CURRICULUM VITAE

Amali E. Samarasinghe

CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Pediatrics Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology Children’s Foundation Research Institute 50 N. Dunlap Street Memphis, TN 38018

Office: (901) 287-5318 Fax: (901) 287-4478

E-mail: asamaras@uthsc.edu Web: www.samarasinghelab.org Facebook: Samarasinghe Group

CURRENT POSITION

Associate Professor (Tenure-Track), Department of Pediatrics 2019 – present University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology, and BioChemistry 2017 – present University of Tennessee Health Science Center

PRIMARY RESEARCH INTEREST

Delineating immune responses to pulmonary infection in allergic hosts. CURRENT FUNDING

NIH, NIAID R01 High Priority Immunology Grant 2017 – 2022 Title: Eosinophils as Regulators of Host Immunity against Influenza Infections Role: Principal Investigator Amount: $ 1,919,000

EDUCATION

Undergraduate:

• Associate of Arts, 2000 Los Angeles Pierce College, woodland Hills, CA

• Bachelor of Science, 2003. Major – Biotechnology; Minor – Chemistry California State University, Northridge, CA

Graduate:

• Master of Science (Distinction), 2006: NeuroImmunology California State University, Northridge, CA

Thesis Advisors: Randy Cohen, PhD, and Lisa Banner, PhD Thesis Title: Expression of IL-6 and LIF in the sHW Rat Brain

• Doctor of Philosophy (Honors), 2010: Molecular Pathogenesis

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND Dissertation Advisor: Jane Schuh, PhD Dissertation Title: Immunomodulatory Role of VIP in Allergic Asthma

Postdoctoral Training:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Infectious Diseases, 2010 – 2012. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN

Mentor: Jonathan McCullers, MD AWARDS

Professional: Research Excellence Award, American Lung Association Early Career Achievement Award, PI-TB Assembly, American Thoracic Society Rising Stars of Research Award, PI-TB Assembly, American Thoracic Society

2017 2017 2016

Travel Awards:

Faculty Travel Award, International Congress of Immunology meeting, AAI Travel Award, International Eosinophil Society American Association of Immunologists, Early Career Faculty Travel Award Travel Award, 6th Annual Orthomyxovirus Conference

2016 2013

2013–2018 2012

Institutional:

Outstanding Mentor Award, Department of Pediatrics, UTHSC Outstanding Researcher Award, Department of Pediatrics, UTHSC Young Investigator Award, Le Bonheur Associate Board and Foundation Outstanding Poster Award, Research Day, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Bea Gerber Award for best scored grant, Le Bonheur Club

2018 2017 2015 2014 2013

Doctoral Training Period:

Presidential Doctoral Fellowship, training and stipend, NDSU Frank Bain Scholarship for merit, College of Agriculture, NDSU North Dakota Academy of Sciences oral presentations, second place Graduate student travel award, NDSU Sponsored Programs Graduate poster competition, second place, Microbiological Sciences, NDSU FASEB Summer Research Conference in Lung Biology, meritorious poster North Dakota Academy of Sciences oral presentations, second place Award for Oral Presentation, American Association of Immunologists Graduate Student Colloquium, first place, Microbiological Sciences, NDSU Student Oral Presentations, first place, American Society for Microbiology Campus Kudos Award, University Staff Senate, NDSU

2006–2010 2008, 2009

2009 2009 2008 2008

2008, 2009 2008 2007 2007 2007

Masters Training Period:

Outstanding Teaching Associate Award, Biology Department, CSUN Teaching Associate Tuition Award, CSUN Graduate Research Award, Office of the Associate Vice President, CSUN International Student Mentor Award, Office of Student Affairs, CSUN

2006 2006 2005

2001–2013

Undergraduate: Outstanding International Student Award, Phi Beta Delta, CSUN Recognition Award for Scholarship, Honor Society of Alpha Gamma Sigma

2002, 2004 2000

HONORS

Invited Facilitator for the RaPID poster discussion, American Thoracic Society Invited Facilitator for Thematic Poster Session, American Thoracic Society Invited to attend Capitol Hill Day, American Thoracic Society Mini-Symposium Chair, Autumn Immunology Conference Invited to the Leadership Summit, American Thoracic Society Appointed to the Research Advocacy Committee, American Thoracic Society PI-TB Assembly Chair to the Science and Innovation Center, ATS PI-TB Assembly Program Committee, American Thoracic Society Mini-Symposium Moderator, American Thoracic Society PI-TB Assembly Co-Chair to the Science and Innovation Center, ATS Block Symposium Co-Chair, American Association of Immunologists Selected for the Early Career Review Program, Center for Scientific Review Inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi National Dean's List Inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Beta Delta Dean's List, Office of Academic Affairs, California State University, Northridge Dean's List, Office of Academic Affairs, Los Angeles Pierce College

2019 2008,2018,2019

2018, 2019 2017, 2018 2017–2019 2019–2021 2017–2019 2017–2018

2017 2016 2016 2012 2003 2002

2001–2003 5/2000,

12/2000 Vice President, International Student Council, Pierce College 1999–2000 Study Section Participation (Ad hoc): LCMI, Center for Scientific Review June 2018, 2019 Program Project Grant Review, NIAID April 2018

