RESEARCHER · MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Kayvan
Razi

PhD researcher at the intersection of deep learning and agricultural genomics — building models that decode the genetic architecture of complex traits.

About

I'm an Iranian computational biologist and PhD candidate currently based in East Lansing, Michigan, where I work as a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University in collaboration with Dr. Cedric Gondro.

My work focuses on applying deep learning models to genomic prediction problems — asking how we can better understand the hidden genetic architecture behind complex biological traits.

I'm open to research collaborations, postdoctoral opportunities, and data science roles in computational biology or ML-driven life sciences.

1st
Ranked among PhD peers, Ferdowsi University
4th
National PhD Entrance Exam ranking
5+
Years in genomic data research
MSU
Current host institution, USA
Research Interests
🧬
High-Dimensional Genomics
Analysis of large-scale SNP data, GWAS, and variance component estimation in livestock populations.
🤖
Deep Learning in Genomics
Applying CNNs and neural networks to genomic and phenomic prediction of complex traits.
📊
Genomic Selection
Conventional and ML-driven breeding value prediction methods including BLUP and Bayesian models.
🔬
Biological Data Analysis
Statistical and computational methods for making sense of complex biological datasets.
Experience & Education
NOV 2024 — PRESENT
Visiting Scholar
Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
Collaborating with Dr. Cedric Gondro on advanced computational approaches for agricultural genomics, including epistatic interactions and genomic prediction models.
GenomicsDeep LearningPython
2019 — PRESENT
PhD Candidate
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Thesis: Application of Deep Learning Models in Genomic Prediction of Traits with Different Genetic Architectures. Ranked 1st among all PhD students in the same major. Grade: 18.21/20.
Genomic PredictionNeural NetworksR
2020 — 2024
Teaching Assistant
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Taught programming (R, Python), genomic selection software (BLUPF90, QMSim), and courses in Quantitative Genetics and Statistical Methods in Genetics for PhD and MSc students.
TeachingBLUPF90QMSim
2016 — 2019
M.Sc. Genetics & Animal Breeding
University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
Thesis: Sweep Signature Detection in Arabian and Dareshori Breed Horses. Grade: 15.28/20.
Population GeneticsSelection Sweeps
2012 — 2016
B.Sc. Animal Sciences
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Foundation in animal genetics, physiology, and quantitative methods. Grade: 13.70/20.
Skills
Data Science & ML
PythonAdvanced
R ProgrammingAdvanced
Deep Learning / CNNsProficient
Machine LearningProficient
Genomics & Bioinformatics
Genomic Selection & GWASExpert
BLUPF90 / QMSimExpert
Quantitative GeneticsExpert
SNP Data AnalysisAdvanced
Publications
2026
Phantom additivity and the unknown heritability of epistatic interactions
Kayvan Razi, Cedric Gondro · World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP 2026)
Certifications
Honours & Awards

Let's work together

Open to research collaborations, postdoc opportunities, and data science roles in computational biology.

razikay1@msu.edu
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