Melaku Tafese Awulachew

Food Science and Processing Researcher

Addis Ababa, ET.

About

Melaku Tafese Awulachew is a highly accomplished Food Science and Processing Researcher with over 10 years of progressive experience at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). Specializing in chemical engineering and nutrition research, he has advanced from Lab Technologist to Researcher II, leading critical projects in novel food product development, quality control, and sustainable food systems. With a robust publication record and expertise in advanced analytical techniques, Melaku is dedicated to leveraging scientific innovation to address food security challenges and enhance agricultural value chains.

Work

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)

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Researcher II - Food Science and Processing Technology

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Summary

Led advanced research projects in food science and processing technology, driving innovation and contributing to strategic initiatives within the Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate.

Highlights

Spearheaded the generation, development, coordination, and execution of complex research activities, driving innovation in food science and processing.

Directed the full lifecycle of novel food product development, from conceptualization and design to chemical analysis and quality assurance, ensuring alignment with nutritional and market demands.

Coordinated and managed research processes and staff members, optimizing resource allocation and project timelines to achieve research objectives efficiently.

Provided expert professional support and advisory services to a diverse range of stakeholders including researchers, technical staff, farmers, and industry experts, fostering collaborative advancements.

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)

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Researcher I - Food Science and Processing Technology

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Summary

Conducted independent research in food science and processing, contributing to the development of new methodologies and products through rigorous experimentation and data analysis.

Highlights

Authored and co-authored 3+ scientific publications and numerous progress reports, effectively disseminating research findings and contributing to the scientific community.

Designed and implemented experimental protocols for novel food products, meticulously performing sample preparation, quantification, and chemical analysis to ensure data integrity.

Delivered specialized training and advisory services to development agents and farmers, enhancing local agricultural practices and food processing techniques.

Executed diverse research activities, including sample preparation, quantification, and chemical analysis, to advance food science and nutrition understanding.

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)

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Associate Researcher - Food Science and Processing Technology

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Summary

Managed specific research components and supported senior researchers in food science and processing technology, contributing to project efficiency and scientific outcomes.

Highlights

Coordinated and managed food science and nutrition research processes, overseeing staff activities to ensure project efficiency and adherence to timelines.

Executed comprehensive data analysis and management for research projects, contributing to accurate interpretation of findings and informed decision-making.

Organized and facilitated workshops and field visits for end-users and stakeholders, promoting knowledge transfer and engagement in research outcomes.

Contributed significantly to the design and development of novel food products, applying advanced analytical techniques to improve food quality and safety.

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)

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Assistance Researcher II - Food Science and Nutrition Research

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Summary

Supported food science and nutrition research initiatives, focusing on experimental execution, data collection, and technical assistance.

Highlights

Performed advanced sample preparation, quantification, and chemical analysis, ensuring high accuracy and reliability of experimental data for food science projects.

Assisted in the application and implementation of food experiment software, enhancing research efficiency and data processing capabilities.

Contributed to the writing of progress reports and annual research reviews, articulating project milestones and scientific insights clearly.

Provided technical and professional support to researchers and staff, facilitating the smooth execution of complex food science and nutrition research activities.

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)

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Assistance Researcher I - Food Science and Nutrition Research

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Summary

Participated in food science and nutrition research, gaining foundational experience in laboratory techniques and data handling to support ongoing projects.

Highlights

Conducted essential laboratory procedures including sample preparation, quantification, and chemical analysis, directly supporting ongoing food science and nutrition research.

Assisted in the generation and development of research activities, contributing to experimental design and methodology refinement.

Supported data analysis and management tasks, ensuring the organization and accessibility of research findings.

Participated in preparing workshops and field visits, aiding in the dissemination of research outcomes to relevant stakeholders.

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)

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Agricultural Chemistry and Food Processing Lab Technologist II

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Summary

Operated and maintained laboratory equipment for agricultural chemistry and food processing, ensuring accurate data generation and adherence to quality standards.

Highlights

Managed and performed precise sample preparation, quantification, and chemical analysis for agricultural chemistry and food processing projects, maintaining high laboratory standards.

Ensured strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 quality management systems and protocols for all laboratory operations, enhancing data credibility and reliability.

Operated and maintained specialized laboratory equipment, contributing to the efficient execution of experiments and the generation of accurate results.

Provided foundational technical support to research teams, facilitating the initial stages of novel food product development and process optimization.

