Dr. Fekadu Mosisa Wako | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fekadu Mosisa Wako 🇪🇹 is a dynamic and globally experienced chemical engineer with a robust academic and research profile in the areas of sustainable energy, chemical kinetics, and biofuel production. Born in Ethiopia in 1988, Dr. Wako is currently a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Researcher at IMT Atlantique, Nantes, France. His international academic journey includes significant research appointments in Canada, Italy, Taiwan, and Ethiopia, reflecting both versatility and scientific commitment. Dr. Wako’s research blends experimental and simulation-based techniques for green fuel synthesis, including biomass pyrolysis, catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), and combustion modeling. His efforts have significantly advanced the understanding of clean energy processes, making him a valuable contributor to global sustainability goals. With a strong publication record and international collaborations, he is widely respected in both academic and applied engineering circles. His work not only advances science but also addresses real-world environmental and energy challenges.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Wako holds a PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy (2019–2022), where his research focused on combustion modeling and kinetic mechanism reduction for sustainable fuels. Prior to this, he earned a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering with specialization in Petroleum Science and Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India (2015–2017). His foundational training was a BSc in Food Technology and Process Engineering from Haramaya University, Ethiopia (2008–2013). Additionally, Dr. Wako has completed numerous advanced international trainings, including summer courses on nanomaterials, CFD for turbomachinery, biosafety, reaction mechanisms, and teaching in higher education. These diverse educational experiences not only underscore his commitment to lifelong learning but also position him at the intersection of experimental science, computational modeling, and educational leadership.

Professional Experience

Dr. Wako’s career spans multiple leading institutions across continents. Currently, he serves as an MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher at IMT Atlantique, France (2025–Present), where he works on microwave-assisted pretreatment of microalgae and HTL for bio-oil. Previously, he conducted combustion kinetic modeling of oxygenated fuels (PODE1-3) at the University of British Columbia, Canada (2024–2025), and zero-carbon gas turbine combustion CFD modeling at Università Degli Studi Firenze, Italy (2023–2024). His earlier research at the University of Bologna (2022–2023) explored oxy-biofuel kinetics and combustion safety. From 2013 to 2018, he served in faculty roles at Haramaya University, Ethiopia, rising from Assistant Lecturer to Head of the Department of Food Technology and Principal Investigator of international projects. His experience demonstrates not only scientific expertise but also leadership in education, research mentoring, and cross-cultural academic collaboration.

Research Interests

Dr. Wako’s interdisciplinary research focuses on bioenergy conversion, combustion chemistry, and reaction kinetics modeling. He specializes in hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), microwave-assisted biomass pretreatment, and CFD modeling for cleaner fuel combustion. His recent work at IMT Atlantique explores optimal kinetic conditions for bio-oil production from microalgae, while his prior projects involved modeling the combustion properties of oxygenated and zero-carbon fuels. He is also adept in simulation platforms like Cantera, Chemkin, RMG, Aspen Plus, and CFD tools, enabling in-depth thermochemical process modeling. Driven by the global need for renewable energy, Dr. Wako’s research advances the understanding and application of biofuels and sustainable energy systems. His interest extends to reaction mechanism generation, flame dynamics, and fuel safety mechanisms, making his work highly relevant to energy transition and decarbonization efforts.

Awards and Distinctions

Dr. Wako has consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout his career. His selection as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellow is a testament to his research caliber and international recognition. He also secured competitive visiting research fellowships at renowned institutions such as the University of Calgary and Academia Sinica, Taiwan. During his tenure at Haramaya University, he was appointed as Principal Investigator for an international welfare project and held multiple leadership positions, including Head of Department and University Student Discipline Committee Member. His selection for high-level international summer schools and training programs, including those at MIT, Wageningen University, and Florence University, highlights his global academic visibility.

Publication Top Notes

Temperature Dependence of Hydrogen/Air and Methane/Air Deflagration.

Performance Assessment of Drop Tube Reactor for Biomass Fast Pyrolysis.

Modelling of Acetaldehyde and Acetic Acid Combustion.

Modeling Formic Acid Combustion.

Reduced Combustion Mechanism for Fire with Light Alcohols.

Laminar Burning Velocity and Ignition Delay Time of Oxygenated Biofuel.

Prediction of the Ignition Delay Time of Bio-Syngas.

Effect of Hydrogen Addition on Low-Temperature Combustion.

Catalytic Cracking of Waste Cooking Oil for Biofuel.

Thermal Degradation of Waste Cooking Oil.

Conclusion

Dr. Fekadu Mosisa Wako stands out as a highly competent and visionary researcher committed to sustainable energy innovations. His strong academic foundation, vast international experience, and prolific publication record make him an ideal candidate for recognition through prestigious research awards. His multidisciplinary expertise—from biomass conversion and catalytic systems to combustion modeling—addresses pressing global energy and environmental challenges. His ability to bridge theory, simulation, and practical experimentation is remarkable, and his work continues to contribute to cleaner and more efficient energy systems. Given his accomplishments and future potential, Dr. Wako is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award or any title that honors global scientific excellence in energy and environmental engineering.