Meet Sri Lankan Researcher-Prasangi Rajapaksha
What are you currently working on or worked on before?
I obtained my MSc. from the University of Georgia in the field of regenerative bioscience. My work was focus on taste buds of chicken and mouse; molecular characterization and development.
Currently, I am in a different field, my work is based on molecular biology and biochemistry. The major focus is on mechanisms in E.Coli as multidrug resistance in bacteria. I am currently working on AcrAB-Tolc efflux pathway in E.Coli
What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?
I was always fascinated about the disease caused by organisms like viruses and bacteria, molecular mechanisms, drug designing. Therefore when I joined the University of Kentucky, I was happy to join my current group which studies the multidrug resistance in bacteria. The rapidly developing antibiotic resistance in bacteria is one of the major problems we are facing today. It is extremely important to find methods to win the battle between humans and bacteria.
What is the name of your current institute?
University of Kentucky
Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?
The first inspiration appeared during my school time when I read research articles, textbooks related to science. Then from my undergraduate University. From my teachers, professors, and friends who were doing advance research in different fields. The work done by my mentors, experts in the science world continuously being an inspiration for me to pursue more.
Can you share with us some of your publications?
Yes, you can find my publications using the below-mentioned URL.
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Prasangi_Rajapaksha
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=TFBm0SYAAAAJ&hl=en
What’s one of your biggest personal achievements so far?
I think the long way I have come starting from my college to a prestigious University in the USA is the biggest achievement. Being a researcher and involved in cutting edge research and publishing papers to share the knowledge with the world is all are a huge achievement for me.
What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?
The key to being a successful researcher is being passionate about what you do. So, in my opinion, it is important to love what you do, also it is important to find an environment that you can pursue your dreams and goals. A mentor who can guide you with patience and kindness, friendly lab place those do have an impact on the path to success.
What motivated you to be a researcher?
The importance of research in every aspect of the world. That was my main motivation. In any field, research is important to keep everything up to date, solve problems in the present, look for a question that we can face in the future and find solutions to make a better world for the next generations.
If there is a chance, will you help build research in Sri Lanka?
Yes, of course, I would love to do research in Sri Lanka. We have a lot of great minds in younger generations that need to shape up to make our country a better place for everyone.
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?
First, we need more resources and an updated educational system. Our education is mostly based on books, reading, writing exams. But the practical knowledge we get is very little compared to the education here. It is like we know a lot of theory but we are lacking application ability and creative thinking. Providing more opportunities for students to acquire knowledge about the advancements of the different fields, let them tell their opinions and come out of the traditional classroom exam concept would have a huge impact on bringing our students to meet international requirements.
