Assistant Professor at Jimma University, Ethiopia
Mr. Chala is a seasoned Postharvest Technology Expert with over 12 years of experience as a development researcher, academician, and consultant. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in Postharvest Management from Jimma University, Ethiopia. His expertise spans Food Science, Nutrition, and Postharvest Technology, with proficiency in statistical analysis using Minitab, SAS, STATA, R, and SPSS. In academia, Mr. Chala has published 22 articles in peer-reviewed journals and supervised numerous research projects. He is currently engaged in a feasibility study on low-cost, zero-energy, and hybrid cooling storage for fresh produce in the Amhara region, commissioned by the World Food Program.
Publication Profile:🌟👨🎓
M.Sc. Research projects:
Mr. Chala has been actively involved in supervising M.Sc. research projects, showcasing his dedication to nurturing the next generation of researchers. Here’s a glimpse of some of the projects he has supervised from 2018 to October 2023:
- Yezid Muhid, 2023 – “Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Bread Supply Chain Actors and Their Impact on the Microbial Quality and Safety of Bread in Jimma Town, Ethiopia” 🍞🧠
- Asaminew Hailu, 2021 – “Fraud Vulnerability Assessment of Teff Grains and Its Products and Its Implication on Food Quality and Safety” 🌾🕵️♂️
- Ayisha Jihad, 2021 – “Optimization of Peanut Butter Processing Condition and Physicochemical Properties of Selected Peanut Varieties Grown in Ethiopia” 🥜🔬
- Solomon Nigusu, 2021 – “Evaluating the Effect of Teff Adulteration on the Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Teff Flour and Injera” 🌾👅
- Suleyman Mifta, 2020 – “Effect of Storage Materials on the Physicochemical Stability, Microbial, and Sensory Quality of Teff and Wheat Flours over Extended Storage Time” 🌾📦
- Zeleke Tesfahun, 2021 – “Evaluating the Effects of Enset Fermentation in Hermetic Grain Storage Bags on the Physicochemical Quality and Sensory Property of Kocho at Selected Agro-ecologies of Gera District” 🌾👜
- Ibrahim Mohammed, 2021 – “Development and Process Optimization of Ready to Eat Millet-Based Gluten-Free Extruded Snack” 🌾🍿
- Fanta Tesfaye, 2020 – “Assessment of