Workshop / Exhibition
Creatrix-26; Life Sciences Exhibition
Date: 30 January 2026
Creatrix-26 was a dynamic, inspiring, and intellectually enriching Life Sciences exhibition designed to spark curiosity and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the vast and evolving world of life sciences. This much-anticipated event served as a vibrant platform where innovation met education, showcasing the creativity, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge of undergraduate students. Through thoughtfully designed exhibits and engaging demonstrations, senior students mentored and guided their juniors, transforming the exhibition into a meaningful peer-learning experience filled with exploration and discovery.
With a strong emphasis on interactive learning and hands-on engagement, Creatrix-26 brought together diverse disciplines such as Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Botany, and Environmental Science, highlighting their interconnected roles in understanding life and addressing real-world challenges. The exhibition moved beyond textbook concepts by presenting experiments, working models, case studies, and live demonstrations that illustrated the practical applications of these fields in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental conservation.
Visitors had the opportunity to actively participate in experiments, models, and live demonstrations that showcased real-world applications of life sciences. The exhibition was inaugurated by the esteemed Fr. Deepu Joy Parayil, Director, Student Welfare Office, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University and chief Guest Ms. Shahi P Ismail. The entire event was coordinated under the guidance of the Life Science Club Coordinators, Dr. Indira M. N. and Dr. Saraswathi. The winners of the exhibition were felicitated by Dr. Vijayanand S, Dean, School of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University. The exhibition provided a platform for students to interact with their peers, faculty members, and industry professionals, thereby encouraging future collaborations and career development.
Five Days Hands on Workshop
Date: October 19-21, & October 26, 27, 2024
The Department of Life Sciences organized a hands-on workshop on Computational OMICS for five days (October 19-21, & October 26, 27, 2024). The workshop was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Jais V Thomas, Financial Administrator, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous on 19/10/2024 at 09.30 am. Omics technologies have revolutionized and transformed our understanding of biological machinery in different physiological conditions. However, the wealth of data generated in modern omics and the fast-evolving technologies poses significant challenges. For meaningful interpretation, sophisticated computational strategies and advanced bioinformatics expertise is required. This five-day hands-on workshop was arranged to develop the required skills to comprehend the latest computational techniques used to analyze high throughput data that support toward understanding of the biological processes, evolution, and diagnosis, and drug discovery. Dr. Vijayanand.S, head of the Department started the session with a Welcome address in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jais V Thomas, Financial Administrator, Dr. Calistus Jude AL, Dean, Dr. Priya Josson Akkara, Programme Coordinator (PG), and Dr. M. Sonia Angeline, Programme Coordinator (UG) Department Life Science, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous on 23/03/2024 at 9.15 am. For this workshop, Dr. Nitish Malhotra from University of California USA, Ms. Akshara Dubey and Mr. Anurag K. Singh, from NCBS Bangalore were invited. The participants were trained in R, Python, basic syntax, understanding the NGS data, analyzing RNA and whole genome sequencing data, creating a phylogenetic tree, identifying phylogenetic relationships between species, running the mutation finder software, and various other computational tools used in analyzing high throughput transcriptomics data. Dr. Kushi, shared his expertise on the topic “Experimental setup for RNA-seq and potential use of RNA-seq in diseases and medicine”. Dr. Dileep Francis lecture and training fostered the students with profound knowledge on structure-based and ligand-based drug discovery, molecular visualization using Pymol, molecular docking using autodock vina and virtual screening using PyRx. The resource person clarified queries raised by the participants. On final day quiz and group discussions were conducted followed prize distribution and felicitation to resource person. The session ended on 27th October 2024 at 5.30 pm with vote of thanks by Dr. Kushi Anand.
Workshop on Hydra Culture and Maintenance
Date: 29 October, 2024
Department of Life Sciences recently hosted an engaging Hydra Culture and Maintenance Workshop for second and third-year BSc Microbiology students, introducing them to the intriguing biology of Hydra and its distinct microbiome. This hands-on experience allowed students to explore the various ways Hydra is used in life sciences and microbial research, showcasing its vital role in complex scientific investigations.
Led by our dedicated student volunteers from the Hydra Culture Facility, the workshop provided participants with comprehensive training in Hydra maintenance. Students had the chance to learn key techniques, including feeding live Artemia to Hydra—a valuable skill each participant was able to practice independently.
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation, with students expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to handle and feed Hydra themselves. Many also requested advanced workshops in this area, as highlighted in the feedback collected.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this workshop a success. We look forward to offering more interactive and practical learning experiences that inspire our students and deepen their knowledge in the field of microbiology.
