Clinical Laboratory Scientist

PRABHAVI WIJESIRIWARDHANA, PhD, MLS(ASCPi)

Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Email: ***********@*****.*** Phone: +1-240-***-****

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prabhavi-wijesiriwardhana-0868486a/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BK7QAR8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Clinical laboratory scientist, molecular geneticist, and NIH postdoctoral fellow with over 12 years of experience spanning clinical laboratory medicine, molecular diagnostics, medical laboratory science education, and translational biomedical research. Extensive expertise in molecular diagnostic technologies including PCR, RT-PCR, MLPA, Sanger sequencing,

next-generation sequencing (NGS), genotyping, and genomic data analysis. Experienced in clinical microbiology education, laboratory quality assurance, diagnostic laboratory

practice, and multidisciplinary collaborative research.

Published investigator with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, competitive research funding, invited presentations, and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate trainees. ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist committed to advancing clinical microbiology through evidence-based laboratory practice and innovative molecular diagnostics.

EDUCATION

PhD in Health Science (Genetics and Molecular Biology) 2023

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dissertation: A Study of Large Genomic Rearrangements in Cancer Predisposition Genes in a Sri Lankan Cohort of Patients with Hereditary Cancer

Research Focus: Molecular diagnostics of hereditary cancer syndromes, Copy number variation analysis, Next-generation sequencing, MLPA, Sanger sequencing, PCR and RT-PCR, Variant interpretation

Master of Science in Experimental Biotechnology 2017

Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka

Thesis: Detection of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Ipomoea aquatica in Selected Areas of Sri Lanka

Relevant areas: Molecular biology, Biotechnology, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Laboratory Science 2012

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Thesis: Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Organisms in Clinical Samples Received at the Faculty of Dental Sciences Microbiology Laboratory in Dental Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka

Clinical Laboratory Training

Completed one year of clinical laboratory rotations in government teaching hospitals with hands-on training in: Clinical microbiology, Diagnostic bacteriology, Virology, Mycology,

Hematology, Clinical chemistry, Blood banking and transfusion medicine, Immunology, Histopathology, Cytology, Laboratory quality management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Postdoctoral Fellow May 2023 – Present

Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland

Conduct translational genomic research integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and epidemiology to investigate genetic and environmental determinants of pregnancy outcomes.

Selected Contributions

Perform large-scale genomic and epigenomic analyses using high-throughput sequencing datasets.

Apply genome-wide association study (GWAS) methodologies to identify genetic determinants of fetal growth and pregnancy-related traits.

Analyze molecular biomarkers including DNA methylation, oxidative stress markers, and gene expression signatures.

Develop statistical genomics workflows using R and PLINK for complex genetic analyses.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators across genetics, epidemiology, obstetrics, and molecular biology.

Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts published in Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, Clinical Epigenetics, and other journals.

Present research findings at NIH scientific seminars and national conferences.

Mentor junior trainees in genomic data analysis and scientific writing.

Senior Lecturer April 2014 – April 2023

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

Academic faculty member responsible for teaching, curriculum development, laboratory instruction, student mentorship, research supervision, and diagnostic laboratory support within an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.

Academic Leadership

Developed and delivered undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Clinical Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Hematology, and Transfusion Medicine.

Coordinated multiple Medical Laboratory Science courses across the undergraduate curriculum.

Designed laboratory practicals emphasizing diagnostic microbiology and molecular laboratory techniques.

Participated in curriculum development and academic quality assurance initiatives.

Clinical Laboratory Education

Clinical Research Coordinator August 2012 – March 2013 Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Coordinated clinical research studies in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Managed participant recruitment, regulatory documentation, and study coordination.

Collaborated with investigators to ensure protocol compliance and data quality.

Medical Laboratory Scientist May 2012 – August 2012

Durdans Hospital Diagnostic Laboratory, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Performed routine clinical laboratory testing across diagnostic laboratory services.

Conducted specimen processing and laboratory analyses while maintaining quality assurance standards.

Performed quality control procedures and instrument calibration.

Ensured compliance with laboratory safety and quality management practices.

Assisted in maintaining laboratory documentation and operational workflows.

