Seema Dhir

Assistant Professor

Founders Hall at FVSU

College of Arts and Sciences

Seema Dhir

Seema Dhir

Assistant Professor

College of Arts and Sciences

University Directory
Young woman using pipette to fill test tube

Biology Academic Department

SEEMA DHIR


Associate Professor (Tenured)

Biology Department

1005 State University Drive

Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA 31030

Email: dhirs@fvsu.edu, Phone: 478-825-6849


UNIVERSITY EDUCATION



  • 2009: Master of Science in Biotechnology (Bio Security & Bio defense track), University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, MD.

  • 1984-88: Enrolled in Ph.D., Botany (Gene Transformation, Dissertation unfinished), Delhi University, Delhi, India.

  • 1983: Master of Science in Botany, Meerut University, Meerut, India

  • 1981: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Meerut University, Meerut, India


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES



  • 2017-Present: Associate Professor, Biology, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA

  • 2002- 2017: Assistant Professor, Biology, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA

  • 1994- 2001: Instructor/Research Associate, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA

  • 1992-94: Research Fellow, Monsanto Agriculture Company, St. Louis, MO

  • 1989-91: Research Fellow, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana- Champaign, IL


TEACHING EXPERIENCE



  • Taught Various Courses at Undergraduate Level: Introduction to Biology (BIO 1104K), General Botany (BOTN 2001), Senior Project (BIOL 4343L), Seminar (BIO 4221 & 4222), Special Projects in Biology (BIOL 4111-4113L), Genetics (BIOL 4254K), CRJU 3017 (Forensics II).

  • Developed Multi-media lecture notes in General Botany for Web-Based teaching.

  • Trained over 65 undergraduate students in research methodology in plant biotechnology and Forensic Science at FVSU.

  • Taught Biotechnology classes to High School Summer Apprenticeship students since 1996.


ADVANCED COURSES & TRAINING



  • Graduate Advanced Courses Taken: Societal Issues Biotechnology, Techniques of Biotechnology, Bio-Security and Bioterrorism, Concepts in Homeland Security,   Introduction to Bioinformatics; The Business of Biotechnology; Agents of Bioterrorism, Business continuity: Disaster recover, planning and response, Advanced Biosecurity and Bioterrorism.

  • Completed three workshops for Advance Training in Forensic Science Techniques: Introduction to the Recovery of Footwear Evidence, Inside a Serial Kidnapper’s House-Ariel Castro, and Documentation and Recovery of 2D Footwear Impression Evidence; 08/082016-08/10/2016, Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • One week training in Advance Techniques in Genomics at University of Georgia, Athens, 2009.

  • Microarray Workshop; Two GCAT Best Practices Workshops: July 27 – August 1, 2005, Morehouse College, Atlanta.

  • DNA Fingerprinting Workshop, October 25-27, 2000 at Fort Valley State University, conducted by Dr. Robert N. Trigiano.


PATENT/AWARDS/HONORS



  • 2009: J. W. Davidson Outstanding Teaching Excellence Award at Fort Valley State University, May 5. Dhir S, Hinchee MAW, Layton, Oakes JV. Methods for Strawberry Transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. United State Patent # 6,274,791 Awarded on August 14, 2001.

  • 2005: National Role Models Award for Teaching Excellence as Outstanding Faculty, by Minority Access Inc. Sept. 11-14, Las Vegas.

  • 2009-2015: Certificate of Recognition for Research and Grantsmanship by Office of Sponsored Programs, at FVSU Spring Recognition Day.


RESEARCH INTEREST


Genetic engineering of plants for vaccine production, medicinal plant genetic engineering, biodegradable thermoplastic production, and Phyto-remediation in transgenic plants and Forensic biology.


FUNDED TEACHING PROJECTS AS PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR



  1. Seema Dhir, Melinda Davis: Strengthening Forensic Science Undergraduate Research and Instruction Program. $287,136.00 National Science Foundation HBCU-UP TIP (2012-2017).

  2. Seema Dhir: Improving Student Outcome in Teacher Education and STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering), $ 42000.00 Title III Program (2012-2017).

