Samantha Ekanayake
Saskatoon,Canada
Summary
Dedication to teaching and training have been well demonstrated throughout professional carrier and in personal life. I am deeply committed and well-trained as a University teacher and educator with more than 5 years of university teaching experience, and more than10 years as a research technician dedicated to train and support graduate students. Commitment to effective communication, scientific writing, manual preparation, presentation skills, and team-building have been clearly highlighted among academia, university engagement and local community.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Care Attendant (Equine Clinic)
Veterinary Medical Centre, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
04.2024 - Current
- Communicate with veterinarians, residents, undergraduates on treatment protocols and medical plans
- Arrange horses and cattle for veterinary undergraduate teaching labs
- Arrange, plan and schedule teaching horses for hoof-trimming.
- Enhanced facility cleanliness through regular maintenance of animal living spaces, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Lead Technician/Research Technician
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, WestGen Research Suite, University of Saskatchewan
07.2014 - 03.2024
- Review and prepare safety protocols, operational procedure and SOPs in multi-user, Biosafety Level 2 laboratory
- Manage and practice safety, operational and laboratory procedures and protocols in multi-user, Level 2 facility
- Designate, Western College of veterinary medicine compilation of Essentail worker access list during COVID pandemic (2020)
- During COVID pandemic (2020), prepare protocols and SOPs on safety, sanitisation, entry procedures and laboratory access
- Provide laboratory orientation, site-specific training, and assistance with laboratory method to undergraduate and graduate students
- Communicate and provide assistance and feedback with graduate research programs
- In-charge of daily laboratory operation, assign laboratory space and equipment, monitor laboratory equipment booking calendar
- Judge annual undergraduate and Graduate poster day competitions, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (2014 -2023)
- Assist graduate student with sample collection from animals, laboratory method development, experimental design materials and method preparation, data analysis
- Conduct a 3-month training course with training modules on molecular techniques to graduate students (2016)
- Training graduate student on molecular biology techniques, design and conduct molecular methods to detect Francisella tularensis in wildlife samples and data analysis (2018- 2019)
- Purchase of laboratory supplies from venders and reconciliation to Financial Servies, University of Saskatchewan.
Research Assistant (Engineering)
Prairie Swine Centre Inc.
08.2012 - 12.2013
Communicate and discuss with engineering research team to design and develop a prototype high efficiency air filtration system in a pig transport trailer
- Use of bacteriophage phiX 174 for evaluation of efficacy of fabricated air filtration system
- Prepare an operational manual for biocontainment of transmissible airborne diseases in pig facilities.
Research Technician
College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biochemistry, Lukong Lab
05.2010 - 09.2010
- Maintenance, propagation and cryopreservation of cell lines: human breast cancer cell lines (BT20, HBL, 293), HeLa, and rodent (Met-1)
- Stable cell line generation in human breast cancer cell lines (Met-1, HBL, 293, BT-20).
Graduate Student, Master of Science
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Veterinary Pathology
08.2005 - 12.2009
- Identification of inclusion body hepatitis as a primary disease in commercial broiler chicken, Canada
- Intellectual property rights awarded to University of Saskatchewan (US Patent US9333253B2; ‘vaccines for inclusion body hepatitis’, 2016) for Master of Science research work on “Inclusion body hepatitis as a primary disease in commercial broiler chickens” (cited references: One authored, and two co-authored publications)
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology
University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Science, Sri Lanka
08.2000 - 08.2005
- Teach general Veterinary Pathology, Mammalian pathology, Poultry pathology and clinical pathology to veterinary undergraduate
- Coordinate with teaching and supportive staff to arrange and conduct histology labs
- Conduct training sessions on necropsy procedure for veterinary undergraduate.
Government Veterinarian
Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka
09.1995 - 08.2000
- Provide curative, breeding and extension services to livestock producers through livestock extension instructors
- Conduct ambulatory service, mobile clinics and livestock farmer education programs.
Temporary Assistant Lecturer/Resident Clinician
University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka
05.1994 - 08.1995
- Conduct client communication, disease diagnosis and treatment protocols
- Conduct clinical teaching and training to veterinary undergraduates on veterinary techniques, disease diagnosis, and treatment protocols and management
- Prepare and deliver lectures on veterinary pharmacology to 3rd year veterinary undergraduates.
