_edited_edited_edited.png)
INDIGENOUS RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION LAB (IRI)
Meet Our Team
Current members
Eranga Galappaththi
Founding Director, IRI Lab
Dr. Eranga Galappaththi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on understanding complex human-environmental system changes, addressing the central question: How do Indigenous communities experience and respond to change? He has established long-term research collaborations with Indigenous communities across the global north and south. With extensive experience working alongside Indigenous communities in Sri Lanka and the Canadian Arctic, his research integrates Indigenous knowledge and scientific approaches to address pressing environmental and social challenges. His NSF-funded community-based participatory research with Indigenous Vedda communities in Sri Lanka and Inuit communities in Canada’s Arctic focuses on identifying and addressing challenges defined by the communities themselves, rather than imposing external research agendas. This approach ensures that the research aligns with community-identified needs and priorities. Dr. Galappaththi also contributed to the UKRI-funded COVID Observatories project (2021–2023) and is a co-PI for the Indigenous Peoples Observatories Network (IPON) project (2024–2026). Dr. Galappaththi has supervised and guided four PhD students, six master’s students, and five research assistants. He holds a PhD in Geography (2020) from McGill University. Dr. Galappaththi has a strong publication record, with peer-reviewed research articles in prestigious journals such as The Lancet Planetary Health, Nature Climate Change, and One Earth, along with book chapters. He has also contributed to high-profile reports, including those for the United Nations, such as the IPCC and FAO. Additionally, he serves as an Associate Editor for Cambridge Prisms: Coast Futures. Dr. Galappaththi has conducted over 60 manuscript reviews for international peer-reviewed journals and evaluated grant proposals for organizations such as the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the Virginia Sea Grant program, and the FONDECYT program in Chile, showcasing his global influence. He has delivered invited talks and guest lectures at esteemed institutions, including the Aspen Global Change Institute, the Center for Ocean Solutions at Stanford University, and the Vermont Council on World Affairs. As a researcher, educator, and mentor, Eranga leads the IRI Lab, guiding students and advancing research that bridges academia and community needs, informs policy, and fosters sustainability in Indigenous communities worldwide. Areas of Expertise: Climate-food-health nexus (global research networks) Climate change adaptation, resilience, & vulnerability (community-based research) Social-ecological systems (fisheries and aquaculture) Indigenous peoples & knowledge systems (Arctic & Sri Lanka) Multi-level governance (commons, adaptive co-management) Systematic literature reviews (tracing & tracking) Education: Ph.D. - McGill University, Canada, 2020 M.Sc. - University of Manitoba, Canada, 2013 M.B.A. – University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2010 B.Sc. - Ocean University of Sri Lanka, 2005
Sithuni Mimasha
PhD Student
Hey there, I'm Sithuni Jayasekara (Sithu), a first-year PhD student in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech. I'm a research assistant in our lab, IRI, working with Sri Lankan Indigenous peoples (Vedda). My research passion began with my first visit to Sri Lankan Indigenous communities on May 2023, where I saw firsthand their marginalization. This experience awakened my focus on climate change adaptation, food security, Indigenous food systems, and vulnerability. I always strive to engage in community-based participatory research, collaborating with Indigenous peoples to develop research questions together, rather than imposing questions and expecting answers from them. Beyond academic interactions, I deeply value genuine friendships with Indigenous peoples, often calling my Indigenous friends monthly. I'm involved with the Indigenous Peoples' Observatories Network (IPON), where I represent Sri Lanka and advocate for Vedda issues. For my master's, I conducted research on Indigenous food system governance, examining global variations through a systematic literature review and local realities via a multi-sited case study with Sri Lankan Indigenous peoples. My academic and professional journey began after I earned my bachelor's degree in Agricultural Technology and Management from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. I then served as a temporary lecturer at the same university for one year. Throughout my teaching career, I am happy to have received the Best Teaching Assistant Award in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech in 2024. I really enjoy documenting my life through photos and videos, sharing these glimpses on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You might even find yourself overwhelmed by my daily uploads--Just Kidding! Email: sithunimimasha@vt.edu Website: sithunimimasha.com/ LinkedIn | X
Hayden Trexel
Undergraduate Student
Hi! I’m Hayden Trexel and I’m an undergraduate student in Virginia Tech’s Department of Geography, currently pursuing a major in meteorology. Working with the IRI Lab is currently my first research experience as a student, so I don’t have any specific research interests yet. However, I do find human-environmental interactions, climatic changes (especially in relation to the weather), and adaptation techniques to climate change very interesting. My goal in working with the lab is to help cultivate my research interests/skills and direct me for future research. In my free time I enjoy staying active and spending time outside, especially running and hiking.
