Key details
Dr Medhavi Ranatunga
Senior Lecturer in Personal and Professional Development
Dr Medhavi Ranatunga graduated from the University of Greenwich with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science in 2013 and an MSc by Research specialising in Microbiology in 2015. In 2016, she was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship to undertake a PhD at the University of Greenwich, continuing her research on Leishmaniasis.
Following her PhD, Dr Ranatunga continued her academic career at the University of Greenwich as an academic postdoctoral researcher, Lecturer, and subsequently Senior Lecturer. Her research interests span Leishmania–mammalian cell interactions, the screening of anti-Leishmania compounds and plant extracts for potential therapeutic activity, the identification and characterisation of yeast strains in the cherry wine industry, and the application of emerging gene-editing technologies in Leishmania research.
Dr Ranatunga is committed to delivering innovative, collaborative and impactful teaching that supports students’ learning, development and lifelong success.
Responsibilities within the university
Module Leader/ Course Coordinator
Exploring Biomedical Science
Practical and Professional Skills I (Biomedical Science Degree of Apprenticeship)
Module Tutor/Course Participation
Medical Pathology and Genetics (Teaching content and Assessment)
Integrated Pathobiology (Teaching content and Assessment)
BioMed Online Project (Project Evaluation / Feedback / Moderation)
Life Sciences Undergraduate Project (Supervision / Evaluation / Feedback)
Biotechnology Research Project (Supervision / Evaluation / Feedback)
Research / Scholarly interests
Dr Ranatunga’s research interests focus primarily on host–parasite interactions, with particular emphasis on Leishmania and its interactions with mammalian host cells. Her research explores intracellular trafficking, host-cell responses and apoptosis, using a range of experimental approaches including microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA/CBA and qPCR. She has also investigated GFP-expressing Leishmania models and the screening of anti-Leishmania compounds and plant extracts for potential therapeutic activity.
Her current interests include the application of emerging gene-editing technologies, including CRISPR-based approaches, to investigate parasitophorous vacuole formation involved in Leishmania infection and host–parasite interactions. In addition, she has research experience in the identification and characterisation of yeast strains associated with the cherry wine industry. Her scholarly interests extend to developing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches that integrate parasitology, microbiology, molecular biology and advanced laboratory technologies to address contemporary biomedical research questions.