Student Spotlight: Hansadi Jayamaha
February 7, 2025
Hansadi Jayamaha is a doctoral candidate in fiber science and apparel design from Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka. She earned her bachelor’s degree in textile and process engineering from the University of Moratuwa and master’s degree in nanoscience and nanotechnology from the University of Peradeniya, both in Sri Lanka, and now studies the transformation of natural textiles for advanced applications under the guidance of Larissa Shepherd at Cornell.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
My research explores transforming conventional natural textiles or commonly known “fabrics,” such as wool and silk, for advanced applications beyond everyday clothing. I particularly focus on enhancing their optical properties to facilitate a range of uses. Optical properties refer to how materials interact or respond to light. For instance, by creating a fabric surface that reflects very little light (less than 0.5% reflection), we have developed a fabric that generates a significant amount of heat. We are currently investigating the potential of this fabric for seawater desalination, which involves converting seawater to drinkable water.
What are the larger implications of this research?
The use of synthetic textiles such as nylon and polyester are overtaking the global textile market. Although synthetic textiles are more durable, they pose a multitude of environmental issues especially during manufacture and end of life disposal. In contrast, I solely focus on functionalizing natural textiles, that intrinsically have positive characteristics from their chemistry, which make them great candidates for various applications while also being environmentally friendly during use and after end-life. In simple terms, I’m exploring fabrics that were traditionally used as clothing for more advanced applications, enabling not only eco-friendly products but also enabling low cost and recyclability, a small yet needed step toward a green future.
What have you gained by participating in the NextGen Professors Program?
As part of the NextGen Professors Program, I have gotten the opportunity to be part of a community where ideas and advice are freely shared about the opportunities as well as challenges of being part of academia, which I believe will be immensely helpful as I navigate the application process as well as when I will get the opportunity to take up the role of a professor in the future.
How has this program been helpful in working toward your professional goals?
As an undergraduate, I was certain of my future path – to become a lecturer and researcher. However, over the past couple of years, I have not been too sure of what I want to be. The NextGen Professors Program has exposed me to a community of professionals, Ph.D. candidates, and postdoctoral fellows. Listening to and discussing with them have helped me to clear my aspirations especially during the smaller group discussions.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
I’m a recreational swimmer – I love to spend time in the pool – and it is my meditation, on most days the only time I stop thinking about research. In addition, I am a novice yogist, hiking enthusiast, and love cycling. My goal is to cover at least majority of the Adirondack peaks in upstate New York by graduation. In addition, I’m interested in outreach and teaching – I am part of the GRASHOPR program, SLACU, MME, ScholarX, and I’m also a graduate teaching fellow at the Center for Teaching Innovation. These are all my hobbies and interests that keep me sane during the challenging task of completing a Ph.D.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
I chose Cornell for the fiber science program – there are only a few universities in the U.S. that offer such a program. The ability to do multidisciplinary research at Cornell was an added plus – my research collaborates with the field of materials science and engineering and the College of Human Ecology at Cornell. When I was applying to Cornell, I was also especially drawn to the beautiful university due to its location and was excited to spend a snowy winter here (I’m one of those strange people that loves snow (but hates the rest of winter)!).