Education
B.S., Microbiology, Panjab University, India.
M.S., Microbiology, Panjab University, India.
Ph.D., Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota Mines, USA.
Breif Bio
Dr. Tanvi Govil is an Early Career Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at South Dakota Mines, leading the CellFe (Cellular Innovation, Fermentation Solutions) Lab since 2023. Her research focuses on Extremophilic microbes, the development of their genetic toolkits, cell-free systems, and bioprocess development to prototype sustainable biopolymers, bio-rubber, industrial enzymes, and CO₂ sequestration technologies. Her technology dream is to engineer a scalable, cell-free platform using extremophilic enzymes that can convert diverse waste streams and CO₂ into valuable bioproducts on demand.
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. Govil teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in chemical and biological engineering. Her courses include:
- CBE 217: Chemical Engineering Material Balances
- CBE 434 & Lab: Separations
- CBE 486/586: Immunobiology
- CBE 735: Bio Separations
- CBE 741: Microbial and Enzymatic Processes