Tag: Higher Education

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St. Xavier’s College Hosts Hyderabad Students for Academic & Cultural Exchange

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Xavier’s College recently welcomed a delegation of 42 undergraduate and postgraduate students, accompanied by three faculty members from the Department of Microbiology at St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, for an academic and cultural exchange organized by the Department of Microbiology. The programme began with a prayer service and an inaugural ceremony at which Ms. Ursula Barreto, the Officiating Principal of St. Xavier’s College, highlighted the importance of collaborative learning and how exchange initiatives broaden student perspectives by exposing them to new practices, academic ideas, and diverse cultures.

The academic component of the visit consisted of two technical sessions conducted by faculty members from the Department of Microbiology at St. Xavier’s College. Dr. Trelita Sousa presented a session on “Tracing the Environmental Trajectory of Microplastics,” offering insights into one of the most pressing environmental concerns of today. This was followed by Dr. Valerie Gonsalves’ session on “Revolutionizing Health Through Gut Microbiome Transplantation,” which introduced students to emerging trends and transformative possibilities in medical microbiology. These sessions enabled visiting students to explore advanced research themes and engage directly with subject experts.

The day also included a vibrant cultural experience, featuring a Mando and a Goan folk dance performed by students of St. Xavier’s College. These performances added a celebratory dimension to the event and offered the visiting delegation a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of Goa.

As part of the exchange, the students were given a guided tour of the college campus, including the Science Block, various laboratories, and key academic facilities. This tour provided them with a firsthand experience of the infrastructure that supports scientific inquiry and innovation at St. Xavier’s.

The programme fulfilled its mission of promoting academic enrichment and strengthening bonds between the two institutions. Both colleges expressed optimism about future collaborative opportunities under the existing MoU, including research partnerships, faculty exchanges, and joint student initiatives. The visit marked an important step toward long-term academic engagement and mutual growth, deepening connections that are expected to lead to meaningful future collaborations.

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St. Xavier’s College Hosts Six-Day Faculty Development Programme on OER and AI in Teaching and Research

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa organized a six-day Faculty Development Programme on “Open Educational Resources and Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Research” from October 18–24, 2025. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Gervasio S. F. L. Mendes, Additional Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, with Fr. Marianno Dias, Assistant to the Secretary, Diocesan Society of Education, as Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr. Osborne Terrence Dsouza, CEO and Co-Founder of Juana Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Officiating Principal Ms. Ursula Barreto, and Administrator Rev. Fr. Antonio Salema.

Prof. Mendes, in his keynote address, praised the college for conducting a timely programme, highlighting how artificial intelligence and open educational resources are reshaping higher education. The first two days of the FDP were led by Dr. Osborne D’Souza, who introduced participants to prompt engineering and demonstrated platforms including ChatGPT, Gamma.app, and Elicit.com for academic presentations and research. He also recommended Microsoft’s AI for Educators programme and emphasized the need for educators to upskill to adapt to emerging technologies.

On the third day, Dr. Gaurang Patkar, Professor and Head of Computer Engineering at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, conducted sessions on AI-powered leadership, neural networks, and tools such as Socrative, Plicker, and Canva AI. He encouraged faculty to use AI as a co-pilot to enhance creativity and demonstrated Python-based exercises in machine learning and deep learning.

Day four featured actor and voice artist Mr. Ashwin Mushran, who delivered an engaging session titled “Million Dollar Presence,” emphasizing effective communication, warmth, and capability in creating a strong educator presence.

The final two days were facilitated by Prof. Santhosh Kumar G of Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, and Prof. S. Senthilnathan, Director (In-charge), UGC-MMTTC, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu. Prof. Santhosh focused on student-centered learning, demonstrating tools like Vids, QuestionWell, Notebook LM, and AI Studio, along with hands-on activities for lesson planning and quizzes. Prof. Senthilnathan introduced faculty to OER platforms including LOC, NDLI, SWAYAM, MIT OCW, MOOCs, Virtual Labs, Khan Academy, podcasts, and blogs.

