BIO-BLUE: A Translational internship in Marine, Health & Life Sciences

Organized by Madras Christian College, Department of Zoology Colloboration with Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF)

May 12-31, 2025

The BIO-BLUE internship 2025 hosted 20 participants from various esteemed institutions across Tamil Nadu, reflecting an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration. Students came from diverse academic backgrounds with a keen interest in marine biology, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.

1. Introduction

The Department of Zoology, Madras Christian College (MCC), in collaboration with the Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF), organized BIO-BLUE: A Translational internship in Marine, Health & Life Sciences from May 12 to 31, 2025. This 20-day advanced summer internship aimed to provide hands-on training across marine biology, aquaculture, cell culture, and medical coding. The program integrated classroom knowledge with practical field applications. Participants engaged in sessions led by academic experts, industry professionals, and research institutions. The internship fostered interdisciplinary learning and real-world scientific exposure for 20 students from multiple colleges across Tamil Nadu.

2. Participants and Organizing Team

A total of 20 undergraduate from MCC, PSG, Kongunadu, Ethiraj, and Presidency College took part, encouraging cross-campus interaction and networking.

Organizing Team

• Dr.Anulin Christudas
• Dr.Akila
• Dr.S.Ramachandraprabhu,Program Director, REEF
• Mr.Vinoth.A,Program Co-ordinator, REEF

3. Training Schedule

Session 1: Inauguration & Introduction to Bio-Blue internship

The internship was formally inaugurated on 12th May 2025 at Madras Christian College (MCC).
✅ Dr. P. Wilson, Principal and Secretary of MCC, presided over the event and delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the importance of translational learning and interdisciplinary exposure for young scientists.
✅ The session was led by Dr. Ananthi Rachel Livingstone, Head In-Charge, Department of Zoology, who outlined the vision and objectives of the program.
✅ Dr. Anulin, Faculty, Department of Zoology, delivered the welcome address, setting a collaborative tone for the 20-day internship

✅ Highlights of BIO-BLUE internship 2025s

✅ Interdisciplinary Exposure – Training covered marine biology, aquaculture, healthcare (cell culture), and medical coding, offering a holistic scientific learning experience.
✅ Institutional Collaboration – Jointly organized by MCC Zoology Department and REEF, with expert support from CIBA, AcaDicell, and the Institute of Medical Coding.
✅ Hands-on Field Learning – Included scuba diving, lake restoration, birding, and aquaculture site visits for real-time environmental engagement.
✅ Advanced Lab Techniques – Participants practiced human stem cell isolation, organ transplant cell culture, and wound healing assays.
✅ Diverse Participation – 20 students from MCC, PSG, Kongunadu, Ethiraj, and Presidency College took part, encouraging cross-campus interaction and networking.

Valedictory Session

Valedictory Session: The 20-day BIO-BLUE: A Translational internship in Marine, Health & Life Sciences concluded with a formal valedictory session on 31st May 2025 at Madras Christian College.
✅ Dr. C. Joyce Priyakumari, Head, Department of Zoology, MCC, delivered the valedictory address, highlighting the value of applied scientific training and encouraging students to pursue research-driven careers.
✅ She also presided over the certificate distribution ceremony, personally awarding certificates to all 20 participants and acknowledging their successful completion of the internship. The session included reflections from students who shared their learning outcomes and appreciation for the program..

Vote of Thanks & internship Report:

During the valedictory session, Dr. S. Ramachandraprabhu, Organizing Secretary and Program Director of REEF, delivered a special address highlighting the vision and mission of the Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF).
✅ He emphasized REEF’s commitment to interdisciplinary environmental education, capacity-building, and translational research in marine, health, and life sciences.
✅ Dr. Ramachandraprabhu outlined REEF’s upcoming initiatives, including international conferences, youth fellowships, outreach programs, and collaborative field-based research projects.
✅ He encouraged participants to continue engaging with REEF’s academic ecosystem and to take part in future projects focused on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and scientific innovation.
The session concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Akila, Organizing Secretary and Faculty, Department of Zoology, MCC.
✅ Dr. Akila expressed gratitude to the Principal, Heads of Departments, partner institutions, invited experts, REEF, and all supporting staff for their contributions to the success of BIO-BLUE 2025.
✅ She also presented a concise internship Report, summarizing the 20-day program highlights, field activities, academic sessions, and participant outcomes.
The event ended on a high note with appreciation from students, faculty, and collaborators, marking the internship as a milestone in experiential learning at MCC.

Conclusion: