Asantha Fernando

Dr. Asantha Fernando serves as an assistant professor of chemistry at Cornerstone University. An experienced educator and organic chemistry researcher with more than seven years of university-level teaching, he is passionate about inspiring students through both classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory learning. He is also a committed mentor, dedicated to fostering academic and personal growth in the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Fernando’s research focuses on organic and natural product chemistry, with a strong interest in synthesis and its applications. He was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Chemistry at Emory University and has previously served as a graduate teaching and research assistant at Kansas State University and as a research assistant at the University of Colombo.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry with an emphasis in natural product synthesis from Kansas State University, a Master of Science in applied organic chemistry, a Master of Divinity in Biblical studies and theology from Lanka Bible College, and a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Colombo. His work has been recognized with the Johnson Cancer Research Center Travel Award, and he has served as president of the National Chemistry Honor Society at Kansas State University.

Selected Publications

• Fernando, A.; Khadka, S.; Hernandez, A.T.; Wojcinski, L.; Rafferty, R.J.; Sinha, A.S., “Organic Chemistry Laboratory Manual”, Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 2020

• Asante, J. Y. D.; Casey, C. M.; Bezold, E. L.; Fernando, A.; McDonough, D.; Wuest, W. M.; Minbiole, K. P. C., “Resorcinol-based Bolaamphiphilic Quaternary Ammonium Compounds”, ChemMedChem. 2025, e202400932
• Perera, S.; Fernando, A.; Dallman, J.; Weeramange, C.; Lansakara, A.; Nguyen, T.; Rafferty, R.J., “Construction and Biological Evaluation of Small Libraries Based of the Intermediates within the Total Synthesis of Uvaretin”, ChemMedChem. 2021, 16, 1631-1639
• Vithanage, D. A.; Liyanage, A. R.; Madushani, D. C.; Fernando, M. A. L.; Vaas, A. P. J. P.; Abeytunga, D. T. U.; Dissanayake, D. P., “Inhibitory Effect of the Nucleophile in Ullmann Condensation: Theoretical and Experimental Investigation” Mol. Catal. 2017, 438, 30-36

Awards and Recognitions

• The Johnson Cancer Research Center Travel Award
• Phi Lambda Upsilon Fellowship – Chemistry department, Kansas State University
• NOTICXE Graduate Fellowship – Chemistry department, Kansas State University
• Graduate Classroom Award – Chemistry department, Kansas State University