Shanukie is delighted to join the Gunawardena Lab to pursue a MSc in Biology in the fall of 2020. Shanukie was first introduced to the PCD lab in her third year of undergraduate studies, through Dr. Gunawardena’s lectures in the Diversity of Life course. Since then, her combined love for plant science and medicine has driven her to pursue a career in research. After successfully completing her BSc in Neuroscience and Biology, Shanukie is excited to continue her graduate studies under the supervision of Dr. Gunawardena and Dr. Gorolski (Dept. of Pharmacology). Her research will investigate the different mechanisms of cell death induced by anthocyanin, found in lace plants, on breast cancer cells. She hopes that her research will be instrumental in furthering cancer research and in uniting plant and medical research.

Outside of academia, Shanukie is a proud advocate for science and works to promote STEM through her role as the Administrative Assistant for the Atlantic Science and Links Association (ASLA). She also volunteers frequently with the Scientist in the Schools Program (SITS) where she enjoys mentoring and sharing her passion for science and research with junior high and high school students. Additionally, Shanukie works with war service veterans at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and as a Teaching Assistant in the department of Biology at Dalhousie. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, hiking and learning new languages.