  3. Seema Dhir, Melinda Davis: Implementation of Plant Genomics into the Undergraduate Curriculum, $179,256 National Science Foundation HBCU-UP TIP (2006-2012).

  4. Seema Dhir: Undergraduate Research Training Program in Biological Sciences at FVSU funded by Department of Education, MSEIP Program, (11/2002-10/2005), $253,519.

  5. Seema Dhir: Enhancing Minority Research and Training through Biotechnology funded by Department of Education, MSEIP Program, (9/1999-8/2002), $202,000.

  6. Seema Dhir: Strengthening Biotechnology Research Program in Agricultural Sciences at FVSU, Department of Education, Title III, (10/00 – 09/01) $48,380.

  7. Seema Dhir: Strengthening Biotechnology Research Program at FVSU, Department of Education, Title III, (10/00 – 09/01) $48,380.

  8. Seema Dhir: Phytoremediation Studies for Removal of Soil Contaminants in Fort Valley. FVSU/UGA New Initiative Collaborative Project, 2003 ($2500.00).

  9. Seema Dhir: Strengthening the Educational Program in Biological Sciences at FVSU via Interactive Learning funded by Title III grant 1999-2001 ($37,000).


FUNDED TEACHING/RESEARCH PROJECTS AS CO-PI/BIOLOGY-TEAM LEADER



  1. Academic Opportunities through Recruitment, Retention & Mentoring for Undergraduate Minorities in Biotechnology & Forensic Science: NSF-DUE, $627,240. 07/01/2013-08/30/2017.

  2. NSF HBCU-UP Targeted Infusion: Interdisciplinary Bioenergy Undergraduate Research and Instruction Program at FVSU: NSF-HRD, $398,208. 09/01/2013-08/30/2017.

  3. Interdisciplinary Experience for Undergraduates in Science, Math, Engineering & Technology (STEM), NSF-HRD, $109,572 (Awarded Supplement).

  4. Summer Research Program for Undergraduates in Biotechnology, NSF- DBI, $322,000 (April 1, 2010-9/30/2014).

  5. Developing Undergraduate Curriculum and Experimental learning in Plant Genomics at FVSU, USDA/CSREES, $197,791 (2007-2012).

  6. Interdisciplinary Experience for Undergraduates in Science, Math. Engineering & Technology (STEM), NSF HRD HBCU-UP, (2007–December 2013).


MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES



  • International Society of Plant Molecular Biology, Member, 2000-Present

  • International Society of In Vitro Biology, Member, 2000-Present

  • Georgia Society of Genetics, Member, 2000-Present, American Society of Plant Biologists


UNIVERSITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES



  • Providing Leadership Role in Setting up Undergraduate Forensic Science and Biotechnology Lab in Biology Department.

  • Coordinator of GRE/MCAT Study Sessions (2002-2008), Team Leader, Middle Georgia Scholarship Collaborative Consortium.

  • Assisted in Coordinating Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Biotechnology Program (2001-2007).

  • Assisted in Coordinating Summer Research Apprenticeship Program for High School Students (1997-2008).

  • Helped in placing 100+ students for Internship programs at major institution, federal labs and industries (2002-2003).

  • Trained Warner Robins High School students -Ms. Tiffany Swann for three years to conduct the science fair project in Plant Biotechnology, who all together won more than 25 awards at the Science Fair: International (3); State (10), and regional (12).

  • Trained Warner Robins High School Student to conduct the science fair project in Plant Biotechnology, who all together won more than 6 awards at the Science Fair, Supervised Several Middle School students Science Fair Projects since 1996.

  • Helped in conducting plant biotechnology workshop for selected Georgia areas.


PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND TRAINING



  • Peer Panel Review members for federal agencies and Foundations:

  • National Science Foundation (NSF) programs: HRD (HBCU-UP); DUE: (S-STEM, STEP, Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, TUES); BDI-BIO (REU-Site, MRI), Division of Graduate Education (DGE): GREP

  • USDA/NIFA programs: Higher Education Challenge Grant, International Science Education.

