Mr. Workiye Getnet Abera | Chemical Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Lecturer, Debre Tabor university, Ethiopia

Workiye Getnet Abera is a dynamic and innovative Chemical Engineer from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, specializing in modeling, simulation, and the development of biomass-based products. With over five years of academic and research experience, he currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University. His journey began at Jimma University, where he earned both his BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering with a focus on process engineering. Throughout his career, Workiye has demonstrated a passion for sustainable materials, publishing numerous papers in top-tier international journals and contributing actively as a reviewer and editorial board member. His hands-on industrial training at Fincha Sugar Factory enriched his practical knowledge, bridging the gap between theory and industry. As an academic with strong technical skills and a commitment to innovation, he continuously works toward developing eco-friendly engineering solutions that can address global sustainability challenges and promote cleaner production methods.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Workiye Getnet Abera pursued both his undergraduate and postgraduate education in Chemical Engineering at Jimma University, one of Ethiopia’s most prestigious institutions. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in 2017, gaining a strong foundation in core engineering principles, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical process design. Building on this, he continued his academic journey and received his Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Process Engineering in 2020. His master’s research was focused on sustainable technologies and renewable resource utilization, particularly in polymer and biomass-based material synthesis. His academic training emphasized both theoretical rigor and practical application, equipping him with advanced knowledge in process modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques. His educational background, coupled with strong analytical and research skills, has laid a solid foundation for his professional and academic accomplishments, preparing him for impactful work in the chemical engineering and sustainability sectors.

🧪 Experience

Workiye has a diverse professional background combining teaching, research, and industrial experience. He currently works as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University, where he leads research in polymer chemistry and additive manufacturing and delivers core chemical engineering courses. Before this, he served as a Lecturer and Researcher at Dilla University from 2020 to 2024, where he was actively engaged in curriculum development, mentoring students, and advancing research in sustainable processes and materials. His industry experience began with an internship at Fincha Sugar Factory in 2015, where he gained practical exposure to large-scale industrial operations, including sugar production and bioproduct processing. This blend of academia and industry has shaped him into a well-rounded professional. His experience across both academic institutions and industrial settings enables him to bridge theory and practice, nurturing a new generation of engineers while conducting impactful research that meets real-world needs.

🔬 Research Focus

Workiye Getnet Abera’s research centers around sustainable materials engineering, biomass utilization, and process optimization. His work contributes to global environmental goals by creating value-added products from renewable and agro-industrial waste. His primary research interests include the synthesis and characterization of bioplastics, development of plant-based biolubricants, and formulation of gluten-free functional foods. He employs modeling, simulation, and design of experiments (DoE) techniques using tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Design Expert, and ANSYS to optimize chemical processes. Additionally, Workiye is exploring polymer chemistry and additive manufacturing to produce eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on experimentation, he aims to develop green engineering solutions for food, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. His work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also holds practical implications for local industries and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond. His forward-looking research aligns well with the goals of global climate action and circular economy.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Prof Choong-Gon LEE | Chemical Engineering Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Choong-Gon LEE , Hanbat National University, South Korea

Professor Choong-Gon LEE, an esteemed faculty member at Hanbat National University, has a distinguished academic and professional background in chemical and electrochemical engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from Tohoku University, Japan, in 1997, and his M.S. (1988) and B.S. (1986) in Chemical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea. Since 2004, Professor LEE has been dedicated to teaching and research at Hanbat National University, focusing on electrochemical engineering, fuel cells, and hydrogen production. His prolific research career includes over 60 journal publications, 4 patents, and numerous completed and ongoing research projects. Professor LEE collaborates with LowCarbon Co. on carbon dioxide recycling and is an active member of several prestigious professional societies. His contributions to the field, particularly in CO2 recycling and NaOH production through electrolysis, highlight his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and innovation in electrochemistry. 💧🔋🌍

Publication Profile

Scopus

Academic Background 🎓

Professor Choong-Gon LEE received his Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from Tohoku University, Japan, in 1997. Prior to this, he earned his M.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1988 and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1986, both from Yonsei University, Korea.

Professional Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2004, Professor LEE has been a distinguished faculty member at Hanbat National University. In his role, he has been dedicated to teaching electrochemical engineering and conducting groundbreaking research in the field of electrochemistry. His primary focus areas include fuel cells and hydrogen production, where he has made significant contributions to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

Research Focus

Professor Choong-Gon LEE specializes in the field of electrochemical engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable energy solutions. His research encompasses the production of hydrogen (H2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from alkaline solutions containing carbon dioxide (CO2) using cation exchange membranes. He also investigates the effects of temperature on electrode reactions in molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells, aiming to enhance their efficiency and performance. Professor LEE’s work is notable for its practical applications, such as developing methods for electrochemical hydrogen production utilizing captured CO2. His collaborative efforts with researchers and industry partners highlight his commitment to advancing electrochemical science and environmental sustainability. Through his numerous publications in high-impact journals, Professor LEE contributes significantly to the understanding and innovation in the fields of fuel cells, electrolysis, and carbon recycling. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical challenges in sustainable energy production. 🌱🔋🌍

Publication Top Notes

“Electrolytic production of NaOH and H2 from alkaline solution containing CO2 using cation exchange membranes” (2024) – 0 citations 🌱

“Effect of temperature on the electrode overpotential of molten carbonate electrolysis and fuel cells with inert-gas step addition method” (2023) – 0 citations 🌡️

“Effect of temperature on the electrode reactions in a planar solid oxide fuel cell” (2023) – 0 citations 🔋

“Reaction characteristics of molten carbonate cell operated in fuel cell and electrolysis modes with reactant gas addition method” (2023) – 0 citations ⚡

“Electrochemical hydrogen production using captured CO2 in alkaline solution” (2023) – 3 citations 💧

“Comparison of gas phase transport effects between fuel cell and electrolysis cell modes of a 100 cm2 class molten carbonate cell” (2022) – 2 citations 🔄

“Electrode reaction properties using a reactant gas addition method in a commercial 100 cm2 class solid oxide fuel cell” (2022) – 4 citations 🔍

“Experimental analysis of internal leakage current using a 100 cm2 class planar solid oxide fuel cell” (2021) – 4 citations 📈

“Lifetime expectancy of molten carbonate fuel cells: Part II. Cell life simulation using bench and coin-type cells” (2021) – 3 citations ⏳

“Lifetime Expectancy of molten carbonate fuel cells: Part I. Effect of temperature on the voltage and electrolyte reduction rates” (2021) – 4 citations 🔥

Workiye Getnet Abera | Chemical Engineering | Best Scholar Award