Graduate Research Highlights
Mindula Kaumadi Wijayahena
PhD student in Dr. Aga's lab.
My research focuses on detecting and degrading major contaminants, specifically PFAS. I am working on developing analytical approaches for PFAS detection in water, human blood, and fish using tools like LC-MS/MS, LC-IMS/QToF, ICP-MS, etc.
I appreciate the collaborative research environment and access to cutting-edge facilities. The supportive community and diverse opportunities for professional growth significantly enhance my academic journey.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities like golfing, pickleball, and hiking. I also have a passion for cooking and experimenting with new recipes.
- Petra and Baudilio Colón Award for 2024-2025 recognizing a deserving PhD student in analytical chemistry, Travel Award, Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo
- University at Buffalo Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition, first place, May 2024
- Community Involvement and Diversity & Inclusion Award, Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, 2024
- Conference Funding Travel Award, Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, August 2023
- American Chemical Society AGRO Division, Travel Award, American Chemical Society Fall 2023 National Meeting and Expo Conference, August 2023
- Mattern-Tyler Teaching Award 2023, Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo
Oral presentations
- American Chemical Society Fall 2024 National Meeting and Expo Conference. Denver, CO. August 2024. “Bacterial degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS): detection of by-products by target and non-target analysis.”
- Northeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (NERM). Rochester, NY. June 2023. “Analysis of heavy metals in dried blood spots using “HemaSpotTM HF” filter papers.”
Poster presentations
- Celebration of Student Academic Excellence, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. April 2025, “PFAS Biodegradation by Labrys portucalensis F11: Identification of Metabolites of PFOS, 6:2 FTS, and 5:3 FTCA by Target and Non-Target Analysis”
- Spotlight symposium 2024, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. October 2024. “PFAS Biodegradation by Labrys portucalensis F11: Identification of Metabolites of PFOS, 6:2 FTS, and 5:3 FTCA by Target and Non-Target Analysis”
- Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Environmental Sciences: Water. Holderness School in Holderness, New Hampshire. June 2024. “Bacterial degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS): detection of by-products by target and non-target analysis.
- American Chemical Society Fall 2023 National Meeting and Expo Conference. San Francisco, CA. August 2023. “Rapid biomonitoring strategy for total PFAS in blood samples from populations in agricultural areas.”
- Wijayahena M.K.; Wallace J.S.; Kordas K.; Queirolo E.I.; Ahmed Z.; Aga D.S.; Lead measurements using dried blood spots in a portable sampling device: advantages and limitations. Green Analytical Chemistry, 2025. 10.1016/j.greeac.2025.100245.
- Aguilar J.M. and Wijayahena M.K.; Running L.S.; Phatthanawiwat K.; Choodum A.; Wallace J.S.; Aga D.S.; Comprehensive evaluation of the analytical efficiency of combustion ion chromatography for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biological and environmental matrices. Environmental Science & Technology 2025. 10.1021/acs.est.4c12443.
- Wijayahena, M. K.; Moreira, I. S.; Castro, P. M. L.; Dowd, S.; Marciesky, M. I.; Ng, C.; Aga, D. S. PFAS biodegradation by Labrys portucalensis F11: Evidence of chain shortening and identification of metabolites of PFOS, 6:2 FTS, and 5:3 FTCA. Science of The Total Environment 2025, 959, 178348. 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178348.
- Sanchez-Lievanos K.R.; Zhang D.; Simpson S.M.; Wijayahena M.K.; Rizzo G.; Aguilar J.M.; Abaya L.M.; Dovi J.M.; Sirotkin H.I.; Crawley M.R.; Cook T.R.; Aga D.S.; Synthesis and Evaluation of Cationic Porphyrin-based Organic Nanocages for the Removal of 38 PFAS from Water: Experimental, Theoretical, and Eco-Toxicological Insights. Environmental Science & Technology Engineering 2024. 10.1021/acsestengg.4c00639.