Radha Somarathne
Radha Somarathne, a 无尽资源采集 State Ph.D. student studying chemistry, knows the value of higher education.
鈥淗aving a college degree is crucial. It鈥檚 like opening up a whole world of opportunities, learning and growth that goes way beyond the classroom,鈥 said the Sri Lanka native who moved to the U.S. to enroll at MSU in 2019. 鈥淔irst off, it sets you up for success in your future career. You鈥檙e not just studying; you鈥檙e building a toolkit for real-world challenges. Doors swing open when you鈥檝e got that degree in your pocket.鈥
Radha earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry from Sri Lanka鈥檚 Institute of Chemistry in 2018 and realized MSU was a 鈥渘atural choice鈥 to continue her education. She has spent her time in 无尽资源采集 investigating how biofilm-forming bacterial proteins interact with surfaces鈥攚ork that earned her the Department of Chemistry鈥檚 Outstanding Graduate Student designation in 2023.
鈥淏y gaining a better understanding of how bacterial surface proteins interact with surfaces, we can develop new strategies to prevent and treat biofilm-associated infections,鈥 she said. 鈥淥verall, my work has the potential to make a significant impact on public health and contribute to our understanding of microbial ecology, which could ultimately lead to the development of new and innovative materials to prevent biofilm-associated infections.鈥
While at MSU, Radha interned at Bayer, a renowned pharmaceutical and life sciences company, where she worked as a protein scientist for seven months. She said the guidance she received from her advisor, Nick Fitzkee, was invaluable in developing both her soft and technical skills, making her transition into the industry 鈥渟eamless and effortless.鈥
鈥淭he experience gave me exposure to the real-world applications of my research, and I gained valuable insights into the industry鈥檚 workings,鈥 Radha said. 鈥淢y time at Bayer not only helped me grow as a scientist, but it also gave me a new perspective on the role of academia in advancing the pharmaceutical and life sciences field.
鈥淚nternships are the missing puzzle piece in your studies,鈥 she continued. 鈥淵ou finally get to put all those theories into action and see how they work in real-world situations. It鈥檚 like your textbook comes to life. The best part is you鈥檙e not just working; you鈥檙e making connections鈥攔ubbing shoulders with pros who can show you the ropes and open doors. Also, you鈥檙e getting a sneak peek into how the big-shot companies run the show. It鈥檚 not just about skills. You鈥檙e growing as a thinker and a problem-solver. Figuring things out when they don鈥檛 go as planned鈥攖hat鈥檚 where the real learning happens.鈥
Radha will defend her dissertation this month and plans to graduate in December. After graduation, she plans to join a top-ranking pharmaceutical company or work in the biotech industry, where she will use her knowledge and skills to contribute to groundbreaking innovations that enhance lives.
鈥淚鈥檓 determined to be the positive change I wish to witness globally. Specifically, I envision myself working on innovations that become everyday products on supermarket and pharmacy shelves鈥攑roducts that bear the mark of my involvement in their innovation pipeline.鈥
Whether she鈥檚 volunteering at Service Dawg Days, serving as a graduate student research ambassador in the College of Arts and Sciences, working in a lab or preparing to defend her dissertation, Radha said one of her favorite parts of her MSU experience is witnessing the value MSU places on diversity.
鈥淚鈥檝e been able to attend so many cultural events, musical concerts and art festivals,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he campus vibe itself is just great鈥攎odern facilities mixed with natural beauty, making it a really inspiring place to study.
鈥淎nother great thing about MSU is how the university helps students grow,鈥 Radha added. 鈥淭hey organize these events through the Career Center, giving us a chance to learn, connect and prepare for life after college. It鈥檚 not just about classes here; it鈥檚 about preparing us for the real world in a way that feels exciting and supportive.鈥
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