Staff Research - Presentations Projects & Publications PROJECTS/WORKSHOPS Department of Biotechnology • Ms. Norine D’Souza and Dr. Ms. Vivien Amonkar co-guided an in-house summer project, ‘Characterization of Pholcus spider silk’. • Ms. Varnica Khetrapal was the co-investigator for the UGC Minor Research Grant Project entitled “Microbial Synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles”. Botany • Dr. (Mrs.) Ujwala Bapat was a Group leader for the Indian team participating in the Biology Olympiad held from 8 to 14th July, 2011 at Taiwan. • Dr. Bapat was a member of the Local Organizing Committee for the State level Seminar on ‘Capitalization of Herbal Technology’ organized by Birla College, Kalyan. • Dr Shinde conducted a three-day workshop on Modern Techniques in Plant Taxonomy at the Department of Botany, University of Gujarat, Ahmedabad and two one-day workshops for Marathi Medium School Children (8-10 class) on Nature Quest organized by Nehru Science Centre, Worli. • Mr. Kevin D’Cruz is a local coordinator for the "World Survey on Youth Cultures in the Catholic University", an International Project promoted by the Centre for Coordination of Research of the International Federation of Catholic Universities. History • Mr. Avkash Jadhav: June 2-4, 2011: Conducted a 3-day training programme for the 80th Orientation Course, Academic Staff College at Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on ‘Art of Listening Skills, Teachers Outside the Classroom, Art of Body Language and Public Speaking Skills’. Microbiology

Dr. Ms. Vivien Amonkar

• Ongoing : UGC Minor Research Grant : Project entitled “ Microbial Synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles” • Ongoing: Industrial Project with Swati Spentose Pvt. Ltd. • Project –in – charge of the M.Sc part II project proposed and funded by the DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Mumbai – “ Studying soil community DNA ( metagenomics) for endo – GH’s and cellulose binding” carried out by Rima Bist. The project was co-guided by Dr. Annamma Anil, Assistant Professor of the centre. • Guided the M.Sc Part II project carried out by Amit Rodrigues – “Isolation of cellulose degraders from termite species and characterization of the cellulases.” • Member of a St. Xavier’s College team which collaborated with Fairfield University Connecticut, USA and Loyola College, Chennai on a joint research project. • Coordinated the programmes of St. Xavier’s College as a partner of the Knowledge Economy Partnerships 2011 under the Internationalising Higher Education Programme sponsored by the British Council POSTER PRESENTATIONS Botany Dr. Shinde presented a poster at the National Conference on Biodiversity Assessment, Conservation and Utilization organized by M.E.S. Garware College, Pune.

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Chemistry Dr (Ms) Ashma Agarwal presented a poster on “Excess molar enthalpies of ternary mixtures containing o-toluidine + tetrahydropyran with pyridine or benzene or toluene at 308.15 K” at the 6th National Conference on Thermodynamics of Chemical and Biological Systems held in Nov 2012 at M. D. University, Rohtak (Haryana) Life Sciences and Biochemistry: Dr. Sheela Donde gave a poster presentation on “Development of a recombinant Deinococcus radiodurans strain expressing Bacillus pumilis endoglucanase enzyme.” at the UGC sponsored International Symposium on “Current Trends in Life Sciences,” on 9th March, 2012, at the University of Mumbai Dr. Sheela Donde gave a poster presentation entitled, “Cloning of the endoglucanase gene from Bacillus pumilis and its expression in Deinococcus radiodurans” at the XXXI Annual Conference of Society of Toxicology, India , and International Symposium on Current Trends in Environmental Toxicology, 22nd to 24th Dec, 2011 at Jaipur. Dr. Priya Sundarrajan and Prof Sangeeta Shetty along with MSc student Nandini Kasarpalkar presented a poster at the International Seminar on 'Current Trend in Lifesciences' organized by the Department of LifeScience, University of Mumbai, Kalina on 9th March, 2012. Dr. Radiya Pacha Gupta, Dr. Seema Das, along with MSc students Mr. Shawn Braganza and Ms. Sai Barve presented a poster titled 'Study of the Teratogenic and Toxic Effects of Cadmium and Lithium using Chick as a Model System' at the UGC sponsored International Seminar on 'Current Trends in Life Sciences' organized by the Department of Life Science, University of Mumbai, Kalina on 9th March 2012. ORAL PRESENTATIONS AND TALKS Ancient Indian Culture Ms. Anita Rane presented papers in: • An International conference on ‘The newly discovered Prehistoric Rock art in Western Maharashtra’, which was organized by the Archaeological society of India in Trivandrum. • The convocation hall of the University of Mumbai, for the Asiatic society of Bombay on the structural temples of the Rashtrakutas in Maharashtra. • Maharashtra Rajya Itihaas Parishad on ‘The Influence and the worship of Turjabhavani in Jainism and Buddhism’. • The Konkan Itihaas Parishad held in Thane in Marathi on ‘The Paschim Maharashtratil Katalshilpe’. • Baroda at the Epigraphical Society of mural on ‘The early discovery and evidences of Sati’ in Surat from the Pathare Prabhu community. Dr. Radha Kumar • Delivered a lecture at NM College Balwant Sheth School of Architecture on “Bhavana the emotions behind structures.” • Addressed delegates from SOUTH ASIA under the second Advanced Briefing programme for SOUTH ASIANS under the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER Delhi) on “Cultural Linkages from Ancient India in South Asia” •

