Biography

Dr. Sanoji Wijenayake (MSc, PhD) is the Canada Research Chair in Milk Nanovesicles and Applied Health and an Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology with expertise in extracellular vesicles, developmental biology, biochemistry, epigenetics, and bioinformatics (sequenced “big” data).

Dr. Wijenayake is passionate about uncovering the therapeutic potential of milk-derived extracellular vesicles, in the context of improving neonatal health and combatting chronic diseases.

Mechanistic insights obtained from her research can be used to improve the biological properties of neonatal formula, fortification of pasteurized human donor milk, and the development of extracellular vesicle-based oral therapeutics for childhood metabolic dysfunction and inflammatory diseases in neonates.

Dr. Wijenayake is a foodie, who loves to cook, run, and travel. She has a 2 year old daughter (Ella) and an 80 pound German Shepherd (Bella) who keeps her on her toes.

Dr. Wijenayake is a dedicated research mentor, a passionate teacher and a strong advocate of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization. Her training philosophy is centered on being a proactive mentor. Having the opportunity to mold the next generation of scientists and decision makers is a privilege that she does not take lightly.

• Fav Scientist: Dr. Marie Curie
• Fav Book: The English Patient
• Fav Movie: Harry Potter
• Fav Artist: Drake