Research

My Work

I am passionate about understanding how changing landscapes, climate variability, and human activities affect water resources and environmental systems. My work combines remote sensing, machine learning, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling to develop practical, data-driven solutions for sustainable water resources and land management. I strive to connect scientific research with real-world challenges in rural/urban setting, agriculture, conservation, and climate adaptation.

Irrigation

Field-Scale Irrigation Mapping

Developing high-resolution irrigation maps across the U.S. to improve water resource management.

Data Dashboard

Water Quality Opportunities in the Corn Belt

Field-scale prioritization of conservation practices to enhance water quality outcomes.

Data Dashboard

conservation Prioritization
LanduseImpact

Hydrologic Response to Land Use and Climate Change

Examining how land use and climate variability impact hydrological processes using advanced modeling techniques.

Topsoil Loss and Stream Water Quality

Investigating how farm management, grazing, and extreme precipitation influence topsoil loss and water quality in the Mississippi River Basin.

extremePrecipImpact

Publications:

  • 2026, Y. Makhtoumi, Y. Xie, T. Lark, “Field Unit Classification of Irrigated Land across the United States,” Scientific Data - Nature, under review.
  • 2025, F. Hasan, Y. Makhtoumi, G. Chen, “Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Ecosystem Services: A Multi-Module InVEST-LCM Analysis,” Earth Systems and Environment. link
  • 2025, Y. Makhtoumi, N. U. Aragon, T. Lark, “Opportunities for water quality improvements in a Mississippi River Basin watershed: Hotspots for agricultural conservation practices,” Journal of Environmental Management. link
  • 2024, A. Abbasi, Y. Makhtoumi, Y. Wu, and G. Chen, “Characterization of cellulose products for seed germination application,” Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications. link
  • 2023, Y. Makhtoumi, A. Abbasi, B. Seyedmakhtoom, V. Ibeanusi, G. Chen, “Evaluating soil loss under land use management and extreme rainfall,” Journal of Contaminant Hydrology. link
  • 2022, Y. Makhtoumi, “Combined Effects of Land use Change and Climate Change on Soil Loss and Water Balance Variables,” Order No. 29399297, The Florida State University, United States -- Florida: ProQuest. link
  • 2020, Y. Makhtoumi, Simeng, L., Chen, G., Ibeanusi, V., “Evaluating Water Balance Variables under Land Use and Climate Projections in the Upper Choctawhatchee River Watershed, in Southeast US,” Water. link
  • 2018, Y. Makhtoumi, A. Zarrati, A. Ardeshir, H. Karami, “Flow Field around a Vertical Abutment,” 16th National hydraulic Conference, Ardebil, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili.