Professor Channa R. De Silva is a distinguished chemist and academic leader serving as the Professor and Department Head of the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Western Carolina University (WCU). He joined WCU in August 2010 and has since been instrumental in advancing both the department's academic offerings and its research initiatives.

Dr. De Silva's research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and surface modification of lanthanide-based nanomaterials with enhanced optical and magnetic properties. His work aims to develop advanced materials for applications in display technologies and biomedical imaging. Additionally, he is exploring the design of biocompatible, cancer-targeting agents using lanthanide metals and conducting computational modeling studies to guide experimental designs.

He teaches a wide range of chemistry courses, including Inorganic Chemistry, General Chemistry (lecture and lab), Organic Chemistry labs, Organometallic Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, and Bioinorganic Chemistry. His commitment to comprehensive science education also extends beyond the university, as he actively participates in outreach and science education initiatives at local schools.

Professor De Silva’s research interests are broad and interdisciplinary. They include nanotechnology, inorganic materials, lanthanide and actinide chemistry, and computational chemistry. His current projects focus on antimicrobial activity and cell toxicity studies of nanomaterials, in vitro imaging of human cells (including cancer cells) using luminescent probes, and solid-phase peptide synthesis to develop peptide probes targeted to G-protein coupled receptors.

Beyond his academic and research responsibilities, Dr. De Silva has collaborated with students on projects addressing critical issues such as nuclear waste recycling. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Seaborg Institute at Los Alamos National Laboratory, his research aims to develop methods for extracting and recycling radioactive elements from spent nuclear fuel, thereby contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Outside the laboratory and lecture hall, Dr. De Silva enjoys playing music and participating in volunteer activities, reflecting his well-rounded character and dedication to both scientific and community advancement.