Dr. Sougata Niyogi is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Medical Lab Technology of DAITM. He holds an M.Sc. in Microbiology and a PhD in Biochemistry. A national scholar, he is also an INSPIRE scholar, INSPIRE Fellow, and CSIR-UGC NET qualified. Dr. Niyogi’s areas of interest are cell biology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, metabolism and metabolic diseases.

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Being a Faculty of the MLT Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students? 

In my role as a faculty member in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), I am dedicated to teaching, mentoring, developing assessments, and actively shaping the curriculum in laboratory sciences. I am committed to fostering research endeavours, offering academic guidance and support, upholding ethical standards, and assisting students in navigating job opportunities within the field of medical laboratory technology. My primary focus is on nurturing the academic and professional success of students in the MLT program. 

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty? 

To cultivate robust relationships with both students and fellow faculty members, I prioritize open communication, approachability, and mutual respect. I engage with students by demonstrating genuine interest, actively listening to their needs, and providing constructive feedback. With colleagues, I foster an environment of collaboration, openly sharing ideas, and offering support to promote a positive work atmosphere centered around our shared educational and professional objectives. 

How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented? 

I enrich the practical and industry-oriented aspects of our subjects by integrating real-world case studies and hands-on activities. Furthermore, we coordinate various training and internship programs to offer students valuable practical experience and exposure to professional settings. These initiatives are designed to enhance students' readiness for the demands of their future careers in the field. 

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills? 

The MLT department provides a range of effective strategies to equip students with essential skills. These include immersive hands-on laboratory training, exposure to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and techniques, practical workshops, and valuable internship opportunities within clinical settings. Additionally, we facilitate scientific poster and model exhibitions to refine students' presentation abilities and academic acumen. These diverse experiences collectively enhance students' professional competence in the field of medical laboratory technology.

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What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department? 

Our MLT department empowers students with practical skills, industry knowledge, and ethical practices for entry-level positions or further studies in biomedical science, healthcare management, or public health. Our graduates have secured placements at prestigious organizations like Dr Lal Pathlab, HealthPlus Diagnostic, Nirnayan Healthcare, Quality Life Consultants, Sushrusha Diagnostic and Speciality Centre, and Sethi Health Institute. Opportunities post-BSc include MSc and PhD programs, specialized certifications, advanced practice programs, or medical/health degrees, enriching career prospects in laboratory medicine and healthcare. 

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from curriculum to train/teach the students? 

In complement to our curriculum, we integrate hands-on laboratory sessions, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions to enhance student learning. Industry guest speakers, workshops, and internships provide practical exposure and valuable insights. Additionally, we organise scientific poster and model exhibitions to refine presentation skills and academic prowess, ensuring holistic readiness for careers in medical laboratory technology.

What do you see the department’s greatest strengths?

The MLT department's greatest strengths lie in its exceptional faculty members, who bring a wealth of experience and education. We have well-equipped laboratories, excellent library resources, robust internship opportunities, and a supportive academic culture. This ensures sustained excellence and prepares students for success in the dynamic field of medical laboratory technology.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead? 

To excel in a career in MLT, I advise students to stay curious, proactive, and dedicated to continuous learning. Embrace practical experiences, internships, and networking opportunities. Stay updated with industry advancements, develop strong communication skills, and pursue further education or certifications to enhance expertise and competitiveness in the healthcare sector. 

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world? 

In the MLT department, we prepare students to excel in a competitive external environment by offering rigorous academic training and industry-relevant exposure through internships and guest lectures. We emphasise lifelong learning and continuous skill development, providing personalised career guidance, and cultivating essential soft skills for success. These strategies ensure our students are well-equipped to adapt to and thrive in the dynamic and competitive field of medical laboratory technology.