Thilini Kumarasinghe is exploring how to help fragile newborns thrive through lifesaving nutrition research, while leaning on her own small but mighty support system to juggle motherhood and graduate studies far from home.

Where are you from?

I’m from Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation often called the “pearl of the Indian Ocean,” known for its natural beauty, rich culture, flavorful cuisine, and strong commitment to free education. Moving to St. John’s has been a unique experience. I’ve grown to love the city’s peaceful atmosphere, friendly community, and rocky coastline. The beaches here—though rocky rather than sandy—remind me of home in their own way, especially during the summer.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

In my spare time, I enjoy drawing, cooking, and gardening—activities that help me relax and connect with nature, especially during Newfoundland’s beautiful summer months. Beyond hobbies, I’m deeply passionate about science outreach and education. I volunteer with Let’s Talk Science and the Hubi Outreach Program, where I engage with students and the public to promote scientific literacy. Sharing science in fun, accessible ways is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I love research and education.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

My passion for academia began at home. Growing up, I watched my mother—still in academia—dedicate herself to her work with tireless commitment. Though it was demanding, I saw how her efforts shaped the lives of her students and community. That early influence sparked in me a deep appreciation for the value of education and research.

My own academic journey started with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. While working as a practicing veterinarian, I realized I wanted to continue learning, which led me to pursue an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health through a distance learning program at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London. Driven by a desire to understand the science behind health and nutrition at a deeper level, I chose to pursue a PhD. My background as a veterinarian inspired me to focus on research that can improve the health of vulnerable populations—especially newborns. Graduate studies have allowed me to contribute to meaningful research while preparing for a career in academia or research.

Why did you choose Memorial University for your graduate studies?

I chose Memorial University because of its strong research reputation and the opportunity to work with leading experts in a field I care deeply about. Finding the right research opportunity abroad wasn’t easy. I sent countless emails to professors in my field, often without receiving replies. It was discouraging at times, but I stayed persistent. The turning point came when a close friend, Mahesha Asiriwardhana, told me about an opening in Dr. Robert Bertolo’s lab. I applied, interviewed, and was fortunate to be accepted. Since arriving in Canada, I’ve been working under the mentorship of Dr. Janet Brunton, with Dr. Bertolo as my co-supervisor.

Memorial offers a welcoming and supportive community, excellent resources, and opportunities that allow me to grow both academically and personally. It’s been the ideal place to develop my research skills and pursue my passion for improving health outcomes.

What is your research/thesis about? How do you describe your research to a general audience with no background in the field?

My research focuses on improving nutrition for newborn babies who cannot eat by mouth and rely on intravenous feeding, called parenteral nutrition (PN). While PN is lifesaving, prolonged use can cause liver and intestinal damage due to harmful molecules known as oxidants. To reduce these side effects, I study how adding antioxidants—such as glutathione, vitamins E and C—and minerals like selenium to PN can protect the liver and gut. Using a neonatal piglet model, which closely resembles human infants, my ongoing work aims to optimize PN formulas to better support organ health, maintain healthy blood flow to the gut, and promote growth and recovery. As a mother myself, working on research that may help fragile newborns survive and thrive is especially meaningful to me. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve the safety and effectiveness of PN, helping vulnerable newborns have healthier outcomes.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?

My experience as a graduate student at Memorial has been overwhelmingly positive. Memorial provides a supportive and flexible environment. I’ve been able to balance my academic responsibilities with personal ones, thanks to understanding supervisors and a collaborative community. The Biochemistry Graduate Student Society organizes events like our annual summer symposium, where students present their research, and smaller community gatherings that foster friendships and networking. Memorial also encourages students to attend conferences on and off campus, helping me share my research, connect with others, and build valuable relationships. I’ve also had the chance to give back through volunteering and outreach, which enriches the experience even more. Overall, I’ve grown here not just as a researcher but also as a person.

What scholarships or awards have you received?

I’ve been honoured to receive several awards recognizing my academic and research achievements. These have boosted my confidence and opened doors to new opportunities. In 2022, I received the Canadian Nutrition Society Award for the best nutrition-themed PhD presentation at the Biochemistry Graduate Society’s annual symposium. This was the first recognition of my work at Memorial and greatly encouraged me to continue sharing my research with broader audiences. In 2023, I received the L. M. Stead Award for the best PhD student oral presentation at the Biochemistry Symposium at Memorial University.

The year 2024 was especially rewarding. I won first place in the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition organized by the Faculty of Science at Memorial University. I also received the best 3-minute presentation at the International Women’s Day Conference hosted by the Women in Science and Engineering Graduate Student Society (WISE GSS). In the same year, I received the Barrowman Travel Award to support conference participation and the Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) Equity in Nutrition Travel and Registration Award, which enabled me to attend and present at the CNS Annual Conference in Edmonton, Alberta.

In 2025, I was honoured with the Janet Murphy Goodridge Legacy Award for the 2024–2025 academic year. I also earned second prize for PhD oral presentation at the International Women’s Day Conference hosted by WISE GSS.

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