Ranjala Ratnayake, Ph.D., a research associate professor in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Department of Medicinal Chemistry and assistant director of the Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development, or CNPD3, was selected as a 2026 Superior Accomplishment Award winner. The honor recognizes faculty and staff who have contributed outstanding and meritorious service, efficiency in their work or have improved the quality of life provided to students and employees.
Ratnayake was recognized for her leadership in the renovation of a new $10 million, 14,500-square-foot laboratory designed to advance UF’s integrated drug discovery initiatives. The state-of-the-art space will accelerate the translation of homegrown therapeutics and foster team science across the university as UF builds a robust pipeline of new drug candidates. Over the past year, Ratnayake worked closely with the construction team to ensure the lab’s design was executed precisely and the project remained on schedule, all while performing grant-supported research and teaching in the college’s Ph.D. program.
In nomination materials, Ratnayake was praised for her exceptional attention to detail and professionalism throughout the renovation process. One nominator wrote that she “was involved in every detail of the project, from space design to the smallest infrastructure decisions and equipment placement,” adding that Ratnayake “exceeded expectations by going above and beyond her job description in a way that will influence UF’s drug discovery efforts for years to come.”
Another nominator cited Ratnayake’s leadership as key to the project’s success. “From the outset, Dr. Ratnayake’s leadership and commitment were instrumental,” the nominator wrote, pointing to her clear communication, thoughtful coordination and timely decisions.
Ratnayake is extremely honored by this recognition and added, “It has been a privilege to serve my department and college at large through this massive renovation project. It would not have been possible without the vision and support of CNPD3 director and former department chair, Hendrik Luesch, Ph.D., the college’s leadership, as well as superb staff, especially Daniel Morgan. I also want to recognize the work of the design and construction teams.”
Superior Accomplishment Award recipients receive a $300 cash award and advance to compete for university-level honors, including six $1,000 awards and nine $2,000 awards, and will be recognized at an upcoming awards ceremony.