Education
B.S., Microbiology, Panjab University, India.
M.S., Microbiology, Panjab University, India.
Ph.D., University of Manchester, U.K.
Breif Bio
Dr. Tanvi Govil is an Early Career Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at South Dakota Mines, where she has led the CellFe (Cellular Innovation, Fermentation Solutions) Lab since 2023. With a foundation in Microbiology from Panjab University, India, and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from SD Mines, Dr. Govil expertly merges her knowledge of microbial behavior with advanced engineering techniques. Active in prominent scientific communities, she has been the President of the South Dakota chapter of the Association for Society of Microbiology (ASM) a member of the Society of Industrial Microbiology, Sigma Xi, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Dr. Govil extends her influence further as a panelist for NSF reviews and as a Review Editor for 'Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology' and 'Agronomy MDPI'.
Research Expertise
Dr. Tanvi Govil leads the CellFe Lab at South Dakota Mines, which boasts over 100 unique extremophiles contributing to National Science Foundation projects focused on environmental sustainability. Her lab uses these extremophiles for cell-free biomanufacturing, a method that employs enzymes and biological materials in vitro to transform unconventional feedstocks like agricultural residues and plastics into valuable biopolymers and biochemicals. This approach enhances carbon utilization and accelerates innovation cycles, bypassing the limitations of living cells and reducing toxicity from product accumulation. Dr. Govil’s work bridges the gap between scientific discovery and commercial viability, collaborating with bio centers like CNAM-Bio and Dakota BioWorx to scale up these technologies. Additionally, she is committed to education and innovation, mentoring students, and fostering entrepreneurial ventures within her team, encouraging her students to transform scientific discoveries into practical and commercially viable products.
Teaching
Dr. Tanvi Govil teaches two distinct courses at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD Mines), tailored to different academic levels within the Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) department. CBE 217, "Chemical Engineering Material Balances," is a foundational 3-credit course designed for undergraduate students. It introduces essential principles of material balance in chemical engineering. For graduate students, she offers CBE 741, "Microbial and Enzymatic Processes," which is also a 3-credit course. This advanced class focuses on the detailed study of microbial and enzymatic systems within chemical engineering processes. Both courses equip students with critical skills relevant to their academic and professional growth in chemical and biological engineering.