Dr Janani Palihakkara

For Dr Janani Palihakkara, walking across the graduation stage marked the culmination of a long, challenging, and deeply rewarding academic journey. 

Janani completed a PhD in Soil Science, focusing on phosphorus speciation in submerged soils. Her research had a unique twist – it was conducted across two countries, navigating both tropical and temperate climates. 

“Because of COVID, I had to conduct half of my study in Sri Lanka and the other half here in New Zealand,” she explains. “The only common thing was submergence and phosphorus release, so I had to find a way to connect those two regions. Somehow, I did the comparison and completed my thesis.” 

The path wasn’t without challenges. “COVID was quite challenging. I had to get special permission to collect samples in my country, and even conducted lab experiments during curfew. But somehow, we found a way to overcome everything.” 

Support played a vital role in her success. “There were a lot of people who helped me – my supervisors and, of course, my family – my husband and daughter. She was only two months old when I started the process.” 

Arriving in New Zealand as part of the first cohort of international students post-COVID also presented emotional and social challenges. “I was working alone in the lab because there weren’t many international students at the time. But I liked the journey.”

Janani’s PhD was marked by notable achievements. She was awarded the T.W. Walker Prize (2024) for the most meritorious student oral presentation at the joint New Zealand Society of Soil Science and Soil Science Australia conference. The Kathleen Spragg Research Award significantly supported her research in New Zealand, and the initial phase of her study was funded through the AHEAD scholarship from Sri Lanka. She also received scholarships from Mercury NZ, Ravensdown, and Massey University. Over the course of her PhD, she presented at eight conferences and published four articles in high-ranking Q1 journals.

Today, Janani is continuing her research at Massey University as a Research Officer, working on a Department of Conservation-funded project titled “Oocyst Retention and Transport (Toxoplasmosis),” a collaboration between the School of Veterinary Science and the School of Agriculture and Environment.

Reflecting on her graduation day, she says simply: “Walking across the stage... that felt so good. I don’t even have the words!”