SUJEEWA PERERA

**** ****** **** ***. # *-** • Lansdale, PA 19446

215-***-**** • Cell: 520-***-**** • fyu7mz@r.postjobfree.com

(US Permanent Resident)

SENIOR LABORATORY COORDINATOR/SAFETY COORDINATOR /ANALYTICAL CHEMIST

Chemist with 10 years of experience in laboratory settings, most recently with major university. Successful record of maintaining efficient, well-organized labs, while upholding high standards, expectations, and quality of service. Proven capabilities in synthesizing and characterizing organic compounds and dendrimers. Demonstrate close attention to detail when preparing chemicals for general and analytical chemistry laboratories. Display sound knowledge of regulatory practices associated with laboratory operations and monitor adherence to safety rules and standards. Well-versed in HPLC, GC, UV/VIS, FTIR, NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy methods and wet-chemistry techniques. Valued, respected team player recognized for strong performance, exceptional analytical abilities, and exemplary work ethic.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

M.Phil. in Chemistry (Emphasis in Analytical Chemistry) 2001

• Dissertation: ”Polluted water and industrial wastewater treatment methodologies using natural substances,” Advisors: Prof. N. Priyantha and Prof. D.T.B. Tennakoon

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Mathematics 1998

WORK EXPERIENCE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Tucson, AZ 2002–2012

Laboratory Coordinator, Senior • 2006–2012

• Accurately prepare chemicals for analytical and general chemistry laboratories. Manage inventory of chemical reagents and place orders for semester chemicals with purchasing employee.

• Maintain database using Microsoft Access 2007. Expand and modify prepbook, adding new preparation methods and updating changes in experiments.

• Check MSDS for each chemical used; store chemicals by compatibility.

• Write and review protocols, reports, specifications, and test methods.

• Operate and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation; train staff members on troubleshooting analytical methods and instrumentation.

• Serve as course liaison and undergraduate program committee member; develop, design, and test new experiments and laboratory curricula for undergraduate chemistry courses.

• Actively participate in outreach programs for high school students.

Safety Coordinator (Co-Chair), • 2007–2012

• Attend monthly planning meetings, working collaboratively with safety committee chairman to create inspection protocols/procedures, review near-misses and incident investigations, and assist with preparation of final safety report results.

• Manage safety committee communications; prepare/distribute agendas and coordinate inspection procedures in conjunction with committee members.

• Discuss safety topics at laboratory monitor meetings. Select speakers on approved topics, finalize agendas, secure meeting location, invite members, and maintain current lab monitor list.

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SUJEEWA PERERA • Page 2 • fyu7mz@r.postjobfree.com

WORK EXPERIENCE, CONT’D

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, Safety Coordinator (Co-Chair) • 2007–2012 (Cont’d)

• Enforce laboratory clean-up and check-out procedures. Proactively schedule removal of legacy chemicals and provide check-out procedure form for outgoing personnel. Inspect laboratory area and identify/label chemicals for disposal prior to release of contract.

• Initiate and organize lab safety workshops each year.

• Plan meetings with building coordinators for training and updating purposes. Participate in drills, training exercises, and meetings with University departments.

• Create and distribute monthly Privy press topics to Chemistry and Biochemistry front office; review personnel feedback.

• Update and maintain department lab safety website.

Visiting Scholar, Mentor: Prof. Dominic McGrath •2002–2006

• Synthesized and characterized organic compounds and polymers.

• Performed detailed characterization and mechanistic studies of hydrolysis of dendrimers using Langmuir-Blodgett films.

UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA, Department of Chemistry, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 1998–2001

Research Assistant

• Design and performed new treatment methodologies for polluted water and industrial wastewater

• Organized onsite field trips and collected water and industrial wastewater samples.

• Design and performed Water quality parameters, such as pH, Color, Cations, Anions, Total solids, COD, BOD, Conductivity and Temperature.

