Cotton University students get hands-on training in wildlife genetics

way2barak, Sep 15: The Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL), Aaranyak today conducted a day-long training programme for Master’s students from the Department of Environmental Biology and Wildlife Sciences, Cotton University.

WGL welcomed a group of students led by Dr. Narayan Sarma, Assistant Professor, Cotton University, for a programme comprising theoretical sessions and an exposure visit to the laboratory facilities at Aaranyak’s Research Office.

The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Udayan Borthakur, Director and Head, Wildlife Genetics Division, who also delivered a session on the fundamentals and applications of conservation genetics. Dr. Pranjal Kumar Das, Conservation Geneticist, introduced the students to various tools and techniques used in DNA analysis, while Ms. Rumana Maheen, Senior Researcher, provided an overview of DNA sequence data analysis, including the basics of molecular phylogeny reconstruction.

The students also had an opportunity to visit WGL’s molecular laboratory facilities and gain practical exposure to key techniques used in wildlife genetic research. The laboratory orientation covered DNA extraction, PCR operations, and DNA visualisation, providing the students with a better understanding of how molecular techniques are applied in biodiversity research and conservation.

The training programme and laboratory exposure visit were organised as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Aaranyak and Cotton University, which facilitates academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The programme provided the students with an opportunity to interact with researchers and gain insights into the application of molecular genetics in wildlife research and conservation.