  • Department of Education: MSEIP, Graduate Assistance in Area of National Need Program (GAANN), HIS-STEM programs.

  • Department of Home Land Security (DHS): S-STEM program

  • Department of Energy (DOE): Biomass Research Development

  • Served as the manuscript reviewer for the following national and international journals: In Vitro Cell & Development Biology, Plant Cell Rep, and Plant Cell Tissue & Organ Culture, African J. Biotech.


SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL ARTICLES (LAST FIVE YEARS)



  1. Marisol Lopez-Arellano, Seema Dhir, Nilmarie Colón Albino, Anais Santiago, Terrica Morris and Sarwan K. Dhir (2015). Somatic Embryogenesis and Plantlet Regeneration from Protoplast Culture of Stevia rebaudiana. British Biotechnology Journal 5(1): 1-12.

  2. Dhir S., Garcia, E., Melvin, M. and Chaluvadi, S. R. 2013. TSA: Stevia rebaudiana, transcriptome shotgun assembly. In: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/GANE00000000

  3. Dhir SK, Singh HP, Dhir Seema (2008) Sweet potato: In The Transgenic and Molecular Tailoring in Plants, Transgenic Series, Pulses, Sugar and Tuber Crops, Vol. 3, Blackwell Publishing, (eds.) Chitta R. Kole, Ralph Scorza and Timothy C. Hall, in press.

  4. Singh, HP, Dhir Seema, Dhir SK (2008) Stevia: In The Transgenic and Molecular Tailoring in Plants, Transgenic Series, Pulses, Sugar and Tuber Crops, Vol. 3, Blackwell Publishing, (eds.) Chitta R. Kole, Ralph Scorza and Timothy C. Hall, in press.


PRESENTATIONS AS INVITED SPEAKER AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS 



  1. Dhir Seema (2013): Advances in Biotechnology at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, San Juan, Puerto Rico, September, 2013.

  2. Dhir Seema (2013) Identification, DNA sequencing and molecular genetic variation in Arundo donax Presentation at 2nd Biotechnology World Congress: Biotechnology Conference, Dubai. February 18-21, PO-56, pp.58.

  3. Speaker at the Lessons for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Learned from the NSF Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Program (TCUP) at NSF on “Developing Technology-based Degree Program & Curriculum Plant Biotechnology”, March 14-16, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia.

  4. Speaker at the 2009 HBCU-UP National Research Conference, made presentation on- Developing Technology- Based Degree Program & Curriculum Plant Biotechnology, Washington, D.C. October 29-November 1, 2009.

  5. Keynote speaker: Presentation on -Advances in Biotechnology at the XX Undergraduate Research Symposium, San Juan, Puerto Rico, September 11-12, 2009.

  6. Dhir Seema (2008) Expanding Plant Genomics Training and Research Opportunities for Undergraduates, presentation at American Society of Plant Biologist, June 26-July 1, 2008, Mérida, Mexico, # P01012.

  7. Partnerships and Collaborations: A way to enhance undergraduate Participation/Retention in STEM disciplines. At Department of Education, MSEIP PI 2005 Joint Annual meeting, Miami, FL. 2005.

  8. Expanding Plant Genomics Training and Research Opportunities at Symposium organized by NSF/USDA Plant Genome, Plant & Animal Genomics XII meeting, San Diego, CA, Jan 10th. 2004.

  9. Undergraduate Research Collaborative Genomics Research with University of Georgia at CPBR Symposium at American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C., Feb. 25-26, 2003.

  10. Undergraduate Research Program at FVSU in Biotechnology at XIII Undergraduate Research Symposium held at Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oct. 18-22, 2002.


SELECTED PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS AT SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS



  1. Shannon D. James and Seema Dhir (2016). Analysis of Animal Hair Samples Using Microscopic Techniques for the Forensic Assessment of Individual Identification Characteristics. Emerging Researchers National Conference, Washington, D.C., February 25-27.

  2. Shannon D. James and Seema Dhir (2016). Use of Comparison Microscopy for Analysis of Animal Hair Samples in Forensics Studies. 101st IAI International Educational Conference, Cincinnati, OH, August 7-13.

