Articles and Essays

Last updated: 9 November 2025

Presented below is a curated list of my works exploring intersections of science, technology, and education, reflecting an evolving intellectual journey from molecular biophysics to digital transformation and pedagogy.

The entries are presented in descending order of publication (most recent first). 

Each entry now includes target audience and a level of complexity scale (rated: ★☆☆☆ = Introductory, ★★☆☆ = Intermediate, ★★★☆ = Advanced, ★★★★ = Specialist/Research).

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) Essay: The Importance of Face-to-Face Learning in a GenAI Influenced World.

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/essay-importance-of-face-to-face.html (Accessed: 9 November 2025).

Abstract: This essay explores the enduring value of face-to-face learning in an era increasingly shaped by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). It examines how in-person engagement fosters deeper cognitive processing, emotional connection, and ethical awareness—dimensions that digital learning environments often struggle to replicate. Drawing on recent UK-based studies and higher education practice, it argues that while GenAI offers unprecedented access and efficiency, the classroom remains an irreplaceable space for human interaction, critical dialogue, and the co-creation of meaning essential to transformative education.

Keywords: Face-to-face learning, Generative AI, higher education, pedagogy, human interaction, cognitive engagement, ethics in education

Target audience: Academic community, postgraduate students

Complexity: ★★★☆

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) My Academic Journey in MSc Information Technology at the University of Liverpool (2001–2003).

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/my-academic-journey-in-msc-information.html (Accessed: 4 November 2025).

Abstract: This piece narrates the transition from molecular structure to digital systems, reflecting on how the author’s MSc at the University of Liverpool deepened his interest in programming, networks, and systems design. It highlights the analytical parallels between biophysical reasoning and the logic underpinning computational science.

Keywords: Information technology, systems design, programming, computational logic, digital transformation, University of Liverpool

Target audience: Postgraduate students, academic community

Complexity: ★★★☆

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) My Academic Journey in BSc Molecular Biophysics at the University of Leeds (1991–1993).

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/my-academic-journey-in-bsc-molecular.html (Accessed: 4 November 2025).

Abstract: This reflective article explores the author’s formative scientific years at the University of Leeds, tracing how molecular biophysics shaped his understanding of structure, energy, and information. It situates the experience within the evolution of interdisciplinary science and early inspiration from mentors, laboratory work, and the William Astbury Building’s legacy.

Keywords: Molecular biophysics, interdisciplinary science, higher education, structure and energy, University of Leeds, scientific reflection

Target audience: Undergraduate and academic community

Complexity: ★★☆☆

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) Essay: Cation Binding Sites in Chicken Annexin V.

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/essay-cation-binding-sites-in-chicken.html (Accessed: 4 November 2025).

Abstract: This advanced literature review investigates calcium and lanthanum binding in chicken liver Annexin V, combining crystallographic insight with structural biochemistry. It highlights the planar arrangement of four α-helical domains, the precision of triclinic and rhombohedral crystal forms, and the artistry of 1990s X-ray analysis at the University of Leeds.

Keywords: Annexin V, calcium binding, crystallography, structural biochemistry, α-helical proteins, molecular structure, University of Leeds

Target audience: Academic community, advanced undergraduates

Complexity: ★★★★

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) Essay: Continuous Wave and Fourier Transform NMR.

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/essay-continuous-wave-and-fourier.html (Accessed: 4 November 2025).

Abstract: This essay compares Continuous Wave and Fourier Transform methods in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, charting the shift from analogue scanning to digital time-domain acquisition. It demonstrates how Fourier Transform NMR revolutionised sensitivity, speed, and resolution—ushering in a new era of structural analysis in molecular biophysics.

Keywords: NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform, time-domain analysis, molecular biophysics, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy innovation

Target audience: Academic community, postgraduate researchers

Complexity: ★★★★

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) Essay: The Hydrogen Bond in Molecular Physiology.

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/essay-hydrogen-bond-in-molecular.html (Accessed: 4 November 2025).

Abstract: Focusing on Linus Pauling’s assertion that hydrogen bonds underpin biological structure, this essay explores their role in proteins, DNA, collagen, and enzyme function. It bridges chemical physics and physiology, showing how a subtle force governs the stability and specificity of life’s molecular machinery.

Keywords: Hydrogen bonding, protein structure, DNA stability, Linus Pauling, molecular physiology, biochemistry

Target audience: Academic community, advanced undergraduates

Complexity: ★★★☆

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Kariyawasam, A. (2025) Essay: The Relevance of Structural Molecular Biology to Medicine.

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2025/11/essay-relevance-of-structural-molecular.html (Accessed: 4 November 2025).

Abstract: This essay examines how the structural revolution in molecular biology—through the work of pioneers such as Perutz, Kendrew, and A.V. Hill—transformed medical science. It explores the interplay between structure and function in proteins and DNA, and how molecular understanding became central to the development of modern medicine.

Keywords: Structural biology, molecular medicine, protein structure, DNA, crystallography, Perutz, Kendrew, A.V. Hill

Target audience: Academic community, medical and bioscience students

Complexity: ★★★☆

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Kariyawasam, A. (2023) Reflections: Python Programming for Data Analysts – A Brief Introduction.

Available at: https://ad1sha.blogspot.com/2023/10/python-programming-for-data-analysts.html (Accessed: 9 November 2025).

Abstract: This brief article introduces the role of the Python programming language in data analysis, particularly within a business context. It outlines Python’s origins, its ecosystem of libraries (such as Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn), and the practical steps of data cleaning, exploratory data analysis (EDA), statistical testing, and machine-learning workflows. It also links analytic reasoning to digital systems and encourages independent research as part of a wider series on data analytics.

Keywords: Python, data analysis, Pandas, NumPy, machine learning, business analytics, programming, EDA

Target audience: General public, undergraduate and postgraduate learners in data analytics

Complexity: ★★☆☆