Buddhi Fernando | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Buddhi Fernando | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Buddhi Fernando, Department of MLS, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka

Dr. Buddhi Fernando is a dedicated academic and clinical biochemist from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, currently serving as a Lecturer at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Peradeniya 🎓, Dr. Fernando has pioneered studies on Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu), identifying biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, and risk prediction 🧬🩺. With experience in teaching Clinical Biochemistry, Andrology, Microbiology, and more, she has inspired many students while conducting impactful research. Her award-winning research presentations and global exposure, including a scholarship to Japan 🌏, reflect her academic excellence. Dr. Fernando has co-authored numerous high-impact publications in reputed journals and remains passionate about translational science that directly benefits vulnerable communities. Her persistent pursuit of knowledge, interdisciplinary collaborations, and commitment to public health place her among Sri Lanka’s most promising researchers 🌟📚🔬.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar 

Education

Dr. Buddhi Fernando completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry 🧪 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2020. Her dissertation focused on identifying a biomarker profile for CKDu and evaluating its utility in early diagnosis, staging, and risk stratification 🧬📊. She earned her B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Science with a Second-Class Upper Division in 2014 from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya 🏥🔍. Her undergraduate research explored the impact of Diabetes Mellitus on heart function in ICR mice 🐭❤️. Earlier, she completed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination (2008) and G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination (2002) with commendable results 🎓📘. Dr. Fernando’s academic training merges rigorous scientific methodology with a strong focus on public health relevance, especially in addressing rural disease burdens. Her scholarly foundation has been crucial in supporting her innovative research into CKDu, a condition affecting thousands in Sri Lanka 🩺🌱.

Experience

Dr. Buddhi Fernando has over six years of academic and teaching experience 📚. From November 2019 to date, she has served as a Lecturer (Probationary and then permanent) at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Ruhuna 🏫. Her teaching responsibilities span Clinical Biochemistry, Microbiology, Andrology, Physiology, and Parasitology 🧫🧠. She has also taken on leadership roles as Batch Coordinator and Unit Coordinator. Previously, she was a Demonstrator at the University of Peradeniya (2018–2019) and a Lecturer at IVA Para Medical Campus, Kandy (2018) 🧪. She is registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (Reg. No. 2478) 🧾. Her hands-on academic guidance and innovative methodologies help bridge theoretical learning with practical healthcare applications. Dr. Fernando’s commitment to education and mentorship has left a positive impact on future generations of medical laboratory professionals.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Buddhi Fernando’s excellence in research and academia has earned her several prestigious accolades 🌟. In 2012, she was awarded a scholarship for the Global Health Student Exchange Program at Niigata University, Japan, recognizing her early promise in global public health 🌍🇯🇵. In 2017, she won First Place for the Best Oral Presentation at the Research Sessions of the Kandy Society of Medicine 🥇🎤, showcasing her talent in communicating scientific breakthroughs effectively. Her outstanding scholarly output is reflected in numerous publications across high-impact journals such as PLoS ONE, Kidney International Reports, and Environmental Geochemistry and Health 📑📈. As a unit coordinator and mentor, her academic leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing research culture among peers and students 🧑‍🎓🔬. These honors exemplify her capability to contribute significantly to science, education, and community health — making her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award 🏅📚🧪.

Research Focus

Dr. Buddhi Fernando’s research primarily centers on Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu)—a pressing health crisis in Sri Lanka’s rural communities 🏞️🩺. Her Ph.D. work focused on identifying biomarker templates for CKDu and evaluating their utility for early detection, population screening, diagnosis, staging, and predicting complications 🧬💉. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates biochemical profiling, environmental toxicology, and molecular diagnostics to uncover the complex pathophysiology of CKDu. Beyond CKDu, she also explores diabetes-related cardiac effects and trace element imbalances ⚖️❤️. Dr. Fernando’s work has high translational value, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory science and community health solutions 🧪🤝. Her collaborations with nephrologists, toxicologists, and global health experts reflect her broad academic network and research adaptability 🌐. Her contributions are vital to designing affordable, effective diagnostics for low-resource settings — making her research both locally relevant and globally significant 🌎📊🧠.

Publication Top Notes

Serum and urine fluoride levels in populations of high environmental fluoride exposure with endemic CKDu: a case–control study from Sri Lanka

 

Heather Ewart | Environmental Biology | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Heather Ewart | Environmental Biology | Women Researcher Award

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

Dr. Heather Elizabeth Ewart's academic journey reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence. Beginning with a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and post-baccalaureate studies in Counseling and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, she laid a strong foundation in understanding human behavior. She further expanded her academic horizons with an MSc in Animal Behavior from Manchester Metropolitan University, delving into the intricacies of animal cognition and behavior.

Professional Endeavors:

Her professional endeavors span a diverse range of roles, showcasing her versatility and leadership skills. From serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Field Course Graduate Teaching Staff at the University of Manchester to coaching student sports teams as a Team Manchester Certified Sports Coach, she has demonstrated a commitment to both academia and student development. Her experience as a Behaviour Interventionist and Physiotherapy Intern underscores her dedication to supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Her research focus lies at the intersection of ecology, environmental sciences, and climate change. Her PhD thesis, "Adapting to environmental change: Perspectives from extreme global biomes," investigates how organisms respond to environmental challenges in extreme biomes. She has led high-impact interdisciplinary research projects, exploring biodiversity conservation and environmental change dynamics. Her expertise in statistical analysis, particularly utilizing R and GIS, has enabled her to conduct rigorous and insightful research.

Accolades and Recognition:

She contributions to academia have been recognized through various accolades and awards. She received the Turing Scheme Scholarship for an international research exchange at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and an Arctic Field Grant for her research in the high-Arctic. Additionally, she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor International Scholarship during her MSc studies for her exceptional academic performance.

Impact and Influence:

Her research has made significant contributions to understanding the impacts of environmental change on biodiversity conservation. Her presentations at international conferences and publications in prestigious journals highlight the relevance and importance of her work. As a mentor and educator, she has positively influenced the academic and professional development of students, inspiring future generations of researchers and conservationists.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Her legacy lies in her dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing environmental challenges. Her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to collaboration position her as a leader in her field. Moving forward, she aims to continue conducting impactful research, mentoring emerging scholars, and advocating for evidence-based conservation strategies to safeguard global biodiversity.

Notable Publications 

The metabolic cost of turning right side up in the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)

HE Ewart, PG Tickle, WI Sellers, M Lambertz, DA Crossley, JR Codd
Scientific Reports
HE Ewart, W Sellers, LP Folkow, R Nudds, J Codd