A Brief Profile of the School of Pre-Engineering and Sciences

The School of Pre-Engineering and Sciences at the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, is a multidiscipline academic unit committed to achieving excellence in education, research, community service and innovation. Established in September 2023, the school builds upon the legacy of the former Basic Engineering and Sciences Research and Innovation Center (BES-RiC). The school has 32 qualified academic staff who teach different disciplines under Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, English, History, and other Social Science fields.

The school works on problem-solving through implementing research works and disseminates the outcomes to the scientific and academic community through publication, technology transfer, and community-based activities that include training. Besides, the school undertakes joint research projects with the other faculties in the institute in addition to delivering basic engineering and science, social science, and statistical study courses in textile, garment, and leather engineering programs.

To undertake effective research and teaching-learning process, the School of Pre-Engineering and Sciences is equipped with five laboratories, comprising two computer-based labs, two mechanical engineering labs, and an English Language Improvement Center which are organized and managed based on the KAI ZEN principle, ensuring optimal functioning.

Aim:

In line with the stated missions and vision of the institute, we aim to provide high-quality education, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote cutting-edge research in the fields of engineering, computer science, mathematics, English, and social sciences. We strive to provide a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics, and social sciences, equipping students with the skills needed to address real-world challenges.

Thematic Areas:

In alignment with the mission and vision of the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), which emphasizes practical quality education, research, innovation, and technology transfer to enhance the competitiveness of Ethiopian textile and garment industries, the thematic areas of the School of Pre-Engineering and Sciences are presented as follows:

Thematic Areas of Mechanical Engineering:

• Innovation in Machine Design: Advancing mechanical engineering through the design of efficient machines that contribute to sustainable energy solutions, aligning with EiTEX’s commitment to practical and innovative education.

• Mechanics and Materials Science: Investigating the principles of mechanics and materials science to foster the development of sustainable mechanical systems, reflecting EiTEX’s focus on research and innovation.

• Thermal and Energy Systems: Exploring thermodynamics and energy systems to address future energy demands, supporting EiTEX’s mission to enhance industry competitiveness.

• Industry and Manufacturing Readiness: Preparing students with practical skills for the manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors, in line with EiTEX’s vision for social and industrial development.

• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Embracing CAD, CAM, and additive manufacturing to prepare graduates for the evolving technological landscape, consistent with EiTEX’s strategic themes.

Thematic Areas of Computer Science:

• Software and Algorithmic Development: Delving into algorithms and software development to train competent graduates, as per EiTEX’s mission to address social and industrial needs.

• Digital Creativity and Innovation: Cultivating creativity and problem-solving in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, mirroring EiTEX’s dedication to knowledge and technology dissemination.

• Professional Pathways in IT: Developing future leaders in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity, contributing to EiTEX’s goal of creating a conducive academic environment.

Thematic Areas of Mathematics and Statistics:

• Mathematical Foundations for Industry: Emphasize the application of mathematical theory, modeling, and problem-solving to bolster scientific and engineering disciplines, reflecting EiTEX’s commitment to practical and innovative solutions.

• Applied Mathematics and Optimization: Develop mathematical reasoning, modeling, and optimization skills to support the textile and fashion industry’s needs, in line with EiTEX’s vision of enhancing industry competitiveness.

• Quantitative/Quantitative Analysis and Research: Foster quantitative/qualitative literacy and research competencies to advance the institute’s research culture and address industrial challenges.

• Advanced Theoretical and Applied Mathematics: Combine theoretical mathematics with practical applications to solve real-world problems, supporting EiTEX’s strategic themes of technology transfer and innovation.

• Statistical Analysis and Data Science: Prepare students with applied statistics and data science expertise for informed decision-making, aligning with EiTEX’s goal of knowledge dissemination.

• Reliability and Survival Analysis: This area equips engineers with the tools to evaluate product quality, improve durability, manage risks, and optimize development processes, ensuring customer satisfaction and competitive market performance.

• Multivariate Statistical Analysis: Provide robust tools for quality control, product development, process optimization, fault diagnosis, and predictive modeling, enabling engineers to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and enhance product and process performance.

Thematic Areas of the English Language:

• English for Textile and Fashion Communication: Advance language mastery, critical reading, and academic writing skills, with a focus on the specific needs of the textile and fashion sectors.

• Interdisciplinary Research and Language Development: Encourage interdisciplinary research and language development to contribute to societal and industrial progress, mirroring EiTEX’s mission.

• English Language Improvement for Global Competence: Enhance communication skills, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding through ELIC, preparing students for the global textile and fashion industry.

• Technical Communication in Textile and Fashion: Improve technical report writing and presentation skills, essential for professional success in the textile and fashion technology fields.

• Workplace Language Competence: Equip students with the language competence necessary for effective workplace communication, supporting EiTEX's vision of training competent graduates for social and industrial needs.

Thematic Areas of History and Social Sciences:

• Cultural Heritage and Textile Legacy: Investigate the rich tapestry of indigenous history and its impact on textile traditions and contemporary fashion, reflecting EiTEX’s commitment to cultural preservation and innovation.

• Global Dynamics and Textile Trade: Study international relations with a focus on global governance of textile trade, aligning with EiTEX’s vision to enhance the capability and competitiveness of Ethiopian textile and garment industries.

• Media, Culture, and Textile Innovation: Analyze the interplay between culture, media, technology, and ideas, emphasizing their influence on modern textile and fashion trends, supporting EiTEX’s mission of knowledge dissemination.

• Cultural Studies in Fashion: Explore the social dynamics and Ethical considerations within global communities. particularly in relation to Textile and Fashion sectors, mirroring EiTEX's dedication to Ethical and sustainable practices.

Publications 

• Dawit Tesema (PhD), Design and development of household gasifier cooking stoves: natural versus forced draft, Advances of Science and Technology: 6th EAI International Conference, ICAST.
• Dawit Tesema (PhD): Characterization and optimization of alkali-treated yushania alpina bamboo fiber properties: case study of ethiopia species, SN Applied Sciences 4 (3), 79
• Dawit Tesema (PhD): Characterization and optimization of the properties of untreated high land bamboo fibres, Heliyon 8 (8), e09856
• Dawit Tesema (PhD): Characterization of Thermal Properties of Highland Bamboo Fibers, International Journal of Polymer Science 2022
• Dawit Tesema (PhD): Determinations and performance investigations of hybrid composite properties for hydrokinetic turbine blades, Journal of Composite Materials,
• Dawit Tesema (PhD): Design of micro hydropower system on temie riverfor rural electrification, Global Scientific Journals 7 (3), 1095 - 1205
• Dawit Tesema (PhD): Age effect on the mechanical properties of acid treated yushania alpine bamboo species, Global scientific journals 7 (4), 751 – 762
• Wolelaw Endalew: Predicting Compression Pressure of Knitted Fabric Using a Modified Laplace’s Law" doi.org/10.3390/ma14164461
• Asfaw Alene, Sisay Tebabal: Inspection of Cotton Woven Fabrics Produced by Ethiopian Textile Factories Through a Real-Time Vision-Based System, Journal of Natural Fibers, 20:2, DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2286615, 2023.

Staff Profile:

Contact Person:

  Mr. Yikdem Yeshiwas (Lecturer)

  Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology

  Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

  Mobile phone: +251921279833

  Email: furyikdem@gmail.com

  P.O.Box: 1037