Srimal Samaranayke, Ph.D.
Srimal Aminda Samaranayake, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt Univeristy
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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Research
• Neurochemical, behavioral, electrochemical, analytical, and biochemical experimental designs
• Real time in vivo and ex vivo assays
• Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, Depression, Cognitive disorders, Motivation/reward and Vision
• Behavioral, disease and transgenic animal models
• Protein interaction and GPCR mediated signaling
• Pharmacology studies, Gene therapy
• Enhanced arrestin-1 mutant protein analysis
• Heavy metal detection
• Metal adsorption systems
• Method/instrument development, optimization and troubleshooting
• GMP Documentation
Laboratory techniques and Instrumentation
• In vitro/In vivo voltammetry (FSCV/FSCAV)
• Western Blot, SDS PAGE, PCR, BCA/bradford
• DNA/protein extraction
• Stereotaxic surgeries on rodents, Viral injections
• In vivo CNS stimulations (electrical & pharmacological)
• Tissue collection and analysis (brain/eye)
• Histology, Immunohistochemistry, Immunostaining
• Cryostat sectioning, Confocal/fluorescence imaging
• Rodent Handling, Genotyping, Breeding
• Drug administration (IP, IV, PO, SC, ICV), intraocular
• Wet chemistry techniques
• AAS, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, ERG, HPLC, GC
• Statistical analysis of In vivo and ex vivo data
• Mathematical Modeling
• Developed and optimized an in vivo voltammetric method to simultaneously monitor neurotransmitters in vivo as evidenced by 6 publications. Planned, led and carried out neuroscience -based experiments as witnessed by 4 collaborations and ASPIRE II lab grant funding.
• Over 6 years of strengthened expertise in multidisciplinary research throughout the academic carrier as celebrated with 2 fellowships, 2 travel grants, 1 front cover and 3 seminar awards. Presented novel research findings in 5 national, 2 regional and 5 local meetings.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Chemistry (2012-2017)
GPA 4.0/4.0 Concentration – Neuroscience/Analytical Chemistry
University of South Carolina, Department of Chemistry, USA
Thesis - Development of an Electrochemical Method to Study Real-Time In Vivo Neurotransmitter Modulation
B. Sc. Chemistry (2006-2010)
GPA 3.6/4.0 Concentration – Chemistry/Physics/Statistics
University of Peradeniya, Department of Chemistry, SRI LANKA
Thesis – Investigation of Interactions of Carbofuran with Pb (II) and Cr (VI)
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Vanderbilt University, TN - (2017-present)
• Explored diverse molecular mechanisms of arrestin-mediated signaling through mechanistic biochemical studies of arrestin in visual system.
• Developed visual arrestin-1 mutants with unusual functional characteristics as a therapeutic strategy for various visual disorders.
• investigated biological functions of wild type and mutant arrestin-1 protein using behavioral studies of transgenic mice.
• Collected and analyzed in vivo, ex vivo data and documented according to GMP.
Graduate Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, SC & Wayne State University, MI - (2012-2017)
• Detected In vivo voltammetric signals of ambient and evoked neurotransmitters (serotonin, histamine and dopamine) using Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry by performing survival and non-survival stereotaxic surgeries on rodents (5+ years).
• Evaluated In vivo histaminergic regulation of serotonin & dopamine during neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and neurocognitive disorders.
• Executed behavioral and voltammetric experiments with HIV-1 Tg, MPTP, VMAT low, PCA injected, chronic depression, motivation and addiction animal models.
• Performed drug studies with antidepressant, antihistamine and CNS stimulants
• Researched individual differences in dopamine signaling through fixed and progressive ratio paradigms.
• Expertized in animal handling, micro injections, dosing, and tissue harvesting.
• Performed In vitro electrochemical detection of trace metals (Copper) and systematized adsorption driven heavy metal speciation sensor.
• Strengthened verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills through 3 collaborations, 5 publications and over 16 conference presentations (oral/poster).
TEACHING / MENTORING
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of South Carolina, SC & Wayne State University, MI - (2012-2017)
• Organized and taught laboratory courses in analytical chemistry and general chemistry focusing on theory, experimental techniques, and calculations.
