Dr. Degu Melaku Kumelachew (Assistant Professor with PhD)

  Department of Textile Engineering

  Email: degu.melaku@bdu.edu.et

 

Professional Summary

Research-oriented Materials and Biomedical Engineer with a Ph.D. in biomaterials, electrospun nanofibers, vascular grafts, controlled drug delivery, and smart medical devices. Experienced in experimental research, finite element modeling (FEA), CAD-based biomedical design (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino), numerical simulation (CFD, Abaqus), Python programming, and advanced scientific data analysis. Proven track record of high-impact international publications, university teaching, research supervision, and innovation management. Skilled in interdisciplinary research collaboration, quality assurance, and textile engineering.

Employment History

Assistant Researcher / Lecturer / Education Quality Officer / Director, Bahir Dar University.

  • Lead research and teaching activities in materials engineering, biomedical materials, and textile technology.
  • Supervise postgraduate students and manage innovation projects.
  • Serve as Director of the Textile Production Research and Innovation Center, overseeing strategic development and operational management.
  • Act as Education Quality Officer, ensuring academic standards and continuous improvement in curriculum delivery

07/2012 – 02/2013: SYGIN DIMA Textile SC, Textile Plant Erection Coordinator (Spinning Machinery Installation)

  • Managed the installation and commissioning of a new textile spinning plant.
  • Completed the project 2.5 months ahead of schedule (completed commissioning in 9.5 months vs. planned 12 months)

07/2011 –06/2012:ALMEDA Textile PLC, Production Supervisor & Shift Leader

  • Supervised daily production operations, ensuring quality and efficiency targets were met 
  • Promoted to Shift Leader within 4 months for demonstrating strong leadership and operational management skills

Education

  • 09/2019 – 06/2026: Ph.D. in Biomaterials Design, Donghua University, Shanghai China.
  • 09/2013 – 07/2015: M.Sc. in Textile Engineering, Bahir Dar University, EiTEX, Ethiopia
  • 09/2006 – 07/2010: B.Sc. in Textile Engineering, Bahir Dar University, EiTEX, Ethiopia 

Skills and Expertise

Biomedical & Materials Engineering

  • Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Electrospinning & Nanofiber Fabrication
  • Vascular Graft & Stent Design 
  • Smart Medical Devices

Certifications & Professional Development

Finite Element Analysis Convergence and Mesh Independence

  • Issuing Institution: Coursera Project Network Date: 2025-08

Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel

  • Issuing Institution: Coursera Project Network Date: 2025-08

FEM - Linear, Nonlinear Analysis & Post-Processing

  • Issuing Institution: Coursera Project Network Date: 2025-08

Create a Financial Statement using Microsoft Excel

  • Issuing Institution: Coursera Project Network Date: 2025

Computational Fluid Mechanics - Airflow Around a Spoiler

  • Issuing Institution: Coursera Project Network Date: 2025-08

Software & Computational Tools

  • CAD/Design: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino
  • Data Analysis Origin, Advanced Microsoft Excel
  • Graphics Adobe Illustrator
  • Simulation Abaqus (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Office Microsoft Office Suite

Research Interests

  • Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
  • Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications 
  • Vascular Graft and Stent Design
  • Controlled Drug Delivery Systems 
  • Smart Medical Devices
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) 
  • Textile Technology and Innovation

Patents

Braiding-knitting sectional type colorectal nickel-titanium alloy bracket and preparation method thereof

  • Patent No.: CN120899436A
  • Inventor: Degu Melaku Kumelachew (Second; Supervisor first)
  • Application No: 2025110292678

Publications

  1. Development and Mechanical Evaluation of a Novel Segmental Braided-Knitted Nitinol Stent with Enhanced Migration Resistance for Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction, Advanced Engineering Materials, Year: 2025.
  2. Mimicking techniques in small diameter vascular grafts: enhancing design through multi-layered electrospinning techniques, Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, Year: 2025.
  3. Enhancing 5-Fluorouracil Delivery: Core-Shell vs. Blended: Polycaprolactone / thermoplastic polyurethane Electrospun comparative evaluation, Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, Year: 2024.
  4. Calcium carbonate modified polyurethane shell in polycaprolactone based core-shell fibre integrated 5-fluorouracil delivery for colon treatment: In vitro characterization, Journal of Polymer Research, Year: 2024.
  5. Upcycling of cotton towel fabric waste functionalized with PPy for solar evaporation, Separation and Purification Technology, Year: 2024.
  6. Study on auxetic and mechanical properties of complex yarn with spandex core and nylon wrap based on braiding technology, Textile Research Journal,Year: 2024
  7. In vitro analysis of electrospun nanofibrous polycaprolactone loaded with Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract as potential wound dressing, Journal of Applied Polymer Science Year: 2023.
  8. Digital textile printing innovations, Digital Textile Printing, Woodhead Publishing, Year: 2022.
  9. Quality of digital textile printing, Digital Textile Printing, Woodhead Publishing, Year: 2022
  10. Digital image design and creation of printed images on textile fabrics, Digital Textile Printing, Elsevier, Year: 2022.
  11. An investigation of the effects of weave types on surface roughness of woven fabric, Textile Research Journal, Year: 2021.
  12. A review of medicinal plant-based bioactive electrospun nanofibrous wound dressings, Materials & Design, Year: 2020. 

Hobbies & Interests

  • Travel 
  •  Reading