Published on by Chemical Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei | Geochemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

professor | Shahrood University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Petrology, Geochemistry, and Economic Geology at Shahrood University of Technology. With over two decades of academic and research experience, he has established himself as a distinguished geoscientist specializing in petrology, geochemistry, and magmatic processes. He earned his Ph.D. in Petrology from the University of Tehran , following an M.Sc. and a B.Sc. marking a steady academic journey in geology. His career has been marked by impactful contributions to teaching, research, and scientific publications, with numerous articles published in prestigious journals such as Lithos and Journal of Asian Earth Sciences. Beyond academia, Dr. Rezaei has actively contributed to supervising graduate theses, guiding many students in advanced geological research. His dedication to scientific advancement, combined with recognized teaching excellence, makes him a highly respected figure in the field of Earth sciences.

Professional Profile 

Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei has pursued a strong academic path in geology and petrology, reflecting his commitment to advancing geosciences in Iran and beyond. He began his higher education at Sistan and Baluchestan University, where he earned a B.Sc. building a foundational understanding of Earth sciences. He continued his studies at the University of Tehran, completing an M.Sc. in Petrology  with a thesis on the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of granitoidic plutons in the Lakhshak area, North-West of Zahedan. His passion for research and specialization led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Petrology at the same institution, where his dissertation focused on the geochronology and geochemistry of North-West Saveh intrusive plutons in Central Iran. These academic experiences provided him with expertise in igneous processes, mineral chemistry, and isotopic studies, shaping his future career as a researcher, mentor, and academic leader in petrology and geochemistry.

Experience 

Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei has built extensive academic and research experience, spanning more than two decades. He began as a teaching assistant at the University of Tehran and the University of Sistan and Baluchestan, instructing undergraduate courses in mineralogy and metamorphic petrology. His academic journey progressed to Shahrood University of Technology, where he became a faculty member and later advanced to Associate Professor in Petrology, Geochemistry, and Economic Geology. Dr. Rezaei has taught a wide variety of courses across undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels, including Optical Mineralogy, Mineralogy, Volcanology, Isotope Geology, Geochemical Modelling of Igneous Processes, Advanced Analytical Techniques, and Migmatite studies. Beyond teaching, he has supervised numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses, contributing to training future geologists. His fieldwork includes mapping volcanic terrains such as Taftan Volcano, and he has worked with advanced laboratory techniques like mass spectrometry. This blend of teaching, research, and field experience highlights his broad scientific impact.

Professional Development

Dr. Rezaei-Kahkhaei has actively engaged in professional development throughout his career, enhancing both his teaching and research capabilities. He has continuously expanded his expertise through involvement in international conferences, presenting research on petrology, isotopic geochemistry, and magmatic processes at platforms such as the Goldschmidt Conference and specialized geological symposia in China and Europe. At Shahrood University of Technology, he has contributed to laboratory development, overseeing the establishment of thin-section labs and optical laboratories, which support advanced geochemical and petrological studies. His professional growth is also reflected in his roles as supervisor and advisor for over 30 graduate theses, fostering academic mentorship and advancing applied geological research in Iran. Dr. Rezaei’s recognition as an Exemplary Teacher  reflects his ongoing commitment to pedagogical excellence. By combining cutting-edge research with academic leadership, he has maintained steady professional development, keeping his knowledge and skills aligned with global geological standards.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei’s skills and expertise span a wide range of specialized geological and analytical fields. He is highly proficient in petrological and geochemical software tools such as ArcGIS, ENVI, Isoplot, Igpet, Minpet, GCDkit, StereoNet, Triplot, and Rockwork, which are essential for analyzing mineral chemistry, geochronology, and tectonic processes. His technical expertise extends to graphical and visualization software, including CorelDRAW, Photoshop, and Illustrator, enabling him to prepare professional geological figures and models. He is also well-versed in Microsoft Office applications and ABBYY FineReader for academic writing and data presentation. Beyond digital tools, his expertise covers mass spectrometry operations, thin-section preparation, isotope geology, and geochemical modeling. His teaching experience across multiple geology disciplines demonstrates his mastery in optical mineralogy, isotope analysis, volcanology, and advanced mineralogy. With a balance of computational, laboratory, and fieldwork skills, Dr. Rezaei embodies a comprehensive expertise in geology, enabling him to contribute effectively to both research and education.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Rezaei-Kahkhaei’s research focuses on petrology, geochemistry, and isotope geology, with a special emphasis on magmatic processes and tectonic settings in Iran’s complex geological terrains. His doctoral work on the geochronology and geochemistry of the Saveh intrusive plutons laid the foundation for his long-term interest in granitoid plutons and magmatic differentiation. His studies explore adakitic rocks, isotopic compositions (Sr, Nd, Pb), and mineral chemistry, contributing to the understanding of plate convergence, crustal evolution, and magma genesis. He has conducted extensive field and laboratory studies in regions such as Zahedan, Shahrood, Semnan, and Quchan, investigating volcanic and plutonic processes. His publications in journals like Lithos and Journal of Asian Earth Sciences have advanced theories on multi-stage pluton emplacement, isotopic constraints on magmatism, and the role of mantle sources in igneous systems. His current research continues to bridge petrological modeling with isotopic analysis, enhancing insights into regional and global geodynamic processes.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei has received several prestigious awards and recognitions that highlight his academic and teaching excellence. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Tehran was recognized as the Top Dissertation, marking a milestone in his research career. In the same year, he was honored as the Top Geologist Student of Iran by the Iranian Geological Society, reflecting his outstanding scholarly contributions. His commitment to education and mentorship has been acknowledged through multiple teaching awards at Shahrood University of Technology, where he was named Exemplary Teacher. These awards underscore both his research achievements and his dedication to training the next generation of geoscientists. His recognition within academic circles, both nationally and internationally, not only reflects his personal accomplishments but also demonstrates his role in strengthening Iran’s scientific standing in petrology, geochemistry, and geological education.

Publication Top Notes 

Dr. Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei is highly suitable for the Research for Chemical Scientist Award. His extensive research in geochemistry, isotopic studies, and magmatic processes demonstrates strong chemical science integration. His teaching excellence and mentorship further highlight his leadership in the field. While greater international collaboration and applied research could amplify his impact, his current achievements, high-quality publications, and scientific influence make him a deserving candidate for recognition.

Mehdi Rezaei-Kahkhaei | Geochemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

You May Also Like