Shanari is originally from Sri Lanka, pursued her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She carried out her individual undergraduate research project in polymer science where she first found her interest in polymers. This led to extend her graduate studies in polymer chemistry joining Bowden’s lab in UIowa.

In her current work, Shanari focuses on developing polymers with a unique bond between nitrogen and sulfur. These polymers stand out for their vibrant colors, making them useful as color indicators, and they also have exciting potential for 2D printing applications, paving the way for innovations that could enhance daily life. This is a novel class of polymers, and her group is among the first to explore this groundbreaking class of polymers. Apart from living in the lab Shanari enjoys relaxing at home, reading, painting and spending quality time family.