Ayomi S. Ratnayake

Phone: 646-***-**** Email: ac790n@r.postjobfree.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ayomiratnayake Address: 1248 Riverside Station Blvd., Secaucus, NJ 07094 US CITIZEN

Summary of Qualifications

Experienced and highly qualified Research Associate with over 14 years of experience in researching and teaching. Highly proficient in performing quality assurance control on laboratory best practices while leveraging R&D experience to consistently achieve goals. Currently pursuing a Research Associate role which will effectively utilize all skills, abilities, and areas of expertise as follows:

Key Strengths

Research & Development

Immuno-histochemistry

Investigations/Reporting

Laboratory Operations

Western blot

Data Collection/Analysis

Rat neuronal cell culturing

Gene Cloning and plasmid construction

PCR and qPCR

Relevant Experience

Rutgers University · Newark, NJ 2008 - Present

Research Teaching Specialist IV, Neurosurgery

Applies laboratory expertise and scientific acumen conducting daily experiments studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern neuronal pathology, neuroprotection, and regeneration in inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Collaborates with other scientists on the 8-person R&D team to correctly execute essential research activities that ensure delivery of desired data. Guides and mentors laboratory colleagues and students in lab best practices and meticulous quality control procedures critical to the ongoing delivery of accurate information.

Key Contributions:

Quickly promoted to Research Teaching Specialist IV for outstanding lab performance.

Successfully completed research experiments in rat neuronal cell culturing, data analysis, laboratory orders, western blot analysis, real-time PCR, ELISA, and genotyping.

Recognized as the second author and contributor to a published journal article: Reduced expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 and collapsin response mediator protein 1 promotes death of spinal cord neurons. Cell Death Differ. 2010 Sep; 17(9):1501-10.

Second author of publication: A toll-like receptor 9 antagonist reduces pain hypersensitivity and the inflammatory response in spinal cord injury. Neurobiol Dis. 2013 Jun; 54:194-205. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.12.012. Epub 2013 Jan 8.

Asiri Surgical Hospital · Narahenpita, Sri Lanka 2005 - 2007

Laboratory Scientist, Genetic Diagnostic Lab

Selected to lead a research and development team of seven highly-regarded scientists utilizing the Cytovision image analyzer 3.7 and ABI four-capillary genetic analyzer to conduct molecular diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, and Dengue fever screenings. Reporting to MD and Clinical Geneticist, provided performance-focused direction in the deployment of advanced analytical techniques that increased capabilities and precision. Mentored colleagues on best practices and issue resolution, answered all client queries, and oversaw day-to-day lab operations to ensure seamless execution of experiments.

Key Contributions:

Acquired knowledge of new testing protocols as necessitated by client requirements; quickly developed proficiency in sequencing and karyotyping.

Leveraged leadership skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively resolve all staff issues.

Performed all tests abiding by good laboratory practices.

Performed clinical assays/RT –PCR to identify the presence for dengue virus, Hepatitis B and mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.

Ayomi Ratnayake - Page 2

Relevant Experience (Continued)

University of Virginia · Charlottesville, VA 2004 - 2005

Laboratory/Research Specialist II, Biology Department

Utilized demonstrated knowledge of research protocols to study the early embryonic development of the eye and nervous system in frogs. Implemented gynogenesis in conducting a mutagenesis screen of the frog Xenopus tropicalis. Mentored two undergraduate laboratory aides in best research practices and proper lab operations.

Key Contributions:

Identified recessive mutations that caused abnormalities of the otolith organ, eye, and heart.

University of California · Irvine, CA 2002 - 2004

Staff Research Associate, Ophthalmology Department

Expanded biology research experience and gained knowledge in bioinformatics, Genbank, and gene sequencing as a key member studying age-related macular degeneration (AMD) genetics and diabetic retinopathy. Garnered additional proficiency in fluorescence microscopy, retinal/cellular tissue sectioning and processing, antibody staining with fluorescent tags, RNA/DNA extraction and purification, RT-PCR, primer design, and cloning.

Key Contributions:

Discovered fundamental differences in diabetic retinopathy cells and normal retinal endothelial cells, through the use of various in-vitro assays including RT-PCR and immunostainning.

Recognized three abstracts in the ARVO Conference and named in two science journals as a result of directing ophthalmology research fellows and undergraduate students in molecular biology procedure.

University of Georgia · Athens, GA 1999 - 2002

Graduate Research Assistant, Microbiology Department Graduate Teaching Assistant

Honed greater laboratory knowledge by conducting experiments using techniques such as PCR, vector cloning, transformation, protein expression, gas chromatography and purification. Gained comprehensive skills in mutagenesis and bacterial identification by using biochemical microscopic, morphological assays, plant inoculation and aseptic techniques.

Key Contributions:

Developed a method for screening the genome of Ralstonia solanacearum for genes/traits that contribute to virulence in tomato plants.

Successfully conducted and completed the project with minimal or no supervision.

