CUFSAA-NA Distinguished Speaker Series
Table of Contents
- Distinguished Speaker Series – Talk 14 (July 20, 2026 at 10:30am Eastern Time) Coming Soon!
- Upcoming Talks of the Series
- List of All Concluded Talks
- Playlist of ALL Concluded Talks on Youtube
The Fourteenth Talk of the CUFSAA-NA Distinguished Speaker Series organized in association with Faculty of Science, University of Colombo will be delivered by Dr. Charuksha Walgama from University of Houston-Clear Lake on July 20, 2026, 10:30AM Eastern Time (July 20, 2026 8:00pm Sri Lankan Time).
Event Flyer:
Title: Graduate Studies Abroad and Beyond: Building a Successful Career in Science
Speaker: Charuksha Walgama, PhD. , Department of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, USA.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Charuksha Walgama is an Assistant Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He received his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and his Ph.D. in Bioanalytical Chemistry from Oklahoma State University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on immobilizing biomolecules onto electrochemical platforms for biosensing and biocatalytic applications, developing low-cost analytical devices for diagnostic applications, and designing nanostructured electrode platforms for electrochemical green synthesis.
Abstract: This seminar offers an overview of study abroad opportunities for Sri Lankan science graduates interested in higher studies and career development in the United States. The talk covers pathways to M.S. and Ph.D. programs, the benefits U.S. universities offer, and key factors to consider when applying. It also addresses common challenges in graduate school, particularly during Ph.D. training, and explores career paths after graduate studies, including academia and industry. Dr. Charuksha Walgama will also share his own journey from Sri Lanka to the United States and give a brief overview of his research in bioanalytical chemistry.
Moderator: TBA, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Join us LIVE!
Event Date & Time: July 20, 2026, 10:30AM Eastern Time (June 18, 2026 8:00pm Sri Lankan Time)
How to Join: All talks of the Distinguished Speaker Series are FREE and delivered via Zoom Technology.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82955368721?pwd=ipq2EPE9kSWHbGaIQQbtDI6q34Sm6L.1
Meeting ID: 829 5536 8721
Passcode: 036265
Additional Ways to view: You can listen to the talk via FBLive and YouTube Live as well.
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- CUFSAA Facebook Page
- CUFSAA Speaker Series YouTube Channel
- Direct link to Live Youtube Stream will be available on event Day
Upcoming Talks of the Speaker Series for 2026
- Panel Discussion on Cancer Research
- Annual Graduate Application Guidelines Seminar
Please visit this webpage often to see updates and to join us at upcoming talks of the series.
List of All Concluded Talks of the Speaker Series
These are the concluded talks of the series available as on demand videos for you to view at your leisure.
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- Talk 01: Dr. Nalin Samarasinha – Asteroid Colombounilanka and Contributions to Astronomy by University of Colombo – April 27, 2022:
- Talk 02: Prof. AP de Silva – From Chemistry to Medical Diagnostics and Information Processing – July 07, 2022:
- Talk 03: Dr. Jayeni Hiti-Bandaralage – A paradise on the iceberg – Entrepreneurship for innovators – August 28, 2022:
- Talk 04: Prof. David Hoskin – Iron withdrawal by selective chelators for cancer treatment – September 20, 2022:
- Talk 05: Dr. Binodh De Silva – Developing a Career as a Scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry – November 09, 2022:
- Talk 06: Athula Alwis – The Role of InsureTech Startups in the US Commercial Insurance Industry – April 25, 2023:
- Talk 07: Panelists: Dr. Harshica Fernando, Dr. Arunika Gunawardena, Dr. Amita Manatunga, Dr. Unil Perera, and Dr. Kirthi Premadasa – Panel Discussion on Graduate Admissions to USA and Canada – July 12, 2023:
- Talk 08: Vajira Abeysinghe – Building a career in Information Technology – December 11, 2023:
- Talk 09: Prof. Sandun Perera – Enhancing your career options through data-driven or industry-focused research – January 29, 2024:
- Talk 10: Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya – Novel technologies to expedite the drug-lead discovery process – February 27, 2024:
- Talk 11: Prof. Krishni Wijesooriya – From Bedside to Model: Multisite Analysis of Immune Suppression – April 30, 2026:
- Talk 12: Dr. Thilani Bhagya Jayakody – Evaluation and Development of Resources for Genome Editing and Genetic Engineering in Solanum tuberosum – May 25, 2026:
- Talk 13: Dr. Soutik Ghosal – Real-World Applications of Biostatistics in Health Research – June 18, 2026:
- Talk 14: Dr. Charuksha Walgama – Graduate Studies Abroad and Beyond: Building a Successful Career in Science – July 20, 2026:
- Talk Abstract, Speaker Bio, and Event Flier
- Click here to watch the full video of the event from YouTube.
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Listen to All Concluded Talks via Youtube
These are the concluded talks of the series available as on demand videos for you to view at your leisure. Please use the control buttons on the Youtube window below to navigate through and listen to ALL concluded Talks of the CUFSAA Distinguished Speaker Series.
For Example, You can click Once on the Playlist button on top right-hand corner and skip to any concluded talk of your choice.