Professor Herana Kamal Seneviratne

Tenure-Track

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

He/Him/His/Himself

About

Prof. Herana Kamal Seneviratne is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of Maryland, Baltimore Country. In addition, he has an affiliation from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Washington State University, Pullman and did his postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prof. Seneviratne’s laboratory employs innovative mass spectrometry imaging-based multi-omics strategies and biochemical approaches to understand the mechanistic differences in drug responses and disposition. Additionally, his laboratory focuses on deciphering abnormal regulation of lipid metabolism in brain cells during aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Research interests

Drug Disposition and Response

The Seneviratne laboratory employs innovative mass spectrometry imaging-based multi-omics strategies and biochemical approaches to understand the mechanistic differences in drug responses and disposition. Additionally, we focus on deciphering abnormal regulation of lipid metabolism in brain cells in aging and neurodegenerative diseases

Teaching interests

CHEM 490/684 Advanced Mass Spectrometry: Fundamentals, Tissue Imaging, and Applications in Precision Medicine

Course Description: This course will cover the fundamentals of mass spectrometry, tissue imaging, mass spectrometry-based omics, and their applications in precision medicine. The course comprises regular lectures, presentations (group and individual), and primary literature. In this class, students will learn the principles of mass spectrometry including current methodologies, as well as how these state-of-the-art technologies can be used to understand complex biological processes. This class is intended for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students.

Areas: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Toxicological Chemistry

Course Objectives: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mass spectrometry including fundamentals, tissue imaging, and applications.

CHEM 300 Quantitative Chemical Analysis

Course Description: This course aims to introduce students to the field of analytical chemistry using wet chemistry techniques such as titrations, and common instruments. The chemical principles (e.g., dissociation constant) behind these techniques will be thoroughly discussed. At the end of the course, students are expected to obtain an overall knowledge of chemical analysis, and be able to do relevant calculations.

Areas: Analytical Chemistry

Course Objectives: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of quantitative chemical analysis.

Education

  • Ph D, ChemistryWashington State University (2017)
    Towards Understanding Dirigent Protein Function
  • BS, ChemistryUniversity of Peradeniya (2011)