Mr. Habtamu Belay | Soil Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

Mr. Habtamu Belay Soil Science – PhD scholar at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia

Habtamu Tadele Belay is an Ethiopian soil scientist and lecturer with over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He holds an MSc in Land Resource Management from Bahir Dar University (CGPA: 4.0/4.0) and a BSc in Natural Resource Management from Debre Markos University (CGPA: 3.43/4.0). He is currently completing his PhD in Soil Science, having finished coursework (CGPA: 3.56/4.0), conducted a two-year field experiment (2023–2024), and published research articles, with his dissertation defense scheduled by January 2026. He serves as a lecturer and researcher at Debre Markos University, specializing in land resource management and soil science. Habtamu has delivered numerous undergraduate courses and contributed to curriculum development, community services, and capacity-building training. He has presented research at national and international symposia and received certificates in academic leadership, peer review excellence, and software training (SPSS, STATA, SAS, R, GIS). His international exposure includes training in the Netherlands, India, and Thailand. He is an active reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals and maintains professional profiles on ResearchGate and ORCID. Habtamu is known for his commitment to environmental sustainability, academic integrity, and institutional service.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Pioneer Researcher Award – Habtamu Tadele Belay

Habtamu Tadele Belay is a committed scholar and researcher in the field of Soil Science and Land Resource Management, currently completing his PhD research with a focus on sustainable land management practices and soil degradation mitigation. His work addresses highly relevant environmental and agricultural challenges in Ethiopia, particularly soil erosion, land use planning, and conservation. His research has practical implications for food security, watershed management, and sustainable land use—critical areas for both national and regional development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

🎓 Education Background

📘 PhD in Soil Science (Ongoing, since 2022)

🧪 Coursework Completed (CGPA: 3.56/4.0)

🌱 2-Year Field Research Completed (2023–2024)

📝 One article published, one under review

🎯 Expected to defend dissertation by January 2026

🌍 MSc in Land Resource Management – Bahir Dar University (2016)

🥇 CGPA: 4.0/4.0

🌿 BSc in Natural Resource Management – Debre Markos University (2010)

📊 CGPA: 3.43/4.0

💼 Work Experience

👨‍🏫 Lecturer & Researcher – Debre Markos University, Burie Campus (2014–Present)

📘 Instructor/Trainer – Burie Agricultural Technical Vocational College (2010–2014)

🧪 Soil Sample Collector – Ethiopian Public Health Institute (June–August 2021 EC)

👨‍🔬 PhD Scholar – Specializing in Soil Science

📅 Total Professional Experience: Over 15 Years

🏆 Key Achievements & Honors

📚 Research Presentations at national & international conferences in Ethiopia (Aksum, Debre Berhan, Bahir Dar, DMU)

📖 Published Proceedings in reputable academic journals and symposiums

📢 Paper Published in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2020)

🖋️ Peer Reviewer for top journals:

🌍 Journal of Environment and Climate Change

🌾 Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

💧 Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies (Elsevier)

🌱 International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

💻 Software Proficiency: SPSS, STATA, R, SAS, GIS

👨‍🏫 Trainer in Mega Project Proposal, Fundraising, and Integrated Watershed Management

🌍 Civic Participation: “No Silence for Lake Tana” Campaign (2020)

🥇 Awards & Certificates

📜 Certificate of Excellence in Peer Reviewing – 10+ recognitions from international journals

🏅 Teaching & Research:

Effective Teaching Skills – DMU (2016)

Higher Diploma in Teacher Education – DMU (2018)

🌐 International Training:

🌾 Postharvest Processing & Food Security – Thailand (2024)

🌊 Wetland Management & Food Security – Netherlands (2019)

🧪 Fertilizer Technology – India (2018)

🧠 Digital Literacy & Online Teaching:

Udacity Nanodegree in Data Analysis (2024)

ASU Master Class on Online Teaching (2025)

Ministry of Education e-SHE Courses (2024)

📚 Webinar Trainings:

How to Publish Scholarly Books – Taylor & Francis (2025)

How to be an Effective Peer Reviewer – Taylor & Francis (2024)

🌿 National Competency Certificates:

Land Use & Soil Conservation – Level II

Natural Resource Development Extension Technique – Level IV

Publication Top Notes:

Land use/land cover factor values and accuracy assessment using a GIS and remote sensing in the case of the Quashay Watershed in Northwestern Ethiopia

Cited: 30

Erosion risk potential assessment using GIS and RS for soil and water resource conservation plan: the case of Yisir Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia

Cited: 13

Effects of different dose of nitrogen and lime on soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) on acidic nitisols of Northwestern Ethiopia

Cited: 4

Comparison of Measured and Derived Topographic Factor Values for Soil Loss Estimation

Cited: 1

Conclusion:

Habtamu Tadele Belay is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Pioneer Researcher Award. His integrated expertise in land resource and soil science, proven teaching and research record, leadership in academic development, and ongoing contributions to sustainable environmental management highlight his pioneering role in this domain. Recognizing him with this award would not only honor his dedication and emerging impact but also encourage further research in areas crucial to environmental resilience and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond