The Department of Microbiology, in collaboration with Bharat Eco Solutions & Technologies (BEST), Pune, and Rising India, Pune, organized a State Level Workshop titled "Career Crafting in Sustainability Management." This event, which attracted over 170 students from various colleges and universities, was designed to address the burgeoning field of sustainability management and its career opportunities. The workshop featured Dr. Ashish Polkade, an esteemed alumnus and Founder of BEST, Pune, and Dr. Suraj Bhagat, a Certified Career Counsellor and psychologist from Rising India, Pune, who shared their expertise and insights.
The sessions were crafted to provide students with a deep understanding of sustainability practices and career pathways, emphasizing the importance of personal development and professional growth in this dynamic field. Interactive activities included case studies, role-playing, and group discussions aimed at refining students' skills and enhancing their employability. The workshop also offered practical opportunities, with internships extended to interested participants, further bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Overall, the event provided a comprehensive platform for students to explore and prepare for careers in sustainability management.
2) Plant Tissue Culture
On February 9, 2024, the Department of Biotechnology, in collaboration with the Department of Botany at S.S.E.S.A’s Science College, Nagpur, organized a Plant Tissue Culture workshop. The event, attended by 21 undergraduate students from Botany and Biotechnology, was designed to offer both theoretical and hands-on training in plant tissue culture techniques. Held in a laboratory equipped with laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and incubators, the workshop covered essential topics including aseptic techniques, explant selection, and culture initiation. Students learned the principles of sterility, methods of sterilization, and applications such as micropropagation and synthetic seed production. Practical sessions included preparing nutrient media, adjusting pH, and using sterilization techniques for explants.
The workshop provided invaluable hands-on experience in establishing and maintaining sterile cultures, with a focus on contaminant elimination to ensure pure cultures. This comprehensive training not only enhanced students’ technical skills but also deepened their understanding of the critical aspects of plant tissue culture, preparing them for advanced studies and research in the field.
Year 2022-2023
1) Strategizing & Planning Competitive exams
On March 18, 2023, the Department of Biotechnology hosted a seminar titled "Strategizing & Planning for Competitive Exams." The event featured a distinguished guest speaker from the IFAS Competitive Exam Section in Pune, renowned for her expertise in competitive exam preparation. Seventy undergraduate and postgraduate science students attended the seminar, where they learned innovative strategies and techniques for excelling in competitive exams.
The seminar included a range of interactive activities, such as solving multiple-choice questions and engaging in mock scenarios, which aimed to enhance students' exam preparation skills and boost their confidence. Participants gained practical insights into effective study habits, time management, and test-taking strategies tailored to various competitive exams. Additionally, the seminar provided an opportunity for students to address their specific concerns and receive personalized advice. Overall, the session equipped students with the tools and knowledge necessary to approach their exams with greater assurance and preparedness, significantly contributing to their academic and professional development.
2) Skill based workshop
On March 4, 2023, the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology at S.S.E.S.A’s Science College, Nagpur, hosted an intercollegiate workshop titled “Intellectual Learning Strategies & Skill Development” to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Panjabrao alias Bhausaheb Deshmukh, the centenary year of R.T.M. Nagpur University, and National Science Day. The workshop featured a series of interactive sessions led by experts in various fields.
The sessions included topics such as biofertilizers and biopesticides, fruit processing and wine technology, and immunodiagnostics and molecular biology techniques. Students actively engaged in hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, provided insights into innovative food processing and wine technology, and offered advanced knowledge in diagnostic tools and molecular biology. This comprehensive learning experience equipped participants with practical skills and theoretical knowledge directly applicable to their academic and professional goals, enriching their expertise and enhancing their proficiency in these important fields.
