Bio
Shiwanka Wanasinghe joined ORNL’s Building Envelope Materials Research Group as a Postdoctoral Research Associate on February 19, 2024. Shiwanka completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Miami University in Ohio, in 2023. During her Ph.D. studies, she was part of the Konkolewicz Group, focusing her research on synthetic organic polymer materials. She studied self-healing polymers and their potential applications in adhesives and soft robotics. In addition, Shiwanka conducted research to identify similarities and differences between materials synthesized via controlled polymerization techniques; that is, Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization (RAFT). Moreover, she worked to enhance the properties of interpenetrated networks by introducing dynamic bonds.
In her new role at ORNL, she contributes to the development of foam insulation materials with the unprecedented thermal performance of R10/inch, as well as barrier facers that reduce the thermal aging of foam insulation.
Awards
Your Science in a Nutshell, finalist, 2024
Dissertation Scholarship Award - Miami University,2023
3MT winner and People's Choice Award (Tie), 2022
Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, Regional 3MT competition semi finalist, 2022
Graduate Student Achievement Award, 2021
Dean's award for the academic excellence, 2014
Education
Ph.D in Chemistry, Miami University, 2023
B.Sc. in Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, 2017