Personal profile
Personal profile
Dr Anusha Seneviratne is an Immunologist specialising in Vascular Disease with an interest in environmental modulators of inflammation. She is researching how air pollution increases atherosclerotic vascular disease, and whether naturally-derived anti-inflammatory compounds can provide protection. Her previous research focused on macrophage activity in atherosclerotic vascular disease and she has shown the protective role of plant-derived drug compounds such as Metformin. She has published several high-impact papers in leading cardiovascular journals such as Circulation, and presented at many international cardiovascular and immunology conferences.
She is a member of the Education Working Group of the Planetary Health Alliance. She contributed to Non-Communicable Diseases report for the World Health Organization and the São Paulo Declaration on Planetary Health. She has also aided the development of Cell and Gene Therapies in Industry.
Teaching
Dr Seneviratne leads teaching of human anatomy and physiology for the Department of Health Studies, with an emphasis on environmental and social determinants of health for the BSc Health Studies and MSc Occupational Therapy degrees.
BSc Health Studies Module Lead for:
HE1003 Introduction to Human Science
HE2002 Health Promotion and Protection Frameworks
HE2005 Physical and Mental Conditions
Research interests
Environmental Modulators of Vascular Inflammation
Dr Seneviratne is studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind how environmental exposures modulate inflammation in the body such as air pollution, infectious diseases and medicinal plants. Her current focus is on how ultrafine air particulates and chemical toxins exacerbate cardiovascular inflammation in the context of Atherosclerosis, and whether natural anti-inflammatory compounds can dampen inflammation triggered by harmful exposures. She is interested in advising on air quality and public health policy to improve health outcomes from environmental exposures.
Planetary Health Education
Dr Seneviratne founded the Girawa Project in 2021 producing a Planetary Health education programme for secondary school students in Sri Lanka, Brazil and beyond. Girawa is an organizational member of the Planetary Health Alliance. Through this project she uses pedagogical approaches to improve planetary health education for secondary level students globally and is currently researching the effectiveness of Youth Clubs and "Educommunication" as a means of Planetary Health education and interaction between youth of different countries, in collaboration with UNILINS (University Centre Lins) in Brazil and the Foundation of Goodness in Sri Lanka.
