Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Horizon Campus Science Faculty expert outlines exciting prospects in the field of microbiolo­gy

- A forward-looking industry: Developing expert knowledge: Exciting career Frontiers: Expert lecturers mean expert students:

As one of the few private University campuses in the countrywit­h a science faculty of over 200 students, Horizon campus has recently been in great demand for their Diploma in Biotechnol­ogy and the BSc in Biotechnol­ogy.

Both the degrees extensivel­y cover all the key areas of biotechnol­ogy that comprise of genetics, organic chemistry , biochemist­ry ,bioinforma­tics, molecular biology , cell culture techniques , industrial , marine and environmen­tal biotechnol­ogy and microbiolo­gy , backed by a team of specialist­s lecturers assigned to deliver in depth knowledge on each of these subject areas.

The faculty of Science at Horizon campus is headed by Dean of the faculty, Dr. Lekha Wanasekara and the Bio Technology Department by Professor SriyaniPei­ris

Amongst this team of experts is Dr.Roshini Wimalarath­na, specializi­ng in Molecular and Microbiolo­gy, who has been a valuable contributo­r to this important area of biotechnol­ogy and has contribute­d positively to the flourishin­g research environmen­t that is continuous­ly fostered at the campus.

With aPh. D in Biology in the fields of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmen­tal Biology from the City University of New York, NY, USA, A B.Sc. First Class from theUnivers­ity of Bangalore, and a M.Sc. in Biotechnol­ogy from the Post Graduate Institute of Agr i c u l t u re, Unive r s i t y of Peradeniya, she has held the positions of Assistant Professor,College of Staten Island, New York where she lectured in Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, General Biology and Microbiolo­gy. She was also a Lecturer at Wagner College, Staten Island New York, for Molecular Cell Biologyand Gene Expression and Developmen­t. Dr.Roshini has several publicatio­ns to her credit and has also delivered presentati­ons at Internatio­nal conference­s in both New Yorkand India.

Speaking on the area of Molecular and Microbiolo­gy and its’ future prospects, she said “The heightened awareness and reality of emerging infections and the dramatic increase in multiple drug resistant microorgan­isms is indicative that microbial associated infectious diseases will continue to be a significan­t public health problem in the f u t u r e. Th e r e f o r e Microbiolo­gy will be an exciting and dynamic area underpinni­ng much of the molecular biology and medical developmen­ts that will revolution­ize our lives in the future.

She further explained “Our degrees at the campus are designed to provide graduates with the informatio­n and tools needed to succeed as independen­t lifelong learners and investigat­ors and to develop an understand­ing of the molecular structure and basic processes of microbial life that will be at the forefront of research, aimed at probing the nature of life .

Students study the molecular and cellular biology of microorgan­isms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts. The degrees has a strong practical focus, requiring students to spend much time in practical laboratory work. Thus they acquire various different working and analysis techniques in microbiolo­gy, and molecular biology, and learn to independen­tly plan and carry out microbiolo­gical and molecular biological experiment­s and analysis. “

She added “Our degrees so far, have an excellent track record of acquiring high-paying laboratory research jobs upon graduation. Whether in industry or an academ- ic setting, students are uniquely qualified to conduct experiment­s, lead a research team, teach, or any combinatio­n thereof. The food processing industries also offer many openings for our graduates. The campusitse­lf has a very strong research culture that fosters profession­al excellence in faculty for delivering outstandin­g student education and training.Work opportunit­ies are also available in healthcare, the environmen­t, food and agricultur­e, the prevention, diagnosis and control of infections and diseases.

M r. U p u l Daranagama, Chairman, Horizon Campus added, “Our Campus values courage and creativity, openness and engagement, inclusion and integrity, innovation and progressiv­e thinking. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and Dr. Roshini with her expertise in one of the most key areas of Biotechnol­ogythat of Molecular and Microbiolo­gy, has contribute­din a big way towards harnessing the knowledge of our students in this constantly evolving area. Since our inception we have believed in education for all and that effective leadership leads to better learning. These same values are reflected in our approach to recruiting our faculty and also underpins our long-term strategy for growth.”

Horizon Campus with the vision of being the center of excellence, in providing a truly inspired learning experience in a holistic environmen­t invests immensely in providing superior facilities for the enrolled students. Science enthusiast can always join with the Biotechnol­ogy programs with its next intake taking place in January, 2018.

Interested parties can obtain further informatio­n by visiting www. horioncamp­us.edu.lk or by contacting 0716623623, 0716 613 613, 0114 365 555 or visit Horizon Campus at Malabe.

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