Rate My Professor Toktam Taghavi

Dr. Toktam Taghavi serves as Associate Professor of Horticulture at Virginia State University’s Agricultural Research Station. She joined the institution in 2017 as an assistant professor in horticulture and leads the Postharvest Research Program, a multidisciplinary effort focused on extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. Her research emphasizes sustainable methods including the use of essential oils, plant extracts, minerals, irrigation techniques, and lighting to maintain quality attributes such as firmness, sweetness, acidity, color, flavor, and resistance to disease in strawberries and other small fruits. Taghavi collaborates with Extension specialists to transfer findings to growers, with particular attention to the needs of small-scale producers. She has taught nine different courses in horticulture during her time at the university.

Taghavi holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Tehran, where her postgraduate studies centered on plant nutrition. Her work draws on experience assisting small farmers in Iran, Florida, Canada, and Virginia. In 2022-2023, she received the Dedicated-Star Award for Teaching in the Non-Tenure Track category as part of Virginia State University’s Outstanding Faculty Awards. Her contributions center on postharvest physiology and practical applications that support the production and distribution of high-quality fresh produce.

Professional Email: null