Dr. Abdelmajid Kassem

Our research projects include:

Plant Genetics and Genomics:

• Genetic and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of important agronomic traits in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] such as seed protein, oil, fatty and amino acids (AA), isoflavones, mineral nutrients, and sugars contents, etc.

Plant Biotechnology:

• Somatic embryogenesis, cell, tissue, and organ culture in soybean and other plant species
• Plant transformation in soybean and other plant species
• Analysis of transgenic plants

EDUCATION

Dec. 2003 PhD Degree in Plant Biology
Major: Plant Genetics, Genomics and Molecular Biology. Minor: Plant Physiology
Dissertation title: "Whole Genome Linkage Map and QTL Mapping in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Advisors: Drs. Khalid Meksem, Andrew Wood, and David Lightfoot
Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Sept. 2002 Certificate in Teaching Biological Sciences in the Secondary Level
The Illinois State Board of Education
Twenty-two (22) credit hours of Graduate Education Courses
National Louis University, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Sept. 1995 MS Degree in Enzymatic Engineering, Bioconversion and Microbiology.
Major: Plant Secondary Metabolism.
Thesis title: "Somatic Embryogenesis, Rhizogenesis, and Morphinan Alkaloids Production in Two Species of Opium Poppy". Advisor: Dr. Annie Jacquin
University of Picardie Jule Vernes, Amiens, France
June 1994 Graduate courses in Plant Biology: Plant Construction, and Plant Biotechnology
University of Paris XI, Orsay, France
June 1992 BS Degree in Plant Biology
Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A. Administrative Experience

2010-Present Professor and Department Chair
Department of Biological Sciences
Fayetteville State University
2014-2015 Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emerates (UAE)

B. Academic Leadership

Spring 2016 Academic Leadership 101 Training
Fayetteville State University
Completed on May 20, 2016

C. Teaching Experience

2015-Present Adjunct Professor
Department of Plant, Soil, and Agricultural Systems
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4415, USA
2009-Present Professor of Plant Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA
2006-2009 Associate Professor of Plant Biology
Department of Natural Sciences
Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA
2004-2006 Assistant Professor of Plant Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
2001-2004 High School Teacher.
Courses: AP Biology & Environmental Sciences
Percy L. Julian High School
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL 60643, USA

D. Research Experience

1992-Present Conducted individual research, supervised undergraduate and graduate students, and published over 45 high quality peer-reviewed articles in well-respected international journals (see below).
1999-2003 Ph.D. Degree: Research in Molecular Biology of Soybean: Integrated mapping and study of QTL that underlie important agronomic traits in soybean using molecular markers.
Department of Plant, Soil and General Agriculture, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
10/96-3/98 Ph.D. Degree (1.5 years): "Cellular, physiologic and molecular control of adventitious rhizogenesis in poplar."
Laboratoire Cytologie Expérimentale et Morphogenèse Végétale (CEMV), Université Paris VI, France
9/94-9/95 Training period of M.S.: "Study of somatic embryogenesis and rhizogenesis and their influence on production of morphinane alkaloids in two species of opium poppy"
Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et Phytotechnologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
10/93-6/94 Distinction of different strain of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) using PCR and RFLP analysis. Station de Pathologie Végétale, INRA, Versailles, France
8-9/93 Establishment of a method of regeneration via plant tissue culture using Thidiazuron properties. Station de Genetique et Amelioration des Plantes, INRA, Versailles, France.
11/92-2/93 Study of mtDNA and heteroplasmy in Drosophilla: DNA extraction, gradient density centrifugation, restriction enzymes digestions, electrophoresis, northern and southern blotting
Centre de Genetique Moleculaire, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.

E. Personnel Supervision (Research)

2012-2014 Dr. Masum Akond, Post Doctoral Fellow
Project title: "Genetic Analysis of Seed Isoflavones, Protein, and Oil Content in Three Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Populations of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]".
Funded By the Department of Defense: $544,695.
10/13-05/14 Dr. Laila Khandaker, Lab Research Associate
Project title: "Simple Sequence Repeat (SSRS) Markers Genotyping and Construction of Genetic Linkage Maps in Soybean".
Funded By the Department of Defense: $544,695.
2/13-7/13 Mr. Hamza Kharabsheh, MS
Project title: "Plant Tissue Culture: Influence of Different Plant Hormones on Several Soybean Cultivars".
Funded By the Department of Defense: $544,695.

F. Students Supervision (Research)

2016-Present Graduate Students (PhD./EdD) (Southern Illinois University and Fayetteville State University):
Member of the Dissertation Committee (PhD): Zhou (2016-2020). Project title: "New resources of soybean seed composition traits identified through functional genomics". Defended February 27, 2020. Southern Illinois University.
Member of the Dissertation Committee (PhD): Raphael Hamawaki (2014-2018). Project title: "Soybean Di-Nitrogen Fixation: Evaluations in Different Stages and Natural Genetic Variation for Related Traits". Defended April 26, 2018. Southern Illinois University.
Member of the Dissertation Committee (PhD): Meriam Bousselham, Fulbright Scholar from Morocco (2019-2020). Project title: "Genetic mapping of QTL for seed lunasin and isoflavone contents in soybean". She worked in my lab from September 4th, 2019 to August 31st, 2020. Fayetteville State University.
Member of the Dissertation Committee (EdD): Khaled Ouertani (2016-2020). Project title: "Challenges faced by international students in US graduate schools". Fayetteville State University.
2006-2014 Graduate Students (MS) (Fayetteville State University):
Chair of Thesis Committee: Zenis Ambrocio (2013-2015). Project tile: "The Influence of Drought Stress on the Root System of the 'MD 965722' By 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Funded by the Department of Defense: $544,695. Defended and Graduated in Fall 2015.
Member of Thesis Committee: Joshua Underwood (2012-2014). Thesis title: "Exogenous Application of Salicylic Acid can Prevent the Loss of Wheat Resistance (Triticum aestivum) to Hessian Fly Larvae (Mayetiola destructor) Biotype VH9 Under High Temperature Stress". Defended and Graduated in Fall 2014.
Supervised Thesis Work: Melanie Boney (2011-2014). Project tile: "Genetic Analysis of Protein and Oil Contents in 'Maryland 965722' By 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Funded by the Department of Defense: $544,695. Defended and Graduated in Fall 2014 While I was On a One Year Leave.
Chair of Thesis Committee: Bobby Ragin (2012-2014). Project tile: "Genetic Analysis of Yield, Yield Components, and Seed Isoflavones Content in 'Hamilton' By 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Funded by the Department of Defense: $544,695. Defended and Graduated in Spring 2014.
Chair of Thesis Committee: Richard Bazzelle (2009-2012). Project tile: "Genetic Analysis of Seed Isoflavones Content in 'PI 438489B' By 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Defended and Graduated in Spring 2012.
Member of Thesis Committee: Samantha Bogard (2009-2011). Thesis title: "Silica-Based Growth Media: Cultivating Plants Without Soil". Defended April 15, 2011 and Graduated Spring 2011.
Chair of Thesis Committee: Patricia Lage (2008-2010). Thesis title: "Genetic Mapping of Root, Shoot, Yield, and Yield Component Traits in the 'Pyramid' By 'Douglas' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Defended and Graduated Fall 2010.
Chair of Thesis Committee: Evandrew Washington (2007-2009). Thesis title: "Genetic Analysis of Roots, Shoots, and Several Morphologic Traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". Defended and Graduated Fall 2009.
Chair of Thesis Committee: Khaled Ouertani (2007-2009). Thesis title: "The Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 'Hartwig' by 'Flyer' Recombinant Inbred Line Population: I. Comparison Between Early and Conventional Soybean Planting Systems: ESPS and CSPS. II. Genetic Mapping of Yield, Root, and Shoot Traits". Defended and Graduated Fall 2009.
Undergraduate Students (Fayetteville State University, NC):
Ivey Sherrie, Samantha Woods, Diondra Woodert, James Walker, Roy Wang, Bailey Gretchen, Lesly-Ann Samedy, Nicole Krueger, Austin Karlten, Nicole Frazier, Shyanne Gist, Cyntrail Gardner, Mercado Greximar, Daisy Nguainmby, Jennifer Andrews, Danielle Fesco, Kezie Mwaniki, Candy Graves, Vincent Littlejohn, Virginia Salvador, Megan Pagan, Brensha Williams, Ronald Williams, Fridia Desernay, Bobby Ragin, Latoya Tatum, Willsheana Clark, Margerie Stringfield, Jonela Rogers, Lauren Schoener, Laura House, Laura Gore, Hamza Kharabsheh, Fahim Lodhi, Charity Baldwin, Wilfredo Viruet, Vanessa Yepez, Nickolas Torres, Courtney Barnes, Naimah Page, Aeisha McClelland, Faith Benson, Stacy Ward, Betts Frances, Earl Williams, Teresa Register, Kiesha Best, Shontia Blount, Sonia Viera, and Laila Rashad.
High School Students (Fayetteville State University, NC):
Charles Royals, Stephen Myles, Margie Stringfield, Brittanie Harris, and Safiah Kassem.
2004-2006 Undergraduate Students (Kean University, Union, NJ): Shah Komal, Jerry Moczerniuk, Jason Araujo, Allen Alcivar, Josie Jacobson, Jennifer Rainho, Marjorie Alarcon, Amany Ibraheem, Mohamed Rizq, and Tahseena Abdul Majeed.

