The Molecular Cell Team

Principle Investigator

​Ajith Karunarathne, PhD., is an associate professor-Chemistry and Chemical Biology, in the Department of Chemistry. His is interested in undertading cellular life at the molecular level by bridging techniques in chemistry, biology, physics and medicine. For instance, AjithLab is among the few that develop photopigments, and photochemical tools to control subcellular signaling with precise spatial and temporal control using light. AjithLab research on the phototoxicity of blue light became a top 100 attention-grabbing publication in 2018. He has a Ph.D. in biological chemistry from Michigan State University and postdoctoral training from Washington University School of Medicine. He is the author/co-author of numerous peer-reviewed publications. 

Sithurandi Ubeysinghe, is a 5th-year PhD student. 
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Waruna Thotamune, is a 4th-year PhD student.

Senuri Piyawardene, is a 2nd-year graduate student. 
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​Chathuri Gangodakumbura, is a 2nd-year graduate student. 
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Aditya Chandu, is an undergraduate student. He is becoming an excellent molecular and cell biologist, initially working with graduate students and now performing experiments independently.