2. Inauguration of Chemforum – January 2025The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the research history of St. Michael’s College. Dr. Gayathri Mohan M. became the first Ph.D. graduate from St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, earning her Ph.D. in Chemistry. She conducted her research in the Department of Chemistry under the guidance of Dr. Manoj Parameswaran. Her Ph.D. open defense took place on December 6, 2024. Her research focused on the topic “Investigations into Efficient Donor Molecules for Organic Solar Cells: Experimental and DFT Studies of Pyrene and Fused Aromatic Heterocyclic Structures”.
The inauguration of the Chemistry Association, Chem Forum-2024 took place on 29-01-2024 at Fenicio Digital Seminar Hall. The event began with a welcoming speech by Dr. Beena James the Coordinator of Chemistry Association, emphasizing the goals and objectives of the association. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu S. Nair and Head of the Department Dr. P. Manoj addressed the gathering. The event featured Dr. Akhil Sivan, Assistant Professor (Senior Grade), Department of Chemistry, Amrita School of Physical Sceince Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham as the chief guest. Dr. Akhil Sivan officially inaugurated the association and conducted a thought-provoking session on the topic "From molecules to Light integrating Synthesis, Photophysics and Theory". He shared valuable insights and ideas on the topic and it inspired the audience & motivated the young minds. The event ended with an interactive Q&A session where the students had the opportunity to ask questions to the speaker and share their thoughts on the future of chemistry. The program was concluded by extending the vote of gratitude by Ms. Avanthika S. R, Ist Year M.Sc student. As part of the programme, science quiz competitions and cultural activity of the students were conducted. The prizes were distributed to all the winners of the competitions.
4. Honoring Our Alumni – March 2025The Department of Chemistry hosted a gathering of all faculty members on January 22, 2025, to celebrate a significant milestone for the department – the achievement of our first Ph.D. scholar. Both retired and current faculty members attended the event. During the celebration, the senior-most faculty member, Prof. M. A. Mathew, presented a memento to Dr. Gayathri Mohan M. The event concluded with a lunch.
In association with the Science Club, the Chem- Forum 2024 proudly honored and congratulated two of our prestigious alumni, Dr. S. Anas and Dr. Reshma Krishnan Madathil, for their remarkable achievements in the field of Chemistry. Their contributions and excellence in the field serve as an inspiration to current and future generations of students. The honoring program was done on 28.03-2025 at Fenicio Digital Seminar hall. Principal Pro. (Dr.) Sindhu S. Nair, Manager Rev. (Dr.) Celestine Puthenpurakal and head of the department Dr. P. Manoj appreciated the achievements of Dr. S. Anas and Dr. Reshma Krishnan.
Dr. S. Anas (Associate Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University) has bagged the prestigious Kairali Research Award given by Government of Kerala with an aim to encourage the most eminent research scholars and research pedagogues of the state, and the awards has proposed by the Higher Education Department. This award has conceptualized for most eminent research scholars in various academic disciplines under different categories.
Dr Reshma Krishnan Madathil (Post doctoral fellow, Indian institute of Science Education and Research –IISER), acquired the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships-2025. The Fellowship provides funding to promising postdoctoral researchers with a view to develop their academic and transferable skills and enhance their career prospects by moving and working abroad.
The Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with the Academy of Chemistry Teachers (ACT), organized a one day workshop on the elective courses under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) in Chemistry on 7th April 2025. The primary objective of the workshop was to facilitate academic discussions and gather constructive feedback for the revision and refinement of the elective course syllabi in line with the FYUGP framework. The workshop witnessed the active participation of faculty members from various colleges affiliated with the University of Kerala. The sessions provided a platform for open dialogue, where educators shared their insights, teaching experiences, and suggestions regarding the structure, content, and relevance of the current elective courses offered under the FYUGP Chemistry curriculum. The deliberations focused on aligning the syllabus with recent advancements in the field of chemistry, ensuring greater interdisciplinary connections, and incorporating modern pedagogical approaches to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The collaborative and participatory nature of the workshop fostered a productive environment for curriculum development. The inputs gathered during the workshop will be compiled and submitted to the Board of Studies for further consideration and implementation. The Department of Chemistry extends its sincere thanks to all participants and contributors for their enthusiastic involvement and valuable contributions, which made the workshop a meaningful academic exercise.
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