Presented a paper at SIES College under the Vishnu Mohan Foundation for the Seminar “Sri Krishna in Regional Literature” on “Compatibility in thoughts through literature - a study of Krishna and Buddha.”

• Conducted a session in the Academic Staff College - University of Mumbai on “Yatra - A journey into the Ancient Education system.”

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Botany Dr. Shinde delivered a talk on “Urban Forestry – Mumbai as a Case Study” at the National Conference on Urban Forestry organized by Ratnam College, Mumbai. History: Dr. Fleur D’Souza: • October 6-9-2011: Paper presented “The Jesuits and Cultural studies in the Mumbai region: the Talasari mission and Warli culture” at the Triennial Conference of the Church History Association of India in Hyderabad. • December 7, 2011: A speaker at a Panel discussion at “Encounters” at the Kamala Raheja Vidhyanidhi Institute of Architecture, Juhu, on “The Church heritage museum: a dimension of her history.” • January 4, 2012: Talk on the history of Mumbai to management students from the University of California, Riverside at Shah & Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College. • May 14, 2012: Delivered the Maritime History Society’s Anniversary Commemorative Lecture at the Capt. MN Mulla Auditorium, Navy Nagar, Colaba. Theme: Thane’s Maritime Past Mr. Avkash Jadhav: • November 19, 2011: Speaker at the Cricket Club of India, Mumbai on ‘Empowerment of Women in India.’ • December 9, 2011: Presented a paper at One Day State Level Seminar on Human Rights, on ‘The Application of Human Rights in India’ at Guru Nanak College, Mumbai. • Delivered a lecture on ‘The Role and Contribution of Women in the Indian Freedom Struggle,’ at the University Convocation Hall, by Forum of Empowerment of Women. • December 13, 2011: Presented a paper and was part of a panel discussion at the National Seminar on Human Rights Education at Sophia College, Mumbai. • January 4-5, 2012: Presented a paper on the ‘Relevance and Application of Gandhi’s Philosophy of Sarvodaya in the 21st Century,’ at an international seminar organized by Delhi School of Professional Studies and Research, New Delhi and also received the ‘Best Research Paper Award. Life Sciences and Biochemistry: • Dr. Nandita Mangalore presented a paper on “Quality Assurance and Best Practices at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai” at a UGC sponsored conference at Fr. Agnel College, Goa on July 8, 2011. • Dr. Nandita Mangalore conducted a session on “Student Evaluation” on October 10, 2011 at the Orientation program conducted by the Academic Staff College, Mumbai. • Dr. Nandita Mangalore defended a proposal submitted by St. Xavier’s College to the DBT, Government of India, for financial support under the Star College Scheme in New Delhi, on Dec 30, 2011. • Dr. Nandita Mangalore presented a paper on “Quality Mechanisms: A case study of St. Xavier’s College” at the Professional Development Conference for Principals and Administrators of colleges in Maharashtra, Feb 13-15, 2012, held in St. Xavier’s College on behalf of the Academic Staff College, Mumbai.