The valedictory session was graced by Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker and alumnus, who praised the FDP as a game-changer for educators. The programme received positive feedback from both internal and external participants, reflecting the college’s commitment to equipping faculty with modern pedagogical tools to enhance teaching, learning, and research.

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St. Xavier’s College Chemistry Students Visit NCPOR for Hands-on Scientific Learning

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Chemistry at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, organized a field visit for its TYBSc students to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, on 16th October 2025. The visit offered students a first-hand experience of India’s leading research institution dedicated to polar and ocean studies.

Students were warmly welcomed by NCPOR scientists, who introduced them to the institution’s primary mandates, including the Indian Antarctic and Arctic Programs and Southern Ocean studies. The interaction sessions provided students valuable insights into how India contributes to global research on climate change, oceanography, and polar ecosystems.

During the guided tour, students explored several advanced laboratories such as the SEM-EDS Lab, Polar Biology Lab, Geology Lab, and Cryobiology Lab, where they learned about the cutting-edge instruments used in environmental and oceanic research. Faculty members accompanying the students highlighted the educational importance of linking theoretical chemistry concepts with real-world applications in polar science.

Fascinated by the experience, many students expressed interest in pursuing summer and winter research projects at NCPOR. The visit not only deepened their understanding of applied chemistry but also inspired them to consider careers in research and environmental science.

The field trip was coordinated by Mr. Mahesh Nair, faculty member of the Department of Chemistry, under the mentorship of Ms. Kathleen Pinto, Head of Department. The initiative reflects St. Xavier’s College’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and academic exposure beyond the classroom.

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Gold Medal Glory for Goa: Two Goan Postgraduates Shine at National Convocation

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa continues to make its mark on the national academic stage as two Goan postgraduates in horticulture have been honoured with Gold Medals at the 14th Convocation of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, held on 17th October 2025.

Mr. Utkarsh Radhika Krishnanath Sawant Dessai from Curchorem, who completed his M.Sc. in Horticulture (Post Harvest Management), and Ms. Reema Riya Ravindra Naik from Mandrem, who pursued M.Sc. in Horticulture (Fruit Science), were recognised for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to their field.

Their achievements not only bring pride to their families and institutions but also highlight the growing academic excellence emerging from Goa in the fields of horticulture and agricultural sciences. These young achievers embody the potential of Goan students who are pursuing higher education with passion, innovation, and purpose — representing a new generation of scientific thinkers dedicated to sustainability and food security.

The honour at SHUATS’ convocation is especially significant, given the university’s national reputation for excellence in agricultural education and research. The recognition underscores the importance of Goa’s contribution to India’s expanding horticultural and agricultural sectors.

This achievement is a moment of pride for both Mandrem and Curchorem, and a reminder that the youth of Goa continue to shine brightly on national platforms — inspiring others to pursue excellence in education, research, and innovation.

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Prof. (Dr.) Karuna Gokarn Appointed as First Woman Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, October 2025: In a landmark development for one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, Prof. (Dr.) Karuna Gokarn has been appointed as the Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (subject to University and Government approval). This appointment marks a historic milestone, as Dr. Gokarn becomes the first woman to lead the college in its 156-year history since its establishment in 1869.

A senior faculty member of the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Gokarn has been associated with the institution for many years, contributing significantly to its academic and administrative progress. In her previous roles as Vice Principal (Academics) and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

Dr. Gokarn also served as the NEP Nodal Officer, playing a key role in the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring that the college adapted seamlessly to new academic frameworks.

Her appointment is seen as a progressive step towards inclusive leadership in higher education, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.

The college community has warmly congratulated Dr. Gokarn on her appointment, recognizing her dedication to academic innovation, holistic education, and student welfare.

As St. Xavier’s College embarks on a new chapter under her leadership, the institution looks forward to strengthening its legacy of excellence, while fostering an environment of equality, inspiration, and growth.