Dr. Mahla Zare Mehrjerdi is an Associate Professor in the Agricultural Business Management department at the State University of New York-Cobleskill. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky, a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship with a focus on Business Creation from the University of Tehran, a Master’s degree in Economics from Drexel University, and a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from the University of Tehran. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Payam Noor University.
Dr. Zare Mehrjerdi’s research primarily focuses on consumer behavior in local food systems, entrepreneurial growth models, and agricultural economics. Her work has been published in leading journals, including the Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing and the Journal of Food Distribution Research. Her research on consumer willingness-to-pay for local food and the vitality of local food systems has earned her multiple awards, including first place in the Poster Competition at the Southern Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) conference.
Beyond her research, Dr. Zare Mehrjerdi is an experienced educator who has taught a wide range of courses, from agricultural economics to entrepreneurship, in the US and internationally. She is actively involved in professional development, continuously enhancing her teaching methods and contributing to academic discourse through numerous presentations at national and international conferences.
In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Zare Mehrjerdi has secured various grants and fellowships to support her research on local food systems. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through awards, scholarships, and invitations to speak at prominent conferences. She is also an active member of several boards, including the Cornell Cooperative Extension board and professional groups in her field, furthering her commitment to advancing research and education in agribusiness and food systems.
As the National Agri-Marketing Association advisor for SUNY Cobleskill in the Northeast NAMA chapter, Dr. Zare Mehrjerdi plays a crucial role in mentoring and guiding students in agribusiness marketing, helping them achieve success in national competitions and beyond. Dr. Zare Mehrjerdi is passionate about fostering the next generation of agribusiness leaders and is committed to advancing research that supports sustainable and economically viable food systems. She currently resides in Cobleskill, NY, where she continues to inspire her students and collaborate on research that bridges the gap between academia and industry.