About me
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I grew up in Sri Lanka, a tropical island in the Indian ocean, which is also part of a biodiversity hotspot. I have been fascinated by nature and, since my childhood exploited every opportunity to which my curiosity drove me, to investigate the natural world around me. Following my passion, I took a bachelor’s degree in zoology at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka from which I graduated with first class honours. I completed my Master's degree at the same university and is currently reading for my doctoral degree at University of Bern, Switzerland and the Naturhistorisches Museum Bern, Switzerland.
My doctoral thesis focuses on understanding the genomic consequences of miniaturization in the zebrafish relatives. My research interests are broadly in evolutionary biology, genomics, phylogenetics and systematics, conservation genetics, biological invasions, biogeography, and ichthyology. Aside from science, I love hiking, snorkeling, photography, and rugby. |
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Education
University of Bern (Switzerland) Nov 2020-
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Dissertation: Two opposite ways to become tiny: Comparative genomics and phylogenomics of miniature fishes
University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) 2017-2019
M.Phil. Master of Philosophy
Dissertation: Systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the family Cyprinidae: Danioninae in Sri Lanka
University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka)
BSc Zoology (Hons), cumulative GPA 3.81, First Class 2013-2016
Dissertation: A taxonomic review of the catfish genus Ompok (Teleostei: Siluridae) in Sri Lanka
University of Bern (Switzerland) Nov 2020-
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Dissertation: Two opposite ways to become tiny: Comparative genomics and phylogenomics of miniature fishes
University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) 2017-2019
M.Phil. Master of Philosophy
Dissertation: Systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the family Cyprinidae: Danioninae in Sri Lanka
University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka)
BSc Zoology (Hons), cumulative GPA 3.81, First Class 2013-2016
Dissertation: A taxonomic review of the catfish genus Ompok (Teleostei: Siluridae) in Sri Lanka