• Worked as a mentor for incoming research assistants.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Basics & Beyond Lab Safety Workshop, The University of Arizona, 2011

• Swagelok Safety Installation Seminar & Regulator Training, The University of Arizona, 2011

• Project Management Workshop, CareerTrack Fred Pryor, 2011

• Creative Leadership for Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leaders, CareerTrack Fred Pryor, 2011

• How to Supervise People, CareerTrack Fred Pryor, 2011

• Microsoft Access 2007-2010: A 2-Day Hands-on Workshop, CareerTrack Fred Pryor, 2011

• OSHA Compliance 2011, CareerTrack Fred Pryor, 2010

AWARDS

• McNair Award, In recognition of outstanding contribution and service to the employees, students and faculty, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona (2009)

• Star Award, The College of Science Staff Recognition Award of Excellence, The University of

Arizona (2007)

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SUJEEWA PERERA • Page 3 • fyu7mz@r.postjobfree.com

PUBLICATIONS

• A. Ortiz, C.S. Shanahan, D.T. Sisk, S.C., Perera, P. Rao, and McGrath, “Improved Iterative Synthesis of Linearly Disassembling Dendrons," D.V. J. Org. Chem.75, 6154-6162 (2010).

• N. Priyantha and S. Perera, “Removal of Sulfate, Phosphate and Colored Substances in Wastewater using Feldspar,” Wat. Res. Manag. 14: 417-433 (2000).

• S. Perera, M. Rizan, and N. Priyantha, “The sorption of Cu(II) ions on wet laterite surface,” Proc. Sri Lanka Assoc. Advt. Sci, 55, 315 (2000).

PUBLICATIONS, CONT’D

• S. Perera and N. Priyantha, “Low-cost laboratory scale laterite-based filter for removal industrially used colored substances,” Research Session, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 199 (2000).

• N. Priyantha and S. Perera, “Heavy Metal accumulation by Aquatic Plants-Possible Method for Metal Ion Removal from Polluted Water,” Research Session, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 30 (2000).

• S. Perera and N. Priyantha, “Removal of Phosphate form Aqueous Medium by Dolomite- Potential Method for Treatment of Industrial Effluents,” Cey. Jour. Sci. Phy.Sci. 6(1), 57-64 (1999).

• N. Priyantha and S. Perera, “Use of Feldspar for Removal of Blue Colored Dyes,” Proc. 28th Annual Session, Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka (1999).

• N. Priyantha and S. Perera, “Removal of Color Pigments Using Aqueous Extracts of Caesalpinia bonduc Seeds,” Research Session, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 100 (1999).

• S. Perera and N. Priyantha, “Metal ion Uptake by Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)-Possible Method for Effluent Treatment,” Proc. Sri Lanka Assoc. Advt. Sci. 55, 236 (1999).

• N. Priyantha and S. Perera, “Removal of Phosphate from Polluted Water,” Proc. Sri Lanka Assoc. Advt.Sci, 54, 315 (1998).

• N. Priyantha, D.T.B. Tennakoon, S. Keerthiratne, and S. Perera, “Removal of Excess Metal Ions in Polluted Water,” Proc. Sri Lanka Assoc. Advt. Sci. 53, 344 (1997).

PRESENTATIONS

• “Development of Economical treatment methodologies for water and wastewater,” Post-Graduate Research Seminar (2000), Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya. Metal ion Uptake by Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)-Possible Method for Effluent Treatment.

• “Metal ion Uptake by Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)-Possible Method for Effluent Treatment.” 55th Annual Session (1999), Sri Lanka Assoc.Advt. Sci. Open University, Nawala, Sri Lanka.

• “Use of Feldspar for Removal of Blue Colored Dyes,” 28th Annual Session (1999), Institute of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

• “Removal of Colored Pigments Using Aqueous Extract of Caesalpinia bonduc Seeds,” Research Session (1999), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

• “Removal of Phosphate from polluted water,” 54th Annual Session (1998), Sri Lanka Assoc. Advt. Sci. University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka.

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