  3. Seema Dhir (2014). Plant Regeneration and Genetic Transformation in Valeria (Valeriana officinalis L) using Agrobacterium.  Oral Presentation at the 4th Annual International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology (BIOTECH 2014), Dubai, March 10-11.

  4. Ashley Norris and Seema Dhir (2014). Study of the Factors Influencing Agrobacterium-mediated Plant Regeneration and Transformation using Moringa oleifera, Poster Presentation at Annual Research Day at the Fort valley State University, GA, April 15, 2014.  Won 2nd place award.

  5. Ashley Norris, Alicia Williams, and Seema Dhir (2014). Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation and Plant Regeneration in Moringa oleifera,  Oral Presentation at the 4th Annual International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology (BIOTECH 2014), Dubai, March 10-11. Won 2nd place award.

  6. Brentnol Baker and Seema Dhir (2014). Physical evidence in crime scene investigation, Third Annual Research Day held on April 15, 2014 at the Fort Valley State University.

  7. India Murray and Seema Dhir (2014). What can you do with a degree in Forensics? Third Annual Research Day held on April 15, 2014 at the Fort Valley State University.

  8. Emanuel Garcia, Seema Dhir, Srinivasa Chaluvadi (2013) Tissue specific gene characterization and expression in Stevia rebaudiana: A natural sweetener plant. Oral Presentation at Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, Washington, D.C. February 28-March 2, OA-12, pp A6. Won 2nd place award.

  9. Shawn Harrison, Seema Dhir, Srinivasa Chaluvadi (2013) Molecular genetic variation in Arundo donax populations in South Georgia. Oral Presentation at Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, Washington, D.C. February 28-March 2, OA-15, pp. A7.

  10. Adrianna Mejía, Seema Dhir (2013) Genetic transformation in Valeria (Valeriana officinalis L) using Agrobacterium. Oral Presentation at 2013 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM in Washington, D.C. February 28-March 2, OA-84, pp. A38. Won 2nd place award.

  11. Dhir Seema (2013): Advances in Biotechnology at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, San Juan, Puerto Rico, September, 2013.

  12. Dhir Seema (2013) Identification, DNA sequencing and molecular genetic variation in Arundo donax populations. Presentation at 2nd Biotechnology World Congress: Biotechnology Conference…A Step Ahead, Dubai. February 18-21, PO-56, pp.58.

  13. Ashley Norris, Seema Dhir (2013) Study of the factors influencing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and plant regeneration in Moringa oleifera, Oral Presentation at AGMUS Research Symposium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. September 13-14, P45 pp. 74. Won 2nd place award.

  14. Jasmine Scott, Seema Dhir (2013) Genetic transformation of Valeria (Valeriana officinalis L) through Agrobacterium. Oral Presentation at AGMUS Research Symposium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, September 13-14, P 48 pp. 116.

  15. Derrick Williams, Jr., Seema Dhir (2013) Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). Oral Presentation at Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, Washington, D.C. February 28-March 2, OA-94, pp. A-41.

  16. Katy Sanon, Seema Dhir, and Sarwan Dhir (2010). Optimization of Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation in Valeria (Valeriana officinalis).  Oral Presentation at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS), Charlotte, North Carolina, November 10-13.

  17. Nilmarie Colón Albino, Seema Dhir (2010). Electroporation-mediated DNA Expression into Stevia rebaudiana Protoplasts.  Poster Presentation at the 2010 Society for Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference, Charlotte Anaheim, California, September 30-October 3, First Place Award.

  18. Jewelle Ible, Amit Dhingra, and Seema Dhir (2010). Nuclear Transformation of Valeriana Using Biolistic Gun for Transient Expression.  Oral Presentation at the University of Virgin Islands Twelfth Annual Fall Research Symposium, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, February 26.

  19. Katy Sanon, Seema Dhir, and Sarwan Dhir (2010). Optimization of Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation in Valeria (Valeriana officinalis).  Oral Presentation at the University of Virgin Islands Twelfth Annual Fall Research Symposium, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, February 26. Won 1st. Place Award.

