by Julie Lineback
The University of West Georgia recently hosted Dr. Avinash Patil, vice principal and associate professor of botany from the Birla College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, as part of a newly signed faculty exchange agreement with the University of Mumbai-affiliated school. His visit is the first in a series of discussions that will lead to mutual research and teaching opportunities for joint online course offerings and publication.
Dr. Avinash Patil recently spoke on the cancer fighting properties of Indian medical plants.
“Exchange visits such as this are potentially of great benefit to our colleagues and undergraduate and graduate students,” said Dr. Farooq Khan, dean of UWG’s College of Science and Mathematics (COSM).
In addition to interacting with faculty members and graduate students during his visit, Dr. Patil gave a seminar, “Anti-Cancer Activity of Indian Medicinal Plants.” This presentation focused on the in vitro studies of plant extracts and their cancer fighting properties. Dr. Patil has extensive research experience with natural products and has published over 30 peer-reviewed publications and presented his research work at several international meetings. Currently, he is the advisor for seven Ph.D. students and several M.S. students at Birla College.
“I am delighted to host Dr. Patil, which opened new research collaborations and opportunities for our students,” added Dr. S. Swamy Mruthinti, professor of biology and associate dean of COSM.
Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Landewatte DeSilva will travel to Birla College this summer as a continuation of the faculty exchange agreement, and a third installment is planned for the end of the year that will take Dr. Mruthinti to Mumbai.
Director of International Services and Programs Dr. Maria Doyle said that although this year’s participants are all in the scientific disciplines, Birla College has expressed an interest in working with faculty in the humanities and business as well, and there is a possibility the program could expand.
“The program allows us to provide opportunities for meaningful professional development for faculty in a global setting,” Dr. Doyle concluded, “thus encouraging intellectual exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding.”
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