G. Manuscripts & Grants Reviewing

2012-Present Grant Reviewing for US Research Army Office, US Department of Defense (DOD)
2011-2016 Grant Reviewing for the French National Agency for Research (Agence Nationale de la Recherche - ANR).
2011-Present Manuscript Reviewer for "Journal of Biotech Research".
2010-Present Manuscript Reviewer for "International Journal of Plant Production".
2008-Present Manuscript Reviewer for "Theoretical and Applied Genetics - TAG" and "Moroccan Journal of Biology".
2006-Present Manuscripts Reviewer for "Journal of Biomedical and Biological Sciences", "Journal of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences", and "Reviews in Biology & Biotechnology".
2004-2008 Member of the "Manuscript Reviewing Committee" of the Moroccan American Society for Life Sciences (MASLS).
2004-2006 Manuscripts Reviewer for "Journal of Heredity".

H. Manuscripts Editing

2010-Present Managing Editor of Atlas Journals Series Published by "Atlas Publishing, LLC (AP-LLC).
Editor-In-Chief of "Atlas Journal of Biology.
2017-Present Editorial Board Member of "International Journal of Innovative Research and Development"

I. Conferences Organization

2018 Organizer and Member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
The 4th International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference IV, May 9-11, Aqualipole-Agropolis, Meknes, Morocco
2018 Member of the Organizing Committee
FSU STEM Research Symposium
April 19, 2018, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
2016 Organizer and Member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
The 3rd International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference III. December 13-16, Ouarzazate, Morocco
2014 Member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
The 2nd International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference II. October 20-22, 2014, Kenzi Farah Hotel, Marrakech, Morocco
2013 Chair of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
The First International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference-AMAS Conference I. March 18-19, 2013, Hassan Tower Hotel, Rabat, Morocco
2011 Member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
The High Council of Moroccan American Scholars & Academics (HC-MASA)
January 15-16, 2011, San Diego, CA, USA.
2008 Member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
Moroccan American Society for Life Sciences 7th Annual Conference
May 24-25, 2008, WPI-MBI, Worcester, MA, USA.
2006 Chair of the Organizing and Scientific Committees
Moroccan American Society for Life Sciences 6th Annual Conference
May 5-7, 2006, Ramada Inn, Newark, NJ, USA.

J. Workshops Organization

2016-Present Workshop Organizer
Workshop Title: Teaching Genetics, Genomics, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics
The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference
San Diego, CA, USA
2015 Workshop Organizer (Replacing Dr. Meksem)
Genomics of Plant Development. The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXIII, January 10-14, 2015, San Diego, CA, USA.
O. Online Teaching Certification
4/15-5/17/17 Online Teaching Certificate
Spring 2017 (April 15 - May 17, 2017)
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA

MEMBERISHIPS IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

2016-Present Vice President of the High-Council of Moroccan American Scholars & Academics (HC-MASA)
2011-2012 President of the High-Council of Moroccan American Scholars & Academics (HC-MASA)
2008-2010 Vice-President of the High-Council of Moroccan American Scholars & Academics
2007-Present Member of North Carolina Academy of Science (NCAS)
2007-Present Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF)
2006-Present Advisory Board Member for Scientific Journals International (SJI)
2007-2009 Member of Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB)
2006-2008 Vice-President of Moroccan-American Society for Life Sciences (MASLS)
2004-2006 President of Moroccan-American Society for Life Sciences (MASLS)
2002-2006 Member of Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
2002-2004 Member of American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)PRIZES AND AWARDSApril 2014 "Academician of The Year Award"; Department of Biological Sciences; Fayetteville State University
Dec. 2013 "Excellence in Grant Proposal Submission Award"; Fayetteville State University; Board of Trustees Meeting on December 12, 2013.
April 2012 "CAS Academician of The Year" Award; College of Arts and Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2011 "Academician of The Year - Out¬standing Research & Grantsmanship"; Department of Biological Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2010 "Teacher of the Year Award For Out¬standing Research & Grantsmanship"; Department of Natural Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2009 "Teacher of the Year Award For Out¬standing Research & Grantsmanship"; Department of Natural Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2009 The "STEM Undergrad Research Program Award"; Department of Natural Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2007 The "NC L-SAMP Program Award"; College of Arts and Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2007 The "NC L-SAMP Program Award"; College of Arts and Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2007 "Research and Publications Award"; Department of Natural Sciences; Fayetteville State University
April 2001 "The Best Poster Prize". Poster title: QTL that underlie soybean seed isoflavone content. MA Kassem, K Meksem, VN Njiti, WJ Banz, MJ Iqbal, DL Hyten, J Yuang, TA Winters, and DA Lightfoot. First Plant Biology Research Symposium, April 27, 2001, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.

