Kithma De Silva
Edmonton,Canada
Summary
Results-oriented Research & Development Specialist in the Canadian Dairy Industry with expertise in new product development and quality control. Proven ability to lead projects that align with customer trends, resulting in enhanced product offerings and operational efficiencies. Proficient in scientific research, microbiological testing and data analysis, fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Innovations, Research & Development Specialist
Agropur Dairy Cooperative
Edmonton, AB, Canada
03.2022 - Current
- Leading innovation projects based on customer trends in the Canadian market for various customers, including Walmart, Sobeys, Loblaws, and Costco, etc.
- Develop benchtop samples from conceptual stage, manage manufacturing trials, and successfully commercialize products to the Canadian market.
- Provide operational improvement consultation, technical support for troubleshooting and product optimization.
- ensure regulatory compliance of products and collaborate with cross-functional teams in the organization
Quality Control Lab Technician
Agropur Dairy Cooperative
, Canada
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducted quality control tests including microbiology related testing and product evaluations to ensure compliance with industry standards
- Assisted in production processing troubleshooting and improve product quality
- Monitor the production plant to ensure standards and quality parameters.
Analytical Lab Technician
Perennia Food Innovation Center
Nova Scotia, Canada
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Performed analytical tests on food products to ensure quality and food safety
- Assisted Conducted analytical testing and microbiology related testing for various products
Research Assistantship
Food and Bioactive Laboratory, Dalhousie University
NS, Canada
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Research activities based on bioactive compounds and value added products
- Assisted group research projects based on biochemistry
Teaching Assistantship
Dalhousie University
Nova Scotia, Canada
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Assisted in teaching research methods and supported students in projects
- Managed student collaborative projects and supported student evaluations
Education
MSc. - Biochemistry
Dalhousie University
Nova Scotia, Canada07-2019
BSc. (Hons.) Degree - Biology/ Chemistry
University of Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam07-2016
Skills
- New Product development
- Project management and leadership skills
- Quality assurance
- Data analysis
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Organizational skills
Research
- Canada: Diet induced mice model study to determine the antidiabetic properties of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berry polyphenols at Dalhousie Univeristy (2018)
- South Korea: Research internship at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University (2014)
- Sri Lanka: Research internship, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2015)
Research Publications
- De Silva, A.B.K.H., & Rupasinghe, H. V., Polyphenols composition and anti-diabetic properties in vitro of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries in relation to cultivar and harvesting date., Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 103402, 01/01/19
- Rupasinghe, H. V., Arumuggam, N., Amararathna, M., & De Silva, A. B. K. H., The potential health benefits of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.): Role of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside., Journal of Functional Foods, 44, 24-39, 01/01/18
- Beom, S. S., Shin, S. Y., Dananjaya, S. H. S., De Silva, A. B. K. H., Nikapitiya, C., Cho, J., Park, G.H., Oh, C., Kang, D.H., & De Zoysa, M., Chitosan Based Silver Nanocomposites (CAgNCs) Display Antibacterial Effects against Vibrio ichthyoenteri., 한국임상수의학회지, 34, 4, 261-267, 01/01/17
Achievements And Awards
- Government full scholarship, Ministry of Higher Education in Brunei Darussalam (2012-2016)
- Mitacs Scholarship, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada (2017-2019)
- Represented Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) at IFT18, USA (2018)
- Sponsored student at Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, Ontario, Canada (2017)
Timeline
Innovations, Research & Development Specialist
Agropur Dairy Cooperative
03.2022 - Current
Quality Control Lab Technician
Agropur Dairy Cooperative
01.2019 - 01.2021
Analytical Lab Technician
Perennia Food Innovation Center
01.2019 - 01.2020
Research Assistantship
Food and Bioactive Laboratory, Dalhousie University
01.2017 - 01.2019
Teaching Assistantship
Dalhousie University
01.2017 - 01.2019
MSc. - Biochemistry
Dalhousie University
BSc. (Hons.) Degree - Biology/ Chemistry
University of Brunei Darussalam
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