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.

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

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