• Supervised and assisted undergraduate students with multi-step procedures designed to teach general laboratory techniques.
• Led Wayne State University Sri Lankan Student Association as the president (2013-14).
Undergraduate Researcher & Teaching Assistant, University of Peradeniya, SRI LANKA - (2006-2012)
• Coordinated and advised laboratory and theory courses in analytical, physical and general chemistry.
• Planned and conducted a research project on heavy metal interactions with pesticides.
• Synthesized a thiol compound to bleach natural rubber during coagulation as a part of Industrial training.
AWARDS / HONORS
2016 Best Oral Presentation Award, 2nd Annual Neuroscience Retreat, University of South Carolina
2015 & 2016 Graduate School Travel Award, Graduate School, University of South Carolina
2015 Hoechst Graduate Fellowship, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of South Carolina
2014 Best Poster Presentation Award, 5th Annual Wayne State Graduate Symposium
2013 ANACHEM Seminar Best Oral Presentation Award, ANACHEM/SAS Detroit Session Symposium
2013-2014 Thomas Rumble Graduate Fellowship, Wayne State University
2003 President Scout Award, Sri Lanka Scout Association (Equivalent to Eagle Scout, USA)
PUBLICATIONS
1. Denton A.R, Samaranayake S, Kirchner K.N, Roscoe Jr. R.F, Berger S.N, Harrod S.B, Mactutus C.F, Hashemi P, Booze R.M, “Selective monoaminergic and histaminergic circuit dysregulation following long-term HIV-1 protein exposure”, Journal of neurovirology, 2018 Submitted.
2. O'Donovan,B, Adeluyi A, Samaranayake S, Galloway A, Hashemi P, Turner J.R, Ortinski P.I, “Selective role of Kv1.4 signalling in a low motivation phenotype”, Nature Neuroscience, 2018 Submitted.
Samaranayake S.A (Ph.D.)
3. Samaranayake S, Song X, Vishnivetskiy S.A, Chen J, Gurevich E.V, Gurevich V. V, “Enhanced mutant compensates for defects in rhodopsin phosphorylation in the presence of endogenous arrestin-1”, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2018, doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00203 (Just Accepted)
4. Best J, Nijhout H.F, Samaranayake S, Hashemi P, Reed M, “A Mathematical Model for Histamine Synthesis, Release, and Control in Varicosities”, Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling, Submitted, 2017, 14:24.
5. Abdalla A, Atcherley C. W, Pathirathna P, Samaranayake S, Heien M. L, Hashemi P, “In Vivo Ambient Serotonin Measurements at Carbon-fiber Microelectrodes”, Anal. Chem., 2017, 89 (18), pp 9703–9711.
6. Samaranayake S, Abdalla A, Robke R, Nijhout H.F, Reed M.C, Best J, Hashemi P, A Voltammetric and Mathematical Analysis of Histaminergic Modulation of Serotonin in the Mouse Hypothalamus, J Neurochem. 2016, 138(03):374-383.
7. Samaranayake S. Abdalla A. Robke R. Wood K. M. Zeqja A. Hashemi P. In vivo histamine voltammetry in the mouse premammillary nucleus. Analyst. 2015,140, 3759. (Front Cover)
8. Pathirathna P, Samaranayake S, Atcherley C.W, Parent K.L, Heien M.L, McElmurry S.P, et al. Fast voltammetry of metals at carbon-fiber microelectrodes: copper adsorption onto activated carbon aids rapid electrochemical analysis. Analyst. 2014;139(18):4673-80.
PRESENTATIONS
ORAL
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Context of Neurodegeneration, Pittcon 2017, Chicago
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus, UofSC seminar 2016, UofSC
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus in the Context of Neurodegeneration, UofSC Neuro Retreat 2016, Columbia
• Coregulation of serotonin and histamine in the context of neurodegeneration, SERMACS 2016, Columbia
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus, PITTCON 2016, Atlanta
• Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain, PITTCON 2015, New Orleans
• Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain, Anachem 2015, Detroit
• Modified Voltammetric Waveform for Robust In Vivo Histamine Detection, PITTCON 2014, Chicago
• Modified Voltammetric Waveform for Robust In Vivo Histamine Detection Pittcon, Anachem 2014, Detroit
• The Nature of the Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Histamine Signal, WSU seminar 2014, WSU
POSTER
• Srimal Samaranayake, Sergey A. Vishnivetskiy, Kimberly C. Thibeault, Eugenia V. Gurevich, Vsevolod V. Gurevich, “High expression of monomeric arrestin-1 causes retinal degeneration”, SEVC, 2018, UAB, Birmingham.
