Suneth Agampodi Email & Phone Number

Seoul, South Korea

In my current role, I lead innovation and initiate new projects in the realm of vaccines for global health. This encompasses the entire vaccine development lifecycle—from conceptual design to the delivery of vaccine programs. My work involves close collaboration with a diverse array of stakeholders in the vaccine field, including academia, industry leaders, manufacturers, clinical researchers, government entities, and funding agencies. My focus is on fostering partnerships and driving… Show more In my current role, I lead innovation and initiate new projects in the realm of vaccines for global health. This encompasses the entire vaccine development lifecycle—from conceptual design to the delivery of vaccine programs. My work involves close collaboration with a diverse array of stakeholders in the vaccine field, including academia, industry leaders, manufacturers, clinical researchers, government entities, and funding agencies. My focus is on fostering partnerships and driving advancements that address global health challenges through effective vaccine solutions. Show less

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

I have been actively involved in designing a multicountry project to assess the disease burden of leptospirosis. Alongside, I have contributed to the development of a novel, improved diagnostic test for leptospirosis using the newly described Leptospira VM protein. My efforts have also extended to supporting the development of a vaccine project based on the VM protein for Leptospira. Additionally, I'm co-supervising graduate students at Yale and Rajarata Universities, collaborating closely with… Show more I have been actively involved in designing a multicountry project to assess the disease burden of leptospirosis. Alongside, I have contributed to the development of a novel, improved diagnostic test for leptospirosis using the newly described Leptospira VM protein. My efforts have also extended to supporting the development of a vaccine project based on the VM protein for Leptospira. Additionally, I'm co-supervising graduate students at Yale and Rajarata Universities, collaborating closely with my colleagues at Yale. Show less

New Haven

I developed a new Leptospirosis research project for an NIH grant, subsequently publishing nine peer-reviewed journal papers on our completed works. Additionally, I mentored a grad student on whole-genome sequencing, annotation, and Denovo assembly of 25 Sri Lankan Leptospira isolates, now available in PubMed Genome. I then provided Rajarata University and its students with full access to Coursera during the pandemic. ▪ Formulated an epidemiological model in partnership with two… Show more I developed a new Leptospirosis research project for an NIH grant, subsequently publishing nine peer-reviewed journal papers on our completed works. Additionally, I mentored a grad student on whole-genome sequencing, annotation, and Denovo assembly of 25 Sri Lankan Leptospira isolates, now available in PubMed Genome. I then provided Rajarata University and its students with full access to Coursera during the pandemic. ▪ Formulated an epidemiological model in partnership with two researchers, generating predictions in Sri Lanka during the pandemic using a public access dashboard. The interphase was later used for country-wide predictions and policy changes.▪ Trained 100+ academics on transitioning to remote teaching during the pandemic utilising online learning modules and a series of YouTube videos.--- Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

As the academic leader in the department, I have great input on setting its vision and executing strategic decisions, leading to higher quality output and an outstanding reputation amongst the medical and scientific community. I monitor and continue to expand our prestigious community medicine and public health training programme by designing and updating 15 modules for both grad and undergrad students.I inspire progress by chairing on the following committees: The Proposal Evaluation… Show more As the academic leader in the department, I have great input on setting its vision and executing strategic decisions, leading to higher quality output and an outstanding reputation amongst the medical and scientific community. I monitor and continue to expand our prestigious community medicine and public health training programme by designing and updating 15 modules for both grad and undergrad students.I inspire progress by chairing on the following committees: The Proposal Evaluation Committee of the Post Graduate Institute Medicine Doctoral Programme on Community Medicine and Public Health; The Review Board and ERC, which received a Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER) and The Forum for Ethical Review Committees in the Asian and Western Pacific Region (FERCAP) accreditations.▪ Grew department’s research programme into the top public health department in Sri Lanka in research publication and output.▪ As member of the Expert Panel, I recommended new policies that progressed the country’s national Covid-19 pandemic control strategies.▪ Secured continuous support from the Global Fund for Sri Lanka’s Malaria control programme by proposing solutions and cutting-edge concepts for the next five-years. ▪ Produced the Sri Lanka Drowning Report 2020 by partnering with and leading a team of seven consultants. ▪ As Chair of the Research Excellence Award Committee, I prepared the research award scheme for Rajarata University.Other positions during the period1. Member of the National Health Research Council2. Chair, detail proposal review committee of the Board of study in Community Medicine Post Graduate Institute of Medicine3. Member, Board of study in Community Medicine Post Graduate Institute of Medicine4. Editor, College of Community Physicians (CCPSL) of Sri Lanka5. Guest Editor, Journal of CCPSL Special Edition on Cancer6. Scientific Committee Chair, CCPSL Annual Scientific Sessions--- Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

To continuously evolve the university, I partnered with a senior academic from the internal medicine department to found TDRU, including designing its by-laws/proposals and applying for NIH grants. Thus far, I have mentored 20+ students through their TDRU research work. ▪ Won a large NIH grant in 2015, enabling three PhD and three MPhil students in furthering their research. ▪ Initiated the first public health molecular research laboratory in Sri Lanka through TDRU. ▪ Obtained a… Show more To continuously evolve the university, I partnered with a senior academic from the internal medicine department to found TDRU, including designing its by-laws/proposals and applying for NIH grants. Thus far, I have mentored 20+ students through their TDRU research work. ▪ Won a large NIH grant in 2015, enabling three PhD and three MPhil students in furthering their research. ▪ Initiated the first public health molecular research laboratory in Sri Lanka through TDRU. ▪ Obtained a competitive grant from WHO TDR for implementation research training.▪ Secured WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) grant for implementation research on tuberculosis, which contributed to the change of provincial policies.--- Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

In this relatively new medical facility, I strive for operational excellence by overseeing all financial, programmatic, managerial, and academic functions with diligence. This includes optimising resources, enforcing adherence to University Grant Commission guidelines and procedures, and providing training opportunities. ▪ Facilitate academic progress of 100 academic staff, 150 non-academic staff, and 1000+ medical students by monitoring programmes’ effectiveness, academic integrity… Show more In this relatively new medical facility, I strive for operational excellence by overseeing all financial, programmatic, managerial, and academic functions with diligence. This includes optimising resources, enforcing adherence to University Grant Commission guidelines and procedures, and providing training opportunities. ▪ Facilitate academic progress of 100 academic staff, 150 non-academic staff, and 1000+ medical students by monitoring programmes’ effectiveness, academic integrity, and teaching proficiency.▪ Updated the current curriculum and assumed ownership over facility’s first-ever accreditation process.▪ Restructured and relaunched a clinical training programme and academic programme, previously impacted by Covid-19, enabling seven groups of medical undergraduates to continue their studies.▪ Established a culture of compliance and integrity among faculty, staff, and students, continuously tracking their ethical research conduct.Other positions during the period:1. Member, Rajarata University Council2. Member, Sri Lanka Medical Council 3. Member, UGC Standing Committee on Medicine 4. Member, National Health Research Council--- Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

After being promoted to professor and deputising for the department chair, I assumed control over the department’s academic and research programme. This included brokering a collaborative global summer school programme with the University of Copenhagen. Next, I trained five groups of health staff, averaging 30+ health professionals from different categories, on implementation health research, part of premier large-scale implementation research training programme. ▪ Headed a key Sri… Show more After being promoted to professor and deputising for the department chair, I assumed control over the department’s academic and research programme. This included brokering a collaborative global summer school programme with the University of Copenhagen. Next, I trained five groups of health staff, averaging 30+ health professionals from different categories, on implementation health research, part of premier large-scale implementation research training programme. ▪ Headed a key Sri Lankan component of a project focused on identifying probable interventions for preventing suicide through vendor intervention.▪ As co-investigator, I supplemented the largest vendor intervention trial conducted in global health for suicide prevention by preparing preliminary data for a $99,775 grant. ▪ Led the Sri Lankan portion of an NIH-funded research project centred on estimating disease burden of leptospirosis in two endemic countries. One PhD / one MPhil studies were completed, and two PhD / three MPhil projects were in progress, all stemming from project. ▪ Founded the first molecular laboratory and comprehensive diagnostic / research laboratory on Leptospirosis in Sri Lanka, including WHO-recommended panel of antigens. ▪ Managed an end-to-end research project where I investigated the health impact of a national midday meal programme for school children as a WHO consultant. ▪ Architected and facilitated the largest short-term breast cancer screening project in Sri Lanka for employed women.▪ Spearheaded the volunteer public health response teams during floods around the country from 2014-2018. Other positions during the period:1. Deputy Proctor, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 2016 to 20172. Visiting Scholar, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, US, 2015 to 20163. Member, Sri Lanka Bioethics Committee, NSF 20154. Chairperson, Ethics Review Committee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Show less

