Menaka Ariyaratne

Menaka Ariyaratne is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Maryville University of Saint Louis since August 2025, following a brief tenure as Adjunct Faculty at St. Charles Community College. Previous experience includes serving as Research Scientist II in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Elemental Enzymes, where Menaka led research on bio-actives for plant stress protection. At the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Menaka worked as a Research Geneticist, focusing on molecular strategies to combat citrus greening disease. Prior roles include Postdoctoral Researcher at The Ohio State University, where contributions involved genetic improvement of rubber dandelion and the development of a plant-based oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Menaka's education includes a PhD and MSc from Bowling Green State University and a BS from the University of Peradeniya.