🌟 GWIS EMPOWER MEMBER'S Spotlight | Dilini  Ekanayake, PhD.

Dilini Vimarshani Ekanayake Mudiyanselage is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Dept of Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Dakota, whose interdisciplinary research bridges immunology, neuroscience, toxicology, and data science to advance precision medicine and early disease detection.

Her scientific journey began in Sri Lanka, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and later completed an MPhil in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Ruhuna. Her master’s research focused on identifying biomarkers for chronic kidney disease in vulnerable agricultural communities, strengthening her commitment to translational health research.

Dilini later earned her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of North Dakota, where she investigated sex-dependent immune mechanisms in subclinical food allergy. Her work integrated immunological profiling, behavioral neuroscience, and machine learning–based predictive modeling to better understand disease susceptibility and biomarker development.

By combining experimental biology with computational analysis, Dilini’s research aims to improve early diagnosis, precision medicine, and long-term health outcomes. Beyond research, she is passionate about mentorship, collaboration, and advancing innovative biomedical science with global impact.

Q: What inspires this member to pursue science?

A:

I am inspired by the opportunity to identify early biological signs of disease and translate those discoveries into meaningful improvements in human health, particularly for underserved communities affected by chronic illnesses. My passion for science began in Sri Lanka while researching chronic kidney disease affecting rural farming populations, where I witnessed firsthand the impact of environmentally driven disease on vulnerable communities.

Through my PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of North Dakota, my interests expanded to immune-mediated chronic diseases, sex-specific disease susceptibility, and biomarker discovery. By integrating immunology, neuroscience, and machine learning, I hope to advance precision medicine and improve early disease detection.

Beyond research, I am deeply motivated by mentorship, collaboration, and academic leadership. I believe science progresses not only through discovery, but also through supporting future scientists and building collaborative research communities dedicated to improving long-term health outcomes.

Q: Was there a pivotal moment or challenge that shaped your scientific journey?

A:
A pivotal moment in my scientific journey occurred during my MPhil research in Sri Lanka, where I studied chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in rural farming communities. Working directly with affected populations exposed me to the devastating impact of chronic disease in regions with limited healthcare access, where many patients were diagnosed only after severe kidney damage had already occurred. That experience inspired my long-term focus on early disease detection and biomarker discovery.

One of the biggest challenges during this period was conducting rigorous research in a resource-limited setting while validating novel urinary biomarkers. Navigating logistical limitations strengthened my resilience, problem-solving skills, and commitment to translational research with real-world impact.

Another transformative phase came during my PhD, when I transitioned into neuroimmunology and began studying sex-dependent immune responses in food allergy models. Entering a new discipline required me to expand my expertise in immunology, behavioral neuroscience, and computational modeling. Integrating complex biological data with machine learning approaches reinforced my passion for multidisciplinary science and shaped my current focus on predictive biomarkers, precision medicine, and chronic disease prevention.

Q: What keeps you motivated during difficult or uncertain periods in your career?

A:
What keeps me motivated during difficult periods is a strong sense of purpose rooted in improving early disease detection and advancing translational science. My experiences working with communities affected by chronic kidney disease in Sri Lanka constantly remind me of the real people behind the data and the importance of research that can improve lives through earlier diagnosis and prevention.

I am also motivated by the broader vision of shifting healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized care. Even during setbacks or uncertainty, I see each experiment, dataset, and scientific challenge as part of a larger effort to improve chronic disease prediction and long-term health outcomes.

Intellectually, I enjoy solving complex scientific problems, whether integrating immunology with computational modeling or understanding sex-specific disease mechanisms. Challenges often become opportunities for growth and learning.

Finally, mentorship and collaboration continue to inspire me. Working with students, multidisciplinary teams, and scientific communities reminds me that science is a collective effort, and contributing to that shared mission keeps me optimistic and driven.

Q: Describe your key impact and achievements in science, and how your work drives discovery and innovation.

