A delegation of 42 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Department of Microbiology, St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, accompanied by 3 faculty members, visited St. Xavier’s College for an academic and cultural interaction organized by the Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College.
The programme commenced with a prayer service, followed by a formal inaugural ceremony, during which Ms. Ursula Barreto the Officiating Principal, St. Xavier’s College emphasized the importance of collaborative learning and the value of exchange initiatives in broadening student perspectives. The academic segment featured two technical sessions led by faculty members of Department of Microbiology St. Xavier’s College. The sessions on “Tracing the Environmental Trajectory of Microplastics” by Dr. Trelita Sousa and “Revolutionizing health through gut microbiome transplantation” by Dr. Valerie Gonsalves provided insights into emerging trends and research possibilities in microbiology, offering the visiting students an opportunity to engage with new ideas and interact with subject experts.
Adding a celebratory touch, the event also included two cultural performances, a Mando and a Goan Folk dance by students of St. Xavier’s College, showcasing Goan culture and artistic talent. As part of the visit, the students were taken on a guided tour of the college campus, including the Science Block, laboratories, and key facilities. The tour offered a glimpse into the academic environment and infrastructure that support scientific learning and innovation at St. Xavier’s. The exchange programme successfully fulfilled its objective of promoting academic enrichment and strengthening institutional ties. Both colleges expressed optimism about future collaborative initiatives under the MoU, including research partnerships, faculty exchanges, and joint student activities.


