Seemanti Ramanath

Dr. Seemanti Ramanath is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from RPI (2011), an M.S. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1997), and a B.S. in Microbiology from Sophia College for Women, Mumbai, India (1989). Her postdoctoral training included studies on Drosophila muscle physiology at RPI and research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis biochemistry at SUNY Albany. She has taught over 7,200 students at RPI, focusing on introductory biology courses and labs, emphasizing collaborative, inclusive learning environments.

Education

• Ph.D., Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2011
• M.S., Plant Molecular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1997
• B.S., Microbiology, Sophia College for Women, Mumbai, India, 1989
• Partial M.B.A. credits, Gauhati University, India, 1992

Research InterestsDr. Ramanath’s research spans muscle physiology in Drosophila, bacterial biochemistry (e.g., intein splicing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and plant molecular systematics. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of cultural diversity in scientific education.

Teaching & ImpactShe teaches courses such as BIOL 1015 (Introduction to Biology Labs), BIOL 1010 (Introduction to Biology), and BIOL 2960 (Human Evolution Lab). Her labs prioritize group work to foster collaborative problem-solving and cross-disciplinary connections, believing this approach enhances student success and professional readiness.