Farzaneh Khorsandi, associate professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of California, Davis, has been named the 2026 recipient of the SMV Technologies Ergonomics, Safety, and Health Award, a major award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
The award recognizes outstanding contributions that advance agricultural and biological safety and health through research, innovation, and leadership. Khorsandi was honored for her pioneering work in agricultural safety, advancing ATV and machinery safety through engineering solutions and AI-driven approaches to reduce workplace risks. Her research and extension programs focus on improving the safety of agricultural systems, including tractors, ATVs, and emerging technologies such as robotics and drones, while also addressing heat-related illness risks among farmworkers.
"Thanks to my students and colleagues for their continued support. Special thanks to Salah Issa for the encouragement and for supporting this nomination." – Khorsandi
More information about the award is available here: https://asabe.org/26awards