• Srimal Samaranayake, Sergey A. Vishnivetskiy, Kimberly C. Thibeault, Eugenia V. Gurevich, Vsevolod V. Gurevich, “High expression of monomeric arrestin-1 causes retinal degeneration”, ARVO, 2018, Honolulu
• Srimal Samaranayake, Robert F. Roscoe Jr, Rosemarie M Booze, Parastoo Hashemi, “Histaminergic Modulation of Serotonin in the Context of Depression”, UofSC Neuro Retreat, 2017, UofSC
• Srimal Samaranayake, Robert F. Roscoe Jr, Rosemarie M Booze, Parastoo Hashemi, “Histaminergic Modulation of Serotonin in the Context of Depression”, UofSC chemistry annual poster session, 2017, UofSC
• Srimal Samaranayake, Aya Abdalla, Rhiannon Robke, H. Fred Nijhout, Michael Reed, Janet Best, Parastoo Hashemi, “Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus”, UofSC chemistry annual poster session, 2016, UofSC
• Srimal Samaranayake, Kevin Wood, Aya Abdalla, Parastoo Hashemi, “Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain”, WSU (university wide) Graduate Symposium, 2015, WSU
• Srimal Samaranayake, Kevin Wood, Aya Abdalla, Parastoo Hashemi, “Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain”, WSU Chemistry Graduate Symposium, 2015, WSU
• Srimal Samaranayake, Kevin wood, Parastoo Hashemi, “Modified Voltammetric Waveform for Robust In Vivo Histamine Detection”, WSU Chemistry Graduate Symposium, 2013, WSU
Srimal Aminda Samaranayake, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt Univeristy
------------
------------
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Research
• Neurochemical, behavioral, electrochemical, analytical, and biochemical experimental designs
• Real time in vivo and ex vivo assays
• Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, Depression, Cognitive disorders, Motivation/reward and Vision
• Behavioral, disease and transgenic animal models
• Protein interaction and GPCR mediated signaling
• Pharmacology studies, Gene therapy
• Enhanced arrestin-1 mutant protein analysis
• Heavy metal detection
• Metal adsorption systems
• Method/instrument development, optimization and troubleshooting
• GMP Documentation
Laboratory techniques and Instrumentation
• In vitro/In vivo voltammetry (FSCV/FSCAV)
• Western Blot, SDS PAGE, PCR, BCA/bradford
• DNA/protein extraction
• Stereotaxic surgeries on rodents, Viral injections
• In vivo CNS stimulations (electrical & pharmacological)
• Tissue collection and analysis (brain/eye)
• Histology, Immunohistochemistry, Immunostaining
• Cryostat sectioning, Confocal/fluorescence imaging
• Rodent Handling, Genotyping, Breeding
• Drug administration (IP, IV, PO, SC, ICV), intraocular
• Wet chemistry techniques
• AAS, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, ERG, HPLC, GC
• Statistical analysis of In vivo and ex vivo data
• Mathematical Modeling
• Developed and optimized an in vivo voltammetric method to simultaneously monitor neurotransmitters in vivo as evidenced by 6 publications. Planned, led and carried out neuroscience -based experiments as witnessed by 4 collaborations and ASPIRE II lab grant funding.
• Over 6 years of strengthened expertise in multidisciplinary research throughout the academic carrier as celebrated with 2 fellowships, 2 travel grants, 1 front cover and 3 seminar awards. Presented novel research findings in 5 national, 2 regional and 5 local meetings.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Chemistry (2012-2017)
GPA 4.0/4.0 Concentration – Neuroscience/Analytical Chemistry
University of South Carolina, Department of Chemistry, USA
Thesis - Development of an Electrochemical Method to Study Real-Time In Vivo Neurotransmitter Modulation
B. Sc. Chemistry (2006-2010)
GPA 3.6/4.0 Concentration – Chemistry/Physics/Statistics
University of Peradeniya, Department of Chemistry, SRI LANKA
Thesis – Investigation of Interactions of Carbofuran with Pb (II) and Cr (VI)
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Vanderbilt University, TN - (2017-present)
• Explored diverse molecular mechanisms of arrestin-mediated signaling through mechanistic biochemical studies of arrestin in visual system.
