From Pond to Microscope: Unveiling the Secrets of Algae — Nature’s Tiny Powerhouses

The Science Club,  the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mohan Babu University, organized an engaging workshop titled “The Tiny Green Engineers: Algal World in Models” on 2nd September 2025. The session took place from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at a pond within the MBU campus and Room No. 1401 and brought together curious minds from the B.Sc. Biotechnology and Microbiology streams. The workshop was designed to give students a hands-on experience in exploring algae—those tiny but powerful organisms that play a huge role in aquatic ecosystems. The aim was to help students understand how algae grow, how they can be identified in the lab, and why they matter both ecologically and biotechnologically.

The event was smoothly coordinated by Ms. S Vasiha Anjum, Assistant Professor, who ensured everything ran efficiently. Dr. Radha Yadamuri, Assistant Professor in the same department, served as the resource person and guided the students throughout the session. A total of 39 students participated with great enthusiasm, showing keen interest in every step of the activity.

The workshop began with a field visit to a pond within the MBU campus, where students collected algal samples and observed their natural habitat. They learned how to gather samples properly, preserve them, and prepare slides for microscopic study. This field-to-lab approach helped bridge textbook knowledge with real-world observation, making the learning process both exciting and meaningful.

Students walked away with a deeper appreciation for algae and their role in nature. Many shared that the experience helped them understand the subject better and sparked interest in future biodiversity studies. The practical exposure made the concepts more relatable and memorable.

The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to all the participants for their active involvement and positive feedback. The success of the event reflected the university’s commitment to experiential learning and inspired ideas for more such field-based workshops in the future.