M. Reza Najafi

Associate Professor, PhD, PEng

PhD - Civil and Environmental Engineering, Portland State University, USA (2013)
MSc - Civil Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran (2007)
BSc - Civil Engineering, Shahid Beheshti Univeristy, Iran (2004)


Academic Appointments

  • 2022-Present: Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University
  • 2017-2022: Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University
  • 2015-2017: Research Scientist, Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, University of Victoria, BC
  • 2016: Sessional Instructor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, BC
  • 2013-2015: Postdoctoral Fellow, Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, University of Victoria, BC
  • 2013: Postdoctoral Researcher, Byrd Polar Research Center, The Ohio State University, USA
  • 2009-2013: Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Portland State University, USA

Najafi leads the Hydroclimate Extremes and Climate Change Lab (HydroClimEX Lab) at Western University. Our interdisciplinary research program focuses on addressing the challenges associated with nonstationary hydroclimatic extremes, particularly floods and droughts. Drawing on expertise from diverse fields such as engineering, climate change science, hydrology, hydraulics, risk assessment, data analytics, and statistics, HydroClimEx investigates the complex interrelationships between hazards and infrastructure systems in a changing climate. Our work contributes to the development of robust risk and resilience frameworks, supporting the sustainability of both the natural and built environment. Najafi currently serves as an associate editor of the Water Resources Research Journal (AGU) and Weather and Climate Extremes. He is a co-founder and co-director of the Centre for Multihazard Risk and Resilience (CMRR) at Western, bringing together over 20 faculty members across three faculties. CMRR offers a collaborative Specialization in Hazards, Risks, and Resilience, holds annual workshops on multihazard risk and resilience, and closely collaborates with researchers and stakeholders to address critical national and international issues associated with natural hazards and risks.

Prospective students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting researchers from around the world are welcome to join the HydroClimEX Lab. The lab is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications and partnerships from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. Talented and motivated individuals interested in pursuing graduate or post-graduate research at HydroClimEX Lab are invited to complete this webform.

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