Thamali.Kariyawasam@smu.ca
B.Sc. (Hons.): University of Kelaniya, Sri LankaPh.D.: University of British ColumbiaPDF: Queen's UniversityAssistant Professor, Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University
My research aims to harness the unique photosynthetic and metabolic capabilities of microalgae to develop sustainable living therapeutics for biomedical and environmental applications. Working at the intersection of synthetic biology, biomaterials science, and regenerative medicine, I am interested in engineering microalgae to function as programmable cell factories capable of producing therapeutic biomolecules. A major focus of my research program is the development of living biomaterials that integrate genetically engineered microalgae with advanced biomaterial platforms. These systems have the potential to provide localized oxygen production and sustained delivery of bioactive molecules to promote tissue regeneration and improve wound healing. More broadly, I seek to translate advances in algal biotechnology into innovative and sustainable solutions for healthcare while contributing to the growing bioeconomy.
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=FrPJISIAAAAJ&view_op=list_works
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thamali-kariyawasam-ph-d-65718868/