Mr. Mohammad Mahdi Badami | Data Analysis | Young Scientist Award
Mr. Mohammad Mahdi Badami | University of Southern California | United States
Mehdi Badami is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) under Prof. Constantinos Sioutas. His expertise lies in air quality improvement, with hands-on experience in air pollution monitoring using advanced instrumentation such as SMPS-CPC, OPS, and Aethalometer 51. He specializes in data-driven environmental assessments, employing Python for pollution source apportionment and emission trend analysis. His research contributes to community-centric environmental policies and sustainable air quality solutions. Passionate about environmental justice, he aims to bridge scientific research with real-world policy implementation. 🌱🔬
Professional Profile:
Suitability for the Young Scientist Award
Mehdi Badami is a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his significant contributions to environmental engineering, particularly in air quality improvement. As a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Southern California (USC), his research focuses on air pollution monitoring and data-driven environmental assessments. His expertise in advanced instrumentation (e.g., SMPS-CPC, OPS, Aethalometer 51) and Python-based pollution source apportionment makes him a valuable asset to the field.
Education & Experience 🏢🎓
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Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Engineering (2022-Present) – USC, Los Angeles, USA 🇺🇸
- GPA: 3.95/4
- Advisor: Prof. Constantinos Sioutas
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M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics) (2017-2020) – University of Tehran, Iran 🇮🇷
- GPA: 3.77/4
- Supervisors: Dr. Alireza Riasi, Prof. Kayvan Sadeghy
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B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (2012-2016) – K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran 🇮🇷
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Research Assistant – USC Aerosol Lab (2023–Present) 🏭🌫️
- Conducted air pollution measurements using state-of-the-art monitoring systems
- Developed Python programs for data automation and pollution trend analysis
- Led collaborations with institutions like Harvard, UCLA, and Dresden University
- Mentored Ph.D. students on environmental research projects
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Research Assistant – Hydro-kinetic Energy Lab, University of Tehran (2017–2022) 🔬💧
- Investigated fluid mechanics phenomena related to blood hammer effects in arteries
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Teaching Assistant – USC & University of Tehran (2018–2024) 📚👨🏫
- Assisted in courses on climate change, air quality, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics
Professional Development 🚀
Mehdi Badami has actively contributed to the field of environmental engineering through cutting-edge research on air pollution, sustainability, and emission control. His extensive knowledge of aerosol science, atmospheric chemistry, and data analysis allows him to assess air quality trends with precision. He has developed innovative models for pollution source apportionment, worked on real-time monitoring systems, and collaborated with leading institutions to improve urban air quality. His passion for environmental justice drives his work towards creating actionable solutions that ensure healthier air for communities. His dedication extends beyond academia, as he actively engages in outreach and policy-driven initiatives. 🌿📊
Research Focus 🔍
Mehdi’s research centers on air pollution control, environmental monitoring, and sustainable urban development. His work involves identifying and mitigating pollution sources through field measurements and computational models. He specializes in:
- Air Quality Assessment 🌫️📊 – Studying PM2.5 and ultrafine particle pollution in urban environments
- Pollution Source Apportionment 🏭⚖️ – Analyzing emissions from vehicles, industries, and natural sources
- Aerosol Science 🌪️💨 – Investigating the toxicity and health impacts of airborne particles
- Machine Learning in Environmental Studies 🤖📉 – Utilizing data science to model pollution trends
- Climate and Environmental Justice 🌎⚖️ – Advocating for equitable air quality policies in urban communities
Awards & Honors 🏆
- Outstanding Research Assistant Award – USC, Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2024) 🏅
- Fellowship Award – USC (2022-2023) 🎓💰 (Recognized for academic excellence in Environmental Engineering)
- National Fellowship for Master’s Studies – University of Tehran (2017) 📖🏆
- Top 0.15% Rank in National Entrance Exam – Iran (Competitive ranking in Mechanical Engineering)
Publication Top Notes:
📄 Design, optimization, and evaluation of a wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) for aerosol collection – Atmospheric Environment (2023) – 📑 Cited by: 11
📄 Size-segregated source identification of water-soluble and water-insoluble metals and trace elements of coarse and fine PM in central Los Angeles – Atmospheric Environment (2023) – 📑 Cited by: 7
📄 Numerical study of blood hammer phenomenon considering blood viscoelastic effects – European Journal of Mechanics-B/Fluids (2022) – 📑 Cited by: 7
📄 Development and performance evaluation of online monitors for near real-time measurement of total and water-soluble organic carbon in fine and coarse ambient PM – Atmospheric Environment (2024) – 📑 Cited by: 4
📄 Numerical analysis of laminar viscoelastic fluid hammer phenomenon in an axisymmetric pipe – Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2021) – 📑 Cited by: 3
📄 Urban emissions of fine and ultrafine particulate matter in Los Angeles: Sources and variations in lung-deposited surface area – Environmental Pollution (2025) – 📑 Cited by: 1