The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is pleased to welcome Gayan Kariyawasam as an assistant professor. Kariyawasam officially joined the team on February 1, 2024.
In this role, Kariyawasam will focus his research efforts on identifying, cloning, and understanding the functions of genes in important fungal plant pathogens. This work will use genetics, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatic strategies. Additionally, he aims to inspire and educate students in plant pathology, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. “I greatly enjoy teaching and inspiring young scientists to pursue a path in molecular host-parasite genetics and in plant pathology,” Kariyawasam says.
“I am enthusiastic about my upcoming role, where I will drive an innovative research program that will focus on studying plant-pathogen interactions at a molecular level in commodity crops, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to offer effective solutions to tackle plant pathology-related problems in local and international farming communities. Moreover, I am excited to develop undergraduate and graduate courses that inspire and equip the next generation of plant pathologists.”
Kariyawasam’s extensive background includes the cloning and functional characterization of SnTox5, a gene encoding for a necrotrophic effector released by Parastagonospora nodorum that cause septoria nodorum blotch in wheat and development of the first genetic map for Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, a pathogen causing tan spot in wheat, using SSR and SNP markers which led to the cloning of a gene involved in the production of Ptr ToxC He earned his PhD in plant pathology from North Dakota University, and his dissertation is titled, “Molecular Genetic Characterization of PTR ToxC-Tsc1 interaction and comparative genomics of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis”
Kariyawasam extends a welcoming invitation to call him “Gayan” or “Dr. K.” His love for the outdoors and plant life extends beyond the lab as he enjoys bird photography, hiking, and traveling in his leisure time.