Associate Professor from Hawassa University, Ethiopia
Dr. Mohammed Yiha Dawed is an Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, with extensive academic and research experience spanning over three decades. His primary specialization lies in mathematical modeling, with significant contributions in the areas of mathematical ecology, epidemiology, and eco-epidemiology. Dr. Dawed began his career as a high school mathematics teacher before transitioning into academia, where he steadily advanced from a lecturer to an associate professor. With a strong foundation in applied mathematics, he has authored over 19 published articles in reputable journals, participated in numerous national and international conferences, and mentored more than 34 MSc and several PhD students. His scholarly work focuses on real-world problems modeled through differential equations, bifurcation theory, and optimal control analysis. He is also engaged in collaborative projects, invited lectures, and serves as a reviewer for various academic journals. Furthermore, Dr. Dawed is recognized for his leadership, having served as the Head of the Mathematics Department at Hawassa University and contributing to curriculum design and educational development in Ethiopia. His interdisciplinary approach to mathematical modeling underlines his relevance in addressing contemporary issues in public health, ecology, and socio-economic dynamics.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Mohammed Yiha Dawed has pursued a well-rounded academic trajectory in mathematics and applied sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, in 2017, where his research emphasized mathematical modeling in the context of ecology and epidemiology. Before this, he completed his M.Sc. in Mathematics with a concentration in differential equations from Addis Ababa University in 2005. His foundational degree, a B.Sc. in Mathematics, was also obtained from Addis Ababa University in 1990. Additionally, he received advanced research training in mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, and partial differential equations at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Norway during the 2008–2009 academic year, which resulted in an international publication on the Michaelis-Menten equations. Dr. Dawed holds a Higher Diploma License (HDP) awarded in 2013, certifying him as a professional educator. To stay current with pedagogical trends, he has undertaken courses such as the “Master Class for Teaching Online” via Open edX. His academic background showcases a consistent commitment to blending rigorous theoretical training with hands-on modeling and research experience, qualifying him as a versatile and innovative scholar in the applied mathematics discipline.
Professional Experience
Dr. Mohammed Yiha Dawed’s professional journey spans more than 30 years, starting as a mathematics teacher in Ethiopian high schools from 1992 to 2003. In 2005, he joined Hawassa University as a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, where he played an instrumental role in both teaching and research. He was later promoted to Associate Professor in 2022, specializing in Applied Mathematics with a focus on Mathematical Ecology, Epidemiology, and Eco-Epidemiology. In addition to his academic teaching roles, Dr. Dawed held administrative responsibilities, serving as the Head of the Mathematics Department at Hawassa University between 2018 and 2022. His contributions include curriculum development, course module design, and editorial work for national mathematics education material. Dr. Dawed has also been involved in multiple invited teaching roles across Ethiopian universities, delivering Ph.D.-level lectures on Mathematical Modeling, Epidemiology, and Simulation. His collaborative academic appointments span institutions such as Adama Science and Technology University, Debre Berhan University, and Bule Hora University. His career reflects a balanced engagement in teaching, research, and academic leadership, making him a central figure in Ethiopia’s higher education mathematics landscape.
Research Interests
Dr. Dawed’s research interests are anchored in the application of mathematical theories to ecological and public health issues. His primary focus areas include Mathematical Ecology, Mathematical Epidemiology, and Mathematical Eco-Epidemiology. He utilizes differential equations and dynamical systems to model interactions between species, disease transmission dynamics, and optimal control mechanisms in environmental and epidemiological settings. His work also extends to the analysis of chemical reactions, media impact on public health outcomes, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and crime through the lens of mathematical modeling. The mathematical frameworks he applies include bifurcation theory, stability analysis, time delays, and functional response functions. His models often incorporate real-world complexities, such as temperature variability and drug resistance in diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Through these studies, he seeks to provide quantitative insights that can inform public health policy, ecological management, and sustainable development. His multidisciplinary approach allows him to collaborate with researchers from biology, environmental science, and public health, reinforcing the practical relevance of mathematical tools in addressing global challenges. These interests form the basis of his academic contributions and ongoing mentorship of postgraduate research students.
Research Skills
Dr. Mohammed Yiha Dawed possesses a broad and deep set of research skills that enable him to address complex real-world problems using mathematical techniques. His primary expertise lies in developing, analyzing, and simulating mathematical models based on differential equations. He is proficient in qualitative and quantitative modeling techniques, bifurcation analysis, optimal control theory, and stability analysis. His research frequently employs advanced mathematical tools such as general Holling type functional responses, time delays, and temperature-variant parameters to simulate biological and epidemiological systems. Dr. Dawed is adept with scientific computing tools including MATLAB, Mathematica, Maple, and LaTeX, which he uses extensively for simulations, visualizations, and documentation of mathematical models. Additionally, his experience in teaching, supervising, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals further reflects his strong analytical, writing, and mentoring capabilities. He also engages in peer-review activities for scientific conferences and journals, demonstrating his ability to evaluate complex mathematical manuscripts. His research skills are continually enhanced through participation in international workshops, collaborative teaching, and interdisciplinary seminars, reflecting his commitment to academic rigor and innovation in mathematical sciences.
Awards and Honors
While specific awards are not detailed in the available profile, Dr. Mohammed Yiha Dawed has earned notable academic and professional recognition through his appointments, publications, and teaching roles. Achieving the rank of Associate Professor and being consistently invited to lecture in Ph.D. programs at multiple Ethiopian universities highlight the academic community’s regard for his expertise. His role as Head of Department at Hawassa University and responsibilities in national curriculum development also underscore his leadership and educational impact. Participation in international research training at NTNU in Norway and co-authorship with international scholars such as Harald E. Krogstad further signify his integration into the global research community. He has been trusted to supervise over 34 MSc theses and is currently guiding multiple Ph.D. dissertations, showcasing institutional trust in his mentorship. His selection as a peer reviewer for several journals and conferences indicates recognition of his judgment and scholarly standards. While he may not have received named awards, his career accomplishments and professional trust serve as substantial honors within the academic domain.
Conclusion
Dr. Mohammed Yiha Dawed stands as a compelling candidate for the Life Sciences Innovation Award due to his impactful contributions in mathematical modeling applied to ecological and epidemiological problems. His strong academic background, extensive teaching and research experience, and interdisciplinary approach demonstrate the relevance of his work to life sciences innovation. With over 19 published papers, multiple Ph.D. courses taught across universities, and a consistent role in mentoring graduate students, Dr. Dawed has proven his capability to influence the scientific community meaningfully. His models provide insights into disease dynamics, environmental interactions, and socio-economic patterns, supporting real-world policy development. However, areas for improvement include seeking more international collaborations and enhancing visibility through recognized global awards or fellowships. Expanding the reach of his applied models into experimental collaborations or policy advisory roles could further amplify his impact. Overall, his scholarly record, teaching legacy, and applied research approach make him a strong contender for the Life Sciences Innovation Award, particularly in fields intersecting mathematical modeling, public health, and environmental sciences.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Mathematical model analysis of malaria transmission dynamics with induced complications
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Authors: Mohammed Yiha Dawed (M.Y. Dawed), Legesse Lemecha Obsu (L.L. Obsu)
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Year: 2025