PAPERS PUBLISHED

• Haizler-Cohen, L, Wang, G, Habtewold TD, Wijesiriwardhana, P, Grantz, KL, Tekola-Ayele, F. Placental Gene Expression Signatures based on Maternal Parity, accepted for publication in Placenta

• Wijesiriwardhana, P., Habtewold, T.D., Wang, G., G, Gleason, J. L., Wapner, R., Grantz KL, Tekola-Ayele, F. Maternal parity modifies association of birthweight polygenic score with fetal growth. Sci Rep 15, 27915 (2025)

• Tekola-Ayele, F., Biedrzycki, R. J., Habtewold, T. D., Wijesiriwardhana, P., Burt, A., Marsit, C. J., Ouidir, M., & Wapner, R. Sex-differentiated placental methylation and gene expression regulation has implications for neonatal traits and adult diseases. Nat Commun, 16(1), 4004 (2025)

• Habtewold, T. D., Wijesiriwardhana, P., Biedrzycki, R. J., Zhang, C., Grantz, K. L., Grewal, J., & Tekola-Ayele, F. Longitudinal maternal glycemia during pregnancy and placental epigenetic age acceleration. Clin Epigenetics, 17(1), 19 (2025)

• Habtewold TD, Wijesiriwardhana P., Biedrzycki RJ, Tekola-Ayele F. Genetic distance and ancestry proportion modify the association between maternal genetic risk score of type 2 diabetes and fetal growth. Hum Genomics, 18, 81 (2024)

• Wijesiriwardhana, P., Musolf, A. M., Bailey-Wilson, J. E., Wetthasinghe, T. K., & Dissanayake, V. H. W. Genome-wide linkage search for cancer susceptibility loci in a cohort of non-BRCA1/2 families in Sri Lanka. BMC Res Notes 15, 190 (2022).

• Wijesiriwardhana, P., Wettasinghe, K. & Dissanayeke, V. H. W. Copy Number Variants Captured by the Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization in a Cohort of Patients Affected with Hereditary Colorectal Cancer in Sri Lanka. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 22, 1957-1966 (2021).

• Witharana, C., Wijesiriwardhana, P., Jayasekara, K., Kumari, P. & Rodrigo, C. Awareness of female malignancies among women and their partners in Southern Sri Lanka and implications for screening: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 15, 1179 (2015).

• Sundarapperuma, T. D., Weeratunga, E., Wijesiriwardhana, P., Silva, E., Karunanayaka, S. & Yasarathne, K. Analysing the examination results to measure the effectiveness of online vs. physical teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduates in Sri Lanka. The Asia Pacific Scholar (2024).

SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS

• Abstract on “Multi-ancestral Maternal GWAS Meta Analysis of Longitudinal Trajectory of Fetal Growth” at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2024 (poster presentation)

• Abstract on “Multi-ancestral Maternal GWAS Meta Analysis of Longitudinal Trajectory of Fetal Growth” at the International Genetic Epidemiology Society (IGES) 2024 (poster highlight oral presentation)

• Abstract on “Epigenome-wide association study of placental DNA methylation and cumulative maternal glycemic levels throughout pregnancy” at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2024 (poster presentation)

• Abstract on “Epigenome-wide Association Study of Placental DNA Methylation and Cumulative Maternal Glycemic Levels Throughout Pregnancy” at the International Genetic Epidemiology Society (IGES) 2024 (poster presentation)

• Abstract on “Association of polygenic score of birthweight-reducing maternal variants with fetal growth and the influence of parity: a study in two multi-ancestral pregnancy cohorts” at the society of epidemiological research (SER)- 2024 (poster presentation).

• Abstract on “Polygenic effect of gestational duration reducing maternal variants on birth weight in an ancestrally diverse cohort” at the society of epidemiological research (SER)- 2024 (poster presentation).

• Abstract on “Polygenic effect of gestational duration reducing maternal variants on birth weight in an ancestrally diverse cohort” at the Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER) – 2024 (poster presentation).

• Abstract on “Maternal inflammation/oxidative stress markers during pregnancy and placental epigenetic age acceleration” at the Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER) – 2024 (poster presentation).

• Abstract on “Germline copy number variation in patients with hereditary breast cancer in Sri Lanka” at 18th Academic sessions and 17th Vice Chancellors awards, University of Ruhuna, 2021, p.23 (oral presentation).

• Abstract on “Genetic variants detected by comparative genomic hybridization in a cohort of “BRCAX” hereditary breast cancer patients in Sri Lanka” at the Annual Faculty Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine 2020, University of Colombo 2020 (oral presentation).

