FROM CLASSROOM TO CANCER RESEARCH LABS: A JOURNEY OF LEARNING AND DISCOVERY

 

FROM CLASSROOM TO CANCER RESEARCH LABS: A JOURNEY OF LEARNING AND DISCOVERY

Title

Advancing Biotechnology Education Through Research Internships

Introduction

Experiential learning plays a crucial role in biotechnology education. Research internships provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical concepts in real laboratory environments while gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Internship Experience

Mr. Yoganathan K, a final-year M.Sc. Biotechnology student of Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, successfully completed a research internship at the Dr. S. Krishnamurthi Centre for Research & Education in Cancer (SKCREC), a unit of Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (CCHRC), Silchar, Assam. SKCREC houses the DHR-ICMR Advanced Molecular Oncology Diagnostic Services (DIAMOnDS) Centre, a leading facility for molecular oncology diagnostics, cancer research, and scientific training in Northeast India. During the internship, he gained exposure to a multidisciplinary research environment focused on molecular diagnostics, translational cancer research, and advanced laboratory techniques.

Technical Skills Acquired

·         Basics of Molecular Diagnostic in Cancer

·         EGFR Mutation Analysis (qPCR)

·         BCR-ABL Analysis (qPCR)

·         Leukemia Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry

·         HPV Screening using Hybrid Capture Technology

·         Proteomics Workflow (Nano LC-MS/MS, timsTOF Pro2)

 

Photo 1 caption: Mr. Yoganathan K presenting his internship work and learning outcomes during the final evaluation session

Data Interpretation and Scientific Reporting

Final Presentation A significant milestone of the internship was the successful presentation of his internship project before the research division. The presentation showcased the practical skills, laboratory exposure, and scientific understanding gained during the training period.

Mentors and Research Team The internship was enriched by the guidance of:

Dr. Rajeev Kumar – Head of Research Division

Dr. Litika Vermani – Senior Scientist

Mr. R. Santhoshkumar – Project Research Scientist-I

Ms. Mayuri Iyer – Senior Research Fellow

Ms. Lin Hou Tham – Research Assistant

Mr. Anmol KC - Research Assistant

 

Photo 2 caption: Research Team and Internship Mentors at Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Silchar, Assam. (From left to right) Dr. Litika Vermani, Senior Scientist,     Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Head of Research Division, Mr. Yoganathan K, Intern Student, Mr. Santhoshkumar R, Project Research Scientist, Ms. Lin Hoa Tham, Research Assistant, Ms. Mayuri Iyer, Senior Research Fellow.

 

Acknowledgement

The Department extends sincere gratitude to Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre for providing valuable learning and research opportunities to the student. The exposure to advanced research facilities, scientific methodologies, and a collaborative research environment greatly enriched the internship experience.

The Department expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Head of Research Division; Dr. Litika Vermani, Senior Scientist; Ms. Lin Hoa Tham, Research Assistant; Mr. Anmol KC, Research Assistant; Ms. Mayuri Iyer, Senior Research Fellow; and Mr. R. Santhoshkumar, M.Tech (by Research), Project Research Scientist-I, for their invaluable guidance, mentorship, support, and encouragement throughout the programme. Their contributions played a significant role in making the internship a valuable and memorable learning experience for the students.

Conclusion

Mr. Yoganathan's achievement exemplifies the value of research internships in enhancing scientific knowledge and professional skills. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring biotechnology students and highlights the importance of industry-academia collaboration in higher education. This achievement stands as an inspiration to fellow students, highlighting the importance of research exposure, practical training, and continuous learning in the field of biotechnology.

The PG and Research Department of Biotechnology, Sri Sankara Arts and Science College (Autonomous), congratulates him on this remarkable achievement and wishes him continued success in all future academic and professional endeavors.

"Excellence is achieved through learning, research, and perseverance."

 

Head of the Department                  

PG & Research Department of Biotechnology

Sri Sankara Arts and Science College.