PUBLICATIONS

I. JournalArticles

Published, In Press, and Submitted

Lakhssassi N, S Piya, S Bekal, V Colantonio, S Liu, Z Zhou, C Bergounioux, L Miao, J Meksem, A Lakhssassi, K Jones, MA Kassem, M Benhamed, A Bendahmane, K Lambert, A Boualem, T Hewezi, and K Meksem. A pathogenesis related protein GmPR10-08 promotes a molecular interaction between the GmSHMT08 and GmSNAP18 in resistance to Heterodera glycines. Plant Biotechnology Journal. Published Online on January 20, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13343.

Lakhssassi N, G Patil, S Piya, Z Zhou, A Baharlouei, MA Kassem, DA Lightfoot, T Hewezi, A Barakat, H Nguyen, and K Meksem. Genome reorganization of the GmSHMT gene family in soybean showed a lack of functional redundancy in resistance to soybean cyst nematode. Scientific Reports 2019, 9: 1506. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-37815-w.
Kassem MA, A Walters, K Midden, and K Meksem. Proceedings of the Fourth International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference IV, May 9-11, 2018, Meknes, Morocco. Atlas Journal of Biology 2018, pp. 422-545. https://doi.org/10.5147/ajb.v0i0.175.
Akond M, J Yuan, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Detection of QTL Underlying Seed Quality Components in Soybean. Canadian J. of Plant Science 28 (4): 881-888, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjps-2017-0204.
Kassem MA, A Walters, K Midden, and K Meksem. Proceedings of the Third International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference III, December 13-16, 2016, Ouarzazate, Morocco. Atlas Journal of Biology 2017, pp. 313-354. doi: 10.5147/ajb.2017.0148.
Al-Saedi SA, N Lakhssassi, MA Kassem, IB Razaq, and K Meksem. Characterization of Diversity of Bradyrhizobia in Cowpea in Iraq Reveals Unusual Characteristics. Atlas Journal of Biology, 2017, pp. 392-401. https://doi.org/10.5147/ajb.v0i0.137.
Bellaloui N, Y Hu, A Mengistu, HK Abbas, MA Kassem, and M Tigabu. Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Temperature Affect Seed Composition, Mineral Nutrition, and 15N and 13C Dynam¬ics in Soybean Genotypes under Controlled Environments. Atlas J. Plant Biology 2016, pp. 56-65. doi:10.5147/ajpb.2016.0157.
Ambrocio Z, S Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Influence of Drought Stress on Several Root Traits and their Correlation with Seed Protein and Oil Contents in Soybean. Atlas Journal of Biology 2016, pp. 267-273. doi: 10.5147/ajb.2016.0140.
Khandaker L, M Akond, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot and MA Kassem. Mapping of QTL Associated with Seed Amino Acids Content in 'MD 96-5722' by 'Spencer' RIL Population of Soybean using SNP Markers. Food and Nutrition Sciences 6: 974-984, 2015. doi: 10.4236/fns.2015.611101.
Akond A, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, J Yuan, D Wang, J Anderson, and MA Kassem. A SNP Genetic Linkage Map Based on the 'Hamilton' by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Identified QTL for Seed Isoflavone Contents. Plant Breeding 134: 580-588, 2015b. doi:10.1111/pbr.12298.
Akond M, SLiu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Seed Sugars Contents in 'MD 96-5722' by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean. Food and Nutrition Sciences 6 (11): 964-973, 2015a. doi: 10.4236/fns.2015.611100.
Bellaloui N, L Khandaker, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, A Mengistu, and MA Kassem. Identification of QTLs Underlying Seed Macronutrients Accumulation in 'MD96-5722' by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Lines of Soybean. Atlas Journal of Biology 3 (2): 224-235, 2015b.
Bellaloui N, L Khandaker, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, A Mengistu, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Identification of QTL Underlying Seed Micronutrients Accumulation in 'MD 96-5722' by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Lines of Soybean. Atlas Journal of Plant Biology, 1 (3): 39-49, 2015a.
Anderson J, M Akond, J. Bond, MA Kassem, K Meksem, and SK Kantartzi. Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Resistance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in MD96-5277 by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean. 3 Biotech 5: 203-210, 2015. doi: 10.1007/s13205-014-0211-3.
Ragin B, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, H Herrera, C Akbay, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Effect of Row Spacing on Seed Isoflavone Contents in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 5 (26): 4003-4010, December 2014.
Kassem MA, L Ramos, D Hyten, J Bond, A Bendahmane, PR Arelli, VN Njiti, S Cianzio, SK Kantartzi, and K Meksem. Quantitative Trait Loci that Underlie SCN Resistance in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] PI438489B by 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line Population. Atlas Journal of Plant Biology 1 (3): 29-38, 2014.
Bellaloui N, A Mengistu, LHS Zobiole, HK Abbas, and MA Kassem. Soybean Seed Phenolics, Sugars, and Minerals are Altered by Charcoal Rot Infection in MG III Soybean Cultivars. Journal Food and Nutrition Sciences 5 (19): 1843-1859, 2014a.
Akond M, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, J Yuan, D Wang, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci for Seed Isoflavone Contents in MD96-5722 by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Lines of Soybean. Journal Agriculatural Food Chem 62 (7): 1464-1468, February 2014b.
Akond M, S Liu, M Boney, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Underlying Protein, Oil, and Five Major Fatty Acids' Contents in Soybean. American Journal of Plant Sciences 5 (1): 158-167, January 2014a.
Akond A, S Liu, L Schoener, JA Anderson, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, Q Song, D Wang, Z Wen, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. A SNP-Based Genetic Linkage Map of Soybean Using the SoyS¬NP6K Illumina Infinium BeadChip Genotyping Array. Plant Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology 1 (3): 80-89, Nov. 2013c.
Akond M, R Bazzelle, B Ragin, H Herrera, U Kaodi, C Akbay, SK Kantartzi, V Njiti, A Barakat, K Meksem, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Additional Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes for Seed Isoflavone Content in Soybean. J. Agricultural Science 5 (11): 20-33, October 2013b.
Bellaloui N, A Mengistu, and MA Kassem. Effects of Genetics and Environment on Fatty Acid Stability in Soybean Seed. Food and Nutrition Sciences 4 (9A1): 165-175, 2013a.
Bellaloui N, Y Hu, A Mengistu, MA Kassem, and CA Abel. Effects of foliar boron application on seed composition, cell wall boron, and seed δ15N and δ 13C isotopes in water-stressed soybean plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, Plant Nutrition, Volume 4, Article 270: 1-12, 2013b. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00270.
Akond M, B Ragin, R Bazzelle, W Clark, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Effect of Two Row Spaces on Several Agronomic Traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Atlas Journal of Plant Biology 1 (2): 18-23, 2013a.