Education
Master of Science (MSc) - Veterinary Pathology
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
12.2009
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
05.2005
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc; DVM equivalent) -
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
05.1994
Skills
- Effective communication and pleasing personality
- Professional speaker at scientific meetings and speaking events
- Strong inter-personal skills
- Professional writing skills
Universityengagement
- University Animal Care Committee, University of Saskatchewan, Member, 2022-01-01, 2024-01-01
- Animal Ethics Research Board, Primary reviewer/secondary reviewer, 2022-01-01, 2024-01-01, Review monthly Animal Use protocols and provide comments and recommendations to animal researchers
Covidresearch
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Designated to compile the essential worker access list, 2020-01-01, 2020-12-31
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Team Member, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, 2022-01-01, 2024-01-01, Attend surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife weekly virtual meetings and provide update and feedback
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, Using CDC 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) real-time RT-PCR diagnostic panel, 2022-01-01, 2023-12-31
Communication Skills
- USask Speakers Bureau, University of Saskatchewan, Speaker, 2015-01-01, 2024-01-01, Saskatoon Public Schools high school students, undergraduates, special needs kids and new immigrants, Education, how can we communicate effectively?
- Federal Elections, Polling station Information Officer, 2021-01-01, 2021-12-31
- Saskatchewan Provincial Elections, Polling station Information Officer, 2020-01-01, 2020-12-31
- Saskatoon Sri Lankan community, Deliver speeches/eulogy at cultural events and funeral services
Licensingrequirements
- Basic Veterinary Clinical Examination (BCSE), Pass, 2013-01-01
- North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), Pass, 2014-01-01
- Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE), equine practice, food animal practice, small animal surgery, necropsy, radiographic positioning, Pass, 2016-01-01
Laboratorycertification
- Biosafety
- Laboratory safety
- WHMIS
- Transportation of Dangerous goods - Road/Air (Shipper/Receiver)
- UACC, Animal ethics – Farm Animals
- Radiation safety
- Online Experimental Animal User Training core course
- Rodent handling, surgical skills, and anesthesia workshop
Publications
- Update on SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Canadian Wildlife, January 2020 - October 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2022-01-01, https://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/docs/covid/Update%20on%20SARS-CoV-2%20Surveillance%20in%20Canadian%20Wildlife,%20January%202020%20-%20October%202022.pdf
- Integration of ITS-2 rRNA nemabiome metabarcoding with Fecal Egg Count Reduction Testing (FECTR) reveals ivermenctin resistance I multiple gastrointestinal nematodes species, including Ostertagia otertagi in western Canadian beef cattle, De Seram, E. L., Uhlinger, F. D., Queiroz, de C., Redman, E. M., Campbell, J. R., Nooyen, D., Morisetti, A., Pollock, C. M., Ekanayake, S., Penner, G. B. and Gilleard, J. S., 2023-01-01, 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.04.002
- Effects of naturally-acquired gastrointestinal nematode infection on bovine viral diarrhea virus vaccine-directed antibody response in western Canadian feedlot cattle, De Seram, E.., Campbell, J. R., Pollock, C. M., Ekanayake, S., Gesy, K., Gilleard, J. S., Penner G. B. and Uehlinger, F. D., 2023-01-01, The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 64, 3, 263-267
- Quantification of regional murine ozone-induced lung inflammation using (18F)F-FDG microPET/CT imaging, Aulakh, G. K., Kaur, M., Brown, V., Ekanayake, S., Kahn, B. and Fonge, H., 2020-01-01, Scientific Reports, 10, 1, 15699, 10.1038/s41598-020-72832-8
- An optimized murine model to characterize shedding and clinical disease associated with “Brachyspira hampsonii” infection, Ek, C.E., Nosach, R., Fernando, C., Huang, Y., Perez, J.B.D.S., Costa, M.O., Ekanayake, S. Hill, J.E. and Harding, J.C.S., 2017-01-01, BMC Veterinary Research, 13, 261-272, 10.1186/s12917-017-1166-5
- Carbapenamase-producing organism in food, 2014, Rubin, J. E., Ekanayake, S. and Fernando, C., 2014-01-01, Emerging Infectious Diseases, 20, 7, 1264-1265, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073846/
- Field testing of an air filtration system for pig transport trailer, Predicala, B., Alvarado, A. and Ekanayake, S., 2014-01-01, Annual Research Report 2013-2014, Prairie Swine Centre Inc., 25-26
