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Equar Gebre Assefa
Academic Rank
Assistant Professor of Chemical and Process Engineering

Equar Gebre Assefa, PhD

Assistant Professor of Chemical and Process Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering

Biography/Profile Summary

Dr. Equar Gebre Assefa is a materials researcher and educator dedicated to the advancement of sustainable, bio-degradable polymer technologies. Leveraging deep expertise in biopolymer synthesis and advanced characterization, his research notably utilizes agricultural by-products to engineer high-performance, eco-friendly materials. A seasoned university instructor, he combine high-level independent research capabilities with a strong track record in curriculum development, student assessment, and academic networking.

Educational Background

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering – Addis Ababa University 

Specialization: Process Engineering

  • MSc in Process Engineering – Addis Ababa University
  • BSc in Chemical Engineering – Bahir Dar University

Core Expertise & Research Interests

  • Biopolymers & Compositesdevelopment
  • Agricultural waste Valorization
  • Materials synthesis and Characterization

Key Publications & Projects

  • Assefa, E. G., Kiflie, Z., Demsash, H. D., & Habtu, N. G. (2024). Effect of teff straw (Eragrostis tef) based microcrystalline cellulose on enhancement of thermo-mechanical and microstructural properties of PVA bio-degradable polymers. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 15(10), 5919-5930.
  • Assefa, E. G., Kiflie, Z., & Demsash, H. D. (2023). Transition metal salt assisted dilute acid hydrolysis for synthesis of microcrystalline cellulose from Teff Straw. Cellulose, 30(10), 6289-6301.
  • Assefa, E. G., Kiflie, Z., & Demsash, H. D. (2023). Valorization of abundantly available Ethiopian teff (Eragrostis tef) straw for the isolation of cellulose fibrils by alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment method. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 31(3), 900-912.

Teaching & Academic Duties

  • Undergraduate Courses: Transport Phenomena (ChEg3102), Process Dynamics and Control (ChEg4121), Numerical and computational Methods (ChEg3061),andChemical Engineering Drawing (ChEng2085) 

Institutional Roles: Research, teaching, academic/ Administrative responsibilities, participation in community engagement, MSc student advising.