Biomedical Research Grant Review, American Lung Association March 2018, 2019 Special Emphasis Panels, Center for Scientific Review: Hypersensitivity, Allergy, and Mucosal Immunity February 2018 Mucosal Inflammation, Asthma, and Allergies October 2017

Pathological Inflammation, Allergy, and Asthma June 2017

PREVIOUS GRANTS 1. Research Fellowship Award, Department of Pediatrics (Lee, Jennifer) 2016 – 2018 Title: ViDEo – Vitamin D in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Role: Mentor Amount: $ 20,000

2. American Lung Association, Biomedical Research Grant 2015 – 2017

Title: Resistin-like Molecules Reduce Influenza A Virus-Induced Morbidity in Mice Role: Principal Investigator Amount: $ 80,000

3. NIH, NIAID R56 High Priority Project Award (Smith, A) 2016 – 2017 Title: Quantifying and Validating Immune Response Dynamics for Influenza and Viral-Bacterial Pneumonia Role: Co-Investigator Amount: $ 9,400

4. Le Bonheur Associate Board, Young Investigator Award 2015 – 2016 Title: Eosinophils Promote Antiviral Defenses against Influenza A Virus Role: Principal Investigator Amount: $ 35,000

5. Le Bonheur Children’s Foundation, Junior Faculty Grant 2013 – 2015 Title: The Role of Resistin-like Molecules during Influenza Role: Principal Investigator ~Competitive yearly renewal~ Amount: $ 70,000

6. University of Tennessee, iRISE Pilot Project Grant 2015 Title: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide as a Regulator of Eosinophil Degranulation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Role: Principal Investigator Amount: $ 29,481

PAST POSITIONS

1. Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Department of Pediatrics. 2017 – 2019 University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN

2. Assistant Professor, Non-Tenure Track, Department of Pediatrics. 2015 – 2016 University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN

3. Instructor, Department of Pediatrics 2012 – 2015

University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN

4. Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Infectious Diseases 2010 – 2012 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN

5. Instructor, Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences 8/2009 – 5/2010

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

6. Teaching Associate, Department of Biology 9/2004 – 5/2006 California State University, Northridge, CA

7. Adjunct Faculty Member, Department of Biological Sciences 1/2005 – 5/2006 Moorpark College, Moorpark, CA

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP

American Association of Immunologists, 2007 – American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2007-2010 North Dakota Academy of Sciences, 2008-2010 American Thoracic Society, 2012 – International Eosinophil Society, 2013 –

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

1. LeMessurier KS and Samarasinghe AE. Eosinophils – Nemeses of Pulmonary Pathogens? Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 2019 [In Press]

2. Palipane M1, Snyder JD1, LeMessurier KS, Schofield AK, Woolard SN, and Samarasinghe AE. Macrophage CD14 impacts immune defenses to influenza virus in allergic hosts. Microbial Pathogenesis, 2019; 127: 213-219. PMID: 30529429 1Equal contribution of authors.

3. Veerapandian R, Snyder JD, and Samarasinghe AE. Asthma and Influenza: for Better or for

Worse? Frontiers in Immunology, 2018; 9: 1843. PMID: 30147697 4. Hatami E, Nagesh PBN, Chowdhury P, Chauhan SC, Jaggi M, Samarasinghe AE, and Yallapu MM.

Tannic acid-lung fluid assemblies promote interaction and delivery of drugs to lung cancer cells. Pharmaceutics, 2018; 10: 111. PMID: 30071698

5. LeMessurier KS, Palipane M, Tiwary M, Gavin B, and Samarasinghe AE. Chronic features of

allergic asthma are enhanced in the absence of resistin-like molecule-beta. Scientific Reports, 2018; 8(1): 7061. PMID: 29728628

6. Lee JA, Cavender CP, Lieberman JA, and Samarasinghe AE.

Understanding fibrosis in eosinophilic esophagitis: are we there yet? Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2018; 104(1): 31-40. PMID: 29377264

▪ Highlighted on website for the issue. https://jlb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

7. Lew DB, LeMessurier KS, Palipane M, Lin Y, and Samarasinghe AE. Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived mannan does not alter immune responses to fungal allergens. BioMed Research International, 2018; 3298378, 9 pages. PMID: 29511677

8. Doorley LA, LeMessurier KS, Iverson AR, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe AE. Humoral immune

responses during asthma and influenza co-morbidity in mice. Immunobiology, 2017; 222(12): 1064-1073. PMID: 28889999

9. Lew DB, Michael CF, Overbeck T, Robinson WS, Rohman EL, Lehman JM, Patel JK, Eiseman B,

LeMessurier KS, Samarasinghe AE, and Gaber MW. Beneficial effects of a prebiotic

Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan in allergic asthma mouse models. Journal of Immunology Research, 2017; 3432701, 10 pages. PMID: 28835901

10. Michael CF, Waters CM, LeMessurier KS, Samarasinghe AE, Song C, Malin K, and Lew DB. Airway

epithelial repair by a prebiotic mannan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Immunology Research, 2017; 8903982, 7 pages. PMID: 28770233

11. Apiwattanakul N, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe AE. Immune responses to fungal aeroallergen

in Heligmosomoides polygyrus-infected mice vary by age. Cellular Immunology, 2017; 317: 26-36. PMID: 28476343

12. Samarasinghe AE, Melo RCN, Duan S, LeMessurier KS, Liedmann S, Surman S, Lee JJ, Hurwitz J,

Thomas PG, and McCullers JA. Eosinophils enhance antiviral immunity against influenza A virus infection. Journal of Immunology, 2017; 198(8), 3214-3226. PMID: 28283567

▪ Most tweeted article list 13. LeMessurier KS, Lin Y, McCullers JA, and Samarasinghe AE. Antimicrobial peptides alter early

immune response to influenza A virus infection in C57BL/6 mice. Antiviral Research, 2016; 133: 208-217. PMID: 27531368

14. Hrincius ER, Liedmann S, Finkelstein D, Vogel P, Gansebom S, Samarasinghe AE, You D, Cormier

SA, McCullers JA. Acute lung injury results from innate sensing of viruses by an ER stress pathway. Cell Reports, 2015; 11(10): 1591-1603. PMID: 26051937

15. Ghosh S, Samarasinghe AE, Hoselton SA, Dorsam GP, and Schuh JM. Hyaluronan deposition and

co-localization with inflammatory cells and collagen in a murine model of fungal allergic asthma. Inflammation Research, 2014; 63(6):475-84. PMID: 24519432

16. Samarasinghe AE, Woolard SN, Boyd KL, Hoselton SA, Schuh JM, and McCullers JA. The immune

profile associated with acute allergic asthma accelerates clearance of influenza virus. Immunology and Cell Biology, 2014; 92: 449-459. PMID: 24469764

▪ News and Commentary Featured Article ▪ Asthma and the Flu: a tricky two-step. Richard M Locksley and John V Fahy. ICB, 2014;

92: 381-391 17. Alymova IV, Samarasinghe A, Vogel P, Green AM, Weinlich R, and McCullers JA. A novel

cytotoxic sequence contributes to influenza A viral protein PB1-F2 pathogenicity and predisposition to secondary bacterial infection. Journal of Virology, 2014; 88(1): 503-15. PMID: 24173220

18. Samarasinghe AE, Hoselton SA, and Schuh JM. A comparison between intratracheal and

inhalation delivery of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia in the development of fungal allergic airways disease in C57BL/6 mice. Fungal Biology, 2011; 115(1) 21-29. PMID: 21215951

19. Samarasinghe AE, Hoselton SA, and Schuh JM. The absence of VPAC2 receptor deficiency leads

to aberrant antibody production in a murine model of fungal allergic asthma. Peptides, 2011; 32(1): 131-137. PMID: 20923692

20. Dorsam GP, Hoselton SA, Sandy AR, Samarasinghe AE, Dorsam ST, Vomhof-Dekrey EE, Schuh JM. Gene expression profiling and network analysis of peripheral blood monocytes in a chronic model of allergic asthma. Microbiology and Immunology, 2010; 54: 558-563. PMID: 20840155

21. Samarasinghe AE, Hoselton SA, and Schuh JM. Spatio-temporal localization of vasoactive

intestinal peptide and neutral endopeptidase in allergic murine lungs. Regulatory Peptides, 2010; 164: 151-157. PMID: 20566347

22. Hoselton SA, Samarasinghe AE, Seydel JM, and Schuh JM. An inhalation model of airway allergic

response to inhalation of environmental Aspergillus fumigatus conidia in sensitized BALB/c mice. Medical Mycology, 2010; 48(8): 1056-65. PMID: 20482452

23. Samarasinghe AE, Hoselton SA, and Schuh JM. The absence of the VPAC2 receptor does not

protect mice from Aspergillus induced allergic asthma. Peptides, 2010; 31(6): 1068-1075. PMID: 20226823

24. Hoselton SA, Samarasinghe AE, Seydel JL, Serie KM, and Schuh JM. Creation and

characterization of an IgG1-type monoclonal antibody against intact Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. Hybridoma, 2007; 26(4): 251-254. PMID: 17725387

OTHER PUBLICATIONS https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/readers/2018/08/05/letters-editor-aug-5-2018/867901002/

http://www.eosinophil-society.org/membership/member-publication

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

1. Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN a) Course: Microbial Pathogenesis, MSCI 932 01/2015 – present

Number of Students: 3-6 Lecture Topics: Methods of isolation and identification of emerging viral pathogens

The Innate Immune System: always on guard Vaccination-Part of the medical armamentarium

Responsibilities: Design and lecture on the given topic, assign journal articles for in class discussion, derive questions based on discussed information and grade the written assignments.

b) Course: Immunity and Inflammation, MSCI 931 01/2015 – present

Number of Students: 4-6 Lecture Topics: Complement Proteins

Hypersensitivity and Allergy Responsibilities: Design and lecture on the given topic, derive questions based on discussed information and grade the written assignments.

