engage in the training and practical aspects of subjects they are learning. Also engaging more with researchers and updating STEM subjects with the latest findings needs to be done. Furthermore, our Sri Lankan education system should embrace a teaching and learning ambience that inspires a liberated and creative learning process leading to generate more creative and competent employees and scientists.