Education & Professional Development

Master of Science, Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Thesis: Screening for physiological characteristics that contribute to the virulence of Ralstonia solanacearum

In this study I have developed a preliminary method to screen the genome of R. solanacearum GMI1000 for traits or genes that contribute to the virulence in tomato plants. The BLAST algorithm was used to identify genes hypothesized as contributing to virulence. These target genes were interrupted to abolish activity. Mutants with attenuated virulence were screened by petiole-inoculating tomato plants and recording wilting disease symptoms. My results showed that from the five genes evaluated, functional inactivation of peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (msrA) and trans-zeatin synthesis (tzs) genes attenuated the ability to produce wilt disease symptoms. Mutations in sucrose-6-phosphate hydrolase (scrB), protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (pcaH), and ethylene-forming enzyme (efe) genes did not seem to affect the virulence of R. solanacearum GMI1000

Bachelor of Science, Biology (Microbiology), Willamette University, Salem, OR

Additional Information

Publications: Available Upon Request

Computer Applications: Microsoft® (Office, Visio, Excel, Access, Power Point), Adobe Acrobat®, MacVecor, SAS programming, Dbase,

Languages: English

publications

A link between plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 (PMCA2), estrogen and estrogen receptor α signaling in mechanical pain.

Khariv V, Acioglu C, Ni L, Ratnayake A, Li L, Tao YX, Heary RF, Elkabes S.

Sci Rep. 2018 Nov 22;8(1):17260. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35263-0.

A toll-like receptor 9 antagonist restores below-level glial glutamate transporter expression in the dorsal horn following spinal cord injury.

Pallottie A, Ratnayake A, Ni L, Acioglu C, Li L, Mirabelli E, Heary RF, Elkabes S.

Sci Rep. 2018 Jun 7;8(1):8723. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-26915-2.

Impaired sensitivity to pain stimuli in plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 (PMCA2) heterozygous mice: a possible modality- and sex-specific role for PMCA2 in nociception.

Khariv V, Ni L, Ratnayake A, Sampath S, Lutz BM, Tao XX, Heary RF, Elkabes S.

FASEB J. 2017 Jan;31(1):224-237. doi: 10.1096/fj.201600541R. Epub 2016 Oct 4.

Acioglu C, Mirabelli E, Baykal AT, Ni L, Ratnayake A, Heary RF, Elkabes S. Toll like receptor 9 antagonism modulates spinal cord neuronal function and survival: Direct versus astrocyte-mediated mechanisms. Brain Behav Immun. 2016 Apr 1: S0889-1591(16)30072-1

David BT, Ratnayake A, Amarante MA, Reddy NP, Dong W, Sampath S, Heary RF, Elkabes S. A toll-like receptor 9 antagonist reduces pain hypersensitivity and the inflammatory response in spinal cord injury. Neurobiol Dis. 2013 Jun; 54:194-205

Kurnellas, M P, Li, H, Jain M. R, Giraud S. N, Nicot A. B, Ratnayake A, Heary, R. F., Elkabes S. Reduced expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 and collapsin response mediator protein 1 promotes death of spinal cord neurons. Cell Death Differ. 2010 Sep: 17(9):1501-10.

Abstracts

Castellon, R., Sacerio, I., Anorve, S. E., Ratnayake, A. S., Chang, E., Hamdi, H. K. Secondary sprouting from retinal endothelial cells involves endothelial precursors. Abstract 2898. ARVO cnf., Fort Lauderdale, FL USA. May 2003.

Lavinsky, L., Anorve, S. E., Ratnayake, A. S., Hamdi, H. K., Castellon, R. Further characterization of secondary sprouting colonies of retinal endothelial cells. Abstract 1873. ARVO cnf. Fort Lauderdale, FL USA. 2004.

Castellon, R., Anorve, S. E., Ratnayake, A. S., Ljubimov, A. V., Hamdi, H. K. Differential angiogenic potential of retinal endothelial cells from normal, diabetic and diabetic retinopathy patients. Abstract 3218. ARVO cnf., Fort Lauderdale, FL USA. April 2004.

Kostamaa, H. J., Baharoglu, Z., Travis, J. H., Anorve, S. E., Ratnayake, A. S., Kim, D. H. S., Resende, G., Blacka, S., Boyer, D. S., Hamdi, H. K. The ACE Alu polymorphism contributes to neovascular AMD risk. Abstract 2720. ARVO cnf., Fort Lauderdale, FL USA. April 2004.

Athapaththu, M. H., Ratnayake, A., Gunasekera, N. C. A., Dissanayake, V. H. W. The need for genetic Evaluation prior to offering intracytoplasmic sperm injection/ invitro fertilization: Two Case reports. Abstract 30. Science College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sessions. Colombo, Sri Lanka. October 20th - 22nd 2006

Athapaththu, M., Hidellage, N., Opanayake, J., Pedurupillay, R., Ratnayake, A., Dissanayake, V.H.W.

Prognostically significant translocations in Sri Lankan children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Abstract 053.Sri Lanka Medical Association, 121 Annual Scientific Sessions. Colombo, Sri lanka. March 2008.

Opanayake, J., Athapaththu, M., Hidellage, N., Pedurupillay, C., Ratnayake, A., Dissanayake, V.H.W. Are aberrant BCR-ABL transcripts more common in Sri Lankan adults with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)? Abstract 054.Sri Lanka Medical Association, 121 Annual Scientific Sessions. Colombo, Sri lanka. March 2008.

Meade, A., Ratnayake, A., Kurnellas, M. P., Fakira, A. K., Heary, R. F., Elkabes, S. Effects of cytokines on calcium extrusion mechanisms in spinal cord neurons. Abstract 154.10/N2. SFN cnf., Sandiego, CA USA. Nov 2011.

Contact this candidate