Shaniya Markalanda

Shaniya Markalanda received her master’s degree in epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University.  She has a strong interest in public health, particularly in the relatively neglected area of tropical diseases and their impacts on Sri Lanka.  Shaniya’s extensive research experience includes contributions to a vaccine awareness campaign with the Institute for Vaccine Safety, epidemiologic research with the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR), and computational genomics with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  Shaniya is a Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society member, and through her multifaceted experiences, she continually aims to bridge research with community impact, thereby embodying a holistic approach to global health. 

Shaniya’s Fulbright project is examining the effectiveness of current dengue prevention strategies in Sri Lanka.  The research involves interviews with stakeholders who range from public health professionals to physicians and vector control experts.  These discussions are being complemented with comprehensive community surveys assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dengue prevention.  Statistical analyses are also being applied to compare existing prevention measures with community insights.  Ultimately, the study aims to holistically assess ongoing dengue prevention initiatives, pinpoint areas for enhancement, and craft evidence-backed recommendations that bolster the effectiveness and longevity of dengue prevention programs.