Department of Biotechnology - Activities & Events conducted in year 2020-21

Department of Biotechnology organized various online events with the objective of providing students learning opportunities apart from their regular syllabus, breaking the monotony of online lectures. 

Webinar

A training and Project awareness Webinar was organized in collaboration with MANAV-  Human Atlas Initiative, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India on19th January, 2021. The webinar included an informative session on MANAV- Human Atlas Initiative and also on the topic ‘How to read Scientific Literature’ by the resource person, Dr. Anupama Harshal, Consultant (Science Communication and Public Engagement) IISER, Pune and. The session was followed by English Communication Test for all the participants.

30-hours Training Course on `CRISPR Technology’

With the objective of updating students with the latest biotechnological advances, the Department introduced a 30 hours training course (25th January to 9th February, 2021) on the topic “Genetic engineering Using CRISPR Technology’ in association with MakeIntern Kshitijz Program by IIT Kharagpur. The course included elaborate online sessions and hands-on practise of Bioinformatics tools used for Genome editing using  CRISPR Technology and evaluation test. The course was successfully completed by 35 students of the Biotechnology department. 

International Day for Women and Girls in Science

On occasion of International Day for Women and Girls in Science, a Guest Lecture was organized on 11th February, 2021 on the topic ‘Proteomics Research’ which was delivered by an alumnus of the Department, Dr. Samriddhi Pathak, Post-doctoral research associate, University of Tennesse, USA. 

Career guidance session

The Department of Biotechnology organized a career guidance session in association with HiMedia Laboratories on the topic ‘Career Scope In Industry After B.Sc. In Life Sciences’ on 27th, March, 2021. HiMedia Laboratories Pvt Ltd is 800cr plus company with export in almost 158 countries across globe and offers hi-tech Specialty products in the field of Science. The resource person for the event was Dr. Anjali Deshpande who is the National Sales manager at HiMedia with an experience of 25 years in the field of managing Sales, Marketing, Distribution, Training and Management. The objective of organizing this event was to acquaint the students with career options available in industry through an expert from the industry. This was an initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry. 

Entrepreneurship guidance session

Department of Biotechnology organized Interactive session with budding entrepreneur in Biotechnology on 12 April 2021. Mr. Farhan Daila, founder of `BioQor’ products addressed and interacted with 73 students of Biotechnology about his journey as an entrepreneur and inspired them.  The event was coordinated by Ms. Shakibaa Merchant, as a part of training on Entrepreneurship Development for B.Sc. (Biotech) students. Mr. Farhan Daila is alumnus of B.Sc. (Biotech) of 2017-18 batch has achieved his goal of being an entrepreneur is a very short span amidst the adversity of COVID-19 pandemic. Interaction with him motivated students with Entrepreneurship ideas.

Awareness Session on Energy Conservation 

TCSC green audit committee deals with various environmental issue.  Energy conservation is the need of the hour.  TCSC Energy audit committee organized Awareness session on Energy conservation by the resource person Ms. Rashmi Joshi, Environment Consultant. The session was conducted on 15th April 2021 and it was attended by over 100 students of B.Sc. (Biotech), BFM, BIM & other departments.   

Eureka- Presentation competition based on Innovative ideas

Eureka the annual flagship event of the Department of Biotechnology was held on 13th of October 2020. This presentation competition gave a platform to students to express their innovative ideas. This year’s event particularly special event because for the first time it was organized on a virtual platform. 28 participants and around 72 students from the first, second- and third-year level attended the event. 

Biochroma-Art Competition

Along with Eureka, A unique art competition ‘Biochroma’ was also organized by the Department of Biotechnology. This art competition was based on scientific topics with artistic ideas. An enthusiastic response was received for the event with participation from students who submitted their beautiful artworks.

Students’ activities

To introduce an element of fun along with science, students of the Department organized a two day event ‘Mindspace 2021, Unravel the mystery’ on 20th -21st January, 2021. It was an intercollegiate Quiz competition and Crime Scene investigation competition. 31 students participated in the event.  

Students participated in ORIGIN- Science Exhibition organised by Department of IT in collaboration with Science Association on 20th March 2021 on zoom platform.

Department e-bulletin `Biotech-Spectrum’

Department of Biotechnology released two issues of e-bulletin `Biotech-Spectrum’ to inculcate curiosity and nurture scientific writing skills of students.

Alumni Meet

Department organized an online International Alumni Meet on 17th October 2020.  The meet was attended by 7 Alumni students from USA, Dubai, Canada, Spain and India.

Student Achievements 2020-2021

1. Pankti Kansara (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) cleared TIFR entrance exam 2021 for admission into Master's Course at TIFR National Centre for Biological Sciences.

2. Amitkumar Pandey (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) received Young Achiever Award in `Computational Based Material Science’ (30 hours Certificate Course) conducted by Gurunanak Khalasa College from 16th to 26th January 2021.  

3. Rodhan Patke (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) got acceptance for admission into M.Sc. (Biotech) at The University of Edinburgh, UK.

4. Rutvik Kulkarni (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) presented a research paper in the 1st STUDENT RESEARCH CONGRESS on “Innovations for Better Health”, organized by SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy and Co-hosted by University of Mumbai, held on 28-30, September, 2020.

5. Rutvik Kulkarni (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) co-authored the paper entitled `Genome editing to design microorganisms for bioremediation’ presented at the International Conference on “Sustainable Development: A Green Approach” organized by Department of Botany, Department of Environmental Studies & IQAC in collaboration with University of Mumbai; supported by NABARD on 6th March 2021

6. Jagriti Verma (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) secured 3rd Position in Photography Contest in Intercollegiate Fest `FERMENT 2021p organized by St. Joseph College, Bengaluru from 5th -10th April 2021. 

7. Bhumi Rajput & Vallari Sawant (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed Add-on Diploma in Forensic Science and Criminal law conducted by St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

8. Vallari Sawant (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed `Evolution and Molecular Phylogenetics’ course conducted by IISER Pune.

9. Disha Soni (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed National Workshop On `Science Writing and Research Communication’ By CSIR-NISCAIR And ISLS.

10. Disha Soni (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed Workshop On `DNA Fingerprinting’ at `National Facility For Biopharmaceuticals’, G. N. Khalsa College, Mumbai.

11. Muskaan Singh & Rodhan Patke (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed Hands on training on `Molecular Genomes’ at Wadia hospital. 

12. Ayushi Parmar (T.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed three months Internship for Clinical Trials conducted by Target Institute of Medical Education & Research, Mumbai. 

13. Ms. Sayali Shembekar, (S.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed one month Internship at Labworld Plus, medical diagnostic imaging centre, Mumbai.

14. Ms. Sayali Shembekar (S.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed Online Internship on Research Associate Role in Life Sciences from Biolim Centre for Science and Technology and obtained Grade B.

15. Ms. Neha Parikh (S.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) completed Internship in `Content Writing’ at Desi Art Room through Intershala in October, 2020.

16. Ms. Nidhi Tiwari (S.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) was selected for Internship as Brand Ambassador for `Biotalk Magazine’.

17. Hrishika Nahata and Mansi Patankar (F.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) successfully completed online couse on Human Molecular Genetics, in Feb 2021 examination held by IIT Kanpur for NPTEL

18. Mansi Patankar (F.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) successfully completed quiz titled Leopard & Rusty-spotted ca`’t of Maharashtra on 26th Mar 2021 as a part of Bharat ka Amrut Mahotsav by Maharashtra Forest Dept.

19. Mansi Patankar (F.Y.B.Sc. Biotech) was awarded 2nd rank in poster competition on 'Sextual harassment- Awareness in Action', held on 27th Mar 2021, organized by Internal Complaints Committee, Thakur College of Science and Commerce (Autonomous).  

20. Thirtyfive students of B.Sc. (Biotech) completed 30 Hrs. Course on Genetic engineering Using CRISPR Technology’ conducted in association with MakeIntern Kshitijz Program by IIT Kharagpur from 25th January to 9th February, 2021

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES ATTENDED 

Dr. Aparna Sanjay Deshmukh and Shweta Sharma successfully completed One Week Faculty Development Programme on "Open Source Tools for Research" conducted by Teaching Learning Centre, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi sponsored by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Mission on Teaching Learning from 08 – 14 June, 2020.

Dr. Aparna Deshmukh, Ms. Shubha Govil and Ms. Shweta Sharma participated in the International Conference on “Sustainable Development: A Green Approach” organized by Department of Botany, Department of Environmental Studies & IQAC in collaboration with University of Mumbai; supported by NABARD on 6th March 2021.

RESEARCH PAPER PRESENATIONS/ PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Aparna Deshmukh presented a research paper entitled `Genome editing to design microorganisms for bioremediation’ at the International Conference on “Sustainable Development: A Green Approach” organized by Department of Botany, Department of Environmental Studies & IQAC in collaboration with University of Mumbai; supported by NABARD on 6th March 2021.

Ms. Shubha Govil presented a research paper entitled ` Determination of microbial load in some herbal OTC products’ at the International Conference on “Sustainable Development: A Green Approach” organized by Department of Botany, Department of Environmental Studies & IQAC in collaboration with University of Mumbai; supported by NABARD on 6th March 2021.