What drove you to your field of research?
My journey into material science, especially in the field of silk-based biomaterials, was driven by a passion for creating sustainable solutions with real-world impact. During my undergraduate studies in Chemistry back in Sri Lanka, I conducted a project on using cinnamon wood as an eco-friendly adsorbent to remove dyes and copper ions from industrial wastewater. This experience highlighted the power of natural materials in addressing environmental challenges, inspiring me to delve deeper into biomaterials research. Now, at Deakin University’s Institute of Frontier Materials, I’m thrilled to focus on the potential of silk—an extraordinary, biocompatible material that has vast possibilities in medicine and sustainable application
Your area of expertise is in material science, with a focus on the fabrication of silk-based biomaterials, do you have a surprising or fun fact to share from your research?
Did you know that silkworms can spin incredibly strong fibres using 90% less energy than what we use to produce synthetic fibres? They’re like the tiny, eco-friendly superheroes of the material world! Even more fascinating, the cocoon is made from a single, continuous fibre that can stretch for hundreds of meters if unravelled. To top it off, silkworms spin it in a figure-8 pattern. It’s nature’s engineering at its finest—efficiency and creativity all wrapped up in silk!
You recently won the People’s Choice Award for the 3MT Asia-Pacific finals – condensing your research into 3 minutes is not an easy task, tell us more about this research and how you prepared for this challenge.
My PhD project focuses on developing a novel silk-based packing material for ear surgery to improve treatment outcomes for chronic middle ear disease. By harnessing the unique properties of sericin, a previously underutilised and less researched silk component, I aim to create a scalable, safe and effective solution that supports the grafts and delivers drugs. Through a first-of-its kind chemical-free extraction method, I’m unlocking silk’s full potential, with far-reaching implications for treating chronic middle ear disease and other conditions. In collaboration with the Ear Science Institute of Australia, I’m excited to bring this transformative solution to life.
Participating in the 3MT competition was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. From the moment I started my PhD, one of my goals was to compete in 3MT and get as far as I could, inspired by my previous experience winning the 3MT competition in Sri Lanka with my undergraduate research. The 3MT® format aligns perfectly with my passion for science communication and making research accessible to wider audiences. Deakin provided fantastic support, and the guidance I received from Deakin’s Researcher Development Academy was instrumental. I prepared by watching numerous 3MT presentations to understand the unique style, rules, and judging criteria. Perfecting my presentation took 21 versions of slides, 18 script drafts, and many rounds of feedback from judges to friends who had no idea about research. By the time I reached the Deakin Grand Finals, I had a refined presentation that only needed a few tweaks for the Asia-Pacific competition.
What do you believe is most important about the work you undertake?
My PhD research is making an impact in two significant ways:
1. Unlocking silk’s full potential: by developing a chemical-free method to extract sericin, we’re unlocking new opportunities for scientists to explore sericin’s applications, paving the way for innovative solutions across various fields.
2. Improving lives through medical application: by developing a silk-based packing material for ear surgery, we aim to improve treatment options for individuals with chronic middle ear disease, a condition affecting 200 million people worldwide and the leading cause of hearing loss in Western Australia’s Indigenous community.
How much time do you spend on a university campus? What excites you about working within a university campus?
I practically live on campus—whether it’s reading, writing, or playing mad scientist in the lab. But the best part? The people. As an extrovert, I thrive on the chaos of campus life—chatting, laughing, or occasionally crying into my coffee with fellow PhD comrades.
Let’s face it, the PhD journey isn’t all eureka moments and glory; it’s often a mix of “Why isn’t this working?” and “Do I even science?” But being surrounded by others who get it, whether they’re sharing advice, cracking jokes, or cheering on your experiment after weeks of struggle, makes it all worthwhile. Campus life is where the magic—and occasional meltdowns—happen!
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing higher education in Australia?
One major challenge for Australian higher education is ensuring financial sustainability. The reliance on international student fees, coupled with policies like the cap on foreign student numbers, creates financial uncertainty for universities. Compounding this challenge is the digital and AI revolution. Today’s generation has unparalleled access to information—everything from free online courses to AI tools that can assist with assignments. This democratization of knowledge raises questions about the traditional value proposition of higher education. Universities must evolve to provide more than just lectures and assessments—they need to focus on fostering critical thinking, experiential learning, and human connection, aspects that cannot be replicated by technology or self-directed online learning.
To remain relevant and resilient, Australian higher education must adapt to these changes with innovative approaches, including diversified funding, a focus on student-centric learning experiences, and strategies to equip students for an AI-driven world. Balancing these priorities while ensuring equitable access to education will be key to overcoming these challenges.
Do you have a hobby?
Nothing beats escaping reality with a good movie or binging a TV show —it’s the perfect way to explore new worlds, solve crimes, or just dive into drama, all without leaving my couch.
Can you tell us of a book, film or TV show you recently read or watched that you would recommend and why?
I’m currently watching “The Day of the Jackal” these days – an incredible modern spy thriller starring Eddie Redmayne as a complex assassin. Brilliant storytelling, intense cat-and-mouse chase, and deep character exploration. Highly recommend for anyone who loves smart, nuanced espionage dramas!
What’s your dream holiday destination and why?
My dream holiday destination is Japan. The country offers such a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. I’m drawn to its history, the peaceful temples, and the way everything seems to have a purpose, from the architecture to the food. I also love the contrast between quiet rural areas like Kyoto and the high-energy vibe of cities like Tokyo.
What would you say to a student about to begin their higher education journey?
There are so many opportunities beyond coursework and assignments, which, of course, you need to give your best effort to. But it’s also important to focus on building great friendships, stepping outside your comfort zone, and connecting with people from different cultures and faculties. Volunteer, develop your soft skills, and remember—if you’re unsure about what you’re doing or what’s next, that’s completely normal. We live in a world full of countless course and career options, so it’s natural if some people seem to know exactly what they want to do while others are still figuring it out.
And don’t be afraid to fail—fail often and fail fast. It’s through failure that you learn what you’re good at, and eventually, you’ll master it. Give your absolute best, but also seize opportunities and don’t let them pass you by. Every challenge you face now will pay off later with compounded rewards. Trust me.
