Dr. Helanka J Perera

Abu Dhabi Campus, Higher College of Technology
UAE

Abstract Title: Fluorinated and Non-Fluorinated Silane-Treated Diatomaceous Earth for Water-Repellent Coatings

Biography:

Dr. Helanka Perera is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), UAE. She earned her Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry in the United States and specializes in eco-friendly polyurethane foams, silane-functionalized diatomaceous earth, and natural fiber composites for applications in oil spill remediation and wastewater treatment.

She is the recipient of the Abu Dhabi Young Investigator Award (ADEK) and several HCT-funded research grants. Dr. Perera has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, presented at leading international conferences, and actively mentors undergraduate researchers. Beyond her academic contributions, she is strongly committed to women’s empowerment and gender equality through teaching, research, and outreach initiatives.

Research Interest:

Dr. Helanka Perera’s research focuses on the development of eco-friendly polyurethane foams, silane-functionalized diatomaceous earth, and natural fiber composites with applications in oil spill remediation and wastewater treatment. Her broader interests lie in polymer chemistry, functional materials, and sustainable environmental solutions, with an emphasis on advancing innovative approaches to waste management and green technologies.