About Me

I am Malsha Thennakoon, a PhD researcher in plant molecular biology with a focus on understanding how plants respond to environmental stress at the level of gene expression. My work combines experimental approaches with computational analysis, including RNA-seq and gene co-expression network analysis, to uncover the regulatory mechanisms that control plant development, stress adaptation, and senescence.

My research is driven by a central question: how do plants coordinate complex genetic responses to survive in changing environments? By studying patterns of gene expression and identifying key regulatory networks, I aim to better understand the biological systems that enable resilience and recovery.

Beyond the technical aspects of my work, I am deeply interested in the broader story of science; how curiosity, observation, and persistence shape discovery. My journey into plant biology began with a fascination for living systems and how they adapt, which continues to influence both my research and how I approach teaching.

As an instructor, I value creating learning environments that encourage critical thinking and curiosity. I believe that teaching is not just about delivering information, but about helping students develop the ability to question, explore, and understand complex ideas.

Outside of research, I enjoy traveling and exploring new environments, which often deepens my appreciation for plant diversity and ecological adaptation. These experiences shape how I think about biological systems, both in nature and in the lab.