Workshop on Zero Waste Day
Date: 11 March, 2024
The UNAI Hub for SDG-1, in collaboration with the Department of Life Sciences at Kristu Jayanti College, organized a workshop on March 11th to commemorate Zero Waste Day. Titled "Waste to Value," the workshop aimed to educate participants on the production of ethanol from bio-waste. Commencing at 3:30 pm in the Genetics Lab, the event was inaugurated by Dr. Elcey C.D., Head of the Department of Life Sciences, Dr. Jonas Richard A, Coordinator of the UNAI association, and Dr. Nathiya T, UNAI Coordinator, Life Science. They addressed attendees, underscoring the urgent need to raise awareness for a sustainable environment. Dr. Jonas Richard stressed the significance of such initiatives and urged students to integrate workshop insights into their daily lives. Dr. Prasanna Kumar C, from the Department of Life Sciences, served as the workshop's resource person, elucidating its objectives. The workshop provided undergraduate and postgraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of ethanol production from biowaste. The process, utilizing algae sourced from nearby lakes as a sugar source, involved the use of molds and fungi to breakdown complex sugars for easier utilization by yeast. Additionally, fruit peels and waste fruits served as other sugar sources. Post-fermentation, distillation was conducted to obtain ethanol. Students had the opportunity to observe algae collection and the functioning of the distillation unit. The session concluded successfully at 4:30 pm, empowering students with knowledge on sustainable ethanol production and fostering a mindset conducive to environmental betterment.
Creatrix 2024
Date: 27 February, 2024
Creatrix 2024, held on February 27th, 2024, at Kristu Jayanti College, showcased innovative ideas and scientific exploration within Life Sciences. Organized by the Life Sciences Department to honor National Science Day, the event featured over 100 student groups presenting diverse exhibits. These included imaginative models and charts spanning botany, biotechnology, genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology. Under the guidance of faculty coordinators Dr. Malathi R, Dr. Deepak P, and Dr. Saraswathi, Creatrix 2024 unfolded seamlessly. Student secretaries, Mr. Pranav Rao and Ms. Soumya Sivakumar, played key roles in ensuring the success of the event. The session was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel PJ and Chief Guest Ms. Lipika Sahoo, set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry. Exhibits were meticulously evaluated by esteemed faculty members, including Dr. Kalai Selvi, Dr. Don Caiero, and Dr. Priya Josson, with cash prizes and certificates awarded to outstanding presentations. Creatrix 2024 served as a dynamic platform for students to delve into the depths of life sciences, fostering a deeper appreciation for scientific inquiry and innovation. Future editions could explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and expanded outreach, building on the success of this event.
Hands on Training: Gene Expression Profiling Using Real Time PCR
Date: 19 & 20 February, 2024
A workshop on gene expression profiling using real-time PCR was organized by the Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College. Dr. Deepti Saini, from Protein Design Pvt. Ltd, SID Innovation Centre, Bengaluru served as the resource person for the event. The two-day program took place on February 19th and 20th, 2024, providing comprehensive lessons on the principles and procedures involved in gene expression studies. Additionally, participants received hands-on training in techniques such as mRNA isolation, cDNA preparation, and RT-qPCR. A total of 23 students actively participated in the workshop, which commenced on February 19th with an inauguration and an introduction to the resource person. Dr. Priya Josson, Dr. Elcey C D, and Dr. Dileep Francis were also present at the occasion. The sessions began with theory classes on RNA isolation and the separation of mRNA, followed by practical laboratory sessions in the afternoon. During this hands-on experience, each participant performed the experiments. The second day of the workshop focused on cDNA isolation and qPCR, including a demonstration on using the nanodrop instrument. The workshop concluded in the evening with a final session summarizing the topics covered throughout the program. Dr. Deepti addressed all the doubts the students had. Overall, the workshop proved to be highly beneficial for all participating students.
Workshop on Digitized Clinical Platform
Date: 03 February, 2024
On the 3rd of February, 2024, the Department of Life Science in collaboration with Cloudbyz organized a workshop on Digitized Clinical Platform. Cloudbyz is a software company that focuses on creating cloud-based software for biological sciences, especially concerning healthcare. The company provides various services with respect to clinical trials and practices, although its main focus is on digitizing the field. They offer various platforms to organize and streamline the process.
The director, Mrs. Nandhini Hariharan briefed about the company and its ideals and introduced her fellow colleagues. After which the session moved on to clinical trials. The speaker Ms Ananya listed the components required for a clinical trial. She explained the people involved and each of their roles and also touched upon how the company fits into this system. She then moved on to explain each of the phases of clinical trials and paid heed to include various case studies of the same to make the session more connected to real-world applications. The session was extremely lively and interactive. It also highlighted the implementation of technology and cloud-based platforms in Life Science. All in all, the session was well received and imparted much-needed knowledge to its audience.