Ms. Girija Balan conducted two-hour sessions on “How to make effective Power Point presentations” for 40 students enrolled under the “Equal Opportunity Cell” of St. Xavier’s College.



Dr. Sheela Donde was appointed as a Mentor by the DST for their INSPIRE programme. She gave talks on Neuroscience at Gwalior, MP: Subhash Chandra Bose College, on 25th Dec. 2011, and at Bijnor, UP: Krishna College, on 28th Jan, 2012

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Microbiology: Dr. Ms. Vivien Amonkar • ‘Service Learning – an experiential learning pedagogy in quality higher education’ at the NAAC sponsored seminar on ‘Quality and Excellence in Higher Education’ organised by Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College, Vashi on 18th November, 2011. • ‘The Xavier’s Experience of turning Autonomous’ at the Professional Development Programme organised at St. Xavier’s College by the Academic Staff College for academic administrators and Principals of colleges in Maharashtra: Feb 13th , 2012 • ‘Approaches to Teaching and Learning – an Indian Perspective’ at the Conference ‘Enhancing the International Student Learning Experience in the Biosciences’ organised by the Higher Education Academy STEM Biosciences and the Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath at Bath University, UK on May 24th , 2012 • Collaborated in an International Presentation at the 'Effective Learning in the Biosciences Conference 2011 – Equipping Students for the 21st Century' held on the 30th June & 1st July 2011, Edinburgh First, John McIntyre Conference Centre, University of Edinburgh, presented by Dr. Momna Hejmadi, on ‘Engaging international students in biotechnology and enterprise.’ Sociology and Anthropology Dr. Sam Taraporevala: • Presented a paper on “Building social inclusion through higher education interventions – A case study: The XRCVC Experience” at the Seminar “Access for Persons with Disabilities to Higher Education and workplaces” held at IIM, Bangalore. Paper published. • Presented on the theme "Technology - Showing the way for inclusive education of the disabled" at Techshare 2012 an international Conference organized by Barrier Break Technologies at New Delhi, conducted at India Habitat Center. • Chaired a session on Catering to Diverse Needs through Asynchronous learning strategies, as part of the 19th Senior Scholars’ Seminar Series on the theme: Building Asynchronous Learning Environments: Opportunities and Challenges held at K J Somaiya College of Education and Research. •

Presented two seminar papers - “Accessible ATM the social need, prerequisites and the current reality” and “Building accessibility into existing electronic devices – A Case study of the IFT electronic physiotherapy machine – A step towards social Inclusion” at the Access India National Convention in November 2011 at Trivandrum.

• Was invited to talk as a panellist on the theme “Best practices” at the national conference on “Enabling Access for persons with disability to higher education and workplace: Role of ICT and Assistive Technologies”. The conference was organized by and at IIM Bangalore in collaboration with Fourth Wave Foundation in January 2012. Dr. (Fr.) Arun de Souza • - Spoke at a three- day National Seminar on ‘Challenges to Human rights in the 21st Century’ organized by the department of Civics and Politics- University of Mumbai and Maharashtra Human Rights Commission and has submitted his paper for publication. • - Presented a paper at the National Seminar - ‘Sociology in India and the Bombay School: Retrospect and Prospects’ organized by the Department of Sociology - University of Mumbai and the Indian Sociological Association. • - Visited Canada for a workshop titled “Youth Leading Environmental Change (YLEC): Creating Effective Youth Environmental Engagement Programs” from the 26th to the 29th of January 2012, sponsored by Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada. He presented a paper titled, "Environmentalisms in India: a Multicoloured Tapestry."

Dr. Fr. M.T. Joseph presented a paper on ‘Democracy, Civil Society and the State’- a reflection on the anti-corruption crusade, in Bhopal in July.

