Research Interests

Dr. Tharangani Herath, a Senior Lecturer at Harper Adams University, is an expert in Aquatic Veterinary Sciences, holding a PhD from the University of Stirling, UK, and a BVSc from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. During her time at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, she specialized in host-pathogen interactions and vaccine development in aquatic animals. Committed to sustainable health strategies for aquaculture, food safety, and security, Dr. Herath's primary focus is on developing affordable vaccines for fish, targeting infections significant for antimicrobial resistance development and public health. She prioritises the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and ethical practices, promoting for the development of in vitro platforms as alternatives to using animals in research in her research. Using lab-based in vitro models, she defines host-pathogen interactions before in vivo testing, aligning with ethical research standards. As an advocate for blue food security, Dr. Herath emphasises minimising reliance on antimicrobials in aquaculture. Beyond her research, as a Senior Lecturer, she contributes significantly to teaching and curriculum development in Veterinary Sciences and Animal Health. Her teaching philosophy emphasises inquiry-based and research-led methods, fostering inclusive and productive learning environments in traditional classrooms and online settings. With over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, three book chapters, and a commendable supervisory record, Dr. Tharangani Herath actively contributes to preparing students for impactful roles in the field of food security and the One Health Agenda.

Involved with these other projects (as researcher)

• Immunogenicity of Group B streptococcus (GBS) in fish following vaccine delivery via pHresponsive vaccine carriers within the feed
• Nutritional modification of gut in vitro with lysophosphatidic supplements
• Rapid evidence assessment of the relative risks to human health from the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance genes in the aquatic environment