Two UC Merced-affiliated scientists have joined University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Lauren Hale, a soil microbiologist in UC Merced's Department Life and Environmental Sciences, and Mohammad Maharlooei, an assistant professor of UC Cooperative Extension in agricultural waste management and bioenergy production, are among a number of recent hires by UC ANR as the organization works to address the pressing needs of people across California.
The new experts focus on oak woodlands, coastal water resilience, irrigation efficiency, weeds, livestock, agricultural waste management and bioenergy production, land equity, small farms, organic production, and greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture.
Hale joins UCCE from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service's Water Management Research Unit in Parlier, where she worked as a research soil scientist for the past seven years.
At USDA-ARS, her research focused on agricultural management that improves biological soil health and, in turn, water productivity of irrigated Central Valley crops, mainly through adoption of conservation practices like cover crops and organic amendments. Previously, Hale was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oklahoma studying microbial community dynamics and soil carbon storage.
"Although California leads the nation in organic production, this is only the second statewide position focused on organic agriculture," Hale said. "Houston Wilson served as the founding director of the Organic Agriculture Institute and worked with a team of academic coordinators to quickly develop many education, extension and research strengths. I am very excited to build on this work and help bring state-of-the-art research to California growers."
She earned her Ph.D. in environmental sciences from UC Riverside and a bachelor's degree in microbiology from North Carolina State University.
In her new role, Hale will apply her expertise to advancing research for organic growers and bringing together interdisciplinary teams to address pressing challenges. She noted that solutions for organic producers can be used by all growers because they can enhance strategies for integrated pest management and water management, and help promote climate resilient farms.
Maharlooei will focus on developing engineering- and technology-driven solutions to reduce crop loss and waste during harvest and postharvest operations.
He will work on the design and prototyping of machinery and equipment to convert agricultural residues and byproducts into value-added products - a process known as valorization. This helps divert materials from landfills and supports more sustainable and circular agricultural systems.
"UC ANR is a pioneer in agricultural residue management and byproduct valorization," Maharlooei said. "In this role, my goal is to develop impactful extension and research programs that reduce crop loss and ensure that food is used as food whenever possible, thereby strengthening food security and environmental sustainability in California and beyond."
Born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, Maharlooei follows in the footsteps of his father, who worked at the university in his hometown.
"My interest in agricultural machinery began early in life," Maharlooei said. "My father was a technician in the Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, and I spent many of my childhood summer vacations working alongside him as a hobby. That sparked my fascination with agricultural systems and ultimately shaped my career path."
At Shiraz University, Maharlooei earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural machinery engineering, a master's in mechanics of agricultural machinery engineering, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering of agricultural machinery.
After receiving his doctorate, he joined the faculty of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in Iran. He was also a visiting researcher at North Dakota State University and a postdoctoral researcher at UC Merced prior to joining UC ANR.
"Agriculture plays a critical role in global food security, yet significant losses occur between harvest and consumption," Maharlooei said. "I am motivated by the opportunity to design practical, engineering-based solutions that reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance sustainability across agricultural systems."
Since 1914, UC Cooperative Extension researchers have collaborated with community members to develop science-based solutions on many critical issues.
Read about all the new scientists who have recently joined UC ANR here .
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