  20. Porscha Bumpus and Sarwan Dhir (2010). Plant Regeneration and Genetic Transformation of Stevia rebaudiana using Particle Bombardment.  Poster Presentation at Georgia BIO: Georgia Life Sciences Summit 2010, Atlanta, Georgia, October, 28. Won 1st. Place Award.

  21. Keeona Lawrence and Seema Dhir (2010). Plant Regeneration from Explants and Efficient Agrobacterium Tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Alfalfa.  Poster Presentation at Georgia BIO: Georgia Life Sciences Summit 2010, Atlanta, Georgia, October 28.

  22. Keeona Lawrence, Sarwan Dhir, and Seema Dhir (2010). Efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated Transformation of Alfalfa Using Leaf Explant Regeneration System.  Oral Presentation at ASA, CSSA, and SSSA 2010 International Annual Meetings, Long Beach, California, October 31-November 3. Won 1st. Place Award.

  23. Dhir Seema, Singh Hari P, Dhir Sarwan (2008). Expanding Plant Genomics Training and Research Opportunities for Undergraduates, Poster presentation at American Society of Plant Biologist, June 26-July 1, Mérida, Mexico, # P01012.

  24. Dhir Sarwan, Singh Hari P, Dhir Seema (2008). Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Valeriana officinalis: a medicinal plant, Poster #presentation at American Society of Plant Biologist, June 26-July 1, Mérida, Mexico.

  25. Singh Hari P, Dhir Seema, Dhir Sarwan (2008). Genetic transformation in Arundo donax using particle bombardment: A biofuel plant, Poster presentation at Pan American Congress on Plants and Bio-Energy meeting, June 23-June 26, Mérida, Mexico, #

  26. Lowder, Joy, and Seema Dhir. Biotechnology and its applications.  Annual National Institute of Science/Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society Meeting; Greensboro, SC; Mar. 14-17, 2007.

  27. Kindle, Marcie, Tomika Briscoe, D.M. Tieman, P. Bliss, H. Klee, and M. Taylor. Effect of acid and sugar composition on tomato flavor. Annual National Institute of Science/Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society Meeting; Greensboro, SC; Mar. 14-17, 2007.

  28. McGhee, Rashada, and Seema Dhir. Optimization of agrobacterium transformation parameters for Lycopersicon esculentum using GFP as a reporter system. Annual National Institute of Science/Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society Meeting; Greensboro, SC; Mar. 14-17, 2007.

  29. Mudd, Sophia Cierra, and Seema Dhir. Use of GUS as a marker gene for Agrobacterium transformation of cherry tomato. Annual National Institute of Science/Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society Meeting; Greensboro, SC; Mar. 14-17, 2007.

  30. Hylick Ericka, Seema Dhir (2003) Optimization of parameters for Agrobacterium mediated transformation in tomato for the expression of edible vaccine genes. In: HBCU-UP annual meeting, Albany, GA. Awarded 2st Place in Undergraduate Student Oral Presentation Competition. pp 7.

  31. Colon CM, Dhir Seema, Knowles K, Dhir SK (2003) Optimization of parameters for Stevia transformation using microprojectile bombardment. Oral Presentation at XIII Undergraduate Research symposium 2002, Oct. 18-20, San Juan, PR.

  32. Bass A, Dhir S (2002) Optimization of sucrose level in culture media for In vitro regeneration of hybrid tomato. In: Proceeding of 57th Annual Beta Kappa Chi Meeting, March 28-April 1, Atlanta, GA.

  33. Carter AC, Dhir S (2002) Optimization of cytokinin level in culture media for In Vitro regeneration of edible tomato cultivars. In: Proceeding of 57th Annual Beta Kappa Chi Meeting, March 28-April 1, Atlanta, GA.

  34. Swann T, Carter J, Dhir S (2000) Propagation of daylily by conventional and non-conventional methods. Presented at 2000 World Congress on In vitro Biology: June 10-15, San Diego, CA.

  35. Bethel C, Dhir S (2000) Experiential learning as a tool for improving science education for middle school students. In: Proceeding of 56th Annual Beta Kappa Chi Meeting, April 1-4, Oklahoma City.