I am committed to becoming an innovative plant scientist by building strong interdisciplinary expertise and collaborative networks as my research focuses on bridging plant biology with agricultural practice to develop field‑ready solutions. I primarily study plant physiological plasticity and its role in optimizing resource use for survival, growth, and reproduction in dynamic environments. This research supports efforts to develop crops that remain productive under stress alongside agronomic resolutions. I aim to create efficient pathways to develop climate‑ready crops that deliver both high quality and yield, ensuring resilient food systems for a changing world.
My BSc. / MSc. research focused on the impacts of deprived soil water and phosphorous on growth dynamics and physiological trade-offs between Oryza sativa (crop) and Echinochloa crus-galli (weed). Given the fact that water-use efficiency (WUE) is one of the main physiological traits of importance that strikes a balance between crop productivity and drought tolerance yet is manipulated by many physiological processes whose interplay is not well understood, my PhD dissertation was developed around the research question “Could WUE of Lolium perenne be improved through a selected set of heritable and easily measurable physiological traits?’. With my post-PhD research projects, as the principal investigator, I’ve secured a couple of research grants to resolve further research questions aligned in a similar direction, allowing memorable mentorship opportunities at UoP from 2022 to 2024. Research theses I’ve mentored through my past academic tenure include drought tolerance physiology of Oryza sativa and Solanum tuberosum, stress physiological memory imprints of intergenerationally primed Oryza sativa, low-cost and non-destructive field screening technique for Oryza sativa leaf water detection, selection protocols for Solanum melongena prebreeding trials, fertigation management and growing media selection strategies for Capsicum annuum in controlled environmental settings, and seed dormancy breaking protocols of major weed species in paddy fields.
My recent postdoctoral research centered on understanding how Vitis spp. perceives, integrates, and responds to freezing, drought, and soil pH stress at the physiological level using novel and technology-driven phenotyping and genotyping approaches. My current research at Pathare Lab takes a deep dive into key adaptation mechanisms of model crops and C3 and C4 species.
As a woman in plant sciences emerging through systemic barriers, I also strive to be a role model and mentor for the next generation of women who have navigated through obstacles to survive and excel in STEM through visibility.
EDUCATION
2017-2021 PhD in Plant Sciences, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New Zealand
Thesis: Water-use Efficiency in Lolium Perenne; Final research at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, through DAAD Research Scholarship Grant
2014-2016 MSc. in Crop Science, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (UoP), Sri Lanka
2009-2013 BSc. (Hon.) in Agricultural Technology & Management, Faculty of Agriculture, UoP, Sri Lanka
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
2024-2026 Postdoctoral Researcher, Abiotic Stress Physiology and Genetics Laboratory, Grape Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS
2021-2024 Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (UoP), Sri Lanka
2022-2023 Visiting Lecturer, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, UoP, Sri Lanka
2019-2020 Visiting Research Scholar, Technical University of Munich, Germany
2015-2021 Lecturer, Faculty of Agriculture, UoP, Sri Lanka (Teaching, Research & Extension)
2014-2015 Research & Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Agriculture, UoP, Sri Lanka
PUBLICATIONS
Google Scholar
ResearchGate
