Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Piumi Poornima Kularathne is a chemistry graduate student currently in her second year of doctoral work at UNT. Piumi is pursuing her research in Analytical Chemistry under the guidance of Dr. Francis D’Souza, who was recently honored with the UNT Foundation Eminent Faculty Award. 

Meet Piumi Poornima Kularathne, a chemistry graduate student currently in her second year of doctoral work at UNT. Piumi is pursuing her research in Analytical Chemistry under the guidance of Dr. Francis D’Souza, who was recently honored with the UNT Foundation Eminent Faculty Award. 

Piumi Poornima Kularathne

“My current research work involves the production of ammonia via electrocatalysis, focusing on designing and synthesis of electrocatalyst using a wide variety of advanced techniques,” said Piumi, who earned high undergraduate honors in Environmental Science from the University of Peradeniya, one of the most prestigious universities in Sri Lanka.
 
Ammonia has numerous industrial and commercial uses, primarily as fertilizer and in the production of other chemicals. It is also used in refrigeration, water purification, and as a cleaning agent, and is increasingly used in energy storage applications.
 
“Worldwide, ammonia production is mainly based on a century-old process called Haber-Bosch process, which has several disadvantages,” explained Piumi. “It consumes a large amount of energy, primarily derived from fossil fuels, making it a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. My current research seeks an approach to ammonia production that is cost effective, green, and sustainable."
 
With Dr. D’Souza’s Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Piumi has hands-on experience with multiple electrochemical and analytical instruments. “Our lab is very well-equipped and the high-end research infrastructure at UNT supports high-quality, cutting-edge experimentation,” she said.
 
Piumi was one of thirty-three UNT chemistry students who recently presented their research at the 2025 American Chemical Society DFW Section Meeting-in-Miniature, and was pleased to receive a first-place award for her research presentation.
 
“I always strive to give my best in research, and this award reminds me that hard work truly does pay off,” said Piumi. “It gave me confidence that my research is meaningful and motivates me to keep working hard. It also adds value to my academic profile and helps when applying for scholarships or fellowships. I believe it shows not only the quality of my research but also my ability to communicate science clearly.”
 
At UNT, Piumi is an active member of the Sri Lankan Students Organization and has been involved in many student organizations and extracurricular activities throughout her academic career. Her advice to fellow students working on similar research and academic goals is to trust the process and be sure to also do things that “keep your soul alive.” For her, this means embracing her musical passions as well as her scientific dreams.
 
“I’ve been singing and playing the violin since I was very young, and I studied Hindustani classical music through formal training,” said Piumi, who holds two Visharad degrees, equivalent to a graduate-level qualification in Indian classical music. “I am proud to have been the youngest Visharad in Sri Lanka the age of fourteen. Music especially has been something that keeps me calm, focused, and motivated. I believe all these experiences, both creative and academic, have helped shape who I am today, as a person and as a researcher.”
 
Piumi is looking forward to taking important steps in her Ph.D. journey in the coming year, with the goal of completion in 2028.
 
“I’ll be taking my qualifying oral exam in the Fall, which is a big milestone for me. I’m also excited to present my research at the ACS Fall 2025 National Conference in Washington, D.C in this August. It’s a great chance to share my work and connect with other scientists,” she said. “My long-term goal is to gain strong experience through my Ph.D. and then contribute my research skills to an industry setting, where I can use what I’ve learned to make a real difference.”