1. Name of the staff: Dersolegn Mekonen(PHD)

• Department: Geography and Environmental Studies
• Position/Status: PhD
• E-mail Address: dersole2007@gmail.com
• Phone: +251:0911345613

2. Biography

I am Dersolegn Mekonen, I hold my BA degree from Addis Ababa University and my MA degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, MA in Social Work and PhD in Socioeconomic Development Planning and Environment from Bahir Dar University. I have an in-depth experience in teaching and/or lecturing, research, counseling, providing seminars, community services as well as provide various training on different topics in national/international schools and Universities. Currently, I am working as Assistance Professor at Bahir Dar University. I have rich training and research experience in food security, poverty, urban and sustainable development, and population issues. Participating and presenting in several national and international conferences on food security, poverty, social work areas, environment, gender, education, and urban sustainable development, helped me to adapt various professional working environments which enhance my research and communication skills and ability to work in a dynamic team.

3. Awards and Honors

• I was awarded as the best paper and presented during the First African Graduate Scholars Conference which were organized by Bahir Dar University (2020)
• I was awarded as the best performance in teaching and the best teacher (for four years ) at Andinet International School, Addis Ababa (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015).

4. Teaching Experience 

• Teaching, leading clubs and coaching students in Hailemariam Mamo Preparatory School, Debre Birhan, (2000-2004)
• Teaching, coordinating clubs and department head, in School of Tomorrow Preparatory School, Addis Ababa (2005 -2009)
• Teaching in Andinet International School, Addis Ababa (2010 - 2014)
• Lecturing, researching and delivering community services at Debre Tabor University, (2015-2023)
• Lecturer at Bahir Dar University (since 2023).

5. Research interests

• My specific area of interest is on urban food security, poverty, social work areas, population studies, gender, education, and sustainable development

6. Research projects since joining BDU

• Since joining BDU, I am actively participating on the university grand projects (thematic areas: Urban Productive Safety Net Programs, Food Security and Urban Sustainability).

7. Conferences Attended

    I have attended various national and international conferences: To mention few:

• The First African Graduate Scholars Conference were selected and awarded as the “Best  Paper and Presentation” organized by Bahir Dar University (2020),
• An International Conference on Water, Energy, and Food Security organized by Florida International University (2022)”,
• The “7th Annual National Research Conference in the Institute of Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Studies at Bahir Dar University, (2023)”,
• The “8th National Research Conference organized by Ethiopian Civil Service University (2023)”
•  The “9th National Research for Development Symposium organized by Arbaminch University (2023) 
• The First National Conference on the Road to Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia, organized by College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, (2023).
• The Third African Graduate Students Conference organized by Bahir Dar University  (AGSCIII-BDU-2023),
• The 20th International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy, organized by Ethiopian

      Economic Association, July 2023, Addis Ababa.

8. Publications

• Journal articles

• Dersolegn M., (2020) The Impact of Social Media/ Internet on the Academic Performance of Students: The Case of Debre Tabor University, Abyss. J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Vol. 6, No. 2, 2022, 14-23 ISSN 2707-1340 (Online); 2707-1332, © 2020 Wollo University.

  • Dersolegn M. Prof. Arega B., Dr. Mesfin A., Dr. Tesfahun K.(2023) Analysis of food security using various indicators for policy implications: Empirical evidence from the two large cities of Bahir Dar and Gondar, the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Wiley: Geo: Geography and Environment, 22 March 2023.

• Dersolegn M., Prof.Arega B., Dr. Tesfahun K. (2023) Determinants of Urban food security status at household level: The case of Bahir Dar and Gondar Cities of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Cogent Food &Agriculture, 13 March 2023

• Review articles

I am certified reviewer for WILEY, Journal: Geo: Geography and Environment