3) Workshop on Covid-19 detection
A total of 40 students participated in the workshop, which included both hands-on practical sessions and in-depth theoretical instruction on RT-PCR methodology. The practical exercises enabled students to gain valuable experience in the nuances of COVID-19 detection, while theoretical discussions covered the principles and applications of molecular techniques in diagnostics. The workshop also featured sessions on recent advancements in molecular biology, helping students stay updated with the latest developments in the field. The interaction with experienced professionals and exposure to real-world applications provided students with a deeper understanding of their subject matter. This comprehensive learning experience was instrumental in enhancing their academic and professional skills, preparing them for future challenges in scientific research and diagnostics. The workshop not only contributed to their technical proficiency but also encouraged a more nuanced appreciation of the role of molecular biology in addressing contemporary health issues.
4) Entrpreneurship: Gateway for Science Scholars
On
December 20, 2022, the Department of Microbiology, in collaboration with Bharat Eco Solutions & Technologies (BEST), Pune, hosted a State-Level Workshop titled “Entrepreneurship: Gateway for Science Scholars.” This event, which drew over 200 participants from various colleges in Nagpur, aimed to equip science scholars with essential entrepreneurial skills. Dr. Ashish Polkade, an esteemed alumnus and Founder of BEST, led the session, imparting practical knowledge on starting and managing successful ventures.
Focused on bridging the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurial practice, the workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the business strategies necessary for translating scientific innovations into successful enterprises. Participants learned to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, including market analysis, business planning, and strategic management. The workshop also included interactive discussions and case studies, allowing attendees to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. The outcome was highly impactful, with feedback highlighting a substantial increase in participants' confidence and understanding of entrepreneurial opportunities. The event successfully inspired and motivated attendees to explore entrepreneurial paths, contributing to their professional growth and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Year 2021-2022
1) Workshop on Research Insights in Scietific writing and publications
The Department of Microbiology organized a two-day International Workshop on Research Insights in Scientific Writing and Publication on December 17th and 18th, 2021, in celebration of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh’s birth anniversary. This workshop served as a platform to deepen understanding of the intricacies of scientific writing and publication. It featured a series of presentations and interactive sessions led by renowned experts in the field, addressing various aspects of crafting impactful research papers, navigating the publication process, and overcoming common challenges. The event not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also encouraged networking among participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and growth in scientific research. Attendees gained practical skills and insights that are crucial for advancing their academic careers. By bringing together scholars and practitioners from around the world, the workshop contributed to the global dialogue on enhancing research quality and dissemination. Through this initiative, the Department of Microbiology aimed to honor Dr. Deshmukh’s legacy by advancing the quality and reach of scientific knowledge.
Year 2018-2019
1) Workshop on Basic Techniques in Molecular Biology
The National Workshop on "Basic Techniques in Molecular Biology," held at S.S.E.S.A’s Science College, Nagpur, in collaboration with BECon Fest (IIT Kharagpur), took place on September 26-27, 2018. This workshop provided an opportunity for 36 students from Biotechnology and Microbiology to engage in hands-on training in essential molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. The event featured comprehensive practical sessions, an objective test, and a group discussion led by an expert from CCMB, Hyderabad. Participants not only gained proficiency in laboratory techniques but also developed a deeper understanding of the theoretical principles underlying these methods. The top-performing students from this workshop advanced to a second round at IIT Kharagpur, where they presented on Nanobiotechnology and were awarded a trophy and certificates for their outstanding contributions.
The workshop was designed to enhance participants' technical skills and theoretical knowledge, crucial for advancing research in molecular biology and biotechnology. The hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis equipped students with practical skills that are directly applicable to their academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, the collaborative environment fostered by the workshop encouraged networking and knowledge exchange among students from different institutions, further enriching their learning experience.
2) Workshop on Avida-ED: A Digital Evolution Software
On August 30, 2018, the Department hosted a workshop titled “Avida-ED: A Digital Evolution Software” in the Conference Hall. Dr. Samiksha Raut, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA, was the guest speaker. The workshop focused on the use of Avida-ED software to explore digital evolution, with a particular emphasis on its applications in evolutionary research.
Students learned to use Avida-ED to simulate and analyze digital evolution processes, gaining valuable insights into evolutionary mechanisms and computational biology. The workshop provided hands-on experience with digital tools that model evolutionary dynamics, significantly enhancing students' understanding of the subject and equipping them with practical skills relevant to scientific research in evolutionary biology.