Article By Colton Strader, Lyon College
Dr. Irosha Nawarathne, associate professor of chemistry at Lyon College, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Scientific Enterprise by the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest chemical society. This prestigious award recognizes 10 exceptional mid-career women scientists who have demonstrated outstanding promise and contributions to their fields.
Dr. Nawarathne expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Being recognized among such a distinguished group of women scientists is incredibly rewarding. It feels like a validation of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my teaching, research and mentoring. This recognition not only celebrates my individual achievements but also highlights the importance of supporting and advancing women in science.”
Dr. Nawarathne’s selection for this honor highlights her remarkable achievements. Since joining Lyon College in 2014, she has made significant strides in advancing chemical research and fostering an inclusive educational environment. Her commitment to undergraduate research, particularly in drug discovery, has been a defining feature of her career.
“College teaching, including undergraduate research, has become my passion. I find it deeply rewarding to provide personalized attention and guidance inside and outside the classroom, fostering student learning and boosting confidence through strong teacher-student relationships,” said Dr. Nawarathne.
Dr. Nawarathne’s research program, which focuses on the development of antimicrobial and antineoplastic agents, has involved over 50 undergraduate students, with more than 60 percent identifying as women or LGBTQ+.
“As a first-generation college student, an immigrant belonging to a very small minority in the US, a petite woman of color in chemistry, I understand the importance of representation and mentorship,” said Dr. Nawarathne.
“It’s truly inspiring to witness the ongoing progress in diversity across various fields. I firmly believe that diversity, whether related to gender or any other dimension, is essential for advancing our collective knowledge and fostering innovation,” she continued. “In chemistry, science and beyond, embracing all forms of diversity enriches our endeavors and drives meaningful, positive change.”
Her research has not only contributed to the field of chemistry but has also empowered her students, many of whom have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and research-focused careers.
“During the last decade at Lyon College, I have received accolades from students who see me as a role model and credit me for influencing their career choices. I prioritize inclusive teaching, authoring pedagogical manuscripts that promote diversity and inclusion in organic chemistry classes, ensuring the academic and personal well-being of all students,” she said.
Dr. Nawarathne’s dedication to education and mentorship is further evidenced by her recent appointment as the first director of undergraduate research at Lyon College, a role that acknowledges her efforts to advance research initiatives at the institution. This role, along with her numerous awards, including the 2023 Lamar Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and 2020 Excellence in Advising Award, underscores her commitment to both teaching and research.
Colleagues have praised Dr. Nawarathne’s contributions.
Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College, highlighted her exceptional teaching skills, noting, “Dr. Nawarathne is an incredibly gifted instructor who connects with students on a fundamental level. Her work as a researcher, particularly in the realm of drug discovery is impressive, and the fact that she includes students with all levels of experience in this work is quite meaningful. So as a professor, mentor, and investigator, Dr. Nawarathne is advancing the discipline of chemistry in important ways.”
Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement, commended her persistent dedication and ability to balance critical research with undergraduate education, stating, “Simply no one that I have ever worked with has ever been so persistent, thoughtful or dedicated to their field and their research, and especially in bridging their research work with their work with our undergraduates.”
Dr. Kurt Grafton, provost and dean of faculty, added more praise to Dr. Nawarathne’s dedication, saying, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Nawarathne for the past decade, and her dedication to both high-quality research and mentoring young chemists is truly remarkable. Her achievements reflect not just her talent but her passion for developing the next generation of chemists. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her impact, and I look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and innovate in the years to come.”
At the ACS spring 2025 meeting in San Diego, Dr. Nawarathne will present her research and career journey in a symposium dedicated to award recipients. She plans to showcase her students’ contributions to drug discovery research and highlight the impact of mentorship on her career.
“I am excited to share the journey that led to this work, highlighting the incredible support from my husband Tharanga and my family in Sri Lanka, my students, the Lyon family, and all my mentors including Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). Our high-stakes drug discovery research, conducted at a primary undergraduate institution (PUI), is always well received and leaves the audience in awe at both national and state levels. What we accomplish at Lyon surpasses typical undergraduate expectations and demonstrates that significant research can indeed thrive at a PUI in rural Arkansas,” Dr. Nawarathne said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Nawarathne is excited about future projects, including incorporating data science into drug discovery. This research, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, aims to advance drug discovery processes and engage students in cutting-edge research. “Everyone involved is very excited about the potential of this approach and the opportunities it will provide for our students to engage at the cutting edge of drug discovery,” said Dr. Nawarathne.
Dr. Nawarathne’s recognition as a Rising Star not only celebrates her individual achievements but also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support in scientific careers. As she continues to inspire and lead, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of chemistry and help to diversify the broader scientific community.
“If I can succeed coming from the other side of the world, you can achieve even more. Be resilient, dream big, take action and showcase your abilities to the world. Even if you feel what you’re doing is insignificant, remember that your efforts might have a much greater impact than you realize,” said Dr. Nawarathne.
As a final note, Dr. Nawarathne wanted to say, “I am profoundly grateful to my family, especially Tharanga, my mentors and friends for their unwavering support. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Provost Grafton, President Taverner, and both current and past faculty and staff at Lyon College for their guidance, encouragement and support. Each and every student I have had the pleasure to work with at Lyon and in previous institutions has been a source of inspiration—they are my pride and joy. My mentors include all of the above, as well as the wonderful individuals I have met through Arkansas INBRE since 2015. I wouldn’t be pursuing this research without their invaluable support.”
For more information about Dr. Nawarathne’s presentation at the ACS meeting, please visit the ACS conference website.
Image provided by Lyon College
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