Akond M, B Ragin, R Bazzelle, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Moisture, Protein, and Oil Content in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Journal of Agricultural Science 4 (11): 16-25, October 2012.
Ragin B, R Bazzelle, W Clark, S Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Yield Components in the PI 438489B By 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Journal of Agricultural Science 4 (9): 98-105, September 2012.
Salvador V, M Pagan, M Cooper, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Relative Water Content (RWC) in Two Recombinant Inbred Line Populations of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Journal of Plant Genome Sciences 1 (2): 46-53, 2012.
Kassem MA, L Ramos, L Leandro, G Mbofung, DL Hyten, SK Kantartzi, RL Grier, VN Njiti, S Cianzio, and K Meksem. The 'PI 438489B' by 'Hamilton' SNP-Based genetic linkage map of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Identified quantitative trait loci that underlie seedling SDS resistance. Journal of Plant Genome Sciences 1 (1) 18-30, 2012.
Williams B, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, RL Grier, A Barakat, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Root and Shoot Traits in the Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 'Essex' By 'Forrest' Recombinant Inbred Line Population. Journal of Plant Genome Sciences 1 (1): 1-9, 2012.
Ivey S, K Ouertani, E Washington, P Lage, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Evaluation of Agronomic Traits in 'Essex' By 'Forrest' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean [Glycine max [L.] Merr.]. Atlas Journal of Plant Biology 1 (1): 13-17, 2011.
Ouertani K, E Washington, P Lage, S Woods, W Holland, L Moore, J Walker, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Comparison of early and conventional soybean production systems for yield and other agronomic traits. Atlas Journal of Plant Biology 1 (1): 1-5, 2011.
Kantartzi Stella, Sherrice Allen, Lodhi Khalid, Robert L. Grier IV, and My Abdelmajid Kassem (2010) Study of Factors Affecting Students' Performance in three Sci¬ence Classes: General Biology, Botany, and Microbiology at Fayetteville State University. Atlas Journal of Science Education 1 (1): 13-18, 2010.
Hartz C, P Petty, K Ouertani, S Burgado, C Lawrence, and MA Kassem. Influence of Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, and Nitrogen Deficiencies on the Growth and Development of Sorghum and Sunflower Seedlings. Journal of Biotech Research 1 (3): 64-71, 2009.
Karangula UB, MA Kassem, L Gupta, and DA Lightfoot. Locus Interactions Underlie Seed Yield in Soybeans Resistant to Heterodera glycines. Current Issue in Mol. Biol. 11 (Suppl. 1): i73-84, March 2009.
Woodert D, S Ivey, E Washington, S Woods, J Walker, N Krueger, M Sahnawaz, and MA Kassem. Is there a correlation between plant height and yield in soybean? Reviews in Biology and Biotechnology 7 (2): 70-76, 2008.
Jacobson J, A Alcivar, J Rainho, and MA Kassem. Genomic Regions Containing QTL for Plant Height, Internodes Length, and Flower Color in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. BIOS A Quarterly Journal of Biology 78 (4): 119-126, December, 2007.
Alcivar A, J Jacobson, J Rainho, K Meksem, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Soybean Plant Height, Hypocotyl and Internode Lengths. Journal of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences 1 (1): 1-20, March 2007.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. A Microsatellite Map Developed from Late Maturity Germplasm 'Essex' by 'Forrest' Detects Four QTL for Soybean Seed Yield Expected from Early Maturing Germplasm. Reviews in Biology & Biotechnology 6 (1): 11-19, January 2007b.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Loci underlying SDS and SCN resistances mapped in the 'Essex' by 'Forrest' soybean recombinant inbred lines. Reviews in Biology & Biotechnology 6 (1): 2-10, January 2007a.
Kassem MA, J Shultz, K Meksem, Y Cho, AJ Wood, MJ Iqbal, and DA Lightfoot. An Updated 'Essex' by 'Forrest' Linkage Map and First Composite Map of QTL Underlying Six Soybean Traits. Theor Appl Genet 113 (6): 1015-1026, October 2006.
Shultz JL, D Kurunam, K Shopinski, MJ Iqbal, S Kazi, K Zobrist, R Bashir, S Yaegashi, N Lavu, AJ Afzal, CR Yesudas, MA Kassem, C Wu, HB Zhang, CD Town, K Meksem, and DA Lightfoot. The Soybean Genome Database (SoyGD): a browser for display of duplicated, polyploid, regions and sequence tagged sites on the integrated physical and genetic maps of Glycine max. Nucleic Acids Research 34: D758-D765, June 2006.
Lightfoot DA, VN Njiti, PT Gibson, MA Kassem, JM Iqbal, and K Meksem. Registration of the Essex by Forrest Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Mapping Population. Crop Science 45 (4): 1678-1781, 2005.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, CH Kang, VN Njiti, VY Kilo, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Loci Underlying Resistance to Manganese Toxicity Mapped in a Soybean Recombinant Inbred Line population of 'Essex' x 'Forrest'. Plant and Soil. 260 (1-2): 197-200, 2004a.
Kassem MA, Meksem K, Iqbal MJ, Njiti VN, Banz WJ, Winters TA, Wood A, Lightfoot DA. Definition of Soybean Genomic Regions That Control Seed Phytoestrogen Amounts. J. Biomed & Biotech 1(1): 52-60, 2004b.
Kassem MA. Whole Genome Linkage Map and QTL Mapping in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. PhD Dissertation, Southern Illinois University, December 2003.
Njiti VN, Meksem K, Iqbal MJ, JE Johnson, Kassem MA, KF Zobrist, VY Kilo, D A Lightfoot. Common Loci Underlie Field Resistance to Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome in Forrest, Pyramid, Essex, and Douglas. Theor Appl Genet 104(2/3): 294-300, 2002.
Yuan J, VN Njiti, K Meksem, MJ Iqbal, K Triwitayakorn, MA Kassem, GT Davis, ME Schmidt, DA Lightfoot. Quantitative trait loci in Two Soybean Recombinant Inbred Line Populations Segregating for Yield and Disease Resistance. Crop Science 42: 271-277, 2002.
Cho Y, Njiti VN, Chen X, Triwatayakorn K, Kassem MA, Meksem K, Lightfoot DA, Wood AJ. Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Foliar Trigonelline Accumulation in Glycine Max L. J. Biomed & Biotech 2(3): 151-157, 2002.
Iqbal MJ, K Meksem, VN Njiti, MA Kassem, and DA Lightfoot. Microsatellite markers identify three additional quantitative trait loci for resistance to soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) in Essex x Forrest RILs. Theor Appl Genet 102(2/3): 187-192, 2001.
Men AM, K Meksem, MA Kassem, D Lohar, J Stiller, DA Lightfoot, PM Gresshoff. A Bacterial Artificial Chromosome of Lotus Japonicus Constructed in an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Transformable Vector. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 14 (3): 422-425, 2001.
Kassem MA and A Jacquin. Somatic Embryogenesis, Rhizogenesis, and Morphinan Alkaloids Production in Two Species of Opium Poppy. J. Biomed. & Biotech. 1 (2): 70-78, 2001.
Meksem K, VN Njiti, WJ Banz, MJ Iqbal, MA Kassem, DL Hyten, J Yuang, TA Winters, and DA Lightfoot. Genomic regions that underlie soybean seed isoflavone content. J. Biomed. & Biotech. 1(1): 38-44, 2001.

