Janaka Gamekkanda

Janaka Gamekkanda has a diverse work experience spanning different organizations and research areas. Janaka'smost recent position was as a Crystallization Scientist at CONTINUUS Pharmaceuticals, where they worked in a drug product process development team. In this role, Janaka led the design and execution of batch and continuous crystallization processes to purify reaction mixtures and obtain pharmaceutical intermediates.

Prior to that, Janaka worked as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) under the guidance of Prof. Allan Myerson. During their time at MIT, they focused on developing process control and monitoring protocols for continuous crystallization processes and optimizing unit operations such as filtration, drying, and thawing. Janaka also conducted characterization studies and identified polymorphs using advanced analytical techniques.

Before joining MIT, Janaka held a position as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Kansas State University, where they conducted co-crystal screening and synthesis of energetic materials for pharmaceutical and energetic applications. Janaka modified the energetic properties of these materials through crystallization and co-crystallization techniques.

Janaka also worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at Kansas State University, where they synthesized and modified energetic materials using co-crystals, salts, and solvates. Additionally, Janaka served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, conducting laboratory sessions and assisting students in chemistry courses.

Earlier in their career, Janaka worked as a Scientific Assistant at the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka and as a Demonstrator at the University of Colombo. Janaka also has experience as a Computer Lab Instructor at Tec Sri Lanka.

Overall, Janaka Gamekkanda's work experience demonstrates their expertise in crystallization processes, pharmaceutical development, and energetic materials.

Janaka Gamekkanda pursued their education in the field of Chemistry, starting in 2006 at the University of Colombo. Janaka obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Chemistry in 2010. Janaka then continued their academic journey at Kansas State University, where they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Chemistry from 2013 to 2018. Following their PhD, Janaka joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2019 for a Postdoc position in Chemical Engineering. Janaka dedicated their work to Chemical Engineering at MIT between 2019 and 2022.