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

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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 🏞️💪

Ms. Michelle Cera | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Michelle Cera, New York University, United States

🎓 Michelle Cera is a dedicated sociologist specializing in digital ethnography and pedagogy. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from New York University, building on her Bachelor of Arts degree with Highest Honors from the University of California, Berkeley. Currently serving as a Workshop Coordinator at NYU’s Anthropology and Sociology Departments, Michelle fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and advances innovative research methodologies. Her extensive experience as a workshop organizer, instructor, and research assistant reflects her commitment to academic excellence and her passion for exploring sociocultural phenomena. Michelle’s work epitomizes scholarly rigor and a profound dedication to understanding contemporary social dynamics.

Publication Profile:

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Education:

🎓 Michelle Cera embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with Highest Honors and a remarkable GPA of 3.9. During her undergraduate years from August 2014 to December 2018, she delved deep into the intricacies of sociological inquiry, laying a solid foundation for her future pursuits. Building upon this strong academic background, Michelle continued her quest for knowledge at New York University, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology. Since August 2019, she has been immersed in rigorous doctoral studies, exploring complex social phenomena and contributing to the scholarly discourse in her field. With an anticipated completion date in May 2025, Michelle’s doctoral journey represents a culmination of her academic dedication and intellectual curiosity. Her educational trajectory reflects a steadfast commitment to understanding society’s intricacies, analyzing its structures, and seeking solutions to contemporary social challenges. Michelle’s academic achievements and ongoing pursuit of knowledge exemplify her passion for sociology and her relentless pursuit of excellence in scholarly endeavors. 📚

Professional Experience:

👩‍💼 Michelle Cera’s professional journey reflects a profound commitment to academia and research. Since May 2023, she has served as the NYLON Workshop Coordinator at NYU’s Anthropology Department, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among various departments. Concurrently, she holds multiple roles within NYU’s Sociology Department, including Digital Ethnography Workshop Coordinator and Pedagogy Workshop Coordinator, where she pioneers innovative initiatives to enhance scholarly engagement and methodological advancements. Michelle’s teaching experience includes serving as a full instructor for Introduction to Sociology during the summer of 2023, coupled with her extensive work as a Teaching Assistant, providing invaluable support to students and faculty. Additionally, her research contributions, spanning from qualitative coding and analysis to co-authoring publications, underscore her proficiency in sociological inquiry. Michelle’s diverse experiences as a researcher, workshop coordinator, instructor, and collaborator exemplify her dedication to advancing sociological scholarship and pedagogy. Her multifaceted roles within academia highlight her versatility and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation. 📊

Research Focus:

📚 Michelle J. Cera’s publications reflect a diverse research focus encompassing gender dynamics, digital ethnography, mental health, and social pressures. Through her scholarly contributions, she explores the intricate intersections of societal norms, individual experiences, and contemporary phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Cera’s work delves into the complexities of household labor division, ethical considerations in digital spaces, and the impact of societal expectations on mental health and interpersonal relationships. With a keen eye for social dynamics and a commitment to understanding multifaceted issues, she sheds light on pressing societal issues, contributing valuable insights to the field of sociology. 🌟

Academic Leadership and Teaching

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Awards and Honors

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Publications Top Note:

Closed doors: Domestic space, household labor, and the reproduction of gender inequality in the pandemic lockdown

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