Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila is an Associate Professor in Urban and Regional Development Planning at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography (Urban Studies) from the University of South Africa (2018), along with an M.A. in Urban and Regional Development Planning from Addis Ababa University (2012). Dr. Kitila specializes in urban expansion, electronic waste management, and sustainable development, with over 13 research publications in esteemed journals like Waste Management and International Planning Studies. He has led multiple academic initiatives, including launching urban planning programs and supervising doctoral theses. Fluent in Amharic, English, and Afan Oromo, he is actively involved in teaching, research, and training for urban development officials. 📚🌍

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education and Expertise

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila earned his Ph.D. in Geography (Urban Studies) from the University of South Africa (2018), an MA in Urban and Regional Development Planning from Addis Ababa University (2012), and a B.Ed. in Geography from Mekelle University (2008). Promoted to Associate Professor in Urban and Regional Development Planning at Haramaya University (2020), he has expertise in GIS, SPSS, research methodology, and gender mainstreaming. With training in climate change, academic writing, and project management, he actively contributes to advancing urban studies and education through research and workshops in Ethiopia and beyond. 📚🗺️

Academic Leadership and Teaching

Since February 2020, Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila has served as an Associate Professor at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He teaches Urban and Regional Development Planning courses for undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral students and supervises theses at both levels. A member of the Board of Examiners, he also chairs program launches, including Urban Planning and Urban Land Administration. His role extends to research, community service, and training urban development officials. Dr. Abenezer’s contributions strengthen academic and professional practices in urban studies, fostering innovation and impactful learning. 📘🌍🎓

Academic Experience

Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila has held various academic roles at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. As an Assistant Professor (2016–2020), he taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Urban and Regional Development Planning, supervised MA theses, and chaired the Postgraduate Program in Geography. From 2012 to 2016, he served as a Lecturer, leading undergraduate courses, coordinating the Urban Planning Program, and chairing curriculum development efforts. Additionally, he contributed as the Head of the School of Geography and Environmental Studies and participated in multiple academic committees. His impactful teaching, leadership, and research shaped academic excellence. 🎓🌟📖

Awards and Honors

Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila has received numerous accolades for his academic and professional excellence. He earned research grants from the University of South Africa in 2016 and 2017 and was named Best School Head of the Year by Haramaya University in 2014. A recipient of two Gold Medals, he achieved academic distinction with a perfect CGPA and “Excellent” MA thesis (2012) and was honored as a Role Model Teacher by Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Education (2010). He also secured a prestigious scholarship from the Ministry of Education and Oromia Education Bureau in 2010. 🌟📜🎖️

Research Focus 🌍📚

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila’s research is centered on urban studies and regional development planning in Ethiopia. His work addresses critical issues in electronic waste management, with studies on e-waste handling in Addis Ababa and other regions, as well as housing accessibility and urban expansion. He explores traffic congestion, climate variability, and public space management in urban environments, contributing to the understanding of sustainable urban planning. His research also includes socio-economic impacts such as the Productive Safety Net Program on rural livelihoods. 🌱🏙️📊

Publication Top Notes

Waste electrical and electronic equipment management in the educational institutions and governmental sector offices of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Cited by: 42, Year: 2019 📱🌍
Electronic waste management in Addis Ababa: The case of Bole and Nefas Silk Lafto sub-cities – Cited by: 14, Year: 2021 🔌🏙️
Electronic waste management in educational institutions of Ambo Town, Ethiopia, East Africa – Cited by: 14, Year: 2015 💻🏫
Factors Affecting Housing Adequacy and Accessibility in Harar City, Harari Regional State, Ethiopia – Cited by: 7, Year: 2019 🏠🌍
Public awareness, involvement, and practices in electronic waste management in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Cited by: 5, Year: 2020 ♻️📢
Determinants of homeownership in the condominium housing sites of Ambo, Ethiopia – Cited by: 5, Year: 2019 🏡📊
Sectoral Integration of Urban Service Sectors of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, East Africa – Cited by: 2, Year: 2015 🏙️🔧
Challenging the Supply Side Approach: The Example of Road Traffic Congestion in Addis Ababa – Cited by: 1, Year: 2023 🚗📉
Drivers and prospects of over-urbanization of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Cited by: 1, Year: 2023 🌆🚶
Productive Safety Net Program and Its Impact on the Livelihood of Rural Households in Doba District, Ethiopia – Cited by: 1, Year: 2022 🏞️💪

Dr. Michaela Dengg | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, The Ohio State University, United States

Dr. Michaela Dengg is a distinguished scholar specializing in higher education and intercultural studies. With a passion for fostering international understanding and combating (neo-)racism, Dr. Dengg has made significant contributions through her research, teaching, and professional engagements. Her dedication to improving the experiences of international students and her insightful analysis of intercultural dynamics have earned her multiple accolades and recognition in the academic community.

Education 🎓

Dr. Dengg holds a PhD in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. She also earned a Master’s degree in Management of Intercultural Issues and Development Management from Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule and a Bachelor’s degree in English and French Philology from Universität Regensburg. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and addressing intercultural issues in educational settings.

Experience 💼

Dr. Dengg is currently a Graduate Teaching Associate and Research Associate at The Ohio State University, where she incorporates wellness resources into student-employer programs and conducts longitudinal studies on alumni experiences. She has also served as a Lecturer and Education Abroad Advisor at Universität Regensburg, where she taught German language and culture classes and advised students on study abroad opportunities. Her roles have demonstrated her ability to support and enhance the educational experiences of diverse student populations.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Dengg’s research focuses on the lived experiences of international students, (neo-)racism, and intercultural dynamics in higher education. Her dissertation, “Same, Same but Different: A Critical Post-Intentional Phenomenology on the Lived Experiences of White International Graduate Students from Europe in the United States,” exemplifies her commitment to exploring and addressing complex intercultural issues. She is particularly interested in how international students navigate and confront challenges related to identity, belonging, and systemic biases.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Dengg has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the ACPA CGDSD Award for Excellence in International Research and the NASPA Region IV-E Graduate Student Rising Star Award. These accolades recognize her outstanding contributions to research and her dedication to improving the experiences of international students.

Academic Leadership and Teaching

Academic Experience

Awards and Honors

Research Focus 🌍📚

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abenezer Wakuma Kitila | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Publication Profile

Education and Expertise

Academic Leadership and Teaching

Academic Experience

Awards and Honors

Research Focus 🌍📚

Publication Top Notes

Dr. Michaela Dengg | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Profile

Education 🎓

Experience 💼

Research Interests 🔍

Awards 🏆

Publications 📚