Fort Valley State University

Safira Sutton, a senior at Fort Valley State University, is already making strides toward becoming a scientist. Aside from earning a biotechnology scholarship and interning for research programs, the 24-year-old has been studying a protein in plants to see how it can benefit humans with certain illnesses.

The Warner Robins native is so impressive that she was nominated, and selected, as a national role model.

“When people actually recognize that you are trying to make a difference, it actually makes you feel well,” Sutton said.

Sutton, a plant science major with a concentration in biotechnology, received honors at the ninth annual National Role Models Conference held from Sept. 26-29 in Arlington, Va. The event is an opportunity to recognize institutions and individuals who have excelled in producing and supporting researchers of color, particularly those in the biomedical sciences and health-related fields.

“We’re very proud of Safira. We believe she has a bright future in the biotechnology industry,” said Dr. Sarwan Dhir, an associate professor at FVSU and director of its Center for Biotechnology. He is also the director of multiple National Science Foundation programs at the university.

The National Role Models Conference is sponsored by the non-profit organization Minority Access, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Health.

“For our students to win top prizes and to be honored as role models after competing against students from larger universities, with greater resources, is quite exceptional,” said Dhir, who is Sutton’s advisor and nominated her for the award. “It’s a testament to the talent, hard work, exceptional leadership and high standards of our students, along with outstanding training and mentoring provided by our faculty at Fort Valley State University.”

Sutton plans to pursue her master’s and doctorate degrees and eventually she would like to have her own lab to do research that can one day ease world hunger and cure diseases.

“The support I have from Dr. Dhir and Seema Dhir, [an assistant professor of biology of FVSU], is unbelievable. They help make me believe that I am a scientist in the making. If I ever have a bump in the road they are there to help me get over it,” Sutton said. “Since I have been a part of the NSF U.S. Department of Agriculture program, I finally understand that education is key, and if you truly put your mind to something it can be accomplished.”