Background

Chamali is a PhD student in Food and Human Nutritional Sciences (FHNS) at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, focused on detecting ergot alkaloids in wheat and using cold plasma processing to combat mycotoxins. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka and a master’s degree in Food Science from the University of Manitoba. As President of FHNS Graduate Students Association, she established the University of Manitoba IFTSA Chapter (the third Canadian chapter in IFTSA history) and currently serves as Vice President of Competitions for IFTSA for the 2024–2025 cycle. She also served as a chair for IFTSA’s Graduate Research Video Competition at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, and has participated in several IFT membership groups including the Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods Division, the International Division, and the Women’s Resource Group. Additionally, she has led initiatives with AOAC International and the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research.