In 12 years of association with Arab Minch University, Dr Simon Shibru Cheche has wielded several positions till date. With PhD from Antwerp University, Belgium, he is now appointed as Director of Research Directorate on 31st May, 2016.

Dr Simon, hailed from Ochololantie village, had first degree in Biology in 1992 and PG in Botany in 1999 from Addis Ababa University. He started his career as a teacher in Konso Secondary School, followed by instructor in Arba Minch Teachers’ Training College where he served as Head of Department and Dean of students for 2 years each. In 2000, he joined Addis Ababa-based Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Research where he served for five years as a Botanist in Forest Genetic Resource Conservation Project.

He entered AMU in 2004 as a lecturer in biology department and steered World Bank Funded capacity building project (DIF). He was also instrumental in bagging eight different projects.

From 2000 to 2010, he was associated with Resource Oriented Sanitation Concepts for Peri-Urban areas of Africa (ROSA) and as a CEPD Coordinator in 2005. During his two-year (2007-9) stint as Research and Publication Officer, he was made Assistant Professor in 2008. In August 2009, having assumed Vice President for Administration and Development office, he served till February 2012, before leaving for doctoral study.

On his priority, he stressed, ‘‘Research should be one of the important pillars to complement green economy policy of Ethiopia under GTP-II and for future. So first, I will ensure our staff and students’ proposals fit into the research themes of university that are in line with government policy. Demand-driven action research will be given prominence thus making sure they are problem solving.”

Further he adds, ‘‘Research projects focusing on an integrated watershed management, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration will be given top priority as they are vital for the implementation of climate resilient green economy policy in Ethiopia.’’

In this context, he adds, Grand Kulfo Project assumes great importance; besides, Millennium Park at the backyard of new management building is exemplary in a way as it has demonstrated how determined efforts can transform a degraded land into forest.

He opined that graduate research should be linked to research themes for which School of Graduate Studies and Research Directorate need to synergize their efforts; and also assured his efforts for the same. As academic institute, we should build bridge between decision-makers and community, where research can play a pivotal role in generating knowledge.

On innovation he intends to bring, he said, “Having acquired PhD, your mental horizon gets wider, so here; I will have to be a mentor instead of getting lost in a solitary mission. Thereafter, guiding and mentoring youngsters in their research endeavors will be my motto.”

 

(By Philips Joseph: Corporate Communication Directorate)