CHALA DABA GELETA

Water Resources & Development Studies Expert | Academic Leader | Researcher

About

Highly accomplished academic leader and researcher with over a decade of experience in water resources, irrigation management, and development studies, demonstrating exceptional analytical and leadership capabilities. Proven ability to drive academic programs, conduct impactful research, and manage complex projects, consistently delivering results with distinction. Seeking to leverage extensive expertise in environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and resource optimization to contribute to a forward-thinking organization.

Work Experience

Lecturer & Researcher, Water Resource and Irrigation Management Department

Wallaga University

Jul 2013 - Jul 2024

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Conducts teaching and research in water resource and irrigation management, contributing to academic advancement and student education.

  • Delivers comprehensive lectures and practical sessions to undergraduate and graduate students, cultivating expertise in water resource and irrigation management.
  • Led and contributed to 7 peer-reviewed journal publications and presented at 4 national research conferences, advancing knowledge in climate change, evapotranspiration, and rainfall analysis.
  • Mentors students in advanced research methodologies and project development, fostering critical thinking and practical skills in the field.
  • Actively involved in curriculum development and updates, ensuring academic programs reflect current industry trends and scientific advancements.

Dean of Faculty of Resource Management and Economics

Wallaga University

Feb 2015 - Oct 2017

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Led academic and administrative operations for the Faculty of Resource Management and Economics, overseeing strategic planning, curriculum development, and resource allocation.

  • Directed comprehensive academic and administrative operations for a faculty, managing diverse departments and ensuring compliance with university standards.
  • Spearheaded strategic planning and curriculum development initiatives, enhancing program quality and relevance for over 500 students.
  • Managed significant faculty resources, including budget oversight and staff deployment, to optimize operational efficiency and academic output.
  • Fostered a collaborative environment that supported faculty research and professional development, contributing to the institution's academic reputation.

Head of Natural Resource Department

Wallaga University

Dec 2014 - Feb 2015

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Directed departmental activities and academic programs within the Natural Resource Department, focusing on research and educational quality.

  • Oversaw daily departmental administration and academic affairs, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to educational objectives.
  • Coordinated and supported research initiatives within the department, fostering a productive environment for scientific advancements.
  • Managed faculty and staff, promoting a cohesive and high-performing team dedicated to teaching and research excellence in natural resources.

Water Resource and Irrigation Management Focal Person

Wallaga University

Jul 2013 - Dec 2014

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Coordinated key initiatives for water resource and irrigation management programs, ensuring project alignment with strategic objectives.

  • Acted as the central point of contact for critical water resource and irrigation management projects, streamlining communication and collaboration across stakeholders.
  • Monitored project progress and ensured adherence to timelines and deliverables, contributing to the successful completion of key initiatives.
  • Supported the development and implementation of new strategies for water resource optimization, enhancing program effectiveness and impact.

Water Resource and Irrigation Management Program Team Leader

Wallaga University

Jan 2011 - Sep 2011

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Led a team focused on water resource and irrigation management programs, driving project execution and team coordination.

  • Directed a program team, guiding efforts in water resource and irrigation management to achieve specific project goals and deliverables.
  • Facilitated effective team collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring efficient progress on critical program initiatives.
  • Implemented strategies to enhance program effectiveness, contributing to improved resource utilization and project outcomes.

Graduate Assistant-I, Water Resource and Irrigation Management Department

Wallaga University

Jan 2011 - Sep 2011

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Supported academic and research activities within the Water Resource and Irrigation Management Department, assisting faculty and students.

  • Assisted faculty with course preparation, grading, and student support, enhancing the learning experience and academic success.
  • Contributed to ongoing research projects by collecting and analyzing data, supporting departmental scientific output and publications.
  • Managed laboratory resources and equipment, ensuring smooth operation for practical sessions and experiments for over 100 students.

Education

Development Studies

Ambo University

CGPA of 4.0 (Very great distinction)

Jan 2024 - Dec 2024

Ambo, Oromia, ET

Water Resources Engineering and Management

Hawassa University

CGPA of 3.86 (Very great distinction)

Sep 2011 - Dec 2013

Hawassa, Sidama, ET

Irrigation Agronomy (Water Resource and Irrigation Management)

Wollega University

CGPA of 3.67 (Greatest distinction)

Sep 2006 - Dec 2010

Nekemte, Oromia, ET

Volunteer

Committee Coordinator & Member

Wallaga University, Shambu Campus

Jul 2013 - Oct 2017

Shambu, Oromia, ET

Coordinated and participated in various university committees, contributing to institutional governance and operational improvements.

  • Served as a committee coordinator, leading discussions and initiatives to achieve specific institutional goals and improve campus operations.
  • Contributed to decision-making processes as a committee member, influencing university policies and campus development initiatives.
  • Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration on key projects, enhancing overall university effectiveness and student experience.

Certificates

Basics of Explanatory Data Analysis (EDA)

Great Learning

Managing climate risks through social protection

FAO

Google Analytics for Beginners

Google

Content Marketing Basics

Great Learning

Introduction to Business

Saylor Academy

Certificate of Participation on National Symposium

Wollega University

Higher Diploma Program (HDP)

Wollega University

Basic Account Works (Level II)

Harbar BLC

Climate-smart soil and land management

FAO

Introduction to Sustainable Development Goal indicators under FAO custodianship

FAO

QGIS for Beginners

GeoRGB

Geostatistics

GeoRGB

Introduction to WASH in Emergencies

Save the Children

Data Analysis Fundamentals

Udacity

Capital Market Analysis

Mind Luster

Awards

Top Cited Article

Wiley

Jan 2022

Recognized for significant contribution to academic literature as a top-cited author in 2021-2022.