• Developed visual arrestin-1 mutants with unusual functional characteristics as a therapeutic strategy for various visual disorders.
• investigated biological functions of wild type and mutant arrestin-1 protein using behavioral studies of transgenic mice.
• Collected and analyzed in vivo, ex vivo data and documented according to GMP.
Graduate Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, SC & Wayne State University, MI - (2012-2017)
• Detected In vivo voltammetric signals of ambient and evoked neurotransmitters (serotonin, histamine and dopamine) using Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry by performing survival and non-survival stereotaxic surgeries on rodents (5+ years).
• Evaluated In vivo histaminergic regulation of serotonin & dopamine during neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and neurocognitive disorders.
• Executed behavioral and voltammetric experiments with HIV-1 Tg, MPTP, VMAT low, PCA injected, chronic depression, motivation and addiction animal models.
• Performed drug studies with antidepressant, antihistamine and CNS stimulants
• Researched individual differences in dopamine signaling through fixed and progressive ratio paradigms.
• Expertized in animal handling, micro injections, dosing, and tissue harvesting.
• Performed In vitro electrochemical detection of trace metals (Copper) and systematized adsorption driven heavy metal speciation sensor.
• Strengthened verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills through 3 collaborations, 5 publications and over 16 conference presentations (oral/poster).
TEACHING / MENTORING
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of South Carolina, SC & Wayne State University, MI - (2012-2017)
• Organized and taught laboratory courses in analytical chemistry and general chemistry focusing on theory, experimental techniques, and calculations.
• Supervised and assisted undergraduate students with multi-step procedures designed to teach general laboratory techniques.
• Led Wayne State University Sri Lankan Student Association as the president (2013-14).
Undergraduate Researcher & Teaching Assistant, University of Peradeniya, SRI LANKA - (2006-2012)
• Coordinated and advised laboratory and theory courses in analytical, physical and general chemistry.
• Planned and conducted a research project on heavy metal interactions with pesticides.
• Synthesized a thiol compound to bleach natural rubber during coagulation as a part of Industrial training.
AWARDS / HONORS
2016 Best Oral Presentation Award, 2nd Annual Neuroscience Retreat, University of South Carolina
2015 & 2016 Graduate School Travel Award, Graduate School, University of South Carolina
2015 Hoechst Graduate Fellowship, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of South Carolina
2014 Best Poster Presentation Award, 5th Annual Wayne State Graduate Symposium
2013 ANACHEM Seminar Best Oral Presentation Award, ANACHEM/SAS Detroit Session Symposium
2013-2014 Thomas Rumble Graduate Fellowship, Wayne State University
2003 President Scout Award, Sri Lanka Scout Association (Equivalent to Eagle Scout, USA)
PUBLICATIONS
1. Denton A.R, Samaranayake S, Kirchner K.N, Roscoe Jr. R.F, Berger S.N, Harrod S.B, Mactutus C.F, Hashemi P, Booze R.M, “Selective monoaminergic and histaminergic circuit dysregulation following long-term HIV-1 protein exposure”, Journal of neurovirology, 2018 Submitted.
2. O'Donovan,B, Adeluyi A, Samaranayake S, Galloway A, Hashemi P, Turner J.R, Ortinski P.I, “Selective role of Kv1.4 signalling in a low motivation phenotype”, Nature Neuroscience, 2018 Submitted.
Samaranayake S.A (Ph.D.)
3. Samaranayake S, Song X, Vishnivetskiy S.A, Chen J, Gurevich E.V, Gurevich V. V, “Enhanced mutant compensates for defects in rhodopsin phosphorylation in the presence of endogenous arrestin-1”, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2018, doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00203 (Just Accepted)
4. Best J, Nijhout H.F, Samaranayake S, Hashemi P, Reed M, “A Mathematical Model for Histamine Synthesis, Release, and Control in Varicosities”, Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling, Submitted, 2017, 14:24.
