Publication Profile
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Educational Details
Dr. Alireza Rashki earned his Ph.D. in Geoinformatics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012, focusing on the seasonality, mineral, chemical, and optical properties of dust storms in the Sistan region of Iran and their influence on human health. He holds an M.Sc. in Natural Resources Engineering – Watershed Management from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2005) and a B.Sc. in Natural Resources Engineering – Rangeland and Watershed Management from Sistan and Baluchistan University (2000).
Professional Experience
Dr. Rashki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Desert and Arid Zone Management at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, where he has been serving since 2013. He has extensive experience in environmental management, previously working as a research scholar at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center (2004–2009) and as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Pretoria (2012–2013). His international engagements include developing and lecturing in the EU-funded International MSc Educational Program on Environmental Management and Modelling (GeoNetC), where he designed and taught courses in GIS and remote sensing (2017–2019). Additionally, he has held leadership roles such as Head of International Cooperation and Development and Head of Communication with Society and Industry at FUM.
Research Interest
Dr. Rashki specializes in atmospheric aerosols, wind erosion, dust storms, environmental remote sensing, and desertification control. His research integrates fieldwork, GIS, and advanced modeling techniques to assess the impact of aeolian processes on human health, air quality, and land degradation. He has expertise in species distribution modeling, machine learning applications in environmental science, and dust trajectory analysis.
Author Metrics
Dr. Rashki has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including more than 50 indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. His research has been widely cited, with an H-index of 27 on Scopus and over 2,800 citations on Google Scholar. He has been recognized as a Top Researcher at Ferdowsi University multiple times (2019–2022).
Top Noted Publication
Dust storms and their horizontal dust loading in the Sistan region, Iran
- Authors: A. Rashki, D.G. Kaskaoutis, C.J.W. Rautenbach, P.G. Eriksson, M. Qiang, et al.
- Journal: Aeolian Research, Volume 5, Pages 51–62 (2012)
- Citations: 252
- Summary: This study analyzes the horizontal dust loading of dust storms in Sistan, Iran, evaluating their intensity, frequency, and sources. The research highlights the significant contribution of the Hamoun dry lake beds as major dust sources.
Dryness of ephemeral lakes and consequences for dust activity: the case of the Hamoun drainage basin, southeastern Iran
- Authors: A. Rashki, D.G. Kaskaoutis, A.S. Goudie, R.A. Kahn
- Journal: Science of the Total Environment, Volume 463, Pages 552–564 (2013)
- Citations: 236
- Summary: This paper explores how the drying of the Hamoun lakes exacerbates dust storm activity in Sistan. It assesses land surface conditions, meteorological drivers, and environmental impacts of increased dust emission.
- Assessment of chemical and mineralogical characteristics of airborne dust in the Sistan region, Iran
- Authors: A. Rashki, P.G. Eriksson, C.J.W. Rautenbach, D.G. Kaskaoutis, W. Grote, et al.
- Journal: Chemosphere, Volume 90 (2), Pages 227–236 (2013)
- Citations: 168
- Summary: This research investigates the chemical and mineral composition of airborne dust in Sistan. It identifies heavy metals, salts, and other minerals that have implications for air quality, human health, and climate.
Dust storms in Iran – Distribution, causes, frequencies and impacts
- Authors: A. Rashki, N.J. Middleton, A.S. Goudie
- Journal: Aeolian Research, Volume 48, Article 100655 (2021)
- Citations: 166
- Summary: A comprehensive review of dust storm patterns across Iran, detailing their meteorological drivers, seasonal trends, and ecological consequences. The study also discusses potential mitigation strategies.
Dust-storm dynamics over Sistan region, Iran: Seasonality, transport characteristics, and affected areas
- Authors: A. Rashki, D.G. Kaskaoutis, P. Francois, P.G. Kosmopoulos, M. Legrand
- Journal: Aeolian Research, Volume 16, Pages 35–48 (2015)
- Citations: 163
- Summary: This study examines the seasonality and transport pathways of dust storms in Sistan. It uses satellite data, meteorological observations, and modeling to track dust movement and its impact on air quality and climate.
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alireza Rashki is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to aeolian research, atmospheric science, and environmental management. His strong publication record, international collaborations, and leadership roles make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing areas like larger research grants, policy collaborations, and public outreach would further solidify his standing as a global leader in his field.