Publications

Variability and Extremes of MAM Season Rainfall in Ethiopia: Insights from the 2023 Anomalous Event. J. Agric. Food. Nat. Res., 2(1):27-39.

J. Agric. Food. Nat. Res.

Jan 2024

Analyzed rainfall variability and extremes in Ethiopia, providing insights into the 2023 anomalous event's implications for agriculture and food security.

Forecasting reference evapotranspiration under climate change scenario in Lake Finchaa Watershed, Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 17(3): 827-846.

International Journal of Agricultural Technology

Jan 2021

Developed a forecasting model for evapotranspiration in Lake Finchaa Watershed under climate change scenarios, crucial for water resource planning.

Evaluation of Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Station (CHIRPS) satellite-based rainfall estimates over Finchaa and Neshe Watersheds, Ethiopia. Engineering Reports Journal, 3(6): 1- 16.

Engineering Reports Journal

Jan 2021

Evaluated the accuracy of satellite-based rainfall estimates (CHIRPS) over key Ethiopian watersheds, enhancing data reliability for hydrological studies.

Spatiotemporal Variation in Reference Evapotranspiration over Horro Guduru Wollega zone using Kriging Method. World Appl. Sci. J., 37(4): 250-258.

World Applied Sciences Journal

Jan 2019

Investigated spatiotemporal variations in reference evapotranspiration using Kriging method, providing critical data for irrigation scheduling.

Effect of first watering month on water requirement of sugarcane using CROPWAT Model in Finchaa Valley, Ethiopia. Int. J. Water Res. Environ. Eng., 11(1): 14-23.

International Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

Jan 2019

Analyzed the impact of initial watering on sugarcane water requirements using the CROPWAT Model, optimizing irrigation practices for increased yield.

Analyzing Water Application Uniformity of Hose-move Sprinkler Irrigation System. Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 19 (1): 1-10.

American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Jan 2019

Assessed the uniformity of water application in hose-move sprinkler irrigation systems, identifying areas for efficiency improvement.

Climate Change Induced Temperature Prediction and Bias Correction in Finchaa Watershed. Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 18 (6): 324-337.

American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Jan 2018

Developed methods for predicting and correcting temperature biases in Finchaa Watershed under climate change, enhancing climate modeling accuracy.

Skills

Software & Tools

  • SPSS
  • JASP
  • CropWat
  • AquaCrop
  • Epanet
  • ArcGIS
  • QGIS
  • Instat
  • Erdas
  • ET calculator
  • R
  • R studio
  • R-Instat
  • ClimSoft
  • CMhyd
  • TREND
  • SWAT/+
  • SPI
  • Surfer
  • Mendeley
  • Zetore
  • MS Word
  • MS PowerPoint
  • MS Excel
  • MS Publisher
  • WPS Office
  • PDF
  • Photoshop
  • Power Ge’eez

Computer & System Management

  • Windows Installation
  • File Recovery
  • Internet Browsing
  • Software Installation
  • Software Updating
  • Software Uninstallation

Data Analysis & Modeling

  • Explanatory Data Analysis (EDA)
  • Data Analysis Fundamentals
  • Geostatistics
  • Econometric Analysis
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Kriging Method
  • CROPWAT Model
  • Hydrological Modeling
  • Climate Modeling

Water Resources & Irrigation

  • Water Resource Management
  • Irrigation Management
  • Watershed Hydrology
  • Hydrological Extreme Values Analysis
  • Water Supply & Demand Assessment
  • Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
  • Water Application Uniformity

Environmental & Climate Studies

  • Climate Risk Management
  • Climate Variability & Change
  • Land Use Change Impact Assessment
  • Satellite Rainfall Estimate Data Validation
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • Ecosystem Services Valuation
  • Climate-Smart Soil & Land Management

Academic & Leadership

  • Academic Leadership
  • Curriculum Development
  • Research Leadership
  • Teaching
  • Mentoring
  • Departmental Management
  • Faculty Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Program Coordination

Professional & Communication

  • Effective Listening
  • Verbal Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Accuracy
  • Attention to Detail
  • Professional Demeanor
  • Multi-tasking
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Independent Work
  • Creativity
  • Engineering Drawings & Blueprints Interpretation
  • Superior Organizational Skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical Ability
  • Technical Expertise
  • Presentation Skills
  • Public Speaking

Interests

Research Interests

  • Satellite rainfall estimate data validation and application
  • Watershed hydrology and processes
  • Application of GIS & RS for gridded data to manage water resources
  • Climate variability and change and land use change impact assessment
  • Hydrological extreme values analysis
  • Irrigation water management
  • Water Supply and Demand assessment
  • Ecosystem Services Valuation
  • Econometric Analysis

References

Tesema Adamu

Lecturer & Researcher, at Arba Minch University, [email protected], +251 912 05 53 23

Abdulaziz Husen

Lecturer & Researcher, Oda Bultum University, [email protected], +251 913 48 26 85

Mulatu Kassa

Lecturer & Researcher, D/Tabor University, [email protected], +251 913 30 53 40

Tufa Terefa

Lecturer & Researcher, Ambo University, [email protected], +251 911 28 00 10

Tekalegn Ayele (PhD)

Edn. Coordinator, AAU, EIWR, [email protected], +251 944 05 54 45

Misire Belay

Customer Service Officer, Dashen Bank, Ambo, [email protected], +251 912 45 15 90