Donald Hermann Fossi – Géology – Cartography Award – Best Researcher Award

Donald Hermann Fossi – Géologie – Cartographie Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Donald Hermann Fossi distinguished academic and researcher in the field Geologie cartographie. Donald Hermann Fossi is an early career scientist specializing in several facets of geology and mineral exploration. His expertise encompasses structural geology and fluid dynamics, particularly in the context of pluton emplacement and the genesis of mineral resources. He delves into the petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of both igneous and metamorphic rocks, elucidating their composition and origins. Proficient in mapping and modeling, Donald excels in unraveling the intricate structures of magmatic and tectonic fields, providing insights crucial for geological understanding and resource assessment. Moreover, he employs remote sensing techniques and geostatistics for efficient mining exploration, leveraging software tools such as R, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, ENVI, Erdas, Micromine, Rockwork, and PCI Geomatica. With a keen environmental awareness and proficiency in project management tools like Primavera and Microsoft Project, Donald is poised to make significant contributions to the field of earth sciences and resource exploration.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He pursued his educational journey in Earth Sciences diligently, culminating in a Doctorate from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, spanning from 2017 to 2023. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences from the same institution between 2014 and 2016. His foundational knowledge in the field was laid during his Bachelor’s program at the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, spanning from 2008 to 2013.

Complementing his formal education, he engaged in several short course trainings to enhance his skill set. Notably, he participated in programs such as “Going Places with Spatial Analysis” and “Do it Yourself Geo apps” offered by Esri, a leading company in GIS technology. Additionally, he obtained certifications in project management from the Cetic Cadd Skills Centre and received training in cartography from CEPROMINE.

Demonstrating a commitment to safety and community welfare, he acquired a First Aid Member’s Certificate from the Cameroon Red-Cross. These diverse educational and training experiences have equipped him with a robust foundation in Earth Sciences, GIS, project management, and emergency response, positioning him as a versatile and competent professional in his field.

Work experiences

He served as a Senior Exploration Geologist at Geocam Mining SA from December 2021 to September 2022, where he demonstrated strong leadership by supervising a team of geologists and technicians. His responsibilities included meticulously planning and executing mining exploration projects while ensuring adherence to high standards of safety and efficiency. He played a pivotal role in the analysis of geological and geospatial data, leveraging advanced techniques to model mineral deposits accurately. Additionally, he adeptly managed communication with various stakeholders, fostering productive relationships with investors and regulatory agencies to facilitate project success.

Transitioning to a role as a Guest Researcher at CEREGE from September 2021 to October 2021, he seamlessly integrated into the dynamic research environment, collaborating closely with CEREGE’s esteemed team of researchers, scientists, and experts. His contributions were instrumental in advancing ongoing projects related to environmental geosciences. Leveraging his expertise, he conducted thorough data analysis and interpretation, utilizing the resources and data available at CEREGE to drive research objectives forward. Moreover, he utilized CEREGE’s cutting-edge laboratories, equipment, and facilities to conduct experiments and analyses, further enriching the research outcomes.

He is an active member of several prestigious professional associations, including the Cameroon Geosciences Society (CGS), the Geochemical Society (GS), and the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG). Through his membership in these organizations, he stays abreast of the latest developments and trends in the field of geosciences, fostering professional networking opportunities and knowledge exchange with fellow experts. These affiliations underscore his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and engagement with the broader scientific community, enhancing his expertise and contributions to the field.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Tizita Endale Elcho – Soil science Award – Best Researcher Award

Tizita Endale Elcho – Soil science Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tizita Endale Elcho  distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Soil Science. She is a seasoned researcher specializing in the fields of land degradation, soil quality, and soil erosion, boasting over a decade of expertise in conducting thorough research, crafting insightful analyses, and publishing findings in reputable academic journals. Moreover, she brings more than six years of valuable experience in teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students, guiding them through the complexities of their theses.

During her tenure from 2014 to 2017, she assumed the role of laboratory coordinator at the College of Agriculture Science, Arba Minch University. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, facilitating lecture demonstrations, and managing monitoring and evaluation processes.

Her proactive nature allows her to excel independently, showcasing a remarkable ability to stay motivated and meet deadlines even in demanding situations. With a practical mindset and a logical approach to problem-solving, she demonstrates a strong capability to perform efficiently, ensuring successful outcomes even under significant pressure.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Doctor of Bioscience Engineering (PhD) degree from KU Leuven and Ghent University in Belgium, earned between 2018 and 2023. Her doctoral research focused on assessing the soil degradation status and processes of agricultural fields across an elevation gradient in the Southern Ethiopian Rift, culminating in her PhD thesis.

Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master of Science (MSc) in Soil Science at Haramaya University in Ethiopia from 2012 to 2014, graduating with a commendable CGPA of 3.64 out of 4.00. Her commitment to academic excellence was evident during her undergraduate years at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Natural Resource Management from 2006 to 2008, graduating with distinction and achieving a CGPA of 3.46 out of 4.00.

Employment History

She served as a Soil and Water Conservation Expert at the Gamo Gofa Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office in Arba Minch from 2008 to 2010. In this role, she played a crucial part in scheduling and conducting training sessions for local communities, particularly farmers, on the implementation of soil and water conservation practices. Additionally, she supervised developmental agents across various Kebeles within the Arba Minch district agriculture and rural development office, ensuring the effective dissemination of knowledge and practices. Her responsibilities extended to mobilizing communities to embrace innovative technologies such as water harvesting, watershed management, and integrated soil fertility management, contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Lecturer and laboratory coordinator at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch  University, Arba Minch (2014 – 2023)

Achievements and responsibilities:

  • Conduct basic and applied research with several teams on soil-related issues.
  • Advise both undergraduate and postgraduate students on their final-year research.
  • Train developmental agents and natural resources management experts with the collaboration of Mercy Corps.
  • Lecture several courses such as Fundamental Soil Science, Integrated Soil Fertility Management, Land Degradation and Rehabilitation, Integrated Watershed Management, Research Methodology, Biodiversity Conservation, and Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • Organize and facilitate research symposiums at the university level.
  • Coordinate all laboratory activities of the college.
  • Prepare laboratory guidelines for the relevant bodies of the colleges including departments.
  • Prepare activities and financial plans as well as reports for the college laboratory office.
  • Arranging laboratory equipment and supplies, guide and follow up technical assistance in laboratory activities.
📝🔬Publications📝🔬