News & Events

The Department of Biotechnology proudly hosted the Biotech Alumni Conclave 2024, a career-focused event designed to connect students with successful alumni in biotechnology and clinical research. The event featured a panel of distinguished alumni, including Ms. Vaishnavi Amruth, a Clinical Research Coordinator and Senior Research Fellow at Fr. Muller’s Research Center, Mangalore; Ms. Shivali Shetty, a Junior Research Fellow in an ICMR project at Fr. Muller’s Research Center; and Ms. Beebi Jazeela, a Research Assistant at Bhamis Research Laboratory. These 2023 graduates returned as guest speakers to inspire and guide current students.

Purpose and Inauguration

The Conclave was initiated to foster meaningful connections between students and industry veterans, providing students with insights into career paths, industry demands, and interview skills essential for succeeding in clinical research. The event opened with a welcome address by Ms. Nafeesath Nafiya, followed by an inaugural speech by Dr. Ramis M. K, Principal of PACE, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives in bridging academic learning with industry requirements and preparing students for professional success. The event also celebrated the winners of the "Equip and Explore" workshop in audio-video content development, each receiving a cash prize for their achievements.

Alumni Keynote Addresses

The keynote sessions began with Ms. Vaishnavi Amruth, who shared her journey and emphasized the importance of upskilling during early semesters. She explained how clinical research serves as the backbone of medical advancements, driving the development and approval of new therapies. Her talk highlighted the essential skills required in clinical research and provided insights for students considering this field.

Following Ms. Amruth, Ms. Shivali Shetty spoke about her experiences in hospital-based research roles. She shared valuable advice on interview preparation, discussing her journey through internships, projects, and seminars that helped her secure patents and government-funded research opportunities. Ms. Shetty also discussed the role of mentors in shaping her career, as well as the skills needed to navigate challenges in recombinant DNA technology and junior research projects.

Interactive Q&A Session

An interactive Q&A session allowed students to engage directly with the speakers on topics like Recombinant DNA technology and clinical trials. Ms. Shetty and Ms. Amruth elaborated on emerging trends and how advancements in patient recruitment, data analysis, and clinical trial efficiency are transforming the field. They encouraged students to stay updated with these trends as they consider future roles in biotechnology and clinical research.

Program Conclusion

After the insightful discussions, a concluding address and vote of thanks were delivered by Ms. Ayishath Aifa. Ms. Shabeeba V, the event coordinator from the Department of Biotechnology, was recognized for her efforts in organizing a smooth and engaging event. The session was hosted by Ms. Khadeeja Nihala and supported by fifth-semester students, who ensured a well-coordinated program flow. Dr. Ronald Valder, Ms. Shany Mathew, and Dr. Shariefraju J. Ukkund actively engaged in the discussion.

Prize Winners

The prize winners for the Audio-Video Content Development Workshop were as follows:

First Prize: Team 3, consisting of Samah (3rd semester), Ayishath Aifa, Vidya J, and Josvitha Dsouza (5th semester).

Second Prize: Shared by two teams:

Group 1: Preetham Godwin, Pratheek (3rd semester), Aysha Shamla, Aminath Dana Munnavvara, and Aysha Hana (5th semester).

Group 2: Haleema Afreena, Suhana Jasila, Mariyam Hiba, and Maria Nixon (3rd semester), Kadeejath Nihala, and Aminath Noufeena (5th semester).

Event Impact

The Biotech Alumni Conclave 2024 was a valuable experience for students, offering a firsthand look into industry expectations, career opportunities, and the interview skills necessary to succeed in biotechnology and clinical research. The event successfully fostered a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional growth, inspiring students to excel in their future biotech careers.