Educator, Prof. Dr. Zarine Bhathena was recently appointed as the Principal of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans College on 1st October, 2018. In her long and fruitful career spanning 32 years, Dr. Zarine has been the Head of Microbiology Department of Bhavan’s College, teaching undergraduate and post graduate students, and having guided12 students for their M.Sc and Ph.D research dissertations besides 4 JRF scholars. She has published extensively in the field of natural colorant and in the areas of bio fuels, Microbial carbohydrates, Biosurfactants, Biofilms, Myxobacterial metabolites and Anti quorum sensing molecules of microbial origin.

In the past, Dr. Zarine has published over 32 research papers and 33 poster presentations since 1995 and is a regular speaker at various national scientific meetings and UGC sponsored refresher courses for microbiology teachers. She has supervised research projects of over 25 postgraduate students, many of whom have now established their own academic research groups in the USA and the UK. A staunch Zoroastrian, she firmly believes that education is the key to innovation and change, which will only happen if you have the courage to challenge the known and embrace the unknown. Speaking to Parsi Times, Zarine said, “I believe that education is a passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs for those that prepare for it today.”