Ali Rashid Niaghi
About Ali Rashid Niaghi
Ali Rashid Niaghi is a Senior Data Scientist with extensive experience in agricultural and environmental engineering. He has worked at various academic institutions and companies, including North Dakota State University and Corteva Agriscience, and holds multiple degrees in agricultural engineering and business administration.
Current Role at Benson Hill
Ali Rashid Niaghi serves as a Senior Data Scientist at Benson Hill, a position he has held since 2020. His role involves applying advanced data science techniques to agricultural challenges, contributing to the company's mission of improving crop performance and sustainability. He works remotely from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and utilizes his extensive background in data modeling and remote sensing to drive innovation in agricultural practices.
Previous Experience in Academia
Before joining Benson Hill, Niaghi held several academic positions. He worked as a Research Assistant at North Dakota State University from 2016 to 2019, where he focused on agricultural engineering. Following this, he served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Minnesota for 10 months in 2019 to 2020. His academic roles provided him with a strong foundation in research methodologies and data analysis.
Educational Background
Ali Rashid Niaghi's educational journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Engineering from North Dakota State University, completed between 2016 and 2019. He also holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering with a focus on Irrigation and Drainage from the University of Tabriz, obtained from 2012 to 2014. His Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering - Water Resource Engineering was also earned at the University of Tabriz from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, he completed an MBA at the Industrial Management Training Institute from 2013 to 2015.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Niaghi founded a small agricultural engineering company that serviced over 60 clients and managed 800 hectares of farmland. He also established a factory dedicated to producing high-density foam for the construction industry. These ventures reflect his practical application of engineering principles and his commitment to advancing agricultural and industrial solutions.
Expertise in Data Science and Engineering
With over 7 years of experience in agricultural, environmental, and water resources engineering and management, Ali Rashid Niaghi possesses expertise in modeling, data science, and remote sensing. His skills enable him to analyze complex data sets and develop predictive models that support agricultural innovation and efficiency.