About
Summary
Melaku Tafese Awulachew is an Ethiopian researcher specializing in processing engineering, food science, food engineering, and sustainable food systems. He is currently a Researcher II at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), where he contributes to advancing food processing technologies, nutrition-sensitive innovations, and value chain development.
He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (Process Engineering) from Adama Science and Technology University and an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (Food Engineering) from Addis Ababa University, along with a Master of Engineering degree. Now, Melaku is doctor of philosophy (phD) student in chemical engineering specialization of Food engineering at Addis Ababa university. His work integrates food engineering, biotechnology, and nutrition to address challenges in food security, product development, and agro-processing.
Melaku Tafese Awulachew has authored over 70 peer-reviewed scientific publications, multiple book chapters, and several academic books. His research focuses on functional foods, postharvest technology, food quality and safety, and innovative processing techniques. He is actively involved in peer review, editorial contributions, and international scientific collaborations.
With a growing citation record and an h-index reflecting emerging global impact, he is recognized as a productive and multidisciplinary researcher in the field of food science, contributing to both national development and international research discourse.
Positions
PhD Student Feb 2026 -
PhD Student, Chemical Engineering (Food Engineering)
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
A doctoral researcher specializing in food engineering within the field of chemical engineering, focusing on advanced food processing technologies, product development, and sustainable food systems. Engaged in cutting-edge research that integrates principles of heat and mass transfer, process optimization, and biotechnology to improve food quality, safety, and nutritional value.
Research activities include the design and optimization of food processing operations, development of functional and fortified food products, and evaluation of physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties. Actively involved in scientific publishing, conference presentations, and collaborative research addressing global challenges such as food security, postharvest losses, and value addition.
Demonstrates strong expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and process modeling, with a commitment to translating research outcomes into practical applications for the agro-food industry and community development.
Researcher II, Food science, food processing technology and engineering Jan 2026 -
Researcher, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
Researcher II (Food Science, Food Processing Technology & Engineering)
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
A Researcher II at EIAR is a mid-level scientific role focused on advancing applied research and innovation in food systems, with particular emphasis on processing technologies, product development, and value addition aligned to national agricultural priorities.
The position involves independent and collaborative research to develop, optimize, and scale food processing technologies that improve food quality, safety, shelf life, and nutritional value. It integrates food science and engineering principles to address postharvest losses, enhance agro-industrial productivity, and support food security in Ethiopia.