Bonnie Johnson
May 29, 2025
Media ArticleTo improve how Michigan agriculture responds to extreme weather, Michigan State University has appointed Dr. Mohammad Reza Alizadeh to the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. Starting July 1, 2025, Alizadeh will serve as assistant professor, focusing on climate resilience, water resources, and sustainability in agriculture.
Alizadeh’s appointment is part of the Agricultural Resiliency Program, a collaborative effort launched in 2024 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Plant Coalition, MSU AgBioResearch, and MSU Extension. The program aims to strengthen Michigan’s agriculture and water systems amid climate change.
Alizadeh specializes in Earth system science, using advanced tools like remote sensing and environmental data science to study interactions between the atmosphere, land, and water. His research evaluates how extreme weather events—such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves— affect natural and agricultural systems.
“Ultimately, my research is motivated by a desire to develop actionable engineering solutions for sustainability and resilience in the face of these escalating challenges,” Alizadeh said. “I aim to translate scientific understanding into predictive tools and management strategies that can inform decision-making and contribute to the protection of water resources and communities.”
At MSU, Alizadeh will focus on historical and future extreme weather trends in Michigan, develop predictive tools for compound weather events, and assess their impacts on soil moisture, surface water, and groundwater. His work will support farmers, landowners, and decision-makers in planning for a more resilient future.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Alizadeh to the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering,” said Bradley Marks.
Alizadeh brings academic experience from Shiraz University, McGill University, and MIT. He looks forward to conducting collaborative, real-world research that benefits Michigan’s agriculture and communities.
Photo by: www.canr.msu.edu
