Staff

Dhanushka Hettiarachichi
Research Scientist

Dhanushka (Danny) has been with Wescorp since March 2007 and is predominantly responsible for maintaining and developing the Wescorp Laboratory. As Research Scientist, Danny conducts routine analysis on sandalwood and sandalwood oil samples by gas chromatography and distillation (Hydro and Steam).

Major research projects Danny has undertaken for Wescorp include fixed oil extraction from Sandalwood seeds, developing a universally acceptable method to assess the quality of sandalwood timber and studying the different causes which alter the quality of sandalwood essential oil.

Wescorp’s laboratory facilities include:

• Gas chromatography analysis
• Steam distillation up to 20 Kg sample
• Hydro distillation for essential oil analysis
• Solvent extraction of resins and essential oils
• Fatty acid profile for seed quality
• Separation and isolation facilities for a vast range of natural products

Danny’s research experience comprises of 6 years in chemistry and formulation aspects of natural products. He has contributed to international and national peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. His research interests are focused mainly on extraction method development, quality assurance and oxidation of essential oils and plant lipids.

Danny obtained degree of Master of Pharmacy from Curtin University of Technology and Bachelor of Pharmacy from Sri Ramachandra University, India. He is a Member and Chartered Chemist of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

He is currently enrolled at Curtin University of Technology as a doctoral research candidate.