5. Abdalla A, Atcherley C. W, Pathirathna P, Samaranayake S, Heien M. L, Hashemi P, “In Vivo Ambient Serotonin Measurements at Carbon-fiber Microelectrodes”, Anal. Chem., 2017, 89 (18), pp 9703–9711.
6. Samaranayake S, Abdalla A, Robke R, Nijhout H.F, Reed M.C, Best J, Hashemi P, A Voltammetric and Mathematical Analysis of Histaminergic Modulation of Serotonin in the Mouse Hypothalamus, J Neurochem. 2016, 138(03):374-383.
7. Samaranayake S. Abdalla A. Robke R. Wood K. M. Zeqja A. Hashemi P. In vivo histamine voltammetry in the mouse premammillary nucleus. Analyst. 2015,140, 3759. (Front Cover)
8. Pathirathna P, Samaranayake S, Atcherley C.W, Parent K.L, Heien M.L, McElmurry S.P, et al. Fast voltammetry of metals at carbon-fiber microelectrodes: copper adsorption onto activated carbon aids rapid electrochemical analysis. Analyst. 2014;139(18):4673-80.
PRESENTATIONS
ORAL
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Context of Neurodegeneration, Pittcon 2017, Chicago
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus, UofSC seminar 2016, UofSC
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus in the Context of Neurodegeneration, UofSC Neuro Retreat 2016, Columbia
• Coregulation of serotonin and histamine in the context of neurodegeneration, SERMACS 2016, Columbia
• Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus, PITTCON 2016, Atlanta
• Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain, PITTCON 2015, New Orleans
• Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain, Anachem 2015, Detroit
• Modified Voltammetric Waveform for Robust In Vivo Histamine Detection, PITTCON 2014, Chicago
• Modified Voltammetric Waveform for Robust In Vivo Histamine Detection Pittcon, Anachem 2014, Detroit
• The Nature of the Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Histamine Signal, WSU seminar 2014, WSU
POSTER
• Srimal Samaranayake, Sergey A. Vishnivetskiy, Kimberly C. Thibeault, Eugenia V. Gurevich, Vsevolod V. Gurevich, “High expression of monomeric arrestin-1 causes retinal degeneration”, SEVC, 2018, UAB, Birmingham.
• Srimal Samaranayake, Sergey A. Vishnivetskiy, Kimberly C. Thibeault, Eugenia V. Gurevich, Vsevolod V. Gurevich, “High expression of monomeric arrestin-1 causes retinal degeneration”, ARVO, 2018, Honolulu
• Srimal Samaranayake, Robert F. Roscoe Jr, Rosemarie M Booze, Parastoo Hashemi, “Histaminergic Modulation of Serotonin in the Context of Depression”, UofSC Neuro Retreat, 2017, UofSC
• Srimal Samaranayake, Robert F. Roscoe Jr, Rosemarie M Booze, Parastoo Hashemi, “Histaminergic Modulation of Serotonin in the Context of Depression”, UofSC chemistry annual poster session, 2017, UofSC
• Srimal Samaranayake, Aya Abdalla, Rhiannon Robke, H. Fred Nijhout, Michael Reed, Janet Best, Parastoo Hashemi, “Coregulation of Serotonin and Histamine in the Mouse Premammilary Nucleus”, UofSC chemistry annual poster session, 2016, UofSC
• Srimal Samaranayake, Kevin Wood, Aya Abdalla, Parastoo Hashemi, “Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain”, WSU (university wide) Graduate Symposium, 2015, WSU
• Srimal Samaranayake, Kevin Wood, Aya Abdalla, Parastoo Hashemi, “Voltammetric Characterization of histamine-serotonin modulation in the Brain”, WSU Chemistry Graduate Symposium, 2015, WSU
• Srimal Samaranayake, Kevin wood, Parastoo Hashemi, “Modified Voltammetric Waveform for Robust In Vivo Histamine Detection”, WSU Chemistry Graduate Symposium, 2013, WSU