Amilra De Silva on Serendipity & the Chemistry of Everything

 

Meet Amilra De Silva…

Dr Amilra De Silva (more commonly known as AP) is a Professor in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering who during his 40-year career with Queen’s University developed a blood analyser that has sold 10’s of millions of units and saved countless lives around the world.

In today’s episode we talk about:

  • Growing up in Sri Lanka

  • The role his grandparents played throughout his life

  • Moving to Belfast in the 70s

  • Why he was working on a molecular sodium sensor

  • How it got picked up by Big Pharma

  • The Lion King

  • And the wisdom of surrounding yourself by curators, mentors, and other people going deep into an area of expertise

Check it out.

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Treasure Trove For Amilra De Silva

What's One Thing Most People Don't Know About You?
Although science is my day job, I have enjoyed playing a bit of music as often as I could.

What's Your Favourite Book?
That changes with time. Recently, a friend gave me Flann O’Brien’s ‘Poormouth’. A thoroughly enjoyable discussion of poverty.

What's Your Favourite Quote?
‘Different folks, different strokes’

Last but not least, is there anything you'd like us to promote?
After having spent 40 happy years at Queen's, I wish the University many more years of lighting-up the lives of students from everywhere.

QUEEN'SxBESTOFBELFAST

This episode is part of our ongoing series with Queens University Belfast, where we have the chance to sit down with an interesting student, professor or graduate once a month to hear and share their story.

To find out more and listen to the other episodes in this series, please visit bestofbelfast.org/queens

Thanks so much for being here, and I really hope you enjoy this week’s conversation.

How To Listen

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Thanks for listening, wanna hear more local stories?

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Thanks again to Amilra De Silva for taking the time to share his story with us.

See you next time.

— Matt

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