Menaka Ariyaratne

Menaka Ariyaratne has over 10 years of experience in the field of molecular biology and biochemistry. Menaka has worked as a Research Scientist at Elemental Enzymes, a Research Geneticist at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service, a Postdoctoral Researcher at The Ohio State University, a Graduate Research Assistant and Adjunct Faculty at Bowling Green State University, and as a Temporary Academic Staff Member at the University of Peradeniya. Menaka'sresearch work has focused on genetic improvement of rubber yield, development of plant-based oral vaccines, and identifying molecular resources for citrus. Menaka has also taught introductory biology courses and conducted laboratory sections in different academic institutions.

Menaka Ariyaratne completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Peradeniya in 2011. Later, they pursued their Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Bowling Green State University from 2012 to 2014. Menaka continued their education and completed their Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the same university from 2014 to 2019. In addition, Menaka obtained two certifications, including being a nominee for the 2017 Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award from Bowling Green State University and attending the Summer Oomycete Bioinformatics Training Workshop from Virginia Tech in June 2014. Prior to their university education, Menaka attended Mahamaya Girls' College in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from 1992 to 2005.