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Dr. Frazer Mascarenhas: • Organised and Presented a Paper at the Academic Staff College sponsored Professional Development Programme for 50 Principals and Administrators of Colleges under the University of Mumbai, held in February 2012 in St. Xavier’s College • Presented a Paper at a National Seminar on Accreditation organised by the Welingkar Institute: WeSchool, Mumbai. • Presentation at the Refresher Course at Academic Staff College on “Challenges in Higher Education”, on August 23, 2011. • Presentation at the Orientation Programme at Academic Staff College on October 3, 2011. • Presentation at the Department of Education Refresher, at Abdul Kalam Azad Bhavan, Kalina, on “Quality in Higher Education”. RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS Botany Shinde Rajendra, Sweedle Cerejo, Rajdeo Singh, 2011. New Distributional Record of Endemic Orchid, Habenaria longicorniculata J. Graham for Thane, Maharashtra. 47-50. Chemistry Dr.Freddy H. Havaldar 1. Novel Method for the Syntheses of 2-Substituted-Benzimidazoles using Ti(IV) Isopropoxide and Cumene Hydroperoxide, Freddy H. Havaldar, Ganesh Mule and Bhushan Dabholkar. Published in “Synthetic Communications” (London), Vol.41 (15), 2304-2308 (2011). 2. Syntheses of Novel Spiro-[indoline-3,3'-pyrazol]-2-ones, Freddy H. Havaldar and Sandeep M. Burudkar. Published in “Indian Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry”, Vol.21, 23-28 (2011). 3. Synthesis of New Indoline-2-ones and their microbial activity, Freddy H. Havaldar, Azadkumar S. Sharma and Peter Roni F. Pinto. Published in “Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry”, Vol.4 (12), 1840-1843 (2011). 4. Syntheses of Biologically Active 1-[2-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-purin-7-yl)-acetyl]-3-(substituted phenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, Freddy H. Havaldar and Azadkumar S. Sharma. Published in “Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry”, Vol.5 (4), 536-540 (2012). Dr (Ms) Abhilasha Jain 1. Photo-fenton degradation of phenol red catalyzed by inorganic additives: A technique for wastewater treatment, A. Jain, D. Vaya, V. K. Sharma and S. C. Ameta, KINETICS AND CATALYSIS,Volume 52, Number 1, 40- 47, DOI: 10.1134/S0023158411010071. 2011 2. A novel route for waste water treatment: Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B. Savitri Lodhaa, , 1, , Abhilasha Jainb, 2, Pinki B. Punjabib, 2,Arabian Journal of Chemistry, Volume 4, Issue 4, October 2011, Pages 383-387 3. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of some novel pyrazolidine and pyrazole derivatives. Bharat Parashar, Abhilasha Jain, Sudhir Bharadwaj & V. K. Sharma, Medicinal Chemistry Research, vol 19 (7), Med Chem Res., DOI 10.1007/s00044-011-9687-0, 2011. 4. Effect of KCl Addition upon the Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Sulphide, Defect and Diffusion Forum (Volume 318), Defects and Diffusion in Semiconductors XIII, Dipti Vaya, Abhilasha Jain, Savitri Lodha, V. K. Sharma, Suresh C. Ameta, 2011

