The department of Science and Humanities at Don Bosco College of Engineering (DBCE), Fatorda, organized a thought-provoking expert talk for first-year engineering students, coordinated by Esta Pereira under the guidance of Dr Kala Nayak. The session, titled, Engineering Chemistry Unveiled, was delivered by Dr G.K. Naik, associate professor in Chemistry at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao, Goa on April 23, 2025.

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The primary objective of the session was to bridge the gap between core chemistry concepts and their real-world applications in modern engineering. Dr Naik began by emphasizing the foundational principles of Engineering Chemistry, drawing connections to its pivotal role in emerging fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, and sustainable energy solutions.

A significant portion of the talk focused on Zinc Oxide (ZnO), where Dr Naik elaborated on its semiconducting behaviour, UV absorption capacity, and its versatile applications in devices like sensors, transistors, and systems for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. His explanation highlighted the growing importance of such materials in advancing technological innovation.

Dr Naik also addressed the subject of lead-acid batteries, explaining their widespread usage in vehicles and backup power systems, while cautioning against the environmental hazards associated with lead pollution. He advocated the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable energy storage alternatives such as lithium-ion batteries, to mitigate ecological risks.

The session was well-received by the students and proved to be highly engaging and educational. It successfully sparked curiosity and encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary connections between chemistry and engineering, reinforcing the relevance of scientific principles in solving real-world problems.