Past members
Hannah Garbutt
MSc Graduate
Hello! My name is Hannah Garbutt, and I am currently a master's student in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech. My research interests involve climate change adaptation, Indigenous knowledge systems, feminist geography, and vulnerability. I became a member of the IRI lab in 2022 as an undergraduate student looking to get involved in research. Joining the lab has been extremely influential to my academic career as it has allowed me to further develop my research interests by being involved in multiple projects surrounding climate change adaptation and Indigenous Peoples. Specifically, the lab has taught me about working with Indigenous communities and community-based participatory approaches to fieldwork research. My graduate research focuses on studying how Indigenous women in Sri Lanka experience and respond to climate change. This project will build upon previous and current projects the lab is working on with Indigenous Vedda communities in Sri Lanka. To complete this project, I travelled to Sri Lanka to conduct semi-structured interviews in four Vedda communities in the summer of 2025. I have also worked on a systematic literature review to develop an understanding of climate change adaption at the national level in Sri Lanka. Further, in 2024 I joined the Indigenous Peoples Observatories Network (IPON) where I participate in their gender, evidence and synthesis, and ethics working groups. I received my bachelor's degree in Geography from Virginia Tech in December 2023. I also graduated with two minors in Sociology and Pathways to Sustainability. I was honored to receive the College of Natural Resources and the Environment award for Outstanding Geography Senior in 2024. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends by sharing meals together, sharing music, and being outdoors. Please contact me via email: hannaheg@vt.edu
.jpeg)
Gayanthi Ilangarathna
MSc Graduate
Hi! I’m Gayanthi Ilangarathna (Gai), a Master’s student in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech and a Graduate Research Assistant in the IRI Lab. My academic focus is human geography, complemented by a secondary concentration through the Geospatial Information Technology. I joined the lab in January 2023, and it has been an incredible journey of research and community engagement. My research interests center on climate change adaptation, social-ecological resilience, food security, and sustainability, strongly emphasizing community-based approaches. I am passionate about fostering collaboration with community members to create meaningful and participatory research. Currently, my research examines how non-climatic factors affect the food security of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic, employing a systematic literature review and case study analysis. I contribute to an NSF-funded project titled “Planning Proposal to Collaboratively Develop Community Partnerships with Nunavut Residents.” As part of this work, I visited the Pangnirtung Inuit community in Baffin Island, Canada. I facilitated community workshops and conducted key informant interviews with Inuit, gathering their perspectives on climate change and food security. This collaborative effort shapes a large-scale grant proposal grounded in participatory research principles. Additionally, as a member of the Indigenous Peoples Observatories Network (IPON), I work with Coastal Indigenous Peoples (Vedda) in Sri Lanka, exploring the intersections of climate, health, and food systems. In 2024, I was honored to receive the George E. and Hester B. Aker Fellowship from the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Technology and Business Management from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, specialized in Agricultural Economics and Business Management. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, crafting, drawing, and dancing—activities that bring creativity and joy to my life. Let’s connect—I’m always up for a great conversation! Email: gayanthi@vt.edu Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Personnel Website
Chrishma Perera
MSc Graduate