Manuscripts In Preparation

Yuan J, N Lakhssasi, S Kassem, B Murphy, D Hooker, B Barbara, C Barnes, A McClelland, V Yepez, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Yield Performance of two Soybean Mutants FM6-847 and FM4-2589 Grown in North Carolina. 2019.
Yuan J, N Lakhssasi, S Kassem, B Murphy, D Hooker, B Barbara, C Barnes, A McClelland, V Yepez, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Seed Quality traits of two Soybean Mutants FM6-847 and FM4-2589 Grown in North Carolina. 2019.

Books & Book Chapters

Kassem MA. Soybean Seed Composition: Isoflavones, Protein, Oil, Sugars, Amino Acids and Other Bioactive Compounds. 2020. Book in Preparation.
Shiming L, N Lakhssassi, Z Zhou, V Colantonio, MA Kassem, and K Meksem. Soybean Genomic Libraries, TILLING, and Genetic Resources. In The Soybean Genome. Springer Publishing Company, Sept. 22, 2017: pp. 131-149.
Bellaloui N, A Mengistu, HK Abbas, and MA Kassem. Effects of Drought and Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Seed Nutrition and 15N and 13C Natural Abundance Isotopes in Soybean Under Controlled Environments (Chapter 8). In "Soybean: The Basis of Yield, Biomass and Productivity", ISBN 978-953-51-3118-2, edited by Minobu Kasai. May 3, 2017, INTECH Open.
Bellaloui N, A Mengistu, MA Kassem, CA Abel, and LHS Zobiole. Role of boron nutrient in nodules growth and nitrogen fixation rates in soybean genotypes under water stress. INTECH Open Access Publisher, 2014b. Published. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/56994.
Lightfoot DA, A Sharma, R Bashir, and MA Kassem. Loci underlying soil ediphic, physiological and developmental traits in soybean (height, regeneration, aluminum, manganese). In Recent Advances in Molecular Marker Systems for Soybean Breeding. Li W and Lightfoot DA. 2012. Scientific Press, Beijing China, pp. 255, ISBN: 9787030346780.
II. Selected Presentations in National & International Conferences
Blount Shontia, Naoufal Lakhssasi, Nacer Bellaloui, Safiah Kassem, Zakariah Kassem, Khalid Meksem, Daniel Okunbor, My Abdelmajid Kassem, and Jiazheng Yuan. Dynamic Analysis of Protein Composition in Soybean EMS Mutants. NC Academy of Science 117th Annual Meeting, March 27-28, 2020; Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC.
Rashad Layla, Naoufal Lakhssasi, Nacer Bellaloui, Safiah Kassem, Zakariah Kassem, Khalid Meksem, Daniel Okunbor, My Abdelmajid Kassem, and Jiazheng Yuan. Comparative analysis of lipid composition between EMS mutant and USDA checks. NC Academy of Science 117th Annual Meeting, March 27-28, 2020; Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC.
Viera Sonia, Naoufal Lakhssasi, Nacer Bellaloui, Safiah Kassem, Zakariah Kassem, Khalid Meksem, Daniel Okunbor, My Abdelmajid Kassem, and Jiazheng Yuan. Correlation Analysis of Quality Traits between Soybean EMS Mutant and USDA Checks. NC Academy of Science 117th Annual Meeting, March 27-28, 2020; Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC.
Kassem MA. Genetic Mapping of Seed Isoflavone Content in Soybean. Workshop: "Bioactive, Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Molecules in Plants", Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVIII, January 11-15, 2020, San Diego, CA, USA. Oral Presentation.
Yuan J, N Lakhssasi, N Bellaloui, S Kassem, Z Kassem, S Viera, S Blount, L Rashad, D Okunbor, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Correlation Analysis of the Essential Amino Acids with Other Quality Traits in Soybean Mutant FM6-847. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVIII, January 11-15, 2020, San Diego, CA, USA.
Yuan J, N Lakhssasi, N Bellaloui, F Betts, T Register, E Williams, T Vuong, H Nguyen, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Seed Protein, Oil, and Isoflavone Contents in 'Williams 82' by 'Forrest' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVIII, January 11-15, 2020, San Diego, CA, USA.
Bellaloui N, L Khandaker, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, A Mengistu, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Genetic Mapping of QTL Associated with Seed Nutrition in Soybean. International Conference and Exhibition on Genome Science, September 27-28, 2019, Hilton Garden Inn Houston Westbelt, Houston, TX 77072, USA. Oral Presentation By N. Bellaloui.
Betts F, T Register, E Williams, B Davis, T Reid, J Yuan, and MA Kassem. Investigation of the Correlation Between Soybean Agronomic Traits with Kudzu Bugs Resistance in North Carolina. First Annual Undergraduate & Graduate Research Symposium, April 5, 2019, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA.
Kassem MA. Genetic Mapping of QTL for Seed Composition Traits in Soybean. North Carolina Academy of Science 116th Annual Meeting, March 22-23, 2019, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA. Oral Presentation.
Barnes C, A McClelland, Y Vanessa, J Yuan, N Lakhssassi, S Kassem, B Murphy, D Hooker, B Brown, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. PE0760 Soybean Mutant FM6-847's Seed Protein and Oil Contents in North Carolina. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVII, January 12-16, 2019, San Diego, CA, USA.
Yuan J, MA Kassem, D Okunbor, B Davis, and T Reid. Strengthening Undergraduate Plant Science Teaching in HBCU through Research Experience and Community Engagement. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVII, January 12-16, 2019, San Diego, CA, USA.
Akond M, J Yuan, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Detection of QTL Underlying Seed Quality Components in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The 4th International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference IV, May 9-11, 2018, Meknes, Morocco. Oral Presentation.
Kassem Safiah, Jiazheng Yuan, Naoufal Lakhssassi, Khalid Meksem, and MA Kassem. Protein, Oil, and Fatty Acids Contents of the Soybean Mutant FM6-847 in North Carolina. The 4th International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference IV, May 9-11, 2018, Meknes, Morocco.
Bellaloui N, A Mengistu, HK Abbas, and MA Kassem. Effects of Drought and Elevated Atmospheric CO2 on Seed Nutrition and 15N and 13C Natural Abundance Isotopes in Soybean Under Controlled Environments. 82nd Annual Mississippi Academy of Science Meeting, February 28-30, 2018, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
Akond M, J Yuan, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Detection of QTL Underlying Seed Quality Components in Soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr.. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVI, January 13-17, 2018, San Diego, CA, USA.
Yuan J, MA Kassem, and B Bizimungu. A High Throughput SNP Genotyping Platform for Potato Breeding and Genetics (P0981). Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVI, January 13-17, 2018, San Diego, CA, USA.
Barnes C, A McClelland, V Yepez, J Yuan, N Lakhssassi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Agronomic Performance of Soybean Mutant FM4-2589 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 2017 NC-LSAMP Annual Research Conference, December 17, 2017, North Carlina State University, McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC. Won the 1st Place in Life Science - Agriculture.
McClelland A, C Barnes, V Yepez, J Yuan, N Lakhssassi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Yield Performance of Soybean Mutant FM6-847 in North Carolina. 2017 NC-LSAMP Annual Research Conference, December 17, 2017, North Carlina State University, McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC.
Kassem MA. QTL Mapping of Protein, Oil, and Fatty Acids in two RIL populations of Soybean. NCAS 114th Annual Meeting, March 24-25, 2017, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA. Oral Presentation.
Khandaker L, M Akond, S Liu, S Kantartzi, K Meksem, Nacer Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. QTL Associated with Seed Amino Acids Content in "MD96-5722" by "Spencer" RIL Population of Soybean Using SNP Markers. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXV, January 14-18, 2017, San Diego, CA, USA.
Akond M, S Liu, S Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. QTL for Seed Sugars Content in "MD96-5722" by "Spencer" Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean. The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXV, January 14-18, 2017, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA. Genetic Mapping of QTL for Seed Isoflavone Contents in Several Recombinant Inbred Line Populations Across Multiple Environments in the USA. The 3rd International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference III, December 13-16, 2016, Ouarzazate, Morocco. Oral Presentation.
Ambrocio Z, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Influence of Drought Stress on Several Root Traits and their Correlation with Seed Pro¬tein and Oil Contents in Soybean (Poster #098). The 3rd International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference III, December 13-16, 2016, Ouarzazate, Morocco.
