Addis Ababa University
Faculty / Department
Specialties
Melaku Tafese Awulachew is a Food Engineering and Food Science researcher specializing in sustainable food processing, functional foods, nutrition-sensitive food systems, and food biotechnology. He currently serves as a Researcher II at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
He holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering (Process Engineering) from Adama Science and Technology University and an M.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering (Food Engineering) from Addis Ababa University. His research focuses on value addition of agricultural crops, plant-based proteins, food product development, food quality and safety, fermentation, probiotics and postbiotics, bioactive compounds, and sustainable food processing technologies.
His research portfolio includes studies on cereal and pulse-based foods, functional bakery products, complementary foods, food preservation, packaging technologies, and innovative approaches for reducing food waste. He is particularly interested in developing nutrient-dense foods from underutilized crops and applying emerging technologies to improve food quality, nutrition, and sustainability.
Melaku has contributed to scientific publications, book chapters, and international research collaborations. His current research interests include artificial intelligence applications in food systems, circular food processing, sustainable protein production, and biotechnology-driven innovations for future food security.
He actively seeks international collaborations, research partnerships, scientific exchange opportunities, and interdisciplinary projects addressing global challenges in food, nutrition, and sustainability.