Zhoobin Rahimi, EIT, PhD

Research Scientist | Geospatial Data Analyst | Water Resources & Geotechnical Engineer

About

I am a research scientist specializing in the integration of geospatial data, geotechnical analysis, and hydrologic modeling. My work spans the application of machine learning to GNSS-based near–real-time rainfall forecasting, scalable flood prediction, and the development of automated geospatial data pipelines for monitoring slope stability and land subsidence across diverse environments.

My Ph.D. research focused on identifying the key drivers of land subsidence in urban coastal regions through integrated remote sensing and subsurface analysis. Following a summer internship with Freeport-McMoRan Inc., I became involved in broader geotechnical applications within the mining industry. There, I leveraged my expertise to develop a rapid, comprehensive InSAR-based data stream prototype representing a new class of early risk identification systems for tailings storage facilities and open-pit mining operations.

Professional Experience

Geotechnical Engineering Intern – Freeport-McMoRan

Conducted subsurface investigations, tailings dam safety, slope stability, and integration of geotechnical data with remote sensing.

Research Assistant – Stevens Institute of Technology

Developed Python-based automation, cloud processing, and reproducible scientific workflows.

Water Resources Engineer - MHB Engineering Services

Improved hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and conducted water quality assessment.

Land Surveying Engineer - ACO Engineering

Performed topographic surveys to determine optimal road alignment and slope design. Translated roadway designs into field implementation through grading and leveling operations.

Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant for Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation course - Stevens Institute of Technology

Supported geotechnical instruction, subsurface analysis, and guided students in the use of 3D modeling software during laboratory sessions.

Teaching Assistant for Foundation of Global Positioning System (GPS) course – Universiti Putra Malaysia

Developed hands-on instruction covering the mathematical foundations of GPS observations. Guided students in the use of GPS processing and analysis software

Research Projects

Monitoring Land Subsidence in Urban Coastal Area

Integrated InSAR time-series analysis with subsurface and infrastructure data to quantify deformation mechanisms in urban coastal environments.

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Monitoring River Ice in Cold-Region

Automated SAR-based monitoring of river ice dynamics via a Radiative Transfer Model in Alaska and NorthEast.

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Tailings Dam Safety Assessment

Applied satellite deformation monitoring and water balance analysis to support geotechnical safety evaluation of mining tailings facilities.

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Slope Stability Assessment in Open-pit Mining Area

Applied satellite deformation monitoring and water balance analysis to support geotechnical safety evaluation of mining tailings facilities.

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Monitoring Sea-Level rise and Coastal Subsidence

Investigates the contributions of coastal land subsidence to relative sea level rise (RSLR) in urban coastal regions of New York and New Jersey.

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GNSS-Based Near–Real-Time Rainfall Forecasting

Developed a nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous input (NARX) to forecast rainfall using GNSS-derived precipitable water vapor (PWV) and ground rainfall data.

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Publications

Grants, Fellowships & Awards

Curriculum Vitae

A detailed academic CV including publications, teaching experience, technical expertise, and professional service is available below.

Download CV (PDF)

Contact

📍 Raleigh, North Carolina

📧 zrahimi@stevens.edu

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📚 Google Scholar · ORCID