Institute of Technology’s Scientific Director, Dr Negash Wagesho Amencho, who was serving Arba Minch University as an Assistant Professor since July 8, 2012, has now been promoted as Associate Professor.
Being AMU alumni, after BSc in Irrigation Engineering, he began his career as a Graduate Assistant in July 2002, but immediately after two months resumed MSc studies in AMU and had privilege to complete two-month research work in Siegen University, Germany.
From 2002 to 2003, he served as Assistant Lecturer and after completing MSc in 2004, he worked as a lecturer till 2009, of which, three years (2006-9), he headed Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering Department and was engaged in different activities.
In July 2009, he joined Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India, for PhD in Hydrology. Unexpectedly, had published three research papers in reputed international journals and could be able to complete his PhD in three years time span.
With PhD under his belt, in July 2012, he was assigned the position of Scientific Director of Institute of Technology that entitled him the privileges similar to that of other Vice Presidents.
‘‘Till date, I could publish 10 research papers in reputed international and national journals while three more are in the pipeline,’’ he said.
On his achievements, he adds, ‘‘Having assumed this office, we could get UNESCO-IHE two Million Euro fund for four-year engineering program for Master students. It also had doctoral scholarship abroad for our instructors, etc.’’
‘‘We also got project fund from United Nation Economic Commission for Africa related to climate change, flood loss and damage and evaluation in Gambella region. MoU with University of Rostock for students and staff exchange has given a total facelift to our institute’s profile,’’ he added.
‘‘A big project with Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity in lower Omo basin to develop early warning for flood damage; another project with Southern Region Water Bureau in Woyto river basin and association with Ethiopian Roads Authority have expanded our reach,’’ he said.
On how he strikes a balance between academic and administrative responsibilities, he said, ‘‘From 5.30 pm to 11 pm, I would generally develop project proposals, write my own papers and carry out different official responsibilities; it’s continuous work that keeps me motivated.’’
As a researcher, his ultimate dream is to develop an innovative scientific mechanism that would not only mitigate critical problems but maximize crop yields by using compatible and advanced irrigation methods, yet keeping environment and eco-system unharmed.
He further revealed that IoT is likely to introduce two more PhDs in Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering in this academic year.
(By Philips Joseph: Corporate Communication Directorate)