Mrs. Maheshika Perera | Sustainable Hydrogen | Best Researcher Award

Queensland University of Technology | Australia

Mrs. Maheshika Perera is an energetic and motivated researcher with strong expertise in chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy. With over seven years of experience in research and development, she has made significant contributions in areas such as green hydrogen generation, material chemistry, nanomaterials, and electrochemistry. Her career spans both industrial and academic research, with projects focused on environmental remediation, nanofertilizers, electrocatalysts, and advanced functional materials. She has successfully bridged scientific innovation with practical applications, developing novel nano-based formulations for cosmetics, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, focusing on advanced electrocatalysts for green energy solutions. Maheshika has published peer-reviewed research articles, authored a book chapter, and contributed to international conferences. Her drive for excellence, combined with her ability to collaborate across disciplines, positions her as a rising scientist dedicated to addressing critical global challenges through innovative chemistry and nanotechnology.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Mrs. Maheshika Perera’s educational foundation demonstrates her strong academic journey in chemistry and material sciences. She earned her B.Sc. (Special) in Chemistry with Second Class Upper Division Honors from the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the development of a fluorescent sensor for fluoride ion detection. Building on this, she pursued her M.Phil. in Chemistry at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where she developed environmentally benign nano-fertilizers for nitrogen management in agriculture. Her M.Phil. research integrated material chemistry, nanotechnology, and plant physiology to create hybrid nano-carriers for controlled nutrient release. She began her Ph.D. at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, under the supervision of leading academics, focusing on the plasma-assisted synthesis of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production and water splitting. She is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, reflecting her professional affiliation with the chemical sciences community.

Experience

Mrs. Maheshika Perera has extensive research and development experience spanning academia and industry. She worked as a Research and Development Chemist and Quality Assurance Executive at Seri Natural, Sri Lanka, formulating and testing cosmetic and personal care products. She then joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) as a Research Scientist, where she contributed to the development of gold nanoparticle-based cosmetics, wound dressings, hydrogels, and green catalysts. She served as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka, while pursuing her M.Phil., focusing on precision nitrogen management using hybrid nanomaterials. She began her Ph.D. research at Queensland University of Technology, advancing work on green hydrogen generation and electrocatalysts. Across her career, she has gained expertise in synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, alongside collaborations with industry to commercialize innovative formulations.

Awards and Honors

Mrs. Maheshika Perera has received recognition for her contributions to science, leadership, and innovation. She was the President of the Young Scientist Association at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, where she fostered research collaboration among early-career scientists. She has been an active member of professional and scientific communities, including the Hydrogen Society of Australia and the SEF-HDR Society. Her early career also reflects a blend of academic and extracurricular achievements: she secured first place at the All-Island Inter-School Western Music and Dance Competition (Provincial Level) and third place nationally. She also won second place in a Rocket & Space Science quiz contest, demonstrating her long-standing passion for science. Additionally, her contributions to cosmetic and nanotechnology-based product development at SLINTEC gained industry recognition. Her international conference presentations and invited talks further highlight her growing influence as a young scientist working on sustainable nanotechnology and green energy solutions.

Research Focus

Mrs. Maheshika Perera’s research focus lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy systems. Her work primarily targets the design and development of green nanomaterials for applications in hydrogen generation, environmental remediation, and agriculture. She has conducted pioneering studies on environmentally benign nanofertilizers for nitrogen management, contributing to sustainable agriculture through precision nutrient delivery. Her current Ph.D. research expands into green hydrogen generation, where she investigates plasma-assisted synthesis of bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient water splitting. She also explores gold- and silver-based nanocomposites for photocatalysis and environmental remediation. Her multidisciplinary expertise extends to inorganic chemistry, surface science, and material characterization techniques, enabling her to work across energy, environmental, and industrial challenges. By combining innovative nanomaterial synthesis with advanced characterization and application-driven research, Mrs. Perera aims to contribute solutions to pressing global issues including clean energy production, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials development for industrial applications.

Publication top Notes

Gold nanoparticle decorated titania for sustainable environmental remediation: Green synthesis, enhanced surface adsorption and synergistic photocatalysis
Cited by: 39
Year: 2020

Nanoclay composites as agrochemical carriers
Cited by: 7
Year: 2023

Plasma‐Electrified Synthesis of Atom‐Efficient Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Water Catalysis and Beyond
Cited by: 2
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Mrs. Maheshika Perera is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in fields tied to sustainable energy, green hydrogen, and nanotechnology. Her blend of academic research, practical innovations, and community engagement aligns well with the award’s vision to recognize transformative scientific contributions. With continued emphasis on publishing in leading journals and scaling her innovations, she has the potential to be an influential leader in sustainable materials and energy research.