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By Ava Steffens<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s legacy, the scholarship has allowed Jayasekara to devote more attention to her doctoral research.<\/p>\n
\u201cReceiving a scholarship can be motivating\u00a0because it gives you some encouragement to be focused and do your best as a graduate student,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u201cFinancial situations can be tight sometimes,\u00a0so receiving this kind of scholarship can actually\u00a0ease\u00a0a lot of stress.”<\/p>\n
Research with an impact\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI never thought of doing synthetic microbiology and genetic engineering. This is a place where I can grow and\u00a0learn a lot of new things,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s super diverse, challenging and exciting at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no plastic in our final product,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n The \u00b5Bites project, which began with support from NASA\u2019s Deep Space Food Challenge, could eventually help address plastic pollution and food insecurity.<\/p>\n More than financial assistance\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhenever you receive an award or a scholarship, you feel good about it,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd you feel motivated to move forward. I think that\u2019s the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cScholarships mean a lot to us,\u00a0and I\u2019m really grateful for the opportunity,” she\u00a0said. \u201cBecause of donors, students’ lives\u00a0have become much\u00a0easier.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking toward the future\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u00a0before determining the next step in her career.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m grateful for these opportunities,\u201d Jayasekara said. \u201cIt helps me to be positive, strong and the best version of myself\u00a0while remaining encouraged to focus on my goals as well as helping others to achieve their goals.”<\/p>\n Major innovations through projects like Jayasekara’s contribute to SIU\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n To give, visit siuf.org\/give. Learn more about Jayasekara and Jayakody’s research at SIU here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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, … Continue reading Scholarship support empowers SIU doctoral student to pursue innovative \u00b5Bites research<\/span> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IMG_20231217_183947_363-225x300.jpg\")
Jayasekara has spent five years at SIU, first earning a master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IMG-20251107-WA0006-1.jpg\")
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