Mangaluru: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised a two-day workshop on Advanced Instrumentations – A Practical Training on August 21 and 22, 2025. The Department of Chemistry, under the School of Physical Sciences, hosted this event to strengthen students’ analytical abilities and research skills.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor, who stressed the significance of practical training in developing scientific curiosity and research aptitude. Registrar Dr. Ronald Nazareth highlighted that the workshop would give students crucial exposure to advanced instruments widely used in modern research and analytical investigations. Convenors Dr. Laveena D’Souza and Dr. Ashwini envisioned the event as a platform for hands-on learning and academic exchange.
Active participation and expert-led sessions
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from 28 students representing nine colleges from Mangaluru and nearby regions. It was designed to integrate theoretical insights with practical training, ensuring participants gain a holistic learning experience.
On the first day, theory sessions were delivered by Mr. Jeesu George and Ms. Jyothi Simav Vaz. This was followed by practical demonstrations on Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), facilitated by Mr. George and Dr. Sachin. These sessions provided participants with valuable insights into techniques commonly applied in analytical research.
Advanced tools and techniques
The second day featured a detailed introduction to advanced techniques, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Gas Chromatography (GC), presented by Dr. Sachin. Later, Dr. Laveena D’Souza and Ms. Divya Deepthi Monteiro demonstrated high-end instruments like the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyser and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), giving students hands-on exposure to sophisticated tools essential for scientific and industrial research.
Valedictory and feedback
The valedictory session was held on the evening of the second day, presided over by Dr. Vinola Rodrigues, Programme Coordinator and Assistant Dean of Physical Sciences, along with Dr. Rachael Natasha Mary, Head of the Department of Chemistry, and the convenors. The ceremony included distribution of certificates and reflections from participants, who praised the workshop for enhancing their research capabilities and expanding their understanding of practical applications in science.
The two-day event reaffirmed St Aloysius (Deemed to be University)’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and research-driven education.
