Biotechnology (Minor)

A minor in biotechnology could lead to a future in epidemiology, vaccine discovery, pharmaceuticals and much more.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a minor in biotechnology for those students with an interest in laboratory techniques and technological advances in science.

Why Choose This Minor?

The minor in Biotechnology allow students to rise to the ever growing challenge of discovering new genes, vaccines, and other innovative technology in the STEM field.

If you interested in adding this minor to your biology degree, please stop by the department office in LSA Room 124 and Mrs. Keller would be happy to assist you.

What Will You Learn?

As a Biology major with a minor in Biotechnology, you will learn:

  • Laboratory Techniques that will enhance your skills to be utilized in the Biotechnology field.
  • Learn DNA sequencing, PCR, Western Blotting and much more!

What Will You Do?

  • Biological technician
  • Microbiologist
  • Medical scientist
  • Biochemist and biophysicist
  • Natural sciences manager
Faculty

Dr. Abdelmajid Kassem, Ph.D.

Professor and Department Chair
Office: LSA 124
Phone: (910) 672-1692
E-mail: mkassem@uncfsu.edu
Background:

In 1999, Dr. Kassem joined the Center for Excellence in Soybean Research, Teaching, and Outreach, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA. Kassem joined Kean University as Assistant Professor of Botany in 2004 and Fayetteville State University (FSU) as an Associate Professor of Botany in 2006. At FSU, he was promoted to Full Professor in 2009 and Dept. Chair in 2010. Dr. Kassem also served as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) for one year (2014-2015) and rejoined his position as Dept. Chair at FSU in August 2015. Dr. Kassem serves as an Advisory Board member of Scientific Journals International (SJI), an Associate Editor of Journal of Forestry, Horticulture, and Soil Science, a member of the Editorial Board of Journal of Biotech Research, and a reviewer for several international journals and funding agencies.

Dr. Lieceng Zhu

Associate Professor/ Assistant Chair
Office: STB 417
Phone: (910) 672-1655
E-mail: lzhu@uncfsu.edu
Background:

Dr. Lieceng Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences (DOBS) at Fayetteville State University (FSU). She teaches a variety of Biology, Zoology, and Forensic Science courses including BIOL/FORS 431, Population Genetics; FORS 410, Technical Writing in Forensic Science; and ZOOL 310, Principle of Genetics. Dr. Zhu's research focuses on the impact of environmental stresses on resistance of wheat plants to the Hessian fly. Since 2009, she has trained 25 students in research and publications at FSU. Dr. Zhu has published 27 papers in peer-reviewed journals and given 20 presentations in international, national and regional conferences. Because of her efforts and accomplishments in research, Dr. Zhu was selected as the 2015-2016 Academician of the Year in both DOBS and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Additionally, Dr. Zhu has devoted herself to the success of students, faculty, and the university through service. She has served as the Assistant Chair for five years, and served as the Interim Chair of the DOBS during the 2014-2015 academic year.

Dr. Erin White

Associate Professor
Office: LS 230
Phone: (910) 672-1128
E-mail: ewhite@uncfsu.edu
Background:

Dr. Erin White is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences (DOB) and Interim Director of Honors Program at Fayetteville State University. Dr. White brings to Fayetteville State University her expertise in Molecular Biology. Since joining the Fayetteville State University family, in August 2005, Dr. White has taught courses in General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Scientific Communication and various Biotechnology courses. Dr. White serves(d) as Principal and Co-Principal Investigator on grants funded by the US Department of Education, National Science Foundation and NC Biotechnology Center. These grants supported the development of web-based courses in STEM disciplines, recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities and women in STEM disciplines, academic support for STEM undergraduates, preparing K-12 STEM educators and professional development workshops for K-12 STEM educators. Since 2005, Dr. White has published in several peer-reviewed journals and given presentations at international and national conferences. Previously her research interest involved studying the differences among mammalian flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs), in regards to catalytic activity and substrate specificity, and how this relates to structure-function of the enzymes. At present, her research interest is more focused towards undergraduate science education; student retention in STEM, and strategies to improve undergraduate science and math achievement. Dr. White has been recognized by the university as a recipient of the 2014-2015 Advisor of the Year and twice received the DOB Teacher of the Year Award (2009-2010 and 2015-2016).