Nimanthi Abeyrathna

Dr. Nimanthi Abeyrathna serves as Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Biology within Rivier University's School of Science. Her research integrates molecular techniques with ecological fieldwork to address invasive species management and vector-borne disease challenges, with particular expertise in aquatic gastropods and mosquito vectors.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology from Clarkson University, NY, USA
• MS in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology from Clarkson University, NY, USA
• BS (Honors) in Zoology from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Dr. Abeyrathna's scholarly work spans molecular ecology, invasion biology, and biogeography, characterized by innovative applications of genetic tools to study population connectivity, resistance mechanisms, and human-environment interactions. Her research on invasive snails in New York's Adirondack region and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes in Sri Lanka demonstrates interdisciplinary rigor with tangible conservation and public health applications.

Analysis of her 2019-2024 publications reveals dominant themes in invasive species dynamics (particularly gastropods), vector control, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Methodologically, her work combines field sampling, genetic sequencing, and ecological modeling to address management challenges in freshwater ecosystems and urban public health contexts.

Her research excellence has been recognized through competitive awards:

• COA Grants to Malacology from Conchologists of America (2022)
• Early Career Research Grant from The Malacological Society of London (2022)
• Travel Award from The Malacological Society of London (2023)
• Travel Award from The Freshwater Mollusks Conservation Society (2023)

As an educator, Dr. Abeyrathna has extensive experience teaching undergraduate biology laboratories (including Cellular Biology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology) and mentoring McNair research scholars. Her commitment to inclusive STEM education is reflected in leadership roles within graduate student associations, advocacy for women in STEM, and coordination of K-5 STEM summer camps focused on critical thinking development.

Her research program operates at the intersection of molecular ecology and conservation practice, with fieldwork spanning freshwater ecosystems in New York and vector surveillance in Sri Lanka, supported by collaborative networks with malacological societies and freshwater conservation organizations.