معرفی
Seema Dhir serves as a tenured Associate Professor in the Biology Department within Fort Valley State University's College of Arts and Sciences. With continuous service since 1994, she progressed from Instructor/Research Associate to Assistant Professor (2002-2017) and currently holds her associate professorship while maintaining active research and teaching roles in plant biotechnology and forensic science.
Her educational foundation includes:
- Master of Science in Biotechnology (Bio Security & Bio defense track), University of Maryland University College (2009)
- Ph.D. coursework in Botany (Gene Transformation), Delhi University (1984-88, dissertation unfinished)
- Master of Science in Botany, Meerut University (1983)
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Meerut University (1981)
Dr. Dhir's research centers on genetic engineering applications for plant-based vaccine production, medicinal plant modification, biodegradable thermoplastics, phytoremediation, and forensic biology. Her work strategically integrates agricultural biotechnology with crime scene investigation methodologies, emphasizing undergraduate research training in transgenic plant systems and forensic analysis techniques.
Publication trends (2008-2015) reveal concentrated focus on Stevia rebaudiana genetic manipulation, with recurring themes of somatic embryogenesis, transcriptome analysis, and transformation protocols. These works demonstrate consistent application of genomic tools to develop natural sweetener and medicinal plant platforms.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- J. W. Davidson Outstanding Teaching Excellence Award (2009)
- National Role Models Award for Teaching Excellence (2005)
- Certificate of Recognition for Research and Grantsmanship (2009-2015)
- United States Patent #6,274,791 for strawberry transformation methods (2001)
Dr. Dhir has trained over 65 undergraduate researchers while securing $2.5+ million in extramural funding. As Principal Investigator, she led nine major grants including NSF HBCU-UP projects ($287,136 for forensic science; $179,256 for plant genomics) and Department of Education MSEIP awards exceeding $700,000. Her collaborative framework spans USDA partnerships, NSF bioenergy initiatives, and high school apprenticeship programs.
She established FVSU's undergraduate Forensic Science and Biotechnology Laboratory and coordinates the Summer Research Apprenticeship Program. Her teams maintain active collaborations with University of Georgia researchers and federal agencies through NSF-funded REU sites and USDA genomics projects.
