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
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🧴 Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization of Antimicrobial Biolubricant from Ocimum lamiifolium and Lactic Acid – Heliyon, 2025
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🍞 Quality Assessment of Gluten-Free Sorghum Bread with Sweet Lupin Flour – CYTA Journal of Food, 2024
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🍪 Effect of Baking Conditions on Gluten-Free Biscuit from Groundnut Oilseed Cake and Teff – Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2024
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🌿 Synthesis and Characterization of Bioplastic from Banana Peel Starch and Cellulosic Fiber – Biomass Conversion & Biorefinery, 2023