Ragin B, R Bazzelle, W Clark, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, M Akond, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Yield Components in the PI 438489B by 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Poster #099). The 3rd International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference III, December 13-16, 2016, Ouarzazate, Morocco.
Bellaloui N, A Mengistu, HK Abbas, and MA Kassem. Effects of Drought and Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Seed Nutrition and 15N and 13C Natural Abundance Isotopes in Soybean Cultivars under Controlled Environments. The International Crop Science Society of America Annual Meeting, November 6-9, 2016, Phoenix, AZ.
Akond M, S Liu, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Ballaloui, DA Lightfoot, JA Anderson, D Wang, J Yuan, and MA Kassem. A SNP Genetic Linkage Map Based on the 'Hamilton' by 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line Population Identified QTL for Seed Isoflavone Contents in Soybean (P0975). Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXIV, January 9-13, 2016, San Diego, CA, USA.
Ballaloui N, L Khandaker, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, DA Lightfoot, A Mengistu, and MA Kassem. Genetic Mapping of QTL Associated with Seed Macronutrients Accumulation in 'MD 96-5722' by 'Spencer' Recombinant In¬bred Lines of Soybean (P0978). Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXIV, January 9-13, 2016, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA. Application of Genomics to Improve Seed Isoflavones Contents in Soybean. The 3rd International Conference on Global Warming: Food Security, May 5-7, 2015, Al Hamra Convention Center, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Oral Presentation.
Kassem MA, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, and DA Lightfoot. Effect of Row Spacing on Seed Isoflavone Contents in Soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr.. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXIII, January 10-14, 2015, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, M Akond, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, and DA Lightfoot. Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Seed Sucrose, Raffinose and Stachyose Contents in the MD 96-5722 By Spencer Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean (P0711). Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXIII, January 10-14, 2015, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, and DA Lightfoot. Identification of QTL for Protein, Oil, and Fatty Acids' Contents in Soybean. The 2nd International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference (AMAS II), October 20-22, 2014, Marrakech, Morocco. Oral Presentation.
Kassem MA, Akond M, S Liu, M Boney, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, N Bellaloui, and DA Lightfoot. Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Underlying Protein, Oil, and Five Major Fatty Acids' Contents in Soybean. NC Academy of Science 111th Annual Meeting, March 28-29, 2014, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC. Oral Presentation.
Anderson JA, A Masum, MA Kassem, K Meksem, and S Kantartzi. Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Resistance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in MD96-5722 By 'Spencer' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean. CSA, CSSA, & SSSA International Annual Meeting, November 2-5, 2014, Long Beach, CA.
Akond M, L Schoener, J Anderson, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, Q Song, D Wang, Z Wen, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. A SNP-Based Genetic Linkage Map of Soybean Using the SoySNP6K Illumina Infinium BeadChip Genotyping Array. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXII, January 11-15, 2014, San Diego, CA, USA.
Akond M, R Bazzelle, B Ragin, H Herrera, U Kaodi, C Akbay, SK Kantartzi, V Njiti, A Barakat, K Meksem, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Additional Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes for Seed Isoflavone Content in Soybean. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXII, January 11-15, 2014, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA. "Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Moisture, Proteins, and Oil Contents in 'PI 438489B' By 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". The 110th Meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Science, April 5-6, 2013, UNC Pembroke, Pembroke, NC. Oral Presentation.
Kassem MA. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Seed Isoflavones Content in 'PI 438489B' By 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]". The First International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference - AMAS Conference I, March 18-19, 2013, Rabat, Morocco. Oral Presentation.
Bazzelle Richard, Bobby Ragin, Stella Kantartzi, Khalid Meksem, Masum Akond, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci for Seed Isofalvones in the 'PI 438489B' by 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Lines of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXI, January 12-16, 2013, San Diego, CA, USA.
Masum Akond, Ragin Bobby, Willsheana Clark, Stella K. Kantartzi, Khalid Meksem, and MA Kassem. Row Spaces can affect Agronomic Traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXI, January 12-16, 2013, San Diego, CA, USA.
Masum Akond, Bobby Ragin, Richard Bazzelle, Stella K. Kantartzi, Khalid Meksem, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci for Moisture, Protein, and Oil Content in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXI, January 12-16, 2013, San Diego, CA, USA.
Jonela Rogers, Masum Akond, and MA Kassem. Responses of Selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Breeding Lines under mild water deficit. McNair and Institute of Undergraduate Research Closing Symposium, Fayetteville State University, July 24, 2012, Fayetteville, NC, USA.
Jonela Rogers, Masum Akond, and MA Kassem. Responses of Selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Breeding Lines under mild water deficit. North Carolina Alliance To Create Opportunity Through Education (OPT-ED), North Carolina State University, October 16, 2012, Raleigh, NC, USA.
Jonela Rogers, Masum Akond, and MA Kassem. Responses of Selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Breeding Lines under mild water deficit. 2012 Bronco Research Week Symposium, Fayetteville State University, September 2012, Fayetteville, NC, USA.
Jonela Rogers, Masum Akond, and MA Kassem. Responses of Selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Breeding Lines under mild water deficit. State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, November 7, 2012, Durham, NC, USA.
Ragin B, R Bazzelle, W Clark, K Meksem, S Kantartzi, and MA Kassem. QTL For Yield and Yield Components Mapped in the 'PI 438489B' By 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XX, January 14-18, 2012, San Diego, CA, USA.
Williams B, R Williams, SK Kantartzi, K Meksem, A Barakat, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Root and Shoot Traits in the Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 'Essex' By 'Forrest' Recombinant Inbred Line Population. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XX, January 14-18, 2012, San Diego, CA, USA.
Bazelle R, B Ragin, S Kantartzi, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Seed Isofalvones Contents Mapped in the 'PI 438489B' by 'Hamilton' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XX, January 14-18, 2012, San Diego, CA, USA.
Salvador V, M Pagan, M Cooper, R Bazzelle, B Ragin, SK Kantartzi, A Barakat, DA Lightfoot, K Meksem, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Relative Water Content (RWC) in Two Recombinant Inbred Line Populations of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XX, January 14-18, 2012, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA (2011) Genetic Mapping of Important Agronomic Traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. College of Science, July 5, 2011, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco. Oral Presentation.
Kassem MA, L Ramos, L Leandro, G Mbofung, DL Hyten, SK Kantartzi, RL Grier IV, S Cianzio, K Meksem (2011) The First Pi 438489b By 'Hamilton' SNP-Based Genetic Linkage Map Of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and Quantitative Trait Loci That Underlie SDS Resistance. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIX, January 15-19, 2011, San Diego, CA, USA.
Ouertani K, E Washington, P Lage, SK Kantartzi, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem (2011) Comparison of Early and Conventional Soybean Production Systems for Yield and other Agronomic Traits. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIX, January 15-19, 2011, San Diego, CA, USA.
