Alehegn Atalay Birlie

  Vice Dean of Research & Postgraduate Coordinator

  Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
  Email: alextir74@gmail.com 

  Phone: +251 946996291

Education         

• Bahir Dar University | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
• Master of Science in Leather Engineering/Design: 05/2022-01/2024.

Overall Grade: 3.82/4.00
Major courses: Leather Processing, Leather Chemistry, Polymer and Materials Science, Biomaterials, Sustainable Materials, Nanotechnology

• Bahir Dar University | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
• Bachelor of Science in Leather Engineering/Design: 15/2016-01/2021. 
  Overall Grade: 3.76/4.00
  Major courses: Leather Processing, Leather Chemistry, Materials Science, Natural Polymers, Waste Valorisation
• Nile Executive Leadership Academy | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: 05/2024-01/2026.
• Advanced Diploma in Executive Leadership
  Overall Grade: 3.97/4.00
• Advanced Diploma in Teaching: 25/2021-01/2022

Publications

1. Birlie, A.A. (Sole Author). Transforming the Leather Industry: A Comprehensive Review on Leather Alternatives. Journal of Renewable Materials, 2025, 13(9), 1783–1802. (IF = 2.8, Q2, First Author)
2. Birlie, A.A.; Yeshanbel, G.; Teshome, Z. A Systematic Review on Potential Bio-Leather Substitutes for Natural Leather. Journal of Engineering, 2023, 2023(1), 1629174. (IF = 2.5, Q2, First Author)
3. Yizengaw, M.A.; Birlie, A.A.; Tesfaye, T.; Katrikan, R.; Cheklie, E.B.; Girma, Z. Grape Waste as Leather-Like Material Alternative: A Comprehensive Review of Ancient Practices, Current Technologies, and Future Trends. Journal of Renewable Materials, 2026, 14(5), 4. (IF = 2.8, Q2, Second Author) 

Research Experiences

• The Future of Fashion: principal Investigator | Bahir Dar University | Ongoing
• Development of bio-leather from agricultural waste (cactus, pineapple, grape marc, mango, mycelium) for smart gloves, leather goods, diabetic shoe socks, and special packaging. The project explores sustainable alternatives to conventional leather and synthetic materials, integrating circular economy principles and waste valorization strategies.
• Reach Unreached Society of Local Tanners: Co-Investigator | UNIDO | Completed
• Community-based project targeting local tanners to improve sustainable leather processing practices and livelihoods. The initiative focused on capacity building, chemical management, and environmentally sound technologies.

Work Experiences

Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

• Vice Dean of Research & Postgraduate Coordinator | 2026–Present
  Oversee research activities, postgraduate programs, and academic coordination. Lead strategic research initiatives, manage funding, and mentor postgraduate students.

Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

• Sustainable Leather Research Center Coordinator | 2024–2025
  Coordinated research activities at the Sustainable Leather Research Center. Managed projects on waste valorization, biomaterials, and sustainable leather processing.
• Lecturer, Leather Engineering | 2021–Present:

Teaching Polymer and Materials Science, Biomaterials, Leather Processing I & II, Leather Chemistry, Sustainable Materials for Structural and Non-structural Applications (Postgraduate), and Sustainable Biomaterials (Undergraduate)

Trainer

Bees for Development Ethiopia | July 2025 – Present

• Conduct capacity-building training programs for local tanners on sustainable leather processing, quality management, and product development.
• Design and implement training modules that enhance technical skills and operational efficiency in tannery operations.
• Provide consultancy on leather processing, material selection, and quality control systems.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer on environmentally friendly alternatives and waste valorization.

Coach, Mentor & Trainer

Mekhil Training and Development Center | September 2026 – Present

• Coach and mentor small and medium enterprise (SME) owners and managers in the garment, leather, and textile sectors.
• Deliver tailored training on business development, production efficiency, quality management, and marketing.
• Assess client needs and develop personalized coaching plans with measurable goals.
• Monitor progress, provide feedback, and prepare daily coaching reports for each coachee.

Trainer

EiTEX Community Engagement | November 2021 – Present

• Deliver training to community members, local artisans, and SMEs in the leather and garment sectors.
• Organize workshops and hands-on sessions to transfer practical skills and promote sustainable practices.
• Develop training materials and manuals for community-based leather and garment production.
• Facilitate linkages between community producers and industry stakeholders for market access.