2. Instructor, Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences 08/2009 – 05/2010

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND Course: Basic Immunology, 481 (1st and 2nd year Pharmacy Students) Credit hours: 3/semester Student contact hours: 5/week Number of students: 140 in Fall ‘09 and 30 in Spring ‘10

Responsibilities: Fulfilled all aspects of an independent teaching faculty member; wrote lectures, exams, organized class activities, and held office hours. Graded all quizzes, exams, written and oral reports, assigned and reported final grades.

3. Teaching Assistant, Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences 09/2007 – 12/2008 North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

Course: Basic Immunology, 481 (First and second year Pharmacy Students) Credit hours: 3/semester Student contact hours: 2/week Number of students: 160 Responsibilities: Assisted Dr. Jane Schuh with class activities, group projects, and grading exams.

4. Adjunct faculty member, Department of Biological Sciences 01/2005 – 05/2006 Moorpark College, CA

Courses: Human Biology M16, General Biology M1, General Biology Laboratory Credit hours: 3-4/semester Student contact hours: 3-6/week Number of students: Between 40-60 Responsibilities: Fulfilled all aspects of an independent teaching faculty member; wrote lectures, exams, organized class activities, as well as design experiments for the laboratory sections.

5. Teaching Associate, Department of Biology 09/2004 – 05/2006

California State University, Northridge, CA Courses: Cell Biology Laboratory, BIOL 381; General Biology Laboratory for non-majors, BIOL101L; General Biology Laboratory for majors, BIOL 106L; General Laboratory, BIOL 107L. Credit hours: 1/semester Student contact hours: 3/week Number of students: Between 15-20 students in each class each semester Responsibilities: Independently taught the course which included setting-up for each lab period,

delivering the pre-lab lectures, helping students conduct experiments and maintain lab

notebooks, grading post-lab questionnaire designing the grading scheme, conducting quizzes and exams, and disseminating grades at the end of the semester.

VISITING PROFESSORSHIPS & INVITED LECTURES National

1. American Thoracic Society, 2019 Conference, Dallas, TX 05/2019 Postgraduate Course on ‘Lung Innate Immunity: at the frontlines of host defense’

Topic: Eosinophils as Host Defense Cells Host: Henry Koziel, MD and Jay Mizgerd, ScD

2. Special Seminar, Harvard University, Boston, MA

Department of Environmental Health Sciences 10/2018 Title: Lungs under Attack! Host: Stephanie Shore, PhD. Professor

3. Special Seminar, Ohio State University, Columbus Department of Veterinary Biosciences Title: Host-Pathogen Interactions in Lung Disease 08/2018 Host: Prosper Boyaka, PhD. Professor

4. Special Seminar, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA Department of Microbiology and Immunology 07/2018 Title: Lungs under Attack! Host: Chad Steele, PhD. Department Chair

5. Departmental Seminar Series, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL Division of Allergy and Immunology 06/2018 Title: Lessons Learned from Mouse Models of Lung Disease Host: Robert Schleimer, PhD. Chair of Division

6. Departmental Seminar Series, University of Alabama, Birmingham Department of Anesthesiology 11/2017 Title: Complexities in Host-Pathogen Interactions Host: Kevin Harrod, PhD. Endowed Chair and Professor

7. Lung Expo, Nashville, TN 10/2017 American Lung Association

Topic: Resistin-like molecules in health and disease Host: Geneica Jones, Program Manager

8. Rising Stars of Research Award Ceremony 05/2016

Science and Innovation Center, American Thoracic Society, San Francisco Topic: Eosinophils battle against influenza A virus

9. Gordon Research Seminars, Galveston, TX 02/2016

Topic: Eosinophils alleviate influenza in mice Organizers: Taylor Eddens and James Harker

10. American Thoracic Society, 2015 Conference, Denver, CO 05/2015 Postgraduate Course on ‘Lung Innate Immunity: at the frontlines of host defense’

Topic: Viral subversion of antimicrobial innate immunity Host: Henry Koziel, MD

11. Second International Conference on Endocrinology, Chicago, IL 10/2014 Topic: VIP/VPAC axis plays an immunomodulatory role in a murine model of fungal-induced allergic asthma Host: OMICS Publishing Group

12. Seminar series in Microbiology, North Dakota State University, Fargo Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences 04/2014

Topic: Influenza virus against allergic asthma: a battle worth studying Host: Jane Schuh, PhD. Professor and Associate Dean

13. General Microbiology, Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences 11/2009

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND Topic: Overview of the immune system Host: Janice Haggart, Instructor

Regional

1. Graphic Medicine Course, Memphis College of Art, TN 01/2017

Topic: Understanding Allergic Asthma Host: Esther Saltzman, Program Director

2. Memphis Virology Workshop, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN

Department of Infectious Diseases 2014 – 2018 Topics: Immune mechanisms during asthma and influenza

Eosinophils as Mediators of Cellular Immunity Novel mechanism involved in decreasing influenza morbidity in allergic asthma B cells in Co-morbidity State of the Lab

Host: Charles Russell, PhD. Member

3. Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, TN 07/2014 Topic: Mouse models and beyond Host: Randal Buddington, PhD. Professor

Local

1. Grand Rounds, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Topic: Lungs, Pathogens, and Eosin-Lovers 08/2018 Host: Ajay Talati, MD

2. Pediatric Clinical Fellows Research Workshop 11/2017, 11/2018 Department of Pediatrics, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

Topic: Asthma, a Researcher’s Perspective Host: Joan Chesney, MD

3. DOME Research Sparks, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Topic: Immunopathogenesis of Respiratory Infections in the Asthmatic Host 05/2015 Host: Polly Hofmann, PhD (Assistant Dean, College of Medicine)

4. Le Bonheur 101 (Final Segment of Tour for Donors) Topic: Respiratory Infections in Allergic Asthma: What have we learned? 07/2016 Basic Research to Clinical Understanding 07/2015 Host: Le Bonheur Marketing Department

5. Seminar series in Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Department of Physiology 06/2014 Topic: Influenza virus infection in allergic asthma Host: Christopher Waters, PhD. Professor and Interim Chair

6. Viral Pathogenesis, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Biochemistry 02/2014

University of Tennessee Health Science Center, TN Topic: Methods for isolation and identification of emerging viral pathogens

6. Seminar Series, Children’s Foundation Research Institute

Topics: Understanding Lung Disease: from mice to humans 06/2018 One Airway, Many Diseases 09/2016 Eosinophils as Protagonists against Influenza A Infections 11/2015

Eosinophils: An Innate Cells that enhances Adaptive Immunity 09/2014 Mouse Models and Beyond 09/2013

COMMITTEES AND OFFICES HELD

Ad hoc Reviewer

American Journal of Physiology, Lung Cell and Molecular Physiology BMC Microbiology Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Frontiers in Pediatrics International Archives of Allergy and Immunology Frontiers in Immunology Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology Molecular Immunology Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Scientific Reports Clinical and Experimental Allergy PLOS|one BMC Pulmonary Medicine PLOS|pathogens Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy Peptides

Allergy and Asthma Proceedings Allergologia et Immunopathologia

JCI Insight BMC Genetics

Professional Societies: American Thoracic Society: PI-TB Chair to SIC Research Advocacy Committee PI-TB Program Committee PI-TB Co-Chair to SIC PI-TB Journal Club Director PI-TB Early Career Working Group

2018–2020 2017–2020 2017–2020

2017 – 2018 2014 – present

2014 – 2019

International Eosinophil Society: Web design committee General Council Member, Autumn Immunology Conference

2013–present 2018–present

Departmental: Education Committee Member, UTHSC Pediatrics Space Allocation Committee Member, UTHSC Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Journal Club - Founder and Chair, SJCRH Postdoctoral Development Association Council Representative, SJCRH

2014 – present 2013 – 2016 2011 – 2013 2011 – 2012

Institutional:

Laboratory Animal Care Advisory Board Member, UTHSC Institutional Core Implementation Committee Member, UTHSC Pediatric Research Day, Conference Organizer, Le Bonheur Children’s Foundation Res. Institute, Seminar & Journal Club Director Pediatric Research Day Poster Competition Judge Medical Student Mentor, UTHSC Selection Committee Member, Rhodes Teaching Fellowship, SJCRH Judge, TN Academy of Sciences Conference Postdoc Professional Development and Planning Committee Member, SJ Volunteer, Food Services, SJCRH Judge, Science and Engineering Fair, NDSU International Student Mentor, CSUN Student Panels for an International Curriculum and Education, CSUN Tour guide for Outreach and Recruitment Service, CSUN Student Member, International Education Council, CSUN

2016 – present 2016 – present 2015 – present 2015 – present

2014, 2017 2013 – present

2012 2012 2012

2010 – 2012 2008, 2010

2001 – 2006 2001 – 2003 2001 – 2003 2001 – 2002

PODIUM PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS (*Presenter) Assistant Professor Phase

1. LeMessurier K, Tiwary M, Smallwood H, and Samarasinghe A*. Eosinophils and Macrophages Direct Allergic Host Responses During Synergistic Viral-Bacterial Infections. Platform presentation at the American Thoracic Society Conference, 2019, Dallas, TX.

2. Tiwary M, LeMessurier K, and Samarasinghe A*. Eosinophils undergo temporally regulated phenotypic and physiologic changes during influenza A virus infection. Platform presentation at the American Association of Immunologists Conference, 2019, San Diego, CA.

3. Palipane M*, LeMessurier K, and Samarasinghe A. Resistin-like Molecules: Negative Mediators of Influenza A Virus Morbidity in Mice. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2018, Chicago, IL.

4. Tiwary M* and Samarasinghe A. Eosinophil Responses to Influenza Virus Infection. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2018, Chicago, IL.

5. Snyder J, LeMessurier K, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe A. CD14 and the Delicate Balance of Inflammation in Host Defense. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2018, Chicago, IL.

6. Lee JA*, Lieberman JA, Cavender C, and Samarasinghe A. Shedding Light on Vitamin D. Grand Rounds, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2018, Memphis, TN.

7. Tiwary M*, LeMessurier KS, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe A. Resistin-like molecule beta negatively regulates chronic allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the Annual Postdoctoral Event, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 2017.

8. M. Tiwary won Second Place for her Oral Presentation

9. Tiwary M*, LeMessurier KS, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe A. Resistin-like molecule beta is a necessary mediator in chronic allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2017, Chicago, IL.

10. Carmo L*, LeMessurier K, Melo R, and Samarasinghe A. Ultrastructure of bone marrow-derived eosinophils during granulogenesis. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2017, Chicago, IL.

11. LeMessurier K, Melo R, Duan S, Liedmann S, Surman S, Bezavada L, Smallwood H, Lee J, Hurwitz J, Thomas P, McCullers J, and Samarasinghe A*. Phenotypic and functional changes in eosinophils may promote antiviral responses in hosts with allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the Biennial Conference of the International Eosinophil Society, 2017, Gothenburg, Sweden.

12. LeMessurier K, Doorley L, Palipane M, Samarasinghe A*. Innate Immune Responses in Fungal Asthma Enhance Antiviral Immunity During Influenza Virus Infections. Platform presentation at the AAI conference, 2017, Washington, DC.

13. Doorley L*, LeMessurier K, Palipane M, Samarasinghe A. Fungal Asthma Alters B cell Kinetics During Influenza. Platform presentation at the 9th Annual Pediatric Research Day, 2017, Memphis, TN

▪ L. Doorley won the Outstanding Abstract Award for Oral Presentation in the Graduate Student Category

14. LeMessurier K*, Iverson AR, Palipane M, Chang T-C, Rosch J, Samarasinghe A. Allergic Mice are

Protected from Influenza A Virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae co-infection. Platform presentation at the 9th Annual Pediatric Research Day, 2017, Memphis, TN

▪ K. LeMessurier won the Outstanding Abstract Award for Oral Presentation in the Research Staff Category

15. Samarasinghe A*, Melo RCN, Duan S, LeMessurier KS, Liedmann S, Lee JJ, Thomas PG, and McCullers

JA. Immune Responses during Acute Allergic Asthma Promotes Host Protection against Influenza A Virus. Platform presentation at the ICI conference, 2016, Melbourne, Australia.

16. Samarasinghe A*, LeMessurier K, Iverson A, McCullers J. The impact of bacterial superinfection during influenza infection of allergic hosts. Platform presentation at the AAI conference, 2016, Seattle, WA.

17. Samarasinghe A*, LeMessurier K, Lin Y, McCullers J. Resistin-Like Molecules as Antiviral Mediators against Influenza A Virus Infection. Platform presentation at the ATS conference, 2016, San Francisco, CA.

Instructor Phase

18. Samarasinghe A*, McCullers J. Resistin-like molecules reduce influenza A morbidity in mice.

Platform presentation at the AAI conference, 2015, New Orleans, LA. 19. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, Melo R, LeMessurier K, McCullers J. Intratracheal transfer of lung

eosinophils reduces influenza virus burden in mice. Platform presentation at the AAI conference, 2014, Pittsburgh, PA.

20. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Allergic eosinophils enhance anti-viral immunity in a co-

morbidity model of asthma and influenza. Platform presentation at the Keystone meeting on the Pathogenic Processes of Asthma and COPD, 2013, Santa Fe, NM.

PostDoctoral Fellowship Phase

21. 18. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Resistin-like molecules alter the immune response

against influenza A infection. Platform presentation at the 6th Annual Orthomyxoviridae conference, 2012, Quebec, Canada.

22. 19. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Pathogenesis of influenza virus infection is regulated

by the disease progression stage of allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the Centers of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) meeting 2012, New York, NY

23. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Timing of influenza virus infection affects disease outcome of allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the Postdoctoral Professional Development Event 2012, S1, Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN

24. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Influenza virus infection during acute or chronic allergic

asthma alters immune phenotypes and disease outcome. Platform presentation at the 2012, PIDS Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Conference, Memphis, TN.

Graduate Student Phase

25. 22. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Antibody secretion is enhanced in the absence of VPAC-2 receptor. Platform presentation at the 2009 North Dakota Academy of Sciences meeting, Fargo, ND.

26. 23. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Vasoactive intestinal peptide is spatially and temporally

modulated in a murine model of allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the 2008 Autumn Immunology Conference, Chicago, IL.

27. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Eosinophilia and Immunoglobulin A in Experimental Allergic

Asthma. Platform presentation at the 2008 meeting of the North Dakota Academy of Sciences, Grand Forks, ND.

28. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and matrix metalloproteinase-

2 are altered in a murine model of allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the 2008 meeting of the American Association of Immunologists, San Diego, CA.

29. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Expression and regulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide in

a murine model of allergic asthma. Platform presentation at the 2007 meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Marshfield, WI.

30. Samarasinghe A*, Cohen R, Banner L. Expression of neurotropic cytokines in the brain of sHW rat.

Platform presentation at the 2005 Sigma Xi meeting, Northridge, CA.

POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS (*Presenter)

Assistant Professor Phase

1. LeMessurier K, Tiwary M, Smallwood H, and Samarasinghe A*. Eosinophils and Macrophages Direct Allergic Host Responses During Synergistic Viral-Bacterial Infections. Platform presentation at the American Thoracic Society Conference, 2019, Dallas, TX.

2. Tiwary M* and Samarasinghe A. Eosinophil activation in response to influenza A virus infection. Poster presentation at the Postdoctoral Research Day 2018, UTHSC, Memphis TN.

▪ M. Tiwary won First Place in Poster Presentations

3. Palipane M*, LeMessurier KA, and Samarasinghe A. Resistin-like Molecules: Negative Mediators of Influenza A Virus Morbidity in Mice. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2018, Chicago, IL.

4. Tiwary M* and Samarasinghe A. Eosinophil Responses to Influenza Virus Infection. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2018, Chicago, IL.

5. Snyder J, LeMessurier K, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe A. CD14 and the Delicate Balance of Inflammation in Host Defense. Platform presentation at the Autumn Immunology Conference, 2018, Chicago, IL.

6. LeMessurier K, Iverson A, Chang T, Rosch J, and Samarasinghe A*. Viral-Bacterial Discordance in

Allergic Hosts. Poster presented at the American Thoracic Society Conference, Sand Diego, CA, 2018. RAPiD Poster Format.

7. LeMessurier K, Palipane M, Tiwary M, Gavin B, and Samarasinghe A*. Resistin-like molecule-β

negatively regulates chronic features of fungal asthma. Poster presented at the American Association of Immunologists Conference, Austin, TX, 2018.

8. Snyder J*, Palipane M, LeMessurier K, and Samarasinghe A. CD14 in a Murine Model of Asthma and Influenza Comorbidity. Poster presentation at the 10th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2018, Memphis TN.

▪ J. Snyder won the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award in the Graduate Student Category

9. Tiwary M*, LeMessurier KS, Palipane M, and Samarasinghe A. Resistin-like molecule beta negatively

regulates chronic allergic asthma. Poster presentation at the 10th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2018, Memphis TN.

▪ M. Tiwary won the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award in the Post-Doctoral Fellow Category

10. Palipane M*, LeMessurier K, and Samarasinghe A. Resistin-like Molecules reduce Influenza A Virus-

Induced Morbidity in Mice. Poster presentation at the 10th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2018, Memphis TN.

11. LeMessurier K*, Doorley L, Palipane M, Cavendar K, and Samarasinghe A. Innate Immune Responses

in Fungal Asthma Enhance Antiviral Immunity during Influenza Virus Infection. Poster presentation at the 10th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2018, Memphis TN.

12. Lew D*, Samarasinghe A, Penkert R, Sealy R, Hammond C, Dubin P, and Hurwitz J. Biomarkers of

Severity in Pediatric Asthma in Memphis, Tennessee. Poster presentation at the AAAAI annual conference, 2018, Orlando, FL.

13. Lee J*, Cavender C, Lieberman J, and Samarasinghe A. Vitamin D Receptor Expression is Down

Regulated in Peripheral Blood Eosinophils in Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Poster presentation at the CURED Foundation conference, 2017, Cincinnati OH.

14. Lee J*, Cavender C, Lieberman J, and Samarasinghe A. Vitamin D Receptor Expression is Down Regulated in Peripheral Blood Eosinophils in Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Poster presentation at NASPGHAN 2017, Las Vegas, NV.

15. Samarasinghe A*, Melo R, Duan S, LeMessurier K, Liedmann S, Lee J, Thomas P, and McCullers J. Anti-

Influenza Immunity in Allergic Asthma May Be Regulated by Eosinophils. Poster presented at the 2017 American Thoracic Society meeting, Washington, DC.

16. Doorley L*, LeMessurier K, Iverson A, and Samarasinghe A. B cells are regulated during asthma and

influenza co-morbidity. Poster presented at the Graduate Research Day, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 2017, Memphis ,TN.

17. Palipane M*, LeMessurier K, Lin Y, and Samarasinghe A. Absence of RELM-α Augments Morbidity

during Asthma and Influenza. Poster presented at the 9th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2017, Memphis, TN

18. Armbruster J*, Cavender C, Lieberman J, and Samarasinghe A. Evaluating the Expression of Vitamin

D Receptor in Human Peripheral Blood Eosinophils. Poster presented at the 9th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2017, Memphis, TN

19. Samarasinghe A*, Melo R, Duan S, LeMessurier K, Liedmann S, Lee J, Thomas P, and McCullers J.

Immune responses during allergic asthma promote host protection against influenza A virus. Poster presented at the 2016 Gordon Research Conference on the Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection, Galveston, TX.

20. Buser H*, Palipane M, Banner L, Cohen R, and Samarasinghe A. Neural Degeneration in Glutamate

Excitatoxicity is Linked to Altered Immune Signaling in the Hippocampus and Cerebellum. Poster presented at the 8th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2016, Memphis, TN

21. Cavendar K, Walton A, Palipane M*, LeMessurier K, and Samarasinghe A. Investigation into the

protection of allergic mice against common respiratory pathogens. Poster presented at the 8th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2016, Memphis, TN

22. Lin Y*, LeMessurier K, and Samarasinghe A. Gene expression profile of early markers of

inflammation during influenza A infections. Poster presented at the 8th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2016, Memphis, TN

▪ Y. Lin won the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award in the Research Staff Category

23. LeMessurier K*, Duan S, Thomas P, and Samarasinghe A. Eosinophils are activated by influenza A virus. Poster presented at the 8th Annual and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC, 2016, Memphis, TN

24. Samarasinghe A*, Melo RCN, Duan S, LeMessurier K, Lee J, Thomas P, and McCullers J. Eosinophils

promote antiviral host defenses against influenza A virus infection. Poster presented at the 2015 International Eosinophil Society Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Instructor Phase

25. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, and McCullers J. Resistin-like molecules reduce influenza morbidity in mice. Poster presented at the 7th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2014, Memphis, TN

26. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, Melo R, LeMessurier K, and McCullers J. Adoptive transfer of

eosinophils protects lungs from influenza A virus-mediated morbidity. Poster presented at the 2014 American Thoracic Society meeting, San Diego, CA

27. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, LeMessurier K, McCullers J. Resistin-like molecules reduce influenza

morbidity in mice. Poster presented at the 2014 Viral Pathogenesis meeting, Keystone, CO.

28. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, and McCullers J. Timing of influenza virus infection during allergic airway disease progression alters the immune phenotype and disease outcome. Poster presented at the 6th Annual Pediatric Research Day, UTHSC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 2013, Memphis, TN

29. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Eosinophils: An unforeseen protagonist in influenza

infection. Poster presented at the 2013 International Eosinophil Society meeting, Oxford, UK.

30. Samarasinghe A*, LeMessurier K, Iverson A, Woolard K, McCullers J. Acute inflammatory asthma protects influenza infected mice from bacterial super-infection. Poster presented at the 2013 American Association of Immunologists conference, Honolulu, HI

PostDoctoral Fellowship Phase

31. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Timing of influenza virus infection during allergic airway disease progression alters the immune phenotype and disease outcome. Thematic poster discussion at the 2012 American Thoracic Society meeting, San Francisco, CA

32. Samarasinghe A*, Woolard S, McCullers J. Eosinophils from Acute Allergic Inflammation Alters the Immune Response to Influenza A Virus. Poster presents at the 2012 American Association of Immunologists conference, Boston, MA

Graduate Student Phase

33. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Repeated Fungal Exposure Leads to Eosinophilia and Airway remodeling in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma. Poster presented at the 2009 American Association of Immunologists Conference, Seattle, WA.

34. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Immunoglobulin A secretion is enhanced in allergic mice lacking the VPAC-2 receptor. Poster presented at the 2009 American Association of Immunologists Conference, Seattle, WA.

35. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, and Schuh J. Immunomodulatory role played by vasoactive intestinal peptide in allergic asthma. Poster presented at the 2009 Graduate Research and Arts Forum, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.

36. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Vasoactive intestinal peptide may perform an

immunomodulatory role in allergic asthma. Poster presented at the 2009 Asthma and Allergy meeting, Keystone, CO.

37. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Eosinophil infiltration may lead to downstream airway remodeling in allergic asthma. Poster presented at the Microbiological Sciences poster competition, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.

38. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Altered Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma. Poster presented at the 2008 summer FASEB conference, Saxtons River, VT

39. Samarasinghe A*, Hoselton S, Schuh J. Pulmonary cell expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide in a murine model of allergic asthma. Poster presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Association of Immunologists, Miami, FL.

40. Samarasinghe A*, Cohen R, Banner L. Expression of IL-6 and LIF in the degenerative hippocampus and cerebellum of the sHW rat. Poster presented at the 2006 meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA.

MENTORSHIP

Postdoctoral Fellow: Prem Lamichhane, Ph.D. 2019 – present Meenakshi Tiwary, Ph.D. 2017 – present

Pre-doctoral Students: John Snyder, B.S. 2018 Laura Doorley, B.S. 2017

Clinical Fellows

Jennifer Lee-Armbruster, M.D. 2016 – 2018 Michael Mangubat, M.D. 2013 – 2016

Research Staff

Maneesha Palipane, B.S. (Senior Research Assistant) 2015 – present Yanyan Lin, M.S. (Senior Research Specialist) 2013 – 2015 Kim S. LeMessurier, Ph.D. (Research Associate) 2012 – present

Summer Students

Anna Schofield: Undergraduate 2018 Arnav Thakur: Undergraduate 2017 Hannah Buser: Undergraduate 2015, 2016, 2018 Kyle Cavender: Undergraduate 2015 Sarah Allan: Medical Student 2014 Brian Gavin: Medical Student 2013 Omkar Paudel: Undergraduate 2008

Rotation Students Amber Everett: High School Senior Spring 2018 John Snyder Fall 2017 Laura Doorley Fall 2016 Aisha Hegab Spring 2015 Angela Walton: Undergraduate Spring 2014 Clarissa Gay: Undergraduate Spring 2013

M1 and M2 Medical Students

Mentor a group of 5-6 medical students from the College of Medicine for one year starting August of each year. 2015 – present

*I hereby declare that the information provided herewith are true.

05-24-2019