Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
Shanika Vindyani Karunanayaka is a dedicated Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. With a passion for education and research, she has significantly contributed to the field of pharmaceutical sciences since 2013. Shanika holds a Master of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences, where she explored innovative formulations for hand sanitizers, and she continues to inspire the next generation of pharmacists through her engaging teaching and mentorship. 📚✨
Publication Profile
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Education
Shanika completed her Master of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Medical Research Institute in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the University of Ruhuna, where her thesis focused on the formulation and evaluation of alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based hand rubs using Aloe vera and essential oils. She earned her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Peradeniya, achieving a remarkable GPA of 3.54/4.0, demonstrating her academic excellence. 🎓🌱
Experience
With a strong background in pharmacy education, Shanika has held various positions at the University of Ruhuna, including Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, and Temporary Lecturer. Her roles have involved lecturing, conducting laboratory sessions, supervising undergraduate research projects, and engaging in administrative tasks, all while actively participating in research and curriculum development. 💼🔬
Research Focus
Shanika’s research primarily focuses on pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical microbiology, and formulation development, emphasizing patenting and commercialization. She is particularly interested in developing innovative hand sanitizers and exploring their antimicrobial efficacy against various pathogens. Her work aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, contributing to public health initiatives. 🧪💡
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Shanika has received recognition for her contributions to pharmaceutical education and research, although specific awards and honors were not detailed in her profile. Her dedication to advancing the field and mentoring students exemplifies her commitment to excellence in pharmacy. 🏆🌟
Publication Highlights
Shanika has published several notable articles in prestigious journals, contributing significantly to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Some of her key publications include:
Government Pharmacists’ Perceptions on Continuing Education (2017) – 15th Open University Research Session.
Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of non-alcohol-based herbal hand scrubs (2021) – Asian Journal of Pharmacognosy.
Development of novel chlorhexidine gluconate hand scrub with Aloe vera (2021) – Asian Journal of Pharmacognosy.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Alcohol-Based Herbal Hand Rubs Against Selected Pathogens (2023) – International Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium.
Analyzing the examination results to measure the effectiveness of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic (2024) – The Asia Pacific Scholar-Medical and Health Professional Education.