- Development of an air filtration system swine transport vehicles to protect against airborne diseases during transport, Predicala, B., Bonifacio, H., Ekanayake, S. and Wittington, L., 2014-01-01, Annual Research Report 2012-2013, Prairie Swine Centre Inc., 17-18
- Effect of excess Sodium in feed on haematological parameters and plasma Sodium level in broiler chicken, Ekanayake, S., Silva, S.S.P., Priyankarage, N., Herath, U. T. K., Jayasekara, M.U., Horadagoda, N.U., Abeynayake, P. and Gunaratne, S. P., 2004-01-01, British Poultry Science, 45, 1, S29-S30
- The effect of increased Sodium in feed on pulmonary hypertension-induced-ascites and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens, Ekanayake, S., Silva, S.S. P., Priyankarage, N., Jayasekara, M.U., Horadagoda, N., Abeynayake, P. and Gunaratne, S. P., 2004-01-01, British Poultry Science, 45, 1, S53-S54
- Occurrence and pathology of ascites and right ventricular failure in broiler chicken, Ekanayake, S., Horadagoda, N.U., Jayasekara, M.U., Abeynayake, P., Gunaratne, S. P., Ranathunge, L., 2003-01-01, Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 50, 2A, 9-13
- Characterization of ascitic fluid in broiler chicken in mid country of Sri Lanka, Ekanayake, S., Horadagoda, N. U., Herath, U.T. K., Wickremasinghe, S., 2002-01-01, Tropical Agricultural Research, 14, 80–86
- An Outbreak of Rabies in a Group of Ponies, De Silva, L.N.A., Horadagoda, N.U., Wimalaratne, O., Gunawardena, G.P.De.S. , Deelipan, T. and Ekanayke S., 2001-01-01, Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 48, 1, 37-38
- Ectopic cartilaginous and osseous nodules in the lungs of broiler chicken affected with ascites and right ventricular failure, Ekanayake, S., Jayasekara, M.U., Horadagoda, N.U., Abeynayake, P. and Gunartane, S.P., 2003-01-01, Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 50, 1, 40
- Right ventricular hypertrophy as a measure of ascites and right ventricular failure in broiler chicken, Ekanayake, S., Jayasekara, M.U., Horadagoda, N.U., Abeynayake, P. and Gunartane, S.P., 2003-01-01, Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 50, 1, 42-43
- An Analysis of the Disease Incidence in the Kotmale Veterinary Surgeon's Range, Ekanayake, S., 1999-01-01, Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 42, 1, 33
Theses
- Inclusion Body Hepatitis as a primary disease in commercial broiler chickens, Master of Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, 2009-01-01, http://library2.usask.ca/theses/available/etd-01062010-145947
- Aetio-pathology of Ascites and Right Ventricular Failure in Broiler chickens in Mid Country of Sri Lanka, Master of Philosophy, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2005-01-01, http://dlib.pdn.ac.lk/bitstream/123456789/431/1/S.%20Ekanayake%20Fac.%20f%20vet.pdf
Volunteer Experience
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Member, Human resources Development Committee, 2019-01-01, 2022-01-01
- Sri Lankan Association of Saskatoon (non-profit organization), Secretary, 2022-01-01, 2023-01-01
- Sask Lankan Welfare Society, Treasurer, 2021-01-01, 2022-01-01
References
- Dr. Janet E. Hill, Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, +306-966-7242, janet.hill@usask.ca
- Dr. Joseph E. Rubin, Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, +1 306-966-7246, joseph.rubin@usask.ca
- Amila Nawarathna, Lab Instructor/Coordinator, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 3A50.2, Health Science Building, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, +1 306-341-1690, amila.n@usask.ca
Languages
English
Full Professional
Tamil
Limited Working
Timeline
Animal Care Attendant (Equine Clinic)
Veterinary Medical Centre, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
04.2024 - Current
Lead Technician/Research Technician
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, WestGen Research Suite, University of Saskatchewan
07.2014 - 03.2024
Research Assistant (Engineering)
Prairie Swine Centre Inc.
08.2012 - 12.2013
Research Technician
College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biochemistry, Lukong Lab
05.2010 - 09.2010
Graduate Student, Master of Science
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Veterinary Pathology
08.2005 - 12.2009
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology
University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Science, Sri Lanka
08.2000 - 08.2005
Government Veterinarian
Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka
09.1995 - 08.2000
Temporary Assistant Lecturer/Resident Clinician
University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka
05.1994 - 08.1995
Master of Science (MSc) - Veterinary Pathology
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc; DVM equivalent) -
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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