Assoc Prof Dr Diriba Muleta, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Dr. Diriba Muleta , a distinguished Ethiopian microbiologist, holds a B.Sc. from Asmara University, an M.Sc. from Addis Ababa University, and a Ph.D. from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. With extensive experience spanning over three decades, Dr.Diriba Muleta is currently an Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Biotechnology. His career began as a high school biology teacher before transitioning to higher education as a lecturer and researcher. He has been pivotal in various national and international research projects, contributing significantly to applied microbiology and biotechnology. His role extends beyond academia, involving editorial duties and active participation in scientific societies.
Publication Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Diriba Muleta pursued his undergraduate studies at Asmara University, earning a B.Sc. in Biology in 1989. He then completed an M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology at Addis Ababa University in 1999. His academic journey continued at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where he earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology in 2007. In addition to his formal education, Dr. Diriba undertook postdoctoral research at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, funded by the Swedish Institute, from 2014 to 2015. His educational background underpins his expertise in microbiology and biotechnology.
Experience
Dr. Diriba Muleta has a robust career in academia and research. He has served as an Associate Professor of Applied Microbiology at Addis Ababa University since 2013. Prior to this, he was an Associate Professor at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and Jimma University. His roles have included Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Researcher at Jimma University. Dr. Diriba has also been involved in high school education as a biology teacher. His professional experience is complemented by significant contributions to research, editorial work, and committee memberships.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Diriba Muleta has received notable recognition for his contributions to science and research. In December 2022, he was honored as a Fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, highlighting his impact in the natural sciences. His work has been acknowledged through various grants and fellowships, supporting his research in biotechnology and environmental science. Dr. Diriba has also been actively involved in national curriculum development processes and research ethics committees, further showcasing his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and education.
Research Focus
Dr. Diriba Muleta research focuses on several key areas within applied microbiology and biotechnology. His work includes screening wild fermentative yeasts for biofuel production, developing starter cultures for injera baking, and utilizing eco-friendly approaches for wastewater treatment. He also investigates mycotoxins in coffee, antimicrobial activities of fungi, and biocontrol agents. His research extends to the rehabilitation of degraded habitats, mushroom cultivation, and enhancing the biotechnological processes in agriculture and industry, aiming to address various environmental and agricultural challenges.
Publications
Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover: Aphididae) influence associated to water hyacinth nutrient (Pontederia crassipes Mart.: Pontederiaceae) in lath house conditions in Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia 🌾📄
Bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses by co-fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolate TA2 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus isolate HCJ2F-19 🍶🔬
Improvement of nutritional composition of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) using formulated substrates of plant and animal origins 🍄🧪
Melissopalynological analysis and microbiological safety of fresh and market honey (Apis mellifera L. and Meliponula beccarii L.) from Western Oromia, Ethiopia 🍯🔍
Native Bacillus thuringiensis isolates against the old-world bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Ethiopia 🐛🌿
Pathogenecity testing of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis isolates against chickpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Ethiopia 🌾🦠
Optimization of bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses by the response surface methodology using Meyerozyma caribbica isolate MJTm3 🔬🍹
Substrate Optimization for Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) Mushroom Production in Ethiopia 🍄🌱
Improved Antibiotic Activity from Streptomyces monomycini strain RVE129 Using Classical and Statistical Design of Experiments 💊📈
Population Dynamics and Damage Threshold of Meloidogyne incognita to the Dinsire Hot Pepper Variety 🌶️🔬