Nimesh Ranasinghe is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry at the University of Iowa. He is originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka and earned his B.S in Chemistry from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka. Pursuing his passion in applied organic chemistry, Nimesh joined Professor Ned B. Bowden's research team in 2018 and actively works in a range of small molecules and materials synthesis to develop solutions to several key global problems. Currently, his research interests involve developing novel, cost-effective approaches to separate undesirable chemicals from low quality bio diesel mixtures using polymeric membranes. His unique polymeric membranes are the first to complete such challenging chemical separations at room temperature and modest pressures to produce high quality biodiesel. After earning his Ph.D., he hopes to find himself in a position to continue to explore polymeric membrane-based solutions to accomplish crucial economic and environmental goals. In his free time, Nimesh enjoys travelling, watching cricket and spending time with his family, and friends.