Duminda Liyanage

Duminda Liyanage, PhD

Faculty - Undergraduate
Duminda Liyanage
Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry
Email
dliyanage@soka.edu
Phone
949-480-4175

I am an organic chemist interested in synthesis of small molecules with potential biological applications and the development of novel synthetic methodologies. My research also encompasses natural product chemistry, particularly identification, and structural characterization of bioactive organic compounds derived from natural sources. In parallel, I am engaged in the design and preparation of biodegradable, eco-friendly polymers. Both my organic-based and polymer-based research are rooted in green chemistry principles, with the overarching goal of contributing to scientific advancement in a way that is environmentally responsible and promotes sustainable innovation.

I have taught a range of undergraduate courses, including general education, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. I am deeply passionate about education and committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists. To me, education is not merely about attending school or earning a degree, but it is about expanding knowledge, seeking truth, and understanding the world around us. That belief drives my commitment to lifelong learning, and I continue to view myself as both a teacher and a student.

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, University of North Dakota, ND, USA
  • M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry; New Mexico State University, NM, USA
  • M.Sc. in Polymer Science; University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
  • B.Sc. in Chemistry; University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • Grad. I. Chem in Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka.
  • Chemistry for Life (CHEM 112)
  • Organic Chemistry I with integrated lab (CHEM 301)
  • Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 301)
  • Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 302)
  • PBL - Organic Chemistry (CHEM 352)
  • Synthesis of small molecules with potential biological activity
  • Development of methodologies to enhance reaction efficiency and environmental friendliness
  • Isolation of biologically active compounds from natural sources
  • Development of environmentally friendly and biodegradable polymers through innovative synthetic methodologies
  • Klug, T.; Cronin, A.; O'Brien, E.; Schioldager, R.; Johnson, H.; Gleason, H.; Schmid, C.; Soderberg, N.; Manjunath, A.; Liyanage, D.; Lazaro, H.; Kimball, J. J.; Eagon, S. Microwave mediated synthesis of 2-aminooxazoles. Tetrahedron Lett. 2022, 88, 153555.
  • Rousova, J. ; Kusler, K. ; Liyanage, D. ; Leadbetter, M. ; Dongari, N. ; Zhang, K. K. ; Novikov, A. ; Kubátová, A. Determination of trans-resveratrol and its metabolites in rat serum and liver using liquid chromatography with high resolution time of flight-mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography B. 2016, 1039, 35-43.
  • Liyanage, D. S., Jungong, C. S., Novikov, A. V. Oxidative conversion of δ-sultones to γ-lactones. Formal synthesis of (-) - eburnamonin. Tetrahedron Lett. 2015, 56, 2269-2271.
  • Liyanage, D. S., Jungong, C. S., Novikov, A. V. Synthetically useful intermediates by diazosulfone and sulfonate C-H insertion. Synth. Commun. 2015, 45, 226-231.
  • Patent : Duminda S Liyanage and Sujatha Hewage. Preparation of a microbe and fungal resistant edible/biodegradable thin film from defatted cowpea and methods of preparation of such film. (Date-02/24/2003; Patent Number – 12883), Sri Lanka.
  • Patent : Duminda S Liyanage and Sujatha Hewage. Preparation of a microbe and fungal resistant edible/biodegradable thin film from isolated Soy protein. (Date-06/26/2002; Patent Number – 12661), Sri Lanka.
  • Liyanage, D.S., Hewage, S. Water vapor permeability properties of the plasticized Soy protein edible films. SLAAS (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science). 2002, 58th Annual Sessions. Part-I-Abstract : 269.
  • Patent : Duminda S Liyanage and Sujatha Hewage. Preparation of edible/biodegradable thin film from Soy protein isolate and method of preparation of such films. (Date-10/29/1999; Patent Number – 11795), Sri Lanka.
  • Liyanage, D.S., Thilakarathna, M., Hewage, S. Characterization of edible soy protein film. J. Natn. Sci. Foundation Sri Lanka. 2001, 29, 137-145.
  • Liyanage, D.S., Gunapala,O. Solvation method for study of rubber-filler interaction. SLAAS (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science). 2001, 57th Annual sessions. Part-I-Abstract: 233.
  • Liyanage, D.S., Gunapala, P.Y., Gunapala, O. Study of rubber-filler interaction by creep rupture clay-rubber joints. ERU (Engineering Research Unit. 2001, November: D45-D52.
  • 2025-present, Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry, Soka University of America
  • 2021-2025, Visiting Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry, Soka University of America
  • 2017-2021, Lecture of Chemistry, California Polytechnic State University.
  • Dr. Ernest & Jannie Coon graduate teaching scholarship award, UND, 2014.
  • Summer Doctoral Fellowship by Graduate School, UND, 2014.
  • Red River Valley Local Section of ACS – Young Investigator Award, 2013.