Hi! I am Chrishma Perera (Chrish), a master’s student in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech and a Graduate Student Researcher in the IRI Lab. My academic focus is on human and medical geography. I joined the lab in January 2023, and it has been a rewarding experience that has provided invaluable research opportunities, contributed to significant academic achievements, and supported my personal growth. My research interests centered on climate change, Indigenous communities, health, and sustainability. My master’s thesis explores pathways to strengthen climate-resilient health systems for Indigenous communities. I conducted a systematic literature review and key informant interviews for my study. I am an active member of the Indigenous Peoples Observatories Network (IPON), where I work with Sri Lankan Indigenous (Vedda) communities, focusing on the intersection of climate, food, and health systems. In 2023, I was honored to be selected as the Sustainability Fellow for Virginia Tech by the Rachel Carson Council in Washington, D.C. In 2024, I was humbled to receive recognition as a One Health Fellow by the Soulsby Foundation in the United Kingdom. I also had the privilege of being selected as the Outstanding Teaching Assistant by the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech in 2023. In 2024, I was recognized as the Outstanding Master’s Student in the same department. Additionally, I was honored to be selected as a Diversity Scholar by the graduate school at Virginia Tech in 2024. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a master’s in Environmental Management from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga and meditation, drawing, and hiking. Recently, I have developed a passion for cooking, which has become a fulfilling and creative new addition to my life. Google Scholar| Twitter| LinkedIn Email: chrishmad@gmail.com
Indunil Dharmasiri
MSc Graduate
I'm Indunil Dharmasiri (you can call me Indu), a proud graduate of the M.S. program in Geography and a member of the IRI Lab. I'm currently a PhD student in Management at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business, where my research focuses on entrepreneurship, with a special emphasis on sustainability, social and minority perspectives, and climate change adaptations. During my time at the IRI Lab, I have contributed to several impactful projects and publications since joining in 2021. As part of my Master's thesis, "Entrepreneurship-based Factors as a Climate Change Adaptation Response among Indigenous Communities," I conducted a systematic literature review and multiple case studies through primary data collected from Sri Lankan Indigenous communities. Additionally, I have been a collaborator with the Indigenous Peoples Observatories Network (IPON) since my affiliation with the IRI Lab began. Currently, I am working with IPON on an exciting project that explores the intersection of food, climate, and health among Sri Lankan Indigenous communities. My time at Virginia Tech's Department of Geography was incredibly rewarding. I was honored to receive the Outstanding Master's Student Award from the College of Natural Resources and Environment in 2024. Before embarking on my academic journey in the U.S., I earned my Bachelor's in Agricultural Technology and Business Management from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, specializing in Applied Economics and Business Management. Outside of academia, I love immersing myself in life's simple joys: traveling and enjoying movies that bring happiness and serenity to my days. I'd love to connect and share stories, so don't hesitate to reach out! 😊 indunil@vt.edu LinkedIn | Google Scholar
_.jpg)
Brandy Ayesu-Danso
MSc Graduate
Hello! I’m Brandy Ayesu-Danso, a Master's Alumni of the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech and the IRI Lab. I currently hold the position Technical Support - Enterprise Architecture at Esri Inc. My academic focus has been a cross culture of human geography and the Geospatial Information Technology. I joined the lab in January 2022. My research interests center on climate change adaptation, social-ecological resilience, emphasizing community-based approaches. I am passionate about using Geospatial information technology to help various coastal Indigenous communities build resilience in the face of rising climate-induced threats in addition to meaningful and participatory research with community members. Currently, my research examines 'Climate change, perceived human environment changes, and adaptation responses in coastal Indigenous community of Akplabanya, Ghana'. As part of this work, I visited Akplabanya community in Ada West, Ghana for a two-month field work. During the two-month period, I facilitated community focus groups, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and conducted key informant interviews with community members, gathering their perspectives on perceived human environment changes, and adaptation responses in their community. In 2023, I was part of the group that partook in the Esri Hackathon to develop an app called Arc Evac to help in institutional evacuation in the face of flood, fire, and other possible dangers during my internship at Esri Inc. Though with limited personnel resources, our team won the best teamwork award. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and resource development from the University of Ghana, Ghana, specializing in human geography, GIS and Remote sensing. Outside of all this, I enjoy painting and reading specific books - oh and I can also make bird sounds.
