SENIOR LECTURER – GRADE I
Department of Chemistry
University of Colombo
Colombo 00300
Sri Lanka
Office: Department of Chemistry- Room No. 204
Work Phone: +94 11-250 3367
Work Fax: +94 11-250 3367
Email: taashani@sci.cmb.ac.lk
Dr. Aashani Tillekaratne
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Aashani Tillekaratne
SENIOR LECTURER – GRADE I
Academic & Professional Qualifications
- PhD 2010
PhD - Physical Chemistry
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- BSc 2003
BSc (Hons.) – Special Degree in Chemistry, First Class
University of Colombo
- Postdoctoral researcher 2010-2012
Postdoctoral Scholar Employee
University of California Riverside (UCR), USA
- Staff Development 2014
Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education and SEDA, UK
Staff Development Centre, University of Colombo
Research Interests
My research is mainly focused on the development of biosensors using functionalized, bioconjugated, fluorescent silica nanoparticles. Surface characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials and the study of their adsorption behavior are other areas of interest. In addition, the following research avenues are explored in different research projects.
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics computational calculations
Another different area I’m currently exploring is chemistry education research and practice.
Ongoing Research Projects
- Functionalized nanoparticles for the quantitative detection of bacteria
- Development of multifunctional core-shell nanoparticles
- Functional materials for algae harvesting
- Development of SERS probes for the detection of melamine in milk products
- A computational approach for designing vaccine candidates for dengue viruses
- Designing a conceptual framework for authentic teaching to facilitate effective learning in secondary schools of Sri Lanka
Research Collaborators
- Chamari Hettiarachchi, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo
- Hasini Perera, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo
- Ranil Dassanayake, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo
- Dilushan Jayasundara, Department of Physics, University of Colombo
- Siyath Gunawardena, Department of Physics, University of Colombo
- Aravinda Munasinghe, Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University, USA
- Thilini Rupasinghe, Faculty of Computing & Technology, University of Kelaniya
- Laalitha Liyanage, Faculty of Computing & Technology, University of Kelaniya
- Thilini Gunasekera, Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Research Assistants
One MPhil/PhD position is available for an NRC funded project starting immediately. Call or email for more information (0712312997; taashani@sci.cmb.ac.lk)