Salvador V, M Pagan, M Cooper, K Meksem, SK, and MA Kassem (2011) Genetic Analysis of Relative Water Content (RWC) in Two Recombinant Inbred Line Populations of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIX, January 15-19, 2011, San Diego, CA, USA.
Williams B, F Desernay, R Williams, K Meksem, S Kantartzi, and MA Kassem (2011) Genetic Analysis of Root and Shoot Traits in the 'Essex' by 'Forrest' Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIX, January 15-19, 2011, San Diego, CA, USA.
Littlejohn Vincent, Megan Pagan, Salvador Virginia, Jazmine Gooding, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. QTL that Underlie Leaf Traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The 13th Biennial Molecular & Cellular Biology of the Soybean Conference, August 8-11, 2010, Durham, NC, USA.
Ouertani K, E Washington, P Lage , DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem (2010) Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) That Underlie Root And Shoot Traits In The Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 'Hartwig' By 'Flyer' Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Population. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVIII, January 9-13, 2010, San Diego, CA, USA.
Ouertani K, E Washington, P Lage, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) that underlie yield and yield components in the soybean 'Hartwig' By 'Flyer' recombinant inbred line population. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVIII, January 9-13, 2010, San Diego, CA, USA.
Salvador S, M Pagan, J Gooding, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) For Leaf Traits In Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVIII, January 9-13, 2010, San Diego, CA, USA.
Ouertani K, E Washington, S Ivey, S Woods, J Walker, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Several Morphologic Traits in Soybean. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA, USA.
Washington E, K Ouertani, S Ivey, S Woods, D Woodert, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis Of Root Traits In Soybean Plants Grown In The Greenhouse And In The Field. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA, USA.
Washington E, K Ouertani, S Woods, D Woodert, J Walker, G Bailey, N Krueger, R Wang, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Nitrogen Fixation in Soybean. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XIII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA, USA.
Ivey S, E Washington, S Woods, D Woodert, J Walker, B Gretchen, N Krueger, R Wang, and MA Kassem. Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Seedling Root Traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) (Merr.)] Plants Grown in the Greenhouse and in the Field. The 69th Annual Meeting, Association of Southeastern Biologists-ASB, April 16-19, 2008, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
Woodert D, S Ivey, E Washington, S Woods, J Walker, B Gretchen, N Krueger, R Wang, and MA Kassem. Is there a correlation between plant height and yield in soybean? The 69th Annual Meeting, Association of Southeastern Biologists-ASB, April 16-19, 2008, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
Hartz C and MA Kassem. Influence of iron, potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen deficiencies on the growth and development of sorghum and sunflower seedlings. The 69th Annual Meeting, Association of Southeastern Biologists-ASB, April 16-19, 2008, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
Jacobson J, A Alcivar, J Rainho, and MA Kassem. Genomic Regions Containing QTL for Plant Height, Internodes Length, and Flower Color in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) (Merr.)]. The 69th Annual Meeting, Association of Southeastern Biologists-ASB, April 16-19, 2008, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
Alcivar A, J Jacobson, J Rainho, and MA Kassem. Genetic Analysis of Plant Height, Hypocotyl and Internodes Length in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) (Merr.)]. The 69th Annual Meeting, Association of Southeastern Biologists-ASB, April 16-19, 2008, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
Kassem MA, J Shultz, K Meksem, AJ Wood, MJ Iqbal, and DA Lightfoot. Composite Interval Mapping Of QTL Underlying Six Traits In Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XV, January 2007, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, J Shultz, K Meksem, AJ Wood, MJ Iqbal, and DA Lightfoot. The Updated 'Essex' By 'Forrest' Genetic Linkage Map Of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XV, January 2007, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Loci underlying resistance to manganese toxicity mapped in a soybean recombinant inbred line population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XIII, January 2005, San Diego, CA, USA.
Karangula M, MA Kassem, J Shultz, MJ Iqbal, L Gupta, and DA Lightfoot. Comparison of genome structures in soybean cultivars using recombinant - And near inbred line based saturated microsatellite marker maps of derived from Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XIII, January 2005, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, VN Njiti, TA Winters, J Banz, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Two additional QTL for soybean seed isoflavones content. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XIII, January 2005, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, MJ Iqbal, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Three additional QTL for yield in a soybean recombinant inbred lines population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XII, January 2004, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, VN Njiti, TA Winters, J Banz, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Two additional QTL that underlie soybean seed isoflavone content in a recombinant inbred line population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XII, January 2004, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, CH Kang, VN Njiti, V Kilo, AJ Wood, and DA Lightfoot. Loci underlying resistance to manganese toxicity mapped in a soybean recombinant inbred line population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XII, January 2004, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, WJ Banz, TA Winters, and DA Lightfoot. Two additional QTLs for isoflavone content in a soybean recombinant inbred line population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XI, January 2003, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, VN Njiti, MJ Iqbal, and DA Lightfoot. Two additional QTL for yield in a soybean recombinant inbred line population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XI, January 2003, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, CH Kang, VN Njiti, K Meksem, and DA Lightfoot. QTL for resistance to manganese toxicity in a soybean recombinant inbred line population of Essex x Forrest. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences XI, January 2003, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, VN Njiti, MJ Iqbal, and DA Lightfoot. QTL that Underlie Soybean Seed Isoflavone Content. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences IX, January 2001, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, MJ Iqbal, VN Njiti, WJ Banz, TA Winters, and DA Lightfoot. QTL that underlie soybean seed isoflavone content. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences IX, January 2001, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, MJ Iqbal, K Meksem, VN Njiti, and DA Lightfoot. Quantitative trait loci that underlie resistance to soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) in Essex x Forrest RILs. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences IX, January 2001, San Diego, CA, USA.
Yuan J, VN Njiti, K Meksem, MJ Iqbal, MA Kassem, M Schmidt, R Nelseon, and DA Lightfoot. Comparative molecular markers analysis of yield QTL in soybean cultivars. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences IX, January 2001, San Diego, CA, USA.
Kassem MA, K Meksem, VN Njiti, MJ Iqbal, and DA Lightfoot. QTL that Underlie Soybean Seed Isoflavone Content. Plant Biology V, July 21-25, 2001, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Meksem K, VN Njiti, WJ Banz, DA Lightfoot, MJ Iqbal, MA Kassem, DJ Hyten, J Yuan, and TA Winters. Genomic regions that underlie soybean seed isoflavone content. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences VIII, January 2000, San Diego, CA, USA.
Meksem K, MJ IQbal, VN Njiti, JE Johnson, KF Zobrist, MA Kassem, DL Hyten, and DA Lightfoot. Common loci underlie field resistance to soybean sudden death syndrome in Forrest, Pyramid, Essex, and Douglas. Plant and Animal Genome Conferences VIII, January 2000, San Diego, CA, USA.

GRANT ACTIVITIES

A. Funded Grants

2015-2016 Ila D. (PI), S Han (Co-PI), C Akbay (Co-PI), MA Kassem (Co-PI), and E Haddad (Co-PI). Analysis environmental signatures of chemical, biological and high energy explosive products by triplet Quadruple Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy. Department of Defense (DOD)$540,391 Funded
9/27/2010 Kassem MA (PI), and SK Kantartzi (Co-PI). Genetic Analysis of Seed Isoflavones, Protein, and Oil Contents in Soybean Department of Defense (DOD) $544,695 Funded
12/15/2010 Johnson L (PI) and MA Kassem (Co-PI). Johnson-IBSO for Teachers: Inquiry-Based Science Outreach Project Education Department $298,344 Funded
Summer 2011 Kassem MA (PI, Faculty), and Melanie Boney (Graduate Student). Genetic Analysis of Seed Isoflavones Contents in the Soybean 'Williams 82' by 'Forrest' RIL population. FSU-HBCU STEM Program $5,000 Funded
Summer 2010 Kassem MA (PI, Faculty), and Richard Bazzelle (Graduate Student). Genetic Analysis of Seed Isoflavones Contents in Soybean. FSU-HBCU STEM Program $5,791 Funded
Summer 2005 Kassem MA (PI, Faculty), A Alcivar, J Jacobson, and J Rainho (Students) (2005) QTL Mapping of Important Agronomic Traits in Soybean. Kean University, SpF5 Program $18,168 Funded
Summer 2002 Lightfoot DA, D Wakefield, and MA Kassem. RET Supplement to the Project: Integrative Physical Mapping of Soybean. National Science Foundation, NSF $10,000 Funded

B. Pending Grants

7/15/2019 MA Kassem and J Yuan. Genome-Wide Association Study, QTL Mapping and Gene Expression Analyses of Seed Lunasin Content in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Department of Defense (DOD) $659,543 Pending
4/3/2019 Yuan J (PI) and MA Kassem (Co-PI). Genetic Mapping of QTL and Selection Lines for Kudzu bugs Resistance in the Soybean 'Williams 82' By 'Forrest' RIL population NC Biotech Center $24,000 Pending
6/28/2018 Ila D (PI), MA Kassem (Co-PI), S Nagdas, and C Padilla. 3D printing of enhanced bone, cartilage and nerve scaffolding. DOD $1,200,000 Pending
5/31/2017 Zhiping L, C Padilla, D Montoya, D Ila, D Hodges, MA Kassem (Co-PI), S Bhattacharya, and S Han. Fayetteville Interdisciplinary Center of Excellence for STEM Scholars. Department of Defense (DOD) $3,754,598 Pending

C. Grants Not Funded

5/7/2018 Engaging Students in Industrial Work Experience to Increase Participation of Underrepresented Minority Students in the Bioscience Industry USDA $300,000 Not Funded
7/1/2015 Feasible Study: Sustainable Desert Farming. (Key Participant) USDA $149,813
3/17/2015 Kassem MA (PI) and SK Kantartzi (Co-PI). QTL Mapping of seed isoflavones, protein, and oil contents in two recombinant inbred line populations of soybean. USDA $499,858 Not Funded
9/23/2013 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Seed Lunasin Content in Soybean. NIH $404,290 Not Funded
7/1/2013 Kassem MA (PI). State of the Art Genomics Core Facility at FSU DOD $458,045 Not Funded
5/20/2013 Kassem MA (PI). Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education Enhancement Program at Fayetteville State University (FSU-ABREE). USDA $149,998 Not Funded
1/30/2013 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Seed Lunasin Content in Soybean. USDA $498,858 Not Funded
12/5/2012 Kassem MA (PI). Molecular Analysis of Soybeans Using Advanced Capillary Electrophoresis System NC Biotech Center (NCBC) $4,953 Not Funded
9/17/2012 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Seed Lunasin Content in Soybean. NC Biotech Center (NCBC) $89,745 Not Funded
8/24/2012 Kassem MA (PI). The First International American Moroccan Agricultural Sciences Conference. DOD $91,500 Not Funded
6/26/2012 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Seed Lunasin Content in Soybean. DOD $449,221 Not Funded
6/7/2012 Kassem MA (PI). Enhancing Bioinformatics Capabilities at the Department of Biological Sciences, Fayetteville State University. UNC-GA $22,685 Not Funded
4/26/2012 Kassem MA (PI). Resistance to SDS and SCN in soybean. DOD $359,861 Not Funded
2/13/2012 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Yield & Yield Components in Soybean. DOD $9,180 Not Funded
5/21/2010 Johnston R, MA Kassem (Co-PI) et al. (2010) Science and Technology Complex (STEM Complex). NIST $9,676,949 Not Funded
5/7/2009 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Somatic Embryogenesis in Soybean. USDA $149,900 Not Funded
4/6/2009 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Seed Lunasin Content in Soybean. USDA $149,924 Not Funded
3/30/2009 Kassem MA (PI). Genetic Analysis of Water Stress in Soybean. USDA $149,983 Not Funded
9/20/2007 Singletary S and MA Kassem (Co-PI). Lunar Agriculture: Feeding the Explorers. NASA $205,111 Not Funded

I teach and have taught the following undergraduate and graduate courses:

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES 

Undergraduate Courses Taught:

BIOL-111 General Biology I
BIOL-111L General Biology I Lab
BIOL-150 Principles of Biology I
BIOL-150L Principles of Biology I Lab
BIOL-210 General Botany
BIOL-210L General Botany Lab
BIOL-320 Biology Seminar
BIOL-430 Special Problems
BTCH-410 Biotechnology Seminar
BTCH-435 Plant Biotechnology
BTCH-435L Plant Biotechnology Lab

Graduate Courses Taught:

BOTN-620 Advanced Botany (Advanced Plant Physiology)
BOTN-630 Plant Development
BIOL-650 Communities and Ecosystems
BIOL-690 Research and Thesis