• Abstract on “A germline APOBEC3A/B copy number deletion in a cohort of patients with hereditary breast cancer in Sri Lanka at the Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists-2020 (oral presentation).

• Abstract on “Analysis of large genomic rearrangements in PMS2 and MSH6 genes in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) at the Colombo Medical Congress 2020, 150th anniversary celebrations of the Colombo Medical Faculty (oral presentation).

• Abstract on “Molecular screening of MLH1 and MSH2 genes in a cohort of Sri Lankan families with lynch syndrome at the Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists-2019 (oral presentation).

• Abstract on “Analysis of large genomic rearrangements in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with hereditary breast cancer” at the 132nd Anniversary International Medical Congress- Sri Lanka Medical Association 2019 (oral presentation).

INVITED TALKS

• Oral presentation on “Maternal genetic influence on fetal growth longitudinal trajectory” at 2025 NICHD Intramural Scientific Retreat, September 19, 2025, in the Porter Neurosciences Building, at the NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.

• Webinar on “Career guidance for future medical laboratory scientists” on June 30, 2025, on zoom for the undergraduate students at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

• Poster highlight talk (2 minutes) for the high scoring abstract at the IGES 2024 on “Multi-ancestral Maternal GWAS Meta Analysis of Longitudinal Trajectory of Fetal Growth” on at the IGES 2024, Denver, Colorado.

• Featured Oral Talk for the highest scoring abstract at the 19th Annual NICHD Fellows Retreat on “Role of parity in the association between maternal polygenic score of birthweight and fetal growth: a study in two multi-ancestral pregnancy cohorts” at the Natcher Conference Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.

• Webinar on “post-graduate opportunities for MLS graduates” on September 7, 2024, on zoom for the undergraduate and postgraduate students in Sri Lanka

• Webinar on “Journeys Beyond: Inspiring paths from Undergraduates to Post doctorate” on December 15, 2024, on zoom moderated by Global Pioneers.

CLINICAL LABORATORY & MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC EXPERTISE

Clinical Microbiology

Clinical specimen collection, processing, and laboratory workflow

Diagnostic bacteriology and bacterial identification

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) detection and antimicrobial resistance testing

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) principles and interpretation

Mycology, virology, parasitology, and clinical immunology laboratory training

Clinical laboratory biosafety and infection prevention practices

Laboratory quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC)

Clinical laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting Molecular Diagnostics

DNA and RNA extraction and quantification

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR)

Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)

Sanger sequencing

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Genotyping and copy number variation analysis

Electrophoresis

ELISA

Western blotting

Variant interpretation

Molecular assay development and optimization Genomics & Bioinformatics

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)

Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS)

Polygenic risk score analyses

Statistical genetics

Genomic database management

Data visualization and statistical modeling Laboratory Management & Education

Medical Laboratory Science curriculum development

Clinical laboratory teaching and competency assessment

Student and trainee mentorship

Laboratory quality management

Examination development and evaluation

Research project supervision

Scientific writing and manuscript preparation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

HONORS & AWARDS

National Institutes of Health Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE), 2025, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland

Awarded for the abstract: Maternal Parity Modifies Association of Birthweight Polygenic Score with Fetal Growth.

Reviewer's Choice Award, American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), 2024

Awarded for the abstract: Multi-ancestral Maternal GWAS Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Trajectory of Fetal Growth.

Poster Award: Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER), 2024

Awarded for the abstract: Maternal Inflammation/Oxidative Stress Markers During Pregnancy and Placental Epigenetic Age Acceleration.

Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA), National Institutes of Health, 2023

Best Poster Presentation Award, 18th Academic Sessions and 17th Vice Chancellor's Awards, University of Ruhuna, 2021

GRANT SUPPORT

Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE), National Institutes of Health, 2025 Competitive NIH award supporting outstanding intramural research accomplishments.

University Grants Commission Research Grant

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

National Institutes of Health

Chief Judge and Reviewer, Endocrinology Section, NIH FARE Awards (2026)

Member, Organizing Committee, NICHD Fellows Retreat (2024)

Poster Judge, NIH Postbaccalaureate Poster Day (2024)

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE

ASCP Board of Certification (MLS(ASCPi))

Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist, Sri Lanka Medical Council

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)

International Genetic Epidemiology Society (IGES)

Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER)

Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER)

American Society for Microbiology (ASM)

American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

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