(Left to Right) Robert Thomas, dean of WSU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Keerthisinghe Senevirathne, 1000th Chemistry PhD graduate; Stephanie Brock, WSU associate chemistry professor.

What: Wayne State University celebrated the awarding of its 1000th Chemistry PhD July 22. Doctoral student Keerthisinghe Senevirathne received his PhD in Chemistry with a specialization in Inorganic Chemistry.

Senevirathne presented his dissertation titled "Synthesis, Characterization and Assembly of Metal Pnictide Nanoparticles, and Evaluation of their Physicochemical (Catalytic, Magnetic, and Semiconducting) Properties" to a committee of professors and advisors.

A PhD in Chemistry can open doors to an array of careers including research positions in government, nonprofit organizations
and throughout academia. Many Wayne State University chemistry graduates have gone on to work at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, International Flavors and Fragrances, Dow Chemicals, BASF, and a range of pharmaceutical companies.

More Information: Prior to enrolling in Wayne State, Senevirathne, 34, studied at the University of Iowa and received a bachelor's in Science from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. He resides in Detroit.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.