Mequanint Demeke Aynalem, MSc
Lecturer & Researcher in Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering | Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT)
Email: mequanint.demeke@bdu.edu.et / mequanintdemeke@gmail.com
Office: Tana Building, Room 115, BiT Campus
Profiles: [Google Scholar] | [ResearchGate] | [LinkedIn]
Biography
Mequanint Demeke Aynalem is a dedicated researcher and educator at Bahir Dar University specializing in chemical process engineering, thermal engineering, and circular economy solutions. His research primarily focuses on solving local environmental challenges through sustainable waste valorization and green materials science. He has led rigorous investigations into municipal solid waste (MSW) characterization, the environmental footprints of regional open dumpsites, and the protection of local watersheds. Additionally, his work in materials science includes developing eco-friendly thermal insulation composites and using local mineral resources for environmental protection.
Educational Background
MSc in Chemical Engineering (Process Engineering) – Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Thesis: Characterization, Thermal Performance, and Modeling of Eco-Friendly Insulation Materials
BSc in Chemical Engineering – Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Core Expertise & Research Interests
Thermal Engineering & Transport Phenomena: Heat and mass transfer modeling, evaluation of thermal conductivity (k), and thermal performance of alternative composite materials.
Solid Waste Management & Valorization: Physico-chemical characterization of municipal solid waste (MSW), proximate and ultimate analysis, and evaluating open-dump environmental impacts (e.g., Sebatamit dumpsite).
Sustainable Materials Science: Formulating PET-matrix insulation composites, eco-friendly ceramic membranes, and utilizing activated bentonite and marble waste for industrial applications.
Selected Publications & Research Projects
Principal Investigator: Environmental impact assessment and contamination pathways of the Abay watershed from urban open dump runoff.
Aynalem, M. D., & Workneh, S. (2025). "Evaluation of the thermal conductivity and heat flux properties of low-cost PET-matrix composite insulation boards for sustainable construction." Elsevier Progress in Materials Science.
Aynalem, M. D., Habtu, N. G., & Fanta, S. W. (2025). "Proximate composition and waste-to-energy (WtE) potential of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Bahir Dar city." Journal of Environmental Management.
Teaching & Academic Duties Undergraduate Courses: Heat Transfer (ChE 302), Mass Transfer Operations (ChE 312), Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (ChE 212), and Process Equipment Design.
Institutional Service: Curriculum review task force member, undergraduate student advisor, and coordinator for laboratory practical sessions in transport phenomena.