Quinn Herbine
Undergraduate
Hi, I'm Quinn Herbine, an alumnus of Virginia Tech, where I earned a B.A. in Geography and a B.S. in Environmental Resources Management. In 2022, I worked as a Research Assistant to Dr. Galappaththi on the Local Indicators for Climate Change Impacts (LICCI) project. Funded by the European Research Council, it aimed to integrate local and indigenous knowledge into the development of LICCI for applications in the policy-making process and climate negotiations. During this time, I also contributed to coding for a literature review and analysis paper on adaptation limits in fisheries within the context of climate change. Currently, I serve as a Climate Change Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a role for which my time with Dr. Galappaththi provided invaluable preparation and encouragement. I am interested in (but not limited to) transitioning extractive or non-regenerative farms to agroecological practices, community-driven urban farming efforts, promoting healthy diets and equitable food access, and advancing carbon-neutral and nature-positive agricultural practices. My ultimate goal is to contribute to scaling solutions in agrifood systems for a better environment, and better lives. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, moving my body (outdoors is best!), and spending time with my dog.
Mitch Dolby
Undergraduate
My name is Mitch Dolby and I’m a Virginia Tech geography alum, as well as a former undergraduate research assistant with the IRI Lab. During my time with the lab (October 2022-December 2023), I contributed to the completion of systematic literature reviews on marine debris accumulation and management. My time with this lab was wonderful and crucial for my academic development. I am now based in Zambia, serving in the Peace Corps. My work primarily focuses on promoting rural aquaculture and integrated agriculture. With a research interest in community development, I hope to pursue future opportunities in this field after completing my Peace Corps service. Outside of work, my hobbies include music, running, reading, beekeeping, and mycology. Feel free to reach out to me via email or WhatsApp. mitchdolby1@gmail.com +260 95 5295598
Tyler Krupnik
Undergraduate
Hello! I’m Tyler Krupnik, an undergraduate student majoring in Geography with minors in Climate and Society, GIS, and Meteorology from Richmond, Virginia. I am currently being mentored by Chrishma in qualitative research and have been since Summer 2024. Since then, I have learned so much about the methods of qualitative research and have been working as a contributing researcher for the Aquaculture Limits project. My education has largely centered on human and physical geography with a particular focus on climate change. My research interests are food security, resource management, climate change adaptation, human development, and others. My undergraduate experience has been particularly enriching in the area of experiential learning and international studies. I have been fortunate to attend COP27 and COP29 as a part of Virginia Tech’s student delegation led by Dr. Franco in the Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation department. Additionally, I have also participated in several other short-term study abroad programs to Antarctica and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland with the New Zealand trip being led by Dr. Galappaththi. My experiences with these programs, and in the IRI lab are some of my most cherished. Outside of education I enjoy socializing, going on walks, swimming, and playing Piano and Violin. tylerk25@vt.edu
Thomas Newsome
Undergraduate
Hi everybody! My name is Thomas Newsome and I am a Virginia Tech Department of Geography alum. I graduated in December 2023 and received a B.A. in Geography with two minors in GIS and Pathways to Sustainability. During my time as a student, I had the fortunate opportunity of being an undergraduate research assistant for the IRI lab. Working as a member of the lab alongside my fellow labmates was the highlight of my academic career at Virginia Tech. I have made friends and memories that I will cherish until the end of time. During my time at the lab (November 2022- December 2023) I participated in systematic literature reviews focused on analyzing the accumulation and management of marine debris and the effects that they have on coastal environments. This experience played a major factor in both furthering my interest in sustainability and teaching me the importance of community engagement and awareness within research areas. I am currently working as a Park Maintenance Aide and wish to continue working in a place (preferably outdoors!) in which I can foster community interaction with their environment. In my free time I enjoy hiking, sound design, baking, and watching/recommending/talking about movies. Feel free to contact me! Thomashnewsome@gmail.com