ABOUT ME...
By training, I am a micropalaeontologist, and my research interests lie in the fields of Quaternary palaeoceanography and palaeoecology. I study marine sediments from different oceans around the globe to identify past environmental changes based on microfossils (e.g., foraminifera) and other sedimentary proxies.
About current project
Sedimentary ancient DNA - a new proxy to investigate the impact of environmental change on past and present biodiversity in Nordic Seas
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Project acronym: NEEDED - Nordic SEas sEDimentary anciEnt DNA
"The key idea of this project is to use sedaDNA to examine past micro eukaryotic and meiofaunal diversity changes in order to better understand the present responses of marine biodiversity to global warming."
Work Experience
PALEOCEANOGRAPHER
2016 - Present
Dhanushka Devendra delves into sediment cores and fossil records to uncover hidden stories of the ocean's past. By weaving together these findings, they shed light on the future of our planet's climate.
Climate Researcher
2021 - Present
Dhanushka Devendra conducts research on the impacts of climate change on the world's oceans. Their work involves analyzing data from various sources to better understand how the ocean is changing over time.
Education
2021- 2024
Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences | PhD in Paleoceanography
2016 - 2019
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China | Master in Paleoceanography
I earned my master's degree in Paleoceanography from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. My dissertation focused on the impact of climate change on paleoproductivity and ventilation in the Indian Ocean.
University of Ruhuna | Bachelor's Degree in Earth Sciences
2011 - 2015
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka where I discovered my passion for paleoceanography.
Honors and Awards
2024 Baltic Sea sediments as an archive of late Holocene environmental changes and settlement development in Central Europe (50000 Euro).
2024 Johanna M. Resig Foraminiferal Research Fellowship - Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research (15000 USD)
2023 Student oral presentation distinction award - FORAMS 23 – Perugia Italy
2022 Travel grant for a conference - 2nd INQUA-MARE workshop – Arctic Realm, Pisa Italy (600 Euro)
2019 Outstanding Young Researcher Award - Ocean University of Sri Lanka
2018 "Silk Road" finance award - South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (3000 RMB)
2017 "Silk Road" finance award - South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (3000 RMB)
2016-2019 "Belt and Road" Scholarship - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
