Dr. Rasool Khodabakhshian | Spectroscopy for Biology | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Rasool Khodabakhshian, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Dr. Rasool Khodabakhshian is a distinguished Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, with a research specialization in postharvest technology, machine vision, precision farming, and nondestructive quality evaluation of agricultural products. With an interdisciplinary background bridging agricultural machinery design and smart sensing systems, he has established himself as an innovative academic with a proven impact on the engineering and agricultural sciences.
Profile
📚 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Khodabakhshian began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Machinery Engineering from Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. His undergraduate work focused on the design and evaluation of a pistachio hulling machine, laying the foundation for a career in agricultural engineering innovation. He pursued his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, with research focused on the physical and mechanical properties of agricultural produce and the use of multispectral imaging for ripeness and defect detection. His Ph.D. thesis, supervised by Dr. Bagher Emadi, earned high recognition (GP 19/20), showcasing his aptitude in nondestructive sensing technologies.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Khodabakhshian’s career seamlessly integrates industry and academia. From 2008 to the present, he has served as a design engineer at Toos Fadak Company, contributing to the development of sprayers, balers, and fertilizer machinery. His roles in industry include production management at ARA VALVE Company and quality assurance at Keyhan Sanat Ghaem, enriching his applied engineering expertise. Since 2018, he has been a full-time faculty member at FUM, teaching and supervising graduate students in Biosystems Engineering.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
His research is primarily focused on smart sensing systems, machine vision, postharvest processing, and spectral imaging. Dr. Khodabakhshian has conducted extensive studies using VIS/NIR and hyperspectral imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and finite element modeling to evaluate the internal quality and mechanical behavior of horticultural products such as pomegranate, pear, kiwifruit, and dates. He has also worked on precision crop protection systems, live bug catcher devices, and predictive maintenance for agricultural machinery—contributing to sustainable and technologically advanced farming solutions.
🌍 Impact and Influence
His innovations have led to several granted patents, including the imaging spectrum recorder for agricultural products, a pistachio hulling machine, and a surgical table for small animals. These reflect his commitment to solving real-world agricultural challenges. Dr. Khodabakhshian’s research bridges mechanical engineering principles with biological systems, making him a leading figure in biosystems engineering in Iran and an emerging expert in precision agriculture worldwide.
📖 Academic Cites and Publications
His scholarly work is featured on his university profile 📎 Publication List, where he shares his articles, patents, and conference papers. His recognition as a “prestigious author” by the Food Processing & Technology journal in 2011 highlights his academic writing impact. Though expanding presence on Google Scholar or ResearchGate would further elevate his global citation metrics, his research is already valued by scholars in postharvest technology and farm automation.
🧠 Research Skills
Dr. Khodabakhshian is proficient in MATLAB, ABACUS, SPSS, Minitab, and engineering design software like AUTOCAD and SOLIDWORKS. His programming capabilities include C and Pascal, enabling advanced simulation, modeling, and data analysis. These skills empower him to conduct experimental and computational research, particularly in spectroscopy, elasticity modeling, and machine diagnostics.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
As an Assistant Professor, he teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students in biosystems engineering, integrating his real-world design and research experience into the classroom. His instruction emphasizes smart agricultural systems, non-destructive testing, and precision machinery, preparing students for industry-oriented problem-solving.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Dr. Khodabakhshian’s excellence has earned him several prestigious honors:
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1st Rank in the Iranian Nationwide Agricultural Machinery Ph.D. Entrance Exam among 1500+ candidates.
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Best Poster Paper award for Variable Rate Technology at a National Precision Farming Conference.
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Multiple patents for novel agricultural devices and systems.
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Recognized by top academic journals and institutions for his applied research contributions.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Khodabakhshian stands at the crossroads of engineering innovation and agricultural sustainability. His future vision involves integrating AI-driven diagnostics, automation, and spectral analytics in postharvest systems and precision farming. With growing environmental and food quality concerns, his work is poised to drive smart agricultural transformation in developing and emerging economies. His legacy lies in his ability to translate technical innovation into practical impact, making him a valuable mentor, inventor, and academic leader.
Top Publications
Genetic Algorithm-Optimized PLS for Detecting Adulteration in Cinnamon Powder via FT-IR Spectroscopy
- Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
- Year: 2025
Elasto-Mechanical Properties Assessment of Rice Grains: Integrating Macroscopic and Microscopic Approaches
- Journal: Journal of Texture Studies
- Year: 2025
Macroscopic and Microscopic Investigations of Determining Elasto-Mechanical Properties of Limequat Fruit
- Journal: Microscopy Research and Technique
- Year: 2025
Energy and Environmental Simulation of Employing a Novel Automated Building-Integrated System
- Journal: Simulation
- Year: 2025