Volunteer

Reviewer, Guest Editor, and Editorial Board Member

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Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) / Various Academic Journals

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Actively contributed to the scientific community through peer review, editorial leadership, and guest editing roles for prominent journals in food science, nutrition, agriculture, and environmental science.

Highlights

Served as a reviewer for multiple esteemed journals including Cogent Food & Agriculture and European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety, ensuring scientific rigor and quality.

Invited as a Guest Editor for the International Journal of Energy and Environmental Science, guiding the publication of critical research.

Held Editorial Board Member positions for journals such as the Singapore Journal of Scientific Research and Journal of Food Processing & Technology, influencing editorial direction and content quality.

Facilitated the dissemination of cutting-edge research in food processing, agriculture, and nutrition, supporting academic and industry advancements.

Education

Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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M.Sc. Chemical Engineering (Food Engineering)

Adama Science & Technology University

Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia
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B.Sc. Chemical Engineering (Process Eng.)

Publications

Effect of Partial Replacement of Wheat with Fava Bean and Black Cumin Flourson Nutritional Properties and Sensory Attributes of Bread

Eng. Proc.

Impact of Wheat Tempering Conditions on Flour Particle Size and Thermo-Mechanical Properties

Asian J. Biol. Sci

The Possible Use of Herbs and Spices in the Food Processing and Food Safety

Intechopen (Open Access books)

Functional Ingredients, Sources and Classification, Health Claims, Food Intolerance, and Allergy

Intechopen (Open Access books)

Food Security and Safety in Light of Global Megatrends: A Review

Asian J. Biol. Sci.

Bread deterioration and a way to use healthful methods

CyTA - Journal of Food

Improving the Quality of Injera by Optimizing the Mixing Proportion of Fenugreek, Sorghum and Teff Flour

Asian Sci. Bull.

Engineering Principles and Business Model Innovation in Food Systems to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Asian Sci. Bull.

Effect of teff-sorghum-fenugreek flour blending ratios on nutritional and sensory quality of injera

Journal of Agroalimentary process and technology

Pharmacological, Biopesticide, and Post-Harvest Loss Management Application of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Intechopen (Open Access books)

Application of Bio-Technology in Human food Processing and Animal Feed

Int J Food Sci Nutr Diet.

A Review of Non-gluten Components in Gluten-Free Bread Characteristics keep the dough's baking quality and viscoelastic qualities

Adv Nutr Food Sci

Preservation: Current food preservation technologies

Academia Journal of Agricultural Research

Languages

English

Amharic

Afan oromo

Certificates

Training on Experimental Design and Scientific Paper Writing in the Context of Food Science and Nutrition

Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, EIAR

2nd Training for Junior Researchers on Planning, Implementation and Reporting

EARCS and EIAR

Kaizen Principles and Practice Training

Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center of the EIAR

R-soft wares

EIAR (Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center)

Research Paper Writing and Food Experiment Software

EIAR

ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management Systems and Protocols

EIAR

ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management Systems and Protocols

EIAR

Skills

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Social Media, Design Expert, SPSS, R-software, Food Experiment Software, Data Analysis, Chemical Analysis, Quantification, Sample Preparation, Quality Management Systems (ISO/IEC 17025), Research Design, Scientific Paper Writing, Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging.

Domain Expertise

Food Science, Nutrition Research, Chemical Engineering, Novel Food Product Development, Agricultural Chemistry, Food Processing, Sustainable Food Systems, Food Safety.

Professional Skills

Research Coordination, Project Management, Training & Development, Advisory Services, Report Writing, Financial Management, Stakeholder Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Team Leadership.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal Communication, Cultural Diversity, Social Environment Adaptability.

References

Dr. Solomon Abate

Senior Researcher, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) | Tell: +251-911-772-778 | E-mail: solomon.abt@gmail.com

Dr. Amare Aregahegn

Post-Doctoral Researcher, Addis Ababa University | Email: amare2122@gmail.com | amare.aregahegn@aau.edu.et | Tel: 0947 940 4475

Kumsa Delessa Kuffi (PhD)

Lecturer and Post Graduate Advisor, School of Chemical and Bio Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University | Tell: +251915402525 | E-mail: kumsa.delessa@aait.edu.et

Shimelis kebede (PhD)

Post Graduate School Head, Lecturer and Post Graduate Advisor, School of Chemical and Bio Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University | Tell: (+251) 911557740 | Email: shimelis.kebede@aait.edu.et