Dr. Tilahun Adugna | Medical Entomology | Best Researcher Award
Debre Tabor University| Ethiopia
Dr. Tilahun Adugna is a distinguished Ethiopian researcher and academic specializing in Medical Entomology and Vector Biology, with significant contributions to malaria research and tropical disease epidemiology. Currently serving as a lecturer and researcher at Debre Tabor University, he has over two decades of academic and professional experience. His research focuses on malaria vector ecology, insecticide resistance, epidemiological studies, and ecological dynamics of freshwater systems. Dr. Adugna has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals such as Heliyon, Parasites & Vectors, PLoS ONE, Acta Tropica, and Journal of Tropical Medicine. His publications are indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, reflecting international recognition and scholarly impact. He has also collaborated with global researchers in Africa and Asia, particularly in Indonesia, on insecticide resistance studies. In addition to his academic role, he has coordinated community health projects, trained teachers in laboratory skills, and actively contributed to malaria control programs in Ethiopia. He is a dedicated mentor, guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students in biological sciences and entomology. Through his research, community engagement, and international collaborations, Dr. Adugna has established himself as a leading figure in the fight against malaria and neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Tilahun Adugna’s educational background reflects a consistent and focused journey toward excellence in biological sciences and entomology. He began his academic path by earning a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Biology from Bahir Dar University, where he developed foundational knowledge in biology and teaching methodologies. Building on this, he pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biology with a specialization in Limnology at Bahir Dar University, completed. This advanced degree expanded his expertise in aquatic biology, ecological studies, and the environmental factors influencing biodiversity. His academic pursuit culminated in earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Insect Science, specializing in Medical Entomology, from Addis Ababa University. His doctoral research focused on mosquito ecology, malaria vector dynamics, and disease transmission, providing significant insights into Ethiopia’s fight against malaria. Throughout his education, Dr. Adugna acquired a strong grounding in fieldwork, laboratory methodologies, scientific writing, and data analysis, supported by training in statistical software such as IBM SPSS. His academic progression from undergraduate to doctoral studies demonstrates a clear dedication to advancing biological sciences and applying this knowledge to real-world challenges in vector-borne diseases, public health, and environmental sustainability.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tilahun Adugna possesses a diverse professional background that combines teaching, research, and community service. His teaching career began at Addis Zemen Preparatory School and later at Fkade Egzi College, where he taught foundational biology and science courses. He transitioned into higher education with a faculty position at Mizan-Tepi University, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has been a faculty member at Debre Tabor University, serving as a lecturer, researcher, and community service project coordinator. Beyond academia, Dr. Adugna worked at the South Gondar Labor and Social Affairs Office as an occupational safety and hygiene expert, labor expert, and team leader, contributing to public welfare initiatives. At Debre Tabor University, he has taken on multiple leadership roles, including coordinating community service, leading research projects, and serving on academic committees. He has designed and delivered courses in general entomology, applied entomology, ecology, anatomy, animal behavior, and scientific writing. Additionally, he has been involved in public health campaigns, training schoolteachers, and mobilizing communities to combat malaria. His professional trajectory highlights his dual commitment to academic advancement and societal impact, making him a well-rounded academic leader.
Research Interest
Dr. Adugna’s primary research interests lie in the field of medical entomology, vector ecology, and epidemiology of tropical diseases. He is particularly focused on the ecology and diversity of malaria vectors, exploring mosquito species distribution, breeding habitats, feeding behavior, and insecticide resistance. His studies have provided valuable insights into the role of ecological factors such as irrigation, water quality, and climate on vector populations and malaria transmission. Beyond entomology, he is also interested in aquatic ecosystem management, having conducted research on limnology, phytoplankton diversity, and water quality assessments in Ethiopian reservoirs. His work bridges the gap between environmental science and public health by showing how ecological changes influence vector-borne disease dynamics. Dr. Adugna’s collaborative projects extend internationally, particularly in Indonesia, where he has co-authored studies on insecticide resistance mechanisms in mosquito populations. He is also engaged in ongoing research assessing potential malaria vectors in Debre Tabor and its surrounding areas, a study with significant public health implications for Ethiopia’s malaria elimination goals by 2030. His broad research interests demonstrate a holistic approach that integrates biology, ecology, epidemiology, and community health interventions, making his work highly relevant to both local and global health challenges.
Research Skills
Dr. Tilahun Adugna has developed a comprehensive skill set that equips him to conduct field-based, laboratory, and data-driven research. His expertise includes mosquito collection and identification, bloodmeal analysis, insecticide resistance testing, and habitat characterization. He is proficient in designing and implementing entomological surveys, conducting ecological studies, and integrating epidemiological data into disease transmission models. His laboratory skills extend to working with microscopy, molecular techniques, and histopathological analyses, as reflected in his collaborative publications. He is also skilled in statistical data analysis using IBM SPSS software, enabling him to interpret large datasets effectively. Dr. Adugna has experience in writing and publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, contributing to more than 12 indexed publications, with several manuscripts under review. Additionally, he has strong academic mentoring skills, supervising graduate students and guiding them in research design and scientific writing. He has demonstrated organizational skills through his role as a community service project coordinator, managing multi-stakeholder initiatives. His ability to merge technical, analytical, and leadership skills ensures the successful execution of research projects. Collectively, his skills make him a versatile researcher capable of contributing to interdisciplinary studies in public health, ecology, and vector control strategies.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Adugna’s academic excellence and community contributions have been recognized through several awards and fellowships. Notably, he received the Abbay Basin Award, which recognized his research on aquatic ecosystems and vector ecology. At Debre Tabor University, he has been honored multiple times for his outstanding contributions in research, ethics, publication, and community service, including awards. He also received a Community Service and Technology Transfer Award worth $2000, acknowledging his impactful outreach projects. His recognition extends beyond Ethiopia, with international collaborative projects in Indonesia enhancing his global reputation. In addition to awards, Dr. Adugna has participated in national initiatives such as crop harvesting mobilization campaigns and malaria epidemic control programs, where his leadership earned commendations. He has also been entrusted with providing training workshops for secondary school teachers and conducting laboratory-based community education programs. His honors not only highlight academic success but also underscore his ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical community benefits. These recognitions strengthen his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award, as they reflect both scholarly impact and meaningful societal contributions.
Publication Top Notes
- Enzymatic mechanisms of insecticide resistance in Anopheles sp mosquitoes: Implications for malaria vector control in Indonesia — 2025
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Tilahun Adugna is a dedicated researcher, educator, and community leader, whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of malaria vector biology and tropical disease epidemiology in Ethiopia and beyond. His research contributions, particularly in mosquito ecology, insecticide resistance, and water ecosystem health, have provided critical insights for public health strategies and malaria elimination efforts. With over 12 peer-reviewed international publications, multiple awards, and ongoing collaborative projects, he has established himself as a highly influential figure in medical entomology. His commitment to community service, teacher training, and malaria intervention programs demonstrates a rare ability to integrate academic excellence with societal impact. Looking ahead, Dr. Adugna is well-positioned to expand his global collaborations, increase his Q1 publications, and take on more leadership roles in international health forums and editorial boards. His dedication, scholarly output, and leadership potential make him not only deserving of the Best Researcher Award but also a researcher poised to continue shaping the future of vector control, disease prevention, and public health innovation in Ethiopia and the global scientific community.
