Department of Physics

Women in Science programme

Academic Year 2024-25

The Postgraduate & Research Department of Physics at Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur, organized an inspiring event titled "Women in Science" on the 29th of January 2025. This event aimed to celebrate and promote the contributions of women in the field of science, encouraging students to pursue careers in scientific disciplines. The highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr. Teny Theresa John, an Associate Professor at BITS Pilani, Goa, who shared her groundbreaking research on advancing semiconductor devices using nanostructured metal oxides and sulfides. Dr. Teny's presentation focused on the significant role of metal oxides and sulfides in modern semiconductor technology. She explained that these materials exhibit unique electrical, optical, and catalytic properties at the nanoscale, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in electronics, photovoltaics, and sensors. Dr. Teny highlighted the advantages of these nanostructured materials, such as their high surface area, tunable band gaps, and enhanced stability, which make them promising candidates for next-generation semiconductor devices.The event was highly interactive, with students and faculty members actively engaging with Dr. Teny during the Q&A session. Participants asked insightful questions about the challenges and opportunities in semiconductor research, as well as the practical applications of nanostructured materials. Dr. Teny's responses were both informative and encouraging, inspiring the attendees to explore the field further.

Academic Year 2023-24

The annual Women in Science Lecture is a state-level event organized by the Postgraduate and Research Department of Physics in association with the Women Development Cell. This year, the event was held on the 20th of January 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Conducted in an online format through Google Meet, it allowed for widespread participation despite geographical barriers. The lecture series aims to inspire and empower women in the field of science, highlighting the achievements of women scientists and encouraging more women to pursue careers in science. The resource person for this year's lecture was Ms. Suja P V, a distinguished Scientist SF, and the Section Head of the Star Sensor Software Section at ISRO. Ms. Suja also serves as the Deputy Project Director for RISAT2B, part of Chandrayaan, ASTROSAT, GSAT series, Aditya and Gaganyaan mission, adding a wealth of experience and expertise to the session. Her presence was a source of inspiration for many aspiring scientists attending the event. The topic of her session, "Chase Your Dreams with ISRO," resonated deeply with the participants. Her journey and accomplishments provided a real-world example of success in the challenging and competitive field of space research. Ms. Suja's lecture focused on her experiences at ISRO and the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one's dreams. She shared insights into her role in the development of star sensor software and the challenges faced during all projects. Her stories of overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers were particularly motivating for the audience. She emphasized the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and staying committed to one's goals. Her message was clear: with determination and passion, any dream can be realized. The session also highlighted the critical role women play in the advancement of science and technology. Ms. Suja discussed the unique perspectives and solutions women bring to scientific research and problem-solving. She encouraged young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, stressing the need for greater female representation in these fields. Her talk underscored the importance of mentorship and support networks in nurturing the next generation of women scientists. The interactive Q&A session that followed allowed participants to engage directly with Ms. Suja, seeking advice and guidance for their own career paths.

Academic Year 2022-23

In collaboration with the Women Development Cell, the Post Graduate and Research Department of Physics organized an enlightening seminar on "Blue Economy and Sustainable Development" at 9 am on 4th February 2023. The seminar took place in the Lissieux Hall, Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur. Dr Malini K A, Head and Vice Principal welcomed the gathering. The resource person for the seminar was Prof. Valsamma Joseph, the Director of the National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health at CUSAT, Kochi. Renowned for her remarkable contributions to the field, Prof. Valsamma Joseph also served as a member of the Indian Arctic Expedition Team in 2016. Her diverse experiences made her the perfect guide to shed light on the topic of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development. The seminar attracted over a hundred enthusiastic students who eagerly participated in the program. Prof. Valsamma Joseph captivated the audience with her extensive knowledge and engaging presentation style. She focused on creating awareness among students regarding the importance of aquatic life in maintaining a sustainable process on Earth. Drawing from her personal experiences, she shared insights from her Arctic mission and other research expeditions, including those to Lakshadweep The seminar proved to be highly motivating for the students, who actively interacted with Prof. Valsamma Joseph by posing insightful questions. The exchange of ideas and information contributed to a vibrant and dynamic learning atmosphere throughout the session. The event not only deepened the students' understanding of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development but also left the inspired to explore the intricate relationship between aquatic life and the well-being of our planet.

Academic Year 2020-21

Women in Science programme for the academic year was conducted on 8 March 2020. The chief guest of the programme was Dr Mridula G, Scientist, CSIR – National Aerospace Laboratories. The title of the session was ‘Aviation Weather 

Academic Year 2019-20

The first event of the women in Science programme was conducted on 16 January 2020. The chief guest of the programme was Dr. A. Seema, a scientist at Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET).