Postdoc Researcher at University of Tehran, Iran
Dr. Saeedeh Zarbakhsh is an emerging scientist in the field of plant sciences, specializing in plant responses to abiotic stress, in vitro culture, and physiological adaptations under controlled environmental conditions. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Tehran, she integrates conventional plant biology with modern computational techniques, including machine learning, to optimize crop performance under artificial lighting. With 17 publications in reputable journals and editorial appointments in the Plant Stress journal, she is building a notable academic presence. Her research contributions span tissue culture innovations, postharvest physiology, and predictive modeling in plant science. She is also actively engaged in academic instruction and workshop facilitation, bridging theory and practice for students and stakeholders. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining plant physiology with data science, places her at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research, especially under climate change and resource-limited conditions.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Zarbakhsh holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, during which she investigated the in vitro and in vivo modulation of drought and salinity stress in pomegranate using gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Her M.Sc. research focused on postharvest quality and the effects of gamma irradiation on date fruit cultivars, reflecting an early interest in crop resilience and food preservation. She has cultivated a research foundation rooted in plant stress biology, supported by strong academic training in physiology, tissue culture, and postharvest technology. Her education has not only been focused on fundamental sciences but also geared toward practical applications in agriculture and food security. This strong academic base has equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and technical skill set necessary for interdisciplinary and applied plant research.
Professional Experience💼
Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Tehran, Dr. Zarbakhsh is working on machine learning-based modeling of plant traits under artificial light conditions, using basil as a model crop. She has previously served as a lecturer at various universities in Iran, delivering courses in plant physiology, stress biology, and tissue culture. Her professional background also includes organizing and leading workshops for researchers and practitioners, thereby extending her influence beyond academia. In addition to academic roles, her postdoctoral research includes a consultancy aspect, translating lab results into practical, scalable systems for controlled-environment agriculture. Her work environment emphasizes collaboration, multidisciplinary integration, and problem-solving—traits that are evident in her current and past research projects.
Research Interest🔬
Dr. Zarbakhsh’s primary research interests lie in plant stress physiology, controlled-environment agriculture, in vitro propagation, and postharvest biology. She is particularly focused on how plants respond to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and artificial light conditions. Her recent postdoctoral work integrates machine learning to predict and optimize photosynthesis, morphology, and crop yield, which shows her commitment to innovation. Her research also explores the physiological mechanisms of plant resilience, biostimulant applications, and enhancing crop quality during postharvest handling. By applying both classical physiological approaches and modern computational tools, she aims to develop sustainable solutions for global agriculture, especially under climate and resource pressures.
Research Skill🔎
Dr. Zarbakhsh possesses a diverse set of research skills that span experimental plant biology, in vitro tissue culture, gas exchange analysis, fluorescence imaging, and controlled-environment system design. Her proficiency in using machine learning algorithms to interpret complex physiological datasets is a unique strength in her field. She is experienced in designing experiments involving drought/salinity simulations, stress biomarker quantification, and statistical modeling. Furthermore, she has hands-on expertise in artificial lighting protocols for plant growth and understands both plant-environment interactions and computational optimization. Her skill set is enriched by her ability to communicate findings through scientific writing and peer-reviewed publications.
Awards and Honors🏆
While specific awards are not listed in her profile, Dr. Saeedeh Zarbakhsh holds multiple editorial positions, including Guest Editor for a Special Issue on biostimulants in the Plant Stress journal and Junior Editor since 2024. These appointments reflect peer recognition of her scientific competence and subject expertise. Her selection for a competitive postdoctoral research project also serves as a mark of merit. With her growing body of publications and contributions to scholarly literature, she is positioning herself for future accolades, particularly in the domains of plant stress physiology and sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion📝
Dr. Saeedeh Zarbakhsh is a promising early-career researcher with strong interdisciplinary skills, a growing scientific publication record, and demonstrated leadership in both research and outreach. Her innovative postdoctoral work using AI for predicting plant performance under artificial light stands out as cutting-edge.
Publications Top Noted📚
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2019 – Influence of postharvest gamma irradiation on the antioxidant system, microbial and shelf life quality of three cultivars of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, S. Rastegar
Journal: Scientia Horticulturae 247, 275-286
Citations: 50
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2023 – Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid improves the photosynthesis efficiency, soluble sugar contents, and mineral nutrients in pomegranate plants exposed to drought, salinity, and …
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, A.R. Shahsavar
Journal: BMC Plant Biology 23 (1), 543
Citations: 42
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2018 – Biochemical, physiological changes and antioxidant responses of cut gladiolus flower ‘White Prosperity’ induced by nitric oxide
Authors: H. Kazemzadeh-Beneh, D. Samsampour, S. Zarbakhsh
Journal: Advances in Horticultural Science 32 (3), 421-432
Citations: 17
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2020 – Quality preservation of minimally processed pomegranate cv. Jahrom arils based on chitosan and organic acid edible coatings
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, H. Kazemzadeh‐Beneh, S. Rastegar
Journal: Journal of Food Safety 40 (2), e12752
Citations: 16
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2024 – Predicting and optimizing reactive oxygen species metabolism in Punica granatum L. through machine learning: role of exogenous GABA on antioxidant enzyme …
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, A.R. Shahsavar, A. Afaghi, M. Hasanuzzaman
Journal: BMC Plant Biology 24 (1), 65
Citations: 15
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2022 – Artificial neural network-based model to predict the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid on salinity and drought responsive morphological traits in pomegranate
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, A.R. Shahsavar
Journal: Scientific Reports 12 (1), 16662
Citations: 13
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2024 – Optimizing PGRs for in vitro shoot proliferation of pomegranate with bayesian-tuned ensemble stacking regression and NSGA-II: a comparative evaluation of machine learning models
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, A.R. Shahsavar, M. Soltani
Journal: Plant Methods 20 (1), 82
Citations: 4
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2017 – The Effect of Salicylic Acid and Gum Arabic on Some Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam During Storage
Authors: S. Zarbakhsh, S. Rastegar
Journal: Journal of Food Technology and Nutrition 14 (254), 87-98
Citations: 4