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Background

Dr. Nimanthi Abeyrathna is a scientist specializing in molecular ecology, invasion biology, phylogeography, biotechnology, and biogeography. She earned her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology from Clarkson University, where she focused on studying two invasive aquatic snail species (banded mystery snails and Japanese mystery snails) in the Adirondack region of Upstate New York. Her research contributed valuable insights into the spread of these snails using molecular techniques, their genetic connectivity, and parasite load within the New York Great Lakes Basin, informing strategies for invasive species management. Her Ph.D. project resulted in three peer-reviewed, first-author publications and five grants.

Dr. Abeyrathna also holds an M.S. in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology from Clarkson University. Her research during this period involved analyzing publicly available data on deer-vehicle collision (DVC) rates and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation fences along New York State highways. This work led to a significant publication on the impact of daylight saving time on DVC rates. Her undergraduate studies, completed in Sri Lanka, focused on the invasive Aedes albopictus mosquito, which spreads dengue disease in the region. Her research uncovered a genetic mutation that increases insecticide resistance in these mosquitoes, resulting in another publication.

In addition to her research, Dr. Abeyrathna has served as a Teaching Assistant at Clarkson University for five years, teaching freshman biology laboratories, microbiology, molecular genetics, and anatomy and physiology courses for upper-level students. She has also worked as a research assistant during several summers and mentored McNair summer research students at Clarkson. Her dedication to teaching and research earned her the best teaching and research awards in the biology department.

Beyond her academic and research roles, Dr. Abeyrathna has held several leadership positions within the Clarkson Graduate Student Association, where she spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing graduate student life. She is passionate about STEM education, community outreach, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in science. She has served on numerous panels advocating for women in STEM and supporting international students. Additionally, she has worked as a STEM coordinator for summer day camps, helping third and fifth graders develop critical thinking skills. Dr. Abeyrathna remains committed to learning and serving the community she is part of.

Degrees

• PhD. Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology, Clarkson University, NY, USA
• M.S Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology, Clarkson University, NY, USA
• B.S (Honors) Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Specialties

• Molecular Ecology
• Population Genetics
• Biogeography
• Phylogenetics
• Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics
• Ecological statistics

Courses Taught

• BY142 – Biology 2 Lab
• BY162 – Cellular Biology Lab
• BY322 – Microbiology Lab
• Molecular Genetics Lab
• Anatomy and Physiology 2 Lab

Recent Publications, Grants and Proceedings

1. Osborne, T. R., Abeyrathna, W. A. N. U., Shea, E. K., Martin, K. R., Li, J., Kocot, K. M., & Davis-Berg, E. C. (2024). Centering inclusivity in invertebrate fieldwork: An argument for modernizing malacological practices. American Malacological Bulletin (in press)
2. Abeyrathna, W. A. N. U., & Davinack, A. A. (2024). Genetic diversity and connectivity of the invasive gastropod, Callinina georgiana (Caenogastropoda: Viviparidae) across a fragmented riverscape: A mitonuclear perspective. Freshwater Biology.
3. Abeyrathna, W. A. N. U., & Davinack, A. A. (2023). A pilot study examining the lethality of niclosamide monohydrate on the invasive mystery snails, Callinina georgiana and Cipangopaludina japonica. Management of Biological Invasions, 14(4), 659-670.
4. Abeyrathna et al. (2022). ‘First genetically confirmed report of the Japanese mystery snail, Cipangopaludina japonica (Martens, 1861) from California more than a century after its first introduction.’ Bioinvasion Records
5. Abeyrathna, W. A. N. U., & Langen, T. A. (2021). ‘Effect of daylight-saving time clock shifts on white-tailed deer-vehicle collision rates. ‘Journal of environmental management’, 292, 112774
6. Abeyrathna, W. A. N. U., Fernando, H. S. D., & de Silva, B. G. D. N. K. (2019). ‘Insecticide susceptibility of Aedes albopictus from Sri Lanka First report of the F1534C mutation in the country. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies’, 7(3), 525-530
7. 2022: COA Grants to Malacology, Conchologists of America
8. 2022: Early Career Research Grant, The Malacological Society of London
9. 2023: Travel Award, The Malacological Society of London
10. 2023: Travel Award, The Freshwater Mollusks Conservation Society