2025 – Present
M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition
Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
Food Science and Technology | Nutrition | Public Health
Hi, I'm Bhagya
I explore how food, nutrition, and public health research can improve dietary choices, health outcomes, and food systems.
My interests include food composition, functional foods, dietary assessment, nutrition interventions, and the science linking food with human wellbeing.
About Bhagya
Education Journey
2020 – 2025
B.Sc. (Hons) in Food Science & Technology
Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
First Class Honours (FGPA 3.77/4.00)
Academic & Research Pathway
Nov 2025–Present
Research Assistant
Department of Nutrition, Medical Research Institute, Colombo
- Conducting lab and field studies and biochemical analyses.
- Managing data and manuscript preparation for research publications.
Apr 2025–Oct 2025
Temporary Demonstrator
Department of Food Science & Technology, University of Peradeniya
- Coordinating practical sessions and laboratory teaching.
- Assessing undergraduate performance and laboratory reports.
Jan 2023–Feb 2023
Internship Trainee
SPR Packaging Industries
- Gained hands-on experience in quality control and packaging operations.
Skills
Laboratory methods
Food composition
Data analysis
AI for nutrition
Study design
Scientific writing
Research
Exploring food composition, nutrition interventions, dietary assessment, and data-driven tools for public health impact.
Research Experience
2025 – Present
Nutrition and Public Health Research
Department of Nutrition, Medical Research Institute, Colombo
- Contributing to experimental procedures, laboratory analyses, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Ongoing studies:
- Effectiveness of locally produced RUTF for severe acute malnutrition.
- Impact assessment of fortified rice provision to schoolchildren.
- Evaluation of protein content in textured soy protein products.
2025
Smartphone-Based Health & Nutrition Self-Management App for Older Adults
Contributed to the design and evaluation of a culturally adapted mobile health application for Sri Lankan senior citizens.
2024 – 2025
PredictGL: AI-Driven Glycemic Load Prediction Web Application
Developed a machine-learning-based predictive model for estimating glycemic load using nutritional composition data.
2024
Glycemic Index Evaluation of Sri Lankan Rice Varieties
Assisted in a study evaluating the glycemic index of selected rice varieties, supporting experimental procedures and data interpretation.
Publications & Scholarly Outputs
A gallery of conference publications, proceedings, and research datasets contributing to nutritional science and digital health.
PredictGL: An AI-Driven Web Application for Glycemic Load Prediction Using Nutritional Composition Data
Presented at the Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025. Conference Proceedings, Vol. 26, p. 204.
In Vivo Glycaemic Response to Selected Commonly Consumed Sri Lankan Rice-Based Foods Prepared Using Three Long-Grain Rice Varieties
Presented at the Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025. Conference Proceedings, Vol. 26, p. 162.
Development of a Multilayer Perceptron Architecture to Improve Glycemic Load Estimation from Nutritional Features Over Traditional Machine Learning Models
Proceedings of BIIRC 2025: 3rd Business and ICT International Research Conference, Vol. 01, No. 03, pp. 182–186. ISSN: 3093-5962.
PredictGL-NC: A Nutritional Composition Dataset for Glycemic Load Prediction and Digital Nutrition Research
A dataset publication supporting glycemic load prediction and digital nutrition research, published via IEEE Dataport.
Academic honors and awards
Selected scholarships, conference distinctions, and awards that reflect scholarly achievement and research promise.
2025
Graduate research scholarship
Merit-based scholarship for nutrition research
Awarded for academic promise in food science, dietary assessment, and public health research.
Conference recognition
Poster award in nutrition science
Honored for a research abstract on digital nutrition tools at a regional academic conference.
Academic distinction
Top performance in food science coursework
Recognized for excellence in research methods, nutrition analysis, and food technology.
Recognition
Research contribution award
Appreciated for contributions to collaborative projects in nutrition and digital health.
Community engagement and leadership
Warm, socially engaged volunteer activities supporting nutrition, student mentorship, and public health outreach.
Nutrition outreach
Organized community workshops that translate nutrition science into practical guidance for healthy food choices.
Student mentorship
Mentored students in research methods, academic writing, and graduate pathways in food science and public health.
Public health awareness
Supported campaigns on dietary wellbeing, metabolic health, and food literacy for diverse communities.
Professional society service
Participated in nutrition and public health networks to advance collaborative research and service learning.
Insights in nutrition and research
Soft academic reflections and blog previews for future posts about food science, public health, and digital nutrition.
Nutrition
AI for glycemic load prediction
Exploring how machine learning can improve personalized dietary recommendations for blood glucose management.
Read moreResearch Journey
Designing rigorous nutrition studies
A practical look at study design, food composition data, and evidence-driven research methods.
Read morePublic Health
Food literacy and community impact
Thoughts on nurturing nutrition knowledge and improving access to healthy, culturally relevant diets.
Read more