Presented by Dr. Tanvi Govil, research scientist at South Dakota Mines

Genetic engineering refers to the precise alteration of an organism’s genes. Through techniques like homologous recombination or CRISPR technology, scientists now have the ability to modify various aspects of microbes, including their intelligence and appearance, in just three key steps: identification, cutting, and replacement. Dr. Tanvi Govil, a research scientist at South Dakota Mines, will be presenting her work on microbes that break down corn and soybean biomass. She will also discuss how advancements in genetic engineering open up possibilities to harness microorganisms for creating more sustainable alternatives, such as bioplastics and biofertilizers.