Haramaya University Administrative Board promoted Dr Gelana Amente to the rank of full professor in Physics and Environmental physics on the 27th of February 2023.

Haramaya University Administrative Board promoted Dr Gelana Amente to the rank of full professor in Physics and Environmental physics on the 27^th of February 2023.

Short Biography of Professor Gelana Amente Raba

Professor Gelana Amente (PhD), a senior staff member and researcher in the College of Natural and Computational Sciences, was born in 1956 in a place called Tinfa, Western Wollega Zone of Oromia Regional State. He went to Gute Elementary School, where he pursued his primary education up to grade 6. Then, Gelana attended grades 7 to 11 at the then Haile Selassie First Secondary School in Nekemte, whereas he received his 12^th grade education at Prince Bede Mariam School. He obtained his BSc degree and MSc degree from Addis Ababa University in 1979 and 1988 respectively. In 1993, he won a Fulbright-Mac-Arthur scholarship and joined University   of Minnesota, from which he got his PhD in 1999.

After completing his first degree, Gelana served Addis Ababa University Relief and Rehabilitation Organization (UFRRO). In 1982, he became a faculty member of the then Alemaya College of Agriculture – now Haramaya University (HU), where has been actively involved in academic activities, research undertakings and community engagements over the last 39 years. For example, Dr. Gelana has offered more than 20 physics courses, most of which are at graduate level. He has also supervised more than 60 MSc and PhD students. Moreover, he developed a number of laboratory manuals, wrote three textbooks, compiled a book on research finding and technology development in his area of specialization, participated in several national workshops and took various training, like the training given by International Center for Theoretical   Physics (ICCTP). His research profile evinces that Dr. Gelana has published over 40 scientific articles reputable journals. In addition to his research engagements, this veteran academician is noted for his active participation in HU affairs and administrative roles. He served as a member of more than 30 different committees such BPR, HU Internal Academic Quality Audit, Needs Assessment (for both academic and research), Science   Complex Building Design, etc. and a dean of students, University registrar, and Estate and Facilities Directorate director in different times. Lastly, Dr. Gelana gave voluntary landscaping and campus beautification services to the University for over five years besides his devotion to providing community services as required.

After thoroughly reviewing the immense contributions of Dr. Gelana in the three areas, the University Senate and the Board of the University promoted him to the rank of full professor in Physics and Environmental physics on the 27^th of February 2023.