A:
My research has focused on advancing early detection strategies for chronic diseases through biomarker discovery, immunological profiling, and predictive modeling. Throughout my training in environmental health, nephrology, and neuroimmunology, I have worked to identify biological signals that can support earlier diagnosis, risk assessment, and more personalized healthcare.

During my MPhil research in Sri Lanka, I investigated chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) affecting agricultural communities and contributed to studies evaluating novel urinary biomarkers for early detection of renal injury. This work, published in peer-reviewed journals, strengthened my commitment to translational research addressing real-world public health challenges.

At the University of North Dakota, my PhD and postdoctoral research expanded into immune-mediated chronic disease and sex-specific disease susceptibility. By combining immunological techniques with computational and machine learning methods, I have contributed to the development of predictive biomarker models to improve early disease identification and precision medicine.

My work has been recognized through several awards, including the AAI Trainee Abstract Award, President’s Award for Scientific Publications (Sri Lanka), Best Poster Award, and multiple professional development and career development grants.

Beyond research, I am passionate about mentorship, leadership, and supporting the next generation of scientists through academic service and collaborative research. Ultimately, my work aims to bridge mechanistic biology with predictive healthcare approaches to improve long-term health outcomes through earlier, more personalized intervention.

Q: What does being part of GWIS mean to you, and how has GWIS shaped you professionally or personally?

A:
Being part of GWIS means being connected to a supportive community that actively empowers women in science through mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. Even as a relatively new member, I have already experienced the value of being part of a network that encourages both scientific excellence and personal growth.

One meaningful experience for me was applying for a GWIS grant. The process itself strengthened my grant-writing skills, refined my research vision, and articulated the broader impact of my work on chronic disease biomarkers and predictive modeling. It also reinforced my confidence in pursuing independent research and leadership opportunities.

Professionally, GWIS provides valuable visibility, networking, and career development resources, especially during the early stages of building scientific independence. Personally, it represents encouragement and solidarity during what can often be an uncertain stage of an academic career.

Being part of GWIS reminds me that scientific success and advocacy can coexist. It motivates me not only to pursue ambitious research goals but also to support and mentor other women navigating similar career paths. Even early in my GWIS journey, the experience has already been empowering and deeply inspiring.

Q: What advice would you like to share with GWIS members and women in earlier stages of their careers?

A:
One piece of advice I would share with GWIS members is to intentionally build both scientific depth and interdisciplinary breadth. Strong technical expertise is important, but many of the most impactful discoveries happen at the intersection of disciplines. In my own journey from environmental toxicology to immunology and predictive modeling, embracing interdisciplinary learning opened unexpected opportunities and strengthened my ability to approach broader translational research questions.

To women in the earlier stages of their careers, I would say: trust your scientific voice and never underestimate your potential. There will be setbacks—failed experiments, rejected manuscripts, or competitive funding environments—but those experiences are part of growth, not signs of inadequacy. Seek mentors who support both your scientific development and your confidence, and remember that leadership often begins long before a formal title.

I also encourage women to pursue ambitious and unconventional questions. Science advances when we are willing to think boldly, remain resilient, and persist through challenges. Most importantly, remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize long-term growth, collaboration, integrity, and curiosity—because your perspective and contributions truly matter in shaping the future of science.

GWIS National Conference 2026

Join us for the GWIS National conference, hosted by the Black Hills Chapter in Rapid City, South Dakota, from June 11–13, 2026.

This year’s theme, “Thriving Through Change: The Power of Scientific Community,” emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and strong scientific networks in advancing careers and innovation.

📍 Conference Highlights

• Inspiring keynote and invited speakers
• Research posters & lightning talks
• Panel discussions and leadership development
• Networking and community-building activities

🏨 Logistics

• Location: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Nearest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
• On-campus housing available (~$40/night)
• We hope you will join us at Rapid City as we Connect, Lead, and Empower