Hey
I ‘m
Jonathan S.
Weerakkody!
Postdoctoral Researcher @Yale | Engineer | Digital Artist
I specialize in extracellular vesicles and exosome biology, with a deep interest in biotechnology development and its applications in neurodegenerative disorders.
InequaLity
InequaLity
Equity
Equity
EquaLity?
EquaLity?
Justice
Justice
Adapted from 2019 Design in Tech Report.
Bio
I was born and raised in the island nation of Sri-Lanka. My passion for research began during my undergrad at Louisiana Tech University (Go Bulldogs!!), where I worked on NASA's EPSCOR project. This experience led me to secure a full-ride scholarship from the European Commission to pursue a Master's at KU Leuven. There, I had the privilege to train at IMEC, a leading R&D hub in nanoelectronics, further driving my interest towards biotechnology with a focus on developing and commercializing micro/nano devices.
For my PhD, I joined the Yanxia Hou Lab in the Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, part of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission in France. Here, I collaborated with the start-up Aryballe Technologies to develop an optoelectronic nose, contributing to several technical papers that supported the commercialization of the device. Aiming to bridge my expertise to biomedical technologies, I continued my postdoctoral training in the Ramakrishnan lab and Rothman lab, focusing on in vitro technologies for neurodegenerative disorders.
I am currently in the final phase of my postdoctoral training at the Pitt Lab, where I am applying clinical insights to deepen our understanding of multiple sclerosis progression. This endeavor represents the culmination of my experiences in science and engineering, each steering my research, hopefully, towards meaningful advancements in biomedical applications.
Research Philosophy
My research journey has spanned multiple continents, with each location uniquely enriching my knowledge and broadening my experiences. At the core of this global exploration is my commitment to equity and diversity, which shapes every interaction and collaboration. We are like vessels, continuously gathering diverse experiences throughout our lives. As scientists, we blend these experiences, much like an artist with their palette, to create a cohesive body of work. This synthesis not only deepens our understanding of the world but also reshapes the landscape of research, emphasizing inclusivity and expanding perspectives in our pursuit of justice.
Education
SKILLS
Postdoctoral Associate Yale School of Medicine, U.S. Neurology & Pathology Departments |
Ph.D. in Biophysics University Grenoble-Alpes, France Doctoral School of Physics |
M.S. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Hons.) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium Bio-nanotechnology Concentration EU commission funded Joint degree |
B.S. in Nanosystems Engineering (Top 5%) Louisiana Tech University, U.S. Biomedical Concentration Minor in Mathematics |
Doctoral
Fellowship
Foundation Nanoscience - French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (2018-2021)
Erasmus+ Masters Scholarship
EU Commission (2015-2017)
Outsanding
Junior
Louisiana Tech University (2014)
Freshman Engineer of the year
Tau Beta Pi - Louisiana Gamma Chapter (2011)
Current Research
Extracellular Vesicles - ‘FedEx for your cells’
Discovering Invisible Messengers in the Fight Against Neurodegenration: In cellular communication, tiny carriers known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) are revolutionizing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease [1]. Once dismissed as mere cellular debris, these nanoscale particles have emerged as potent biomarkers for the early detection of disease progression. By analyzing the molecular signatures carried by plasma-derived EVs in patient blood, we are gaining vital insights into how neurodegenerative conditions alter cellular communications. This approach advances our diagnostic capabilities ushering in a new era of targeted interventions and personalized care for neurodegenerative disorders.
Tiny but mighty, extracellular vesicles might just be the dark horse of cellular communication, with the potential to revolutionize how we diagnose and treat diseases.
~ A. Abbot Nature News (2023)
Previous Research
Exploring Exocytosis
Investigating Protein Modulation in Synaptic Vesicle Pools: What is the role of protein isoforms and their enrichment in distinct vesicle pools? Our research explores the vital role of exocytosis proteins in regulating neurotransmitter and hormone release and their potential links to Diabetes and Alzheimer's. By studying protein modulation within vesicle pools, we aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to advanced therapeutic targets. unpublished
High-Throughput Luciferase Reporter Assay for Insulin Secretion: Our research involved the development of a high-throughput luciferase reporter assay specifically designed to study the dynamics of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. This innovative tool enables precise quantification of insulin promoter activity under various stimuli, offering critical insights into the cellular mechanisms that control insulin release—a key aspect of diabetes research [2].
Next-Generation In-Vitro Membrane-On-Chip Technology: Our research involved the development of an advanced membrane-on-chip in vitro platform, specifically focusing on a synapse-on-chip, enabling the mechanistic dissection of exocytosis [3,4]. This platform allows for precise studies of synaptic functions and capturing the intricate
choreography of molecules during fusion events crucial for understanding the states of neurodegenerative diseases.
Biomimetic Opto-electronic Nose
Interplay between Biologocal structure and Function in odor detection: Our research focuses on the physiochemical roles of nanostructured biological receptors within the optoelectronic nose system. We have underscored the importance of biomimetic structural elements, utilizing hairpin DNA and short peptides to boost system functionality [7, 8]. A fortunate discovery led to the development of innovative biomaterials aimed at enhancing odor sensing. We have crafted biohybrid heterostructures, meticulously designed through the self-assembly of simple short peptides for the sensitive and selective detection of odors [5].
Plasmonic Contributions of a Gas-Phase Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRI) Chip: Our research achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding surface plasmon damping effects on plasmonic sensors. We identified the critical role of nanometric semi-ellipsoidal gold grains on the sensor's surface. Through a comprehensive numerical model, we successfully matched theoretical predictions with experimental outcomes for the first time [9]. This foundational work has driven pioneering advancements in SPRI technology and the development of optoelectronic nose technology. These innovations form the core of the start-up, Aryballe [6].
Select Publications
Community Outreach
Arbeiter Samariter Bund
2004: Post-Tsunami Program
Contributed to ASB’s post-tsunami relief efforts in Sri Lanka, focusing on rebuilding preschools in underprivileged communities and combating long term psychological impact due to displacement.
World Vision
Positive Deviance Hearth Program
Spearheaded vital community health and nutrition programs to sustainably prevent malnutrition among children under five in Sri-Lanka’s impoverished coastal communities.
Boost Foundation
Project Sharing Knowledge
Engaged in delivering science and mathematics education to overcome staffing and resource challenges in rural schools in Sri-lanka, contributing to the educational empowerment of the community.
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