Dual Degree graduates celebrated at Amrita Convocation
In August, the Amrita Puri campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita) University awarded graduate degrees to students from the dual degree program between the University of Arizona and Amrita University. The convocation event marked a major achievement in the partnership between the two universities, with students completing rigorous coursework in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Microbiology.
Eleven students from these disciplines received their MSc Degrees from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) at the University of Arizona's School of Medicine, a testament to their dedication and academic achievements. This dual degree program provides students with the unique opportunity to gain expertise from both institutions, benefiting from the interdisciplinary focus of Arizona’s world-class medical school and Amrita’s innovative approach to biotechnology and life sciences.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Provost of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and Dr. Bipin Nair, Dean of the School of Biotechnology, both of whom praised the students' hard work and resilience, particularly in navigating the challenges of international education. Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, eminent scholar and scientist from the academia and Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro representing the industry, were the chief guests at the occasion. Also in attendance was Vinita Khatri Tripathi, University of Arizona International Head of Education and Research Programs in India, who felicitated the students and emphasized the importance of collaborative international programs in advancing scientific research and innovation.
“These graduates exemplify the power of global collaboration in education. Their success is a testament to the strength of the Amrita-Arizona partnership, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have in their respective fields,” said Tripathi.
A highlight of the event was the awarding of the Gold Medal in Biotechnology to Megha Mohanan, a standout dual degree student in the Amrita-Arizona program. Megha’s achievements were celebrated as a reflection of the high caliber of students emerging from this partnership, designed to foster global leaders in the rapidly evolving fields of biotechnology and bioinformatics.
This convocation marks not only a significant academic achievement for these students but also a continued strengthening of the academic ties between the University of Arizona and Amrita University, contributing to global advancements in science and technology.