Skills

Material Characterization & Analytical Skills

• FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, DSC, Contact Angle, Mechanical Testing (ISO), WVP, UV-Vis, Zeta Potential, Biodegradability Testing (ISO 14855, ISO 17556)

Material Preparation

• Solvent casting, compression moulding, electrospinning, coprecipitation, sol-gel, freeze-drying, air-drying, high-temperature carbonization, nanomaterial synthesis.

Other Skills

• Systems & Critical Thinking, Project Management, ISO Standards (9001, 14001, 45001, 17025), Data Analysis, AI/ML (PyTorch, Generative AI), Leadership, Research Coordination.

Teaching & Research Areas

Teaching:

• Polymer and Materials Science, Biomaterials, Leather Processing I & II, Leather Chemistry, Sustainable Materials for Structural and Non-structural Applications (Postgraduate), Sustainable Biomaterials (Undergraduate).

Research

• Biomaterials, sustainable materials, natural polymers, nanotechnology, circular economy, waste valorization, leather alternatives

Msc Student Advising

• Co-advisor: "Innovative bio-based design: exploring novel spent coffee grounds-cactus biomaterial in sustainable fashion accessory design".

Reviewer and Editor experience

• Reviewer for Journal of the American Chemical Society Materials Letters
• Guest Editor for Journal of Material Plastics

Thesis/Dissertations

• MSc Thesis (2024): Production of Leather-like Material from Cactus for Luxury and Protective Clothing Applications – Bahir Dar University (EiTEX). Result: Very Good.
• BSc Thesis (2021): Production of Leather-like Material from Pineapple Plant Fibers – Bahir Dar University (EiTEX). Result: Excellent.

Referees

• Prof. Tamirat Tesfaye – Biorefinery (Ethiopia) – tamrat_tsfy@yahoo.com – +251 930351924
• Prof. Rajan Karthikeyan – Leather Technology (Ethiopia) – drkarthi76@gmail.com – +251 929131435
• Dr. Jerry I. Tagang – Leather/Footwear (Nigeria) – jerrytagang@nilest.edu.ng – +234 8036422329
• Dr. Melkie Getenet – Textile Materials (Ethiopia) – melkietadese@gmail.com – +251 991623766

Research Interests

• Bio-based leather alternatives from agricultural waste
• Antimicrobial and functional biomaterials
• Nanotechnology in leather and textile processing
• Circular economy and waste valorization
• Natural polymers and biopolymer composites
• Sustainable material processing and product design

Motivation Letter for ISGC 2027 – Excellence Science in Africa

Dear Members of the ISGC 2027 Organising Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in participating in the special event on Excellence Science in Africa at the International Symposium on Green Chemistry (ISGC 2027) in La Rochelle, France.

As Vice Dean of Research at the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, my work lies at the intersection of green chemistry, sustainable materials, and the circular economy. My research focuses on valorizing agricultural and industrial waste such as cactus, pineapple leaves, grape marc, and tannery solid waste into high-performance bio-based materials, including leather alternatives, biopolymer composites, and functional nanomaterials. I currently lead two major projects: “The Future of Fashion” (developing bio-leather from agricultural waste for smart gloves and diabetic shoe socks) and “Nanotechnology for Leather Processing” (synthesizing Ag-TiO₂, ZnO, and cellulose nanocrystals for sustainable leather finishing). I have authored over ten peer-reviewed publications on these topics, including a paper in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (IF: 8.7).

This research directly aligns with the goals of ISGC 2027. Green chemistry is central to my approach: I design processes that reduce chemical load, utilise renewable feedstocks, and promote biodegradability. By converting waste into value-added materials, my work supports the transition to a circular bioeconomy a critical pathway for sustainable innovation in Africa. I am particularly eager to present my findings on kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose composites and their potential as leather alternatives, which exemplify how green chemistry can address both environmental and economic challenges in the Global South.

Participating in ISGC 2027 would be immensely beneficial for my institution and for me. EiTEX, as a leading African institute in textile and leather education, seeks to strengthen its international research network and expose its faculty to cutting-edge green chemistry. I would return with new knowledge, collaborative ideas, and potential partnerships that could enhance our research capacity and curriculum. Furthermore, I would share insights on how African scientists are using green chemistry to solve local problems, contributing a vital perspective to the symposium’s global dialogue.

I am confident that my participation will foster mutual benefit: I will contribute rigorous science and an African viewpoint, while gaining from the expertise of international peers. I respectfully request your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to present my work in La Rochelle.

Sincerely,

Alehegn Atalay Birlie
Vice Dean of Research & Postgraduate Coordinator
Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX)