Dr. Jay Herath is a popular mentor and educator in chemistry and biochemistry, known for his commitment to guiding students and health professionals. Jay believes that overcoming challenges is the key to success. His expertise is showcased through his roles as a Foundation of Scholarships Adviser, Flexible & Enhanced Learning Program Advisor, Problem-Based Learning Instructor, and Case-Based Learning Tutor. During his tenure as an Associate Professor at UBC Faculty of Medicine (2014-2021), he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of allied health students.
Currently, at Loyola, Dr. Herath teaches general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry for nursing students and organic chemistry lecture and labs.
His research is centered on RNA therapeutics, public health, youth safety, educational challenges, and substance abuse prevention and legislation.
Achievements:
- Played a crucial role in contributing to COVID-19 vaccines development during his postdoctoral work with Prof. Christine Chow at Wayne State University, USA.
- Serves as a Senior Research Fellow with the global initiative “We aim to empower adolescents throughout the world with evidence-based information.”
- A collection editor for the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH), focusing on driving safety and behavior, injury prevention, and clinical epidemiology.
- Earned his PhD from the University of Bern, Switzerland, under the mentorship of Prof. Ch Leumann and PD. Dr. J Hunziker (Novartis AG).
Dr. Herath’s dedication to education, research, and public health continues to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars and professionals.
Recent Publications
- 1. “ The Approach Taken by Canada’s Province of Nova Scotia to ban the Sale of Flavored Electronic Cigarettes”. Journal of Global Health Economics and Policy, accepted Aug. 2022., Bandara NA, Vallani T, Zhou XR, Herath J, Mehrnoush V.
- 2. “A Multi-Faceted Approach to Communicate the Risks Associated with E-Cigarette Use to Youth", NA Bandara, T Vallani, R Gamage, XR Zhou, SH Palihawadane, Youth 3 (1), 437-446.
- 3. “Addressing the intersection between COVID-19 and young people vaping: Timely resources needed” Nilanga Aki Bandara, Vahid Mehrnoush, Jay Herath Canadian Medical Association Journal. Aug 2020.
- 4. “Reopening Schools Safely During the Pandemic” British Columbia Medical Journal. Ediriweera Desapriya, Sarah Yassami, Jay Herath., Sept 2020
- 5. “Addressing a dual public health emergency” Canadian Medical Association Journal. Nilanga Aki Bandara, Vahid Mehrnoush, Jay Herath., Aug 2020.