Dr. Charu Sharma is the Head of the Department of Biotechnology at the IIS University, Jaipur, and the institution has been her alma mater for her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees. She is a member of the Association of Microbiologists of India, Mycology Society of India, and American Society of Microbiology with 18 years of UG and PG teaching experience. Dr. Charu Sharma has presented 31 papers at national and international conferences. She received the Certificate of Appreciation for research from IISU in 2020-21. 

IIS University

What are your roles and responsibilities towards the students in IIS University?

“To create a dynamic academic and research environment for students’ growth”

My role is to create a dynamic and forward-looking academic or research environment for students’ growth. I maintain a healthy relationship and communication with faculty members and students. We ensure that all classes are held regularly, and impart high-quality knowledge, skills, and training. I have to include the potential identification of each faculty member and get the best of their skills to students. All these observances strengthen the campus for both academics and research. 

How do you establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty members?

“Listen to their stories, share experiences and feel free to communicate on campus”

I always talk to students and faculty members, listen to their stories and share my experiences. It helps to know them better and they feel free to communicate with me. We keep encouraging the faculty and students to take up new tasks and face challenges. I always try to find a viable solution to their problems. 

How do you try to bring in a practical approach to subjects and make them industry-oriented? 

“Give hands-on laboratory experiences for pupils and increase employability for them”

The fields of Biotechnology and Microbiology are practical oriented. Students get hands-on experience in all laboratory techniques to develop their skills. It increases their employability in different industrial sectors. 

The technology uses microbiological and biotechnological approaches in product formulation or generation.

How do you strategize the curriculum, and how often is it updated to suit student requirements?

“Update curriculum annually and be aware of recent technologies”

We update the curriculum annually and keep in mind the latest industry trends. Students need to be aware of new technologies and bio-products. Our campus conducts regular seminars and guest lectures to ensure such updates for students and faculty members.

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What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department?

“Our students get placed in reputed organizations and some pursue higher studies”

The campus strives to equip the students well enough to get placement in reputed organizations. Some are admitted to recognized institutes for higher education. Our alumni of campus are working and excelling not only in national but international setups as well. Many of our ex-students are pursuing Ph.D. from international universities.

How do you help your student cope with the highly competitive world?

“Train faculty members, provide industry visits, and add-on courses for students”

Subject knowledge is imparted to students by trained faculty members. We introduce a positive competition between all to compare, analyze and interpret the results of techniques learned. Students can enhance their thought processes, critical thinking abilities, and skills in biotechnology and microbiology.

They can visit industries and attend additional courses on campus. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the students' skills or expose them to real-world challenges?

“Conferences, workshops, IRP-based certificate courses, and industry visits are available to all”

Our department organizes regularfield trips that make them aware of the industry. We provide a platform to present their research work at conferences and workshops. The campus also offers IPR-based certificate or diploma courses to help the students get skilled for placement as patent officers. 

What are the challenges you faced to uplift the quality of education of IIS University?

“Plan updated subject content, and manage teaching strategies on campus”

Planning and executing new creative techniques to teach updated subject content is a great challenge. Most of our students come from diverse backgrounds with different levels of understanding. So it is difficult to manage different teaching strategies and challenging to execute them.

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What approaches do you bring apart from the curriculum to train the students?

“International conferences, workshops, and industry visits available for pupils”

Many industry visits and laboratory visits are organized for students to help them learn high-end instrumentation. Students are also taken to national or international conferences and workshops to expose them to current trends. They can interact with experts and broadens their approach to technology. We encourage pupils to take up student research projects funded by IIS beyond their curriculum. All these research projects give them an edge over others in understanding the idea of research.

What advice would you like to give for students to have a prosperous career ahead?

“Keep yourself updated, read and practice a lot to attain a good job”

Give more priority to practical aspects rather than theory. We can grab the knowledge through continuous reading and practice. Always keep yourself updated and informed with the latest developments in the subject. It assists in getting job opportunities on different physical and virtual platforms. Remain in contact with faculty members, subject experts, classmates, and alumni.