Summary

Cornell Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is currently investigating a novel method to combat food waste in India using a specific evaporative cooling strategy. A key component of this project involves using an ice-cold air jet generated by a spray nozzle to rapidly freeze surface moisture on fruits, vegetables, and grains. This process, known as "ZEER," significantly lowers water content and reduces the thermal energy required for drying without the need for high temperatures or chemical agents. By targeting moisture efficiently at the skin level, the technology aims to minimize food loss during harvesting, processing, and storage, thereby drastically decreasing the percentage of food discarded in the Indian market. The goal is to create a scalable, sustainable solution that aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a practical alternative to conventional heating and drying methods for this specific agricultural sector.

Title

Maha N. Haji | Projects

Description

Maha N. Haji

Keywords

maha, haji, cornell, engineering, systems, photography, project, assistant, professor, incoming, university, faculty, fellow, school, aerospace, postdoctoral, associate

NS Lookup

A 185.199.108.153, A 185.199.109.153, A 185.199.111.153, A 185.199.110.153

Dates

Created 2026-04-14

Updated 2026-04-14

Summarized 2026-05-01