By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University has welcomed Dr. Mohammad Reza Alizadeh as an assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Alizadeh will lead research to help Michigan agriculture and water resources adapt to extreme weather events.
His appointment is part of the Agricultural Resiliency Program, launched in 2024 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Plant Coalition, MSU AgBioResearch, and MSU Extension.
This program supports research that protects freshwater systems essential to farming and rural communities.
Alizadeh is an Earth system scientist with expertise in how air, land, and water interact across space and time. He brings experience from MIT and international research in how climate variability affects groundwater and agriculture.
His work uses advanced techniques such as remote sensing, geospatial analytics, and environmental data science to understand the causes and impacts of extreme weather.
Some of his top priorities at MSU include analyzing trends in extreme weather across Michigan, developing forecasting tools for compound events like drought followed by heavy rain, and measuring impacts on soil moisture, surface water, and groundwater.
These efforts will support data-driven decision-making for farmers and natural resource managers.
“My research is aimed at creating real solutions for sustainability and resilience,” Alizadeh said. “I want to help communities face challenges like droughts, floods, and heatwaves with tools that are both scientific and practical.”
MSU faculty leaders are excited about the appointment. Dr. Bradley Marks, department chair, said Alizadeh’s innovative methods will offer critical insights for Michigan agriculture and natural resource planning.
With a strong mission to serve public needs, MSU is poised to benefit from Alizadeh’s commitment to impactful, collaborative research.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education