Resume
Researcher
Ishara
Ratnayake
Core Associate II at Van Andel Research Institute
Michigan, United States
Citations
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Contact Info
Resume
About
I hold the position of TEM Core Specialist II at the Cryo-EM facility. Originally hailing from Sri Lanka, I obtained my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from the University of Peradeniya. Subsequently, in 2019, I completed my Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology University. My doctoral research centered on utilizing transmission electron microscopy to gain valuable mechanistic insights into the functions of Notch signaling in mature kidney epithelium. Following the completion of my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to work at the electron microscopy core facility of the University of Illinois at Chicago. As part of my professional journey, I proudly joined the VAI Cryo-EM core team in October 2022.
Research Interests
Professional SkillsTransmission Electron Microscopy
Ultramicrotomy
Research ExperienceResearch Assistant
Dept. of Nanoscience & Nanoengineering, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
January 2015 - December 2019
Rapid city, South Dakota
- Performed electron microscopy to understand the cellular defects associated with mutations in kidney Notch-signaling pathway genes.
- Tested the hypothesis that the inhibition of Notch-signaling can cause principal cells to lose their identity and function, thus triggering them to convert into intercalated cells in the collecting ducts of adult kidneys.
- Used mouse models and cell culture systems to understand how Notch-signaling suppresses renal tubular cyst formation and microadenoma (a tumor) formation.
- These studies revealed how Notch signaling is linked to primary cilia and the cell cycle and will provide insights into the mechanisms by which Notch functions as a tumor suppressor in epithelial cancers.
Nanoscience
Biology
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Work ExperienceCore Associate II
Van Andel Institute
October 2022 - Present
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Prepare biological samples for transmission electron microscopy analysis.
- Prepare samples with high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution.
- Room/cryo-ultramicrotomy for thin sectioning.
- Prepare sample for Immuno-electron microscopy.
- Optimize experimental procedures and protocols and participate in method development.
- Maintain, clean, and organize laboratory spaces, equipment, and supplies.
- Operate hardware associated with EM data collection, such as microscopes and electron detectors.
- Record projects and experimental conditions in an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Communicate experimental details with the users and other relevant project team members.
- Help with grant proposals and manuscript preparations.
Electron Microscopy
Ultramicrotomy
Image Analysis
Research Technologist I
University of Illinois at Chicago
March 2020 - October 2022
Chicago, Illinois
- Plan and conduct experiments in the biology specimen preparation and analyze related materials.
- Process biological specimens (for TEM, SEM, FIB-SEM, SBF-SEM) and carry out tasks accurately.
- Produce ready-to-image samples and micrographs (TEM, SEM, and LM).
- Prepare grids for Cryo-EM using the Vitrobot plunge freezer.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot various electron microscopy/light microscopy instruments and equipment and computers.
- Provide training (TEM, ultramicrotome, and sample preparation) to users of different expertise levels.
- Manage the laboratory environment and ensure its safety and cleanliness.
- Resolve customer questions, consults on project submissions, analyze, review, and discuss experimental results.
- Participate in billing and other administrative duties.
Electron Microscopy
Negative Staining
Ultramicrotomy
Image Analysis
Education
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid city, South Dakota Jan 2015 - Dec 2022
Doctor of Philosophy
, Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan Aug 2012 - Dec 2014
Master of Science
, Physics
University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Apr 2010 - May 2012
Master of Science
, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Jul 2006 - Jul 2009
Bachelor of Science
, Physics, Chemistry, Geology
Realted Researchers
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