People

SRI's innovative thinking depends directly on the individuals who work here. Meet members of our team and learn why they joined SRI - you may discover that you would like to join the team, too. Visit Careers @ SRI for descriptions of current openings.

Focus @ SRI:
My main focus is on development of hydrothermal technology for chemical synthesis applications and hazardous waste disposal. I am also involved in development of new materials for various industrial applications.

Title:
Senior Chemist/Hydrothermal Program Leader, Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), Physical Sciences Division

Day in the Life @ SRI:
I do a mix of things - - write a proposal or report, contact clients, attend meetings, and work in a lab. Every day at SRI is exciting because it involves working on new ideas. Currently, I am working on developing technology for ammonia removal from stack gases and material stability evaluation for supercritical water-cooled reactors to be used in Generation IV nuclear energy systems.

Before SRI:
I joined SRI right after my graduation.

Academics:
B. Sc. in chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ph.D. in chemistry, Dalhousie University, Canada

Why SRI?:
Scientific innovations and great scientists attracted me to SRI 12 years ago. Later, I realized that there is more to SRI than what I had initially thought - - it is the strength of people working together on new ideas either for a client's need or purely for exploration purposes that makes SRI a wonderful place. I don't think one can find any other place where you get to work with fantastic people and have the freedom to do research, development, and marketing. I love everything about SRI.

Inspiration (what motivates you):
I am self-motivated, and I enjoy finding solutions to difficult problems. I am motivated mostly by seeing the great innovations and discoveries happening in the scientific world and realizing that there is always room for more innovations and improvements.

I am inspired by my colleagues at MRL who are wonderful to work with. They also give real meaning to "SRI International."

Away from the Office:
I spend most of my time taking care of my two children and two dogs. I spend time on SRI-related work, as we are an SRI family (my husband is also a scientist at SRI). I love helping others in need, and I am involved in fundraising activities that benefit disadvantaged families and public schools.

Languages:
I studied French in college, but can't remember a thing because I don't use it. I am an expert in Sinhala, a language spoken only in Sri Lanka, a beautiful Island in the Indian Ocean.

Proudest Accomplishment:
Helping develop and market assisted hydrothermal oxidation, a unique technology for treatment of hazardous waste, writing a book chapter on supercritical water oxidation, and getting the recognition to SRI as a leading organization in the hydrothermal-related research are my major accomplishments.

Words of Wisdom for New SRI Team Members:
Enjoy every minute of your stay here because you will never find another place like SRI.

Favorites:
I love reading poetry and philosophy.
"Friends on the Path" by Thich Nhat Hanh, and "Reflections on the Art of Living," a Joseph Campbell Companion, are two of my favorite books.
My favorite movies include "Fiddler on the Roof," "You've Got Mail," and "A Walk to Remember."
My favorite place to visit is Yosemite National Park.