Rasika Gunarathne is a M.Phil Research Assistant in the Food Chemistry project at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS). She received her B.Sc. (special) degree in Food Science and Technology from University of Peradeniya in 2019 and joined NIFS the same year. Her research focuses on the bioactivities and prebiotic potential of coconut testa flour of selected Sri Lankan coconut cultivars. Her research interests include food chemistry, food biochemistry and food microbiology.