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Geology: Farooq, S.H., Chandrasekharam, D., Abbt-Braun, G., Berner, Z., Norra, S. and Stüben, D, (2012): Dissolved organic carbon from the traditional jute processing technique and its potential influence on arsenic enrichment in the Bengal Delta. Applied Geochemistry, 27, 292-303 (Impact Factor: 2.017). Farooq, S.H, Saha, N., Pande, N., Iyer, K., and Bobby, P.M, (2011): Harvesting Condensate Water from Air Conditioners. Xplore: Xavier’s Research Journal. 2, 55-62. Samant H.P. and Khanolkar S (2011): ‘Comparison of Matrix Transformations for Georeferencing of Raster Data Acquired by KVR 3000 Camera’.Xplore – The Xavier’s Research Journal, Vol 2, Issue 1, pp: 38 – 46. Saraswat R., Deopujari A., Nigam R., and Henriques P.J, 2011 :Relationship between Abundance and Morphology of Benthic Foraminifera Epistominella exigua: Paleoclimatic Implications. Journal Geological Society of India. Vol. 77, pp 190-196 History: Dr. Fleur D’Souza: An essay in Andrew Morris (ed.), Catholic Education, Universal Principles, Locally applied. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2012: “The Archdiocese of Mumbai and Higher Education.” Article in the Examiner “A Future for our Past: Archdiocesan History and the Heritage Museum” September 25, 2011. Library: Ms. Medha Taskar’s Marathi translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s first novel Boutakuranir Haat was published by Mehta Publishing House, Pune in November 2011. Microbiology: Aakanksha Ghatpande, Dr. Ms. Vivien Amonkar : ‘Solid state fermentation for degradation of fruit and vegetable waste and production of significant enzymes’ XPLORE, Xavier’s research journal, Vol. 2, Issue 1, December 2011 Ms. Sangeetha Chavan: Chavan Sangeetha & Rangarajan S,(2011), ‘Synthesis of Silver nanoparticles from chemical and fungal sources and evaluation of antibacterial activity of nanoparticles impregnated on textiles’. XPLORE, Xavier’s Research Journal, Vol. 2, Issue 1, December 2011 Physics Prof. Rohan Jadhav: Research article in Bulletin of Material Science on “Computation of X-ray powder diffractograms of cement components and its application to phase analysis and hydration performance of OPC cement” Sociology Dr.Sam Taraporevala: “Building social inclusion through higher education interventions – A case study: The XRCVC Experience” in the IIM Journal, Bangalore.

The biggest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. – Robert Swan. 41

Laurels for the college: Dr. Frazer Mascarenhas S. J. was on the Steering Committee of the Planning Commission of India, for allocation of Resources to Higher and Technical Education for the 12th Plan Period. Dr. Sam Taraporevala participated as an expert member in the Working Group of the Planning commission which focused on “Accessibility, Mobility, Research and Innovation” of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. He was inducted to give inputs on disability issues for the 12th five year plan. - He was also appointed on the organizing committee set up by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to organize a three-day national level awareness programme at New Delhi in 2012 to showcase and draw upon the work of nationally recognized organizations in the field of disability. - He gave a talk on the theme “Accessible ICT & Assistive Technology” at the Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a one-day conference on creating awareness about the needs of persons with disabilities in Infrastructure, Transportation, Information Technology and Assistive technology. It was jointly organized by Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra & Barrier Break Technologies at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai. - He is also appointed as the Vice President and Chairperson, policy implementation for the Daisy Forum Of India (DFI). This followed the success of a policy shift brought about by both houses of Parliament suitably amending the copyright law of India allowing persons with disability a special exemption clause. Dr. Aditi P. Sawant Dr. (Ms.) Aditi P. Sawant was awarded the Ph.D. degree in Economics by the University of Mumbai on 13th March, 2012.The topic of her thesis was “The Crowding-out and Crowding-in Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the Indian Economy”. This work was carried out at the Department of Economics, University of Mumbai, under the guidance of Dr. (Ms.) Dolly Sunny. Mr. Avkash Jadhav Mr. Avkash Jadhav was nominated as a Corporator (Academic Advisor) in the MCGM. This appointment is part of a new provision of the BMC. Congratulations The Best College Magazine award for the year 2010-2011 was garnered by St. Xavier’s College. The Prof. M.V. Chandgadkar Trophy was awarded to the St. Xavier’s College team by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajan. M. Welukar. Congratulations to Ms. Periyanayagi Subramaniam and her team.

We Welcome: Dr. Nandita Mangalore as the Head of the Department of Life Sciences & Biochemistry. Dr. Hrishikesh Samant as the Head of the Department of Geology. Ms. Periyanayagi Subramaniam as Head of the Department of Mass Media. Ms. Soni George as Head of the Department of Management Studies.

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