Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Dessie Tibebe | Soil Fertility | Soil Fertility Improvement Award Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dessie Tibebe, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dessie Tibebe is a researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, specializing in Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Pollution Assessment. He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Addis Ababa University and has extensive experience in water pollution analysis, wastewater treatment, electrochemical analysis, and organic fertilizer production. Dr. Dessie has supervised multiple Ph.D. and MSc students and has led impactful research on hormone-disrupting chemicals, industrial effluent treatment, and green energy solutions from water hyacinth biomass. A recipient of several awards for research excellence and grant acquisition, he actively contributes to sustainable environmental management and community engagement initiatives.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dessie Tibebe has made significant contributions to soil fertility improvement through his research on biochar application, organic fertilizer production, and soil remediation techniques. His work has advanced knowledge in sustainable agriculture, environmental chemistry, and soil amendments. With numerous high-impact publications, strong mentorship of graduate students, and active community engagement, he has demonstrated his dedication to improving soil health and agricultural sustainability.

🎓 Education

Dessie Tibebe Ayele holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He earned his Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, and his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Dilla University, Ethiopia. Additionally, he obtained a Higher Diploma in Teaching Methodology from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

💼Experience

Dessie has served as Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Gondar from 2019 to 2022. He has extensive experience in academic supervision, having been the primary supervisor for five PhD students and over 40 MSc students, along with co-supervising more than 10 MSc students. He has been actively involved in community services, leading a science laboratory outreach project for secondary school students and promoting the utilization of water hyacinth for handicrafts and organic fertilizer production.

🔬Research Focus

Dessie’s research centers on environmental analytical chemistry, water pollution assessment, wastewater treatment, and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. He has investigated the detection and characterization of hormone-disrupting chemicals in water and fish samples, the treatment of tannery and textile industrial effluents using electrocoagulation, and the impact of agrochemical loads on Lake Tana’s ecosystem. His work also includes studies on biofuel production, organic fertilizer development, and biogas generation from water hyacinth biomass. He has been involved in projects focusing on green energy, soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, and sustainable agriculture.

🛠️Skills

His expertise includes analytical chemistry, electrochemical analysis, environmental pollution assessment, wastewater treatment, organic fertilizer production, and the application of constructed wetland technology for wastewater management. He also has experience in technology transfer, scientific research, and grant writing.

🏆Awards

Dessie has received multiple certificates of appreciation for his contributions to research conferences, including the 30th Annual Research Conference of the University of Gondar and the Annual Congress of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia. He was recognized as the Best External Grant Hunter of the Year 2022/23 at the University of Gondar. Additionally, he has received awards for his contributions to stakeholder training, research proposal evaluation, and innovation in water hyacinth utilization.

Publications

  • Water hyacinth conversion to biochar for soil nutrient enhancement in improving agricultural product

    • Authors: Yezbie Kassa, Agmas Amare, Tayachew Nega, Marelign Adugna, Dessie Tibebe
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Year: 2025
  • Trace metal contamination and health risk assessment in fish from Lake Tana and Lake Hayqe, Ethiopia

    • Authors: Tarekegn Fentie, Yezbie Kassa, Dessie Tibebe, Hailu Sheferaw Ayele, Tsegaye Adane Birhan
    • Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
    • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Dr. Tibebe is a highly deserving candidate for the Soil Fertility Improvement Award. Strengthening field validation studies, global research collaborations, and policy advocacy could further enhance his impact. However, his pioneering research and dedication to soil science make him a compelling nominee for this prestigious recognition.

Dessie Tibebe | Soil Fertility | Soil Fertility Improvement Award