About Us
About Us
SG Lab, currently housed at the Postgraduate and Research Department of Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Kolkata, is dedicated to addressing environmental crises through the application of genomics and computational biology. Our mission revolves around sustainability, focusing on the study of diverse ecosystems, marginalized ethnic communities, and public health challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge genomics and metagenomics, we aim to understand and mitigate environmental degradation, improve human health, and promote biodiversity.
Research Focus
- Environmental Genomics: Our team explores the genomic diversity of ecosystems, particularly the unique flora and fauna in regions like the Indian Sundarbans. We study the rhizospheric and endophytic microflora to support habitat restoration efforts and understand the intricate relationships between plants and microbes.
- Tribal Gut Microbiome: We investigate the gut microbiome of indigenous tribes in West Bengal to gain insights into their dietary habits and nutritional status. This research helps identify beneficial gut bacteria and provides a better understanding of how these communities interact with their environment.
- Wastewater Metagenomics: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SG Lab developed methods for pathogen surveillance in urban and rural wastewater. This work is crucial for predicting future pandemics and monitoring public health.
- Genomics Guided Drug Discovery: Our lab employs in-silico approaches to analyze the pangenome of different bacterial strains, aiming to identify therapeutic targets.
Collaboration and Innovation
At SG Lab, collaboration is at the heart of our work. We partner with academic institutions, industry experts, and government agencies to tackle complex scientific problems. Our interdisciplinary approach combines traditional biological research with advanced computational techniques, enabling us to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Our lab is also committed to education and capacity-building. We provide internship opportunities to nubile minds to equip the next generation of scientists with the skills needed to excel in genomics and computational biology. Our goal is to create a community of researchers who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about making a positive impact on the world.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, SG Lab aims to expand its research scope and deepen its understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that shape our world. We envision a future where genomics and computational biology are integral to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, from climate change to emerging infectious diseases. Our work is guided by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and scientific excellence. We believe that through collaborative efforts and a shared vision, we can make significant strides in protecting our planet and improving human health.
Our Lab Is Equipped With
- Anaerobic Culture Equipment
- Thermal Cycler
- Submarine and Vertical Gel Apparatus
- Colorimeter
- Auger (Soil Collection Device)
- Light Meter
- Sound Meter
- pH and turbidity meters
- Plankton net
- High END Desktop workstation with CLC Genomics Workbench
Shared Facilities
- Laminar Air Flow Cabinet
- Thermal Cycler (qPCR)
- Spectrophotometer
- Central Research Facility
Join Us
SG Lab is always on the lookout for motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team. We value curiosity, creativity, and a strong work ethic. If you are passionate about research and eager to contribute to our mission, we encourage you to explore opportunities with us. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Ph.D., postdoctoral research, or a collaborative project, SG Lab offers a supportive environment where you can thrive.