Faculty Blog

Dr. Manjula Koralegedara is a professor of chemistry and chair of the Natural Science Department at McPherson College. She earned her B.Sc. (Sp. Chem.) from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka prior to moving to the U.S., and her M.S. and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Wichita State University.

Currently, she teaches organic chemistry, biochemistry, green chemistry, fundamentals of toxicology, for natural science majors; and principes of chemistry with sustainability focus; and general, organic, and biological chemistry with green insights to the wider general education audience.

She focuses on undergraduate research that bridges chemistry and green chemistry with biology, microbiology, sustainability and other disciplines. Her interests in green chemistry, toxicology, and interdisciplinary undergraduate research inform her teaching by connecting classroom concepts with real-world issues. Through coursework and student research projects, she helps students explore how chemistry can contribute to more sustainable and responsible solutions for society.

She is an engaged member of the American Chemical Society-Wichita Local Section and enjoys science outreach activities.