CBCRP Director

SHARIMA RASANAYAGAM, Ph.D.

Contact: Email

Sharima is the director for the California Breast Cancer Research Program and Cancer Initiatives. She brings over 20 years’ experience in environmental health and cancer research, policy, and program management. She previously served as Director of Science at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners for over 10 years, and most recently as a CBCRP Program Officer for Environmental Health and Health Policy. Earlier in her career she honed her policy and communication skills as Consul for Science and Technology at the British Consulate General in San Francisco. Dr. Rasanayagam holds a doctoral degree in microbiology from the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK.  As a recognized expert in environmental health, she also serves as a Social Mission Board Member for Seventh Generation.

In addition to her leadership of CBCRP, Sharima leads Cancer Initiatives programs funded through the Research Grants Program Office (RGPO), including the California Firefighter Cancer Research Program. Since joining RGPO she has also contributed her expertise to the Climate Action initiative and organization-wide special projects. Dr. Rasanayagam’s breadth of experience and broad knowledge of the cancer field position her well to lead the cancer research programs throughout RGPO.