By Ava Steffens

For Sandhya Jayasekara, receiving a scholarship at Southern Illinois University is about more than financial assistance. A third-year doctoral student in microbiology from Sri Lanka, Jayasekara said scholarship support has been reassured her and helped ease the financial pressures of graduate school.

Jayasekara received the Chad A. Rubin, M.D. FACS Microbiology Scholarship, which has made an especially important difference for her as an international student. Established to honor Dr. Rubin’s legacy, the scholarship has allowed Jayasekara to devote more attention to her doctoral research.

“Receiving a scholarship can be motivating because it gives you some encouragement to be focused and do your best as a graduate student,” she said. “Financial situations can be tight sometimes, so receiving this kind of scholarship can actually ease a lot of stress.”

Research with an impact 

Jayasekara has spent five years at SIU, first earning a master’s degree in microbiology before beginning her doctoral studies. Her doctoral research involves genetically engineered yeast and bacteria for applications including plastic upcycling and environmental toxin reduction.

“I never thought of doing synthetic microbiology and genetic engineering. This is a place where I can grow and learn a lot of new things,” she said. “It’s super diverse, challenging and exciting at the same time.”

She first learned about SIU through a professor at her university in Sri Lanka, who introduced her to Associate Professor Lahiru Jayakody. As a graduate research assistant on Jayakody’s project, Jayasekara helps lead a NASA-supported study in SIU’s microbiology department.

Jayasekara and Jayakody’s team break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and organic plant biomass into simpler molecules, which they feed to engineered yeast. Following a 33-step conversion process, the yeast converts the molecules into proteins, lipids, vitamins and other food ingredients. Researchers can then use the resulting protein slurry to 3D-print a cookie.

“There’s no plastic in our final product,” Jayasekara said, adding that it is also free of heavy metals and food pathogens. She said researchers are seeking approval to conduct a taste-based sensory analysis.

The µBites project, which began with support from NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, could eventually help address plastic pollution and food insecurity.

More than financial assistance 

When Jayasekara learned she had received the scholarship, she felt excited and grateful. While her research illustrates the opportunities she has found at SIU, donor support has helped her continue pursuing her goals.

“Whenever you receive an award or a scholarship, you feel good about it,” she said. “And you feel motivated to move forward. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Jayasekara said donor support is particularly meaningful to her as an international student. That generosity has influenced how she thinks about her own future. She said she hopes to help other SIU students in the future.

“Scholarships mean a lot to us, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “Because of donors, students’ lives have become much easier.”

Looking toward the future 

After completing her doctorate, Jayasekara plans to remain involved in genetic engineering and synthetic microbiology research. She may pursue a postdoctoral position to expand her current work before determining the next step in her career.

“I’m grateful for these opportunities,” Jayasekara said. “It helps me to be positive, strong and the best version of myself while remaining encouraged to focus on my goals as well as helping others to achieve their goals.”

Major innovations through projects like Jayasekara’s contribute to SIU’s status as one of only 21 universities among 4,000 nationwide to hold the Carnegie Classification of both a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University.

Supporting scholarships through the SIU Foundation is a meaningful way to invest in Salukis like Jayasekara. Your support gives students access to transformative experiences that strengthen their education and prepare them for successful careers.

To give, visit siuf.org/give. Learn more about Jayasekara and Jayakody’s research at SIU here.