The student unit of Microbiologists Society India (MBSI) was inaugurated at St Joseph Vaz College under the auspices of Department of Microbiology on 20th August 2024. The chief guest of the function was Dr. Valerie Gonsalves, Chief Coordinator of MBSI for Goa for the academic year 2024-25. Dr. Valerie Gonsalves is working as Assistant Professor at the Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa. The Acting Principal, Ms. Angela Serrao, IQAC Coordinator, Ms. Viona Correia and Faculty Coordinator MBSI, Dr. Aureen Gomes were present for the inaugural function.

Dr. Valerie Gonsalves delivered an invited talk on “Gut to Skin: The unseen influencers of human health”. Dr. Gonsalves enlightened the students about the human gut microbiome which possesses millions of microbes that define a complex microbial community. The human gut microorganisms have symbiotic host relationships and are usually associated with the host’s immunity to defend against pathogenic invasion. She further added that the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is linked to various human diseases, such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. She also highlighted that many recent clinical studies conducted worldwide are demonstrating the relation of specific microbial species and eubiosis in health and disease.

Thereafter the chief guest inducted the nominated student office bearers to their respective posts for the academic year 2024-25and formally inaugurated the MBSI student unit of SJVC. The MBSI student office bearers for the AY 2024-25 are Mr. Iden Barreto, President MBSI student unit, Ms. Vianney Colaco, Secretary MBSI student unit and Ms. Malavika
Manikandan, Treasurer MBSI student unit. The report of the activities conducted under MBSI was read by Mr. Iden Barreto, President, MBSI student unit. During the programme, prizes and certificates were awarded to the prize winners of the various activities held under MBSI. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Aureen Lemos Godinho Gomes, Faculty Coordinator, MBSI & Assistant Professor of Microbiology at St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Malavika Manikandan, Treasurer MBSI student unit.