Saliyapura

When the Department of Community Medicine was in its infancy, I established all administrative procedures, processes, and structures as the first permanent head. This paved the way to continuously build and expand the department over a 10-year period.As the head, I prepared the department for the Institutional Review programme by the University Grants Commission and received positive feedback. The department's work on research, 360-degree student assessment, community engagement programmes,… Show more When the Department of Community Medicine was in its infancy, I established all administrative procedures, processes, and structures as the first permanent head. This paved the way to continuously build and expand the department over a 10-year period.As the head, I prepared the department for the Institutional Review programme by the University Grants Commission and received positive feedback. The department's work on research, 360-degree student assessment, community engagement programmes, field training and student support programmes were highlighted as the main components in the undergraduate medical training programme during this review. --- Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

After launching MCHRU, I grew the unit into Sri Lanka’s premier research unit reputed for producing the highest number of publications on maternal and child health. I set the unit up for success by defining by-laws and proposals. Today, MCHRU administers the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort.▪ Funded research project by securing foreign competitive grants from EngenderHealth, WHO, and World Bank.▪ The MCHRU provided capacity building and training on research for 50+ undergraduate and… Show more After launching MCHRU, I grew the unit into Sri Lanka’s premier research unit reputed for producing the highest number of publications on maternal and child health. I set the unit up for success by defining by-laws and proposals. Today, MCHRU administers the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort.▪ Funded research project by securing foreign competitive grants from EngenderHealth, WHO, and World Bank.▪ The MCHRU provided capacity building and training on research for 50+ undergraduate and graduate students and 100+ healthcare workers.--- Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

As the first senior lecturer of the department without a chair professor or a professor, I was responsible for the entire teaching, training, research and all other academic, scholarly work of the department. Designed, obtained approval and established two university research centres: the Maternal and Child Health research unit and Tropical Disease Research Unit.Developed the international elective programme in tropical medicine/ global health which led to two memoranda of understanding… Show more As the first senior lecturer of the department without a chair professor or a professor, I was responsible for the entire teaching, training, research and all other academic, scholarly work of the department. Designed, obtained approval and established two university research centres: the Maternal and Child Health research unit and Tropical Disease Research Unit.Developed the international elective programme in tropical medicine/ global health which led to two memoranda of understanding with Israel and Copenhagen, opening opportunities for international collaboration. Developed the first public health elective programme for medical undergraduates (the first in any Sri Lankan university)Led Sri Lanka's research team on leptospirosis to conduct the first islandwide survey on leptospirosis using a one health approach.Other positions during the period:1. Visiting Academic, Harvard School of Public Health, 20132. Member, Board of Study in Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine3. Visiting Lecturer in Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Open University of Sri Lanka Show less

Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

As one of two pioneer permanent lecturers in this newly established community medicine/public health department, part of a new medical facility, I was pivotal in forming the curriculum, which was approved and implemented in 2009. I then introduced numerous programmes and modules, including a family attachment programme for undergraduate students and the first full online teaching module on research methodology.After creating a series of undergrad modules, I leveraged my expertise to lecture… Show more As one of two pioneer permanent lecturers in this newly established community medicine/public health department, part of a new medical facility, I was pivotal in forming the curriculum, which was approved and implemented in 2009. I then introduced numerous programmes and modules, including a family attachment programme for undergraduate students and the first full online teaching module on research methodology.After creating a series of undergrad modules, I leveraged my expertise to lecture my students in the areas of basic and applied epidemiology, non-communicable diseases, and public health in practice. ▪ I was the first Rajarata University academic to win a global competitive research grant. The grant increased research funding available for the university by +400% and supported one MPH student, several post-graduate modules of 10+ students, and 10 publications.▪ Developed a public health module for the Masters Degree in Developmental Practice at the University of Peradeniya.▪ Launched a community medicine clerkship program for undergraduate students. ▪ Broadened the skills of public health field workers in promoting infant and young child feeding in the university field practice area by rolling out a new programme. ▪ Originated a programme that enhanced the health and wellbeing of mentally disabled children in a special home. ▪ Evaluated a school health project conducted by the public health department and an NGO (Plan Sri Lanka). Show less

Engaged in research in molecular epidemiology of Leptospirosis in Sri Lanka. Worked with Joseph Vinetz's team of researchers on the Epidemiology of Leptospirosis in Peru and Sri Lanka. Investigated the 2011 outbreak of leptospirosis in Anuradhapura.

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

As a trainee in community medicine, I developed insights and investigative skills by participating in various national and regional public health programmes and community medicine training activities. I was primarily involved in communicable disease surveillance and control activities including a comprehensive outbreak investigation of leptospirosis in Sri Lanka in 2008. I ranked first in the theory component of public health/ community medicine doctoral programs (the only such program in Sri… Show more As a trainee in community medicine, I developed insights and investigative skills by participating in various national and regional public health programmes and community medicine training activities. I was primarily involved in communicable disease surveillance and control activities including a comprehensive outbreak investigation of leptospirosis in Sri Lanka in 2008. I ranked first in the theory component of public health/ community medicine doctoral programs (the only such program in Sri Lanka) in 2007. Show less

Beruwala, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Stationed in Beruwala’s MOH region, I delivered public health care services covering communicable disease surveillance and response, maternal and child health and reproductive health clinical services, and health promotion services. I administered the youth-friendly health services project, whilst collaborating with general practitioners to improve the area’s disease surveillance system. Throughout this time, I served as a health manager and administrator, supervising 75+ technical and… Show more Stationed in Beruwala’s MOH region, I delivered public health care services covering communicable disease surveillance and response, maternal and child health and reproductive health clinical services, and health promotion services. I administered the youth-friendly health services project, whilst collaborating with general practitioners to improve the area’s disease surveillance system. Throughout this time, I served as a health manager and administrator, supervising 75+ technical and non-technical staff members. ▪ Increased six-month exclusive breastfeeding rates by planning, introducing and evaluating the Breastfeeding Promotion Programme.▪ Grew IUCD usage and well-woman clinic participation by 50% by coordinating, implementing, and monitoring family planning services. ▪ Led service and policy-oriented research on priority public health issues in the area, including disease surveillance, family planning, breastfeeding, and adolescent health. ▪ Generated a health survey report for 2006 and annual action plans for 2006-07. Show less

Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka

I was a full time trainee of Community Medicine in the post graduateInstitute of Medicine.

Sri Lanka

I worked in a Sri Jayawardanepura General Hospital as a Senior House Officer (8 months) and then in Rural Hospital Nelubewa as a Primary Care Physician and the Medical Officer-in-charge for 16 months. ▪ Bolstered outpatient department participation 200%, bed occupancy rate 100%, and delivery care services from non-existing to c. 30 monthly deliveries. ▪ Incorporated the first medical clinic in the hospital, complete with a referral and back referral system to the tertiary care… Show more I worked in a Sri Jayawardanepura General Hospital as a Senior House Officer (8 months) and then in Rural Hospital Nelubewa as a Primary Care Physician and the Medical Officer-in-charge for 16 months. ▪ Bolstered outpatient department participation 200%, bed occupancy rate 100%, and delivery care services from non-existing to c. 30 monthly deliveries. ▪ Incorporated the first medical clinic in the hospital, complete with a referral and back referral system to the tertiary care centre and assisted in opening the area’s first well women’s clinic (WWC).▪ Trained public health staff (200+) on early childhood care and development in five MOH areas in the Anuradhapura district as a master trainer. ▪ Administered emergency care services to people affected by the tsunami. Show less

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Work as Intern Medical Officer in Internal medicine (6 months) and Gynaecology and Obstetric (6 months).

Master Of Public Health - Mph, Bio-Security, Distinction

First Class passes for all eight modules

Doctor Of Medicine, Community Medicine; Epidemiology And Biostatistics; Public Health, Scored The Highest Aggregate In Md Part I

Thesis: Epidemiology of Leptospirosis among patients admitted to selected tertiary care hospitals in three endemic districts; during.

Master Of Science, Community Medicine

Dissertation: Utilization of Private Sector for Immunization of Children in Colombo Municipal Council

Bachelor Of Medicine Bachelor Of Surgery, Medicine, Second Class Honors At 3Rd Mbbs Part I And Part Ii

Activities and Societies: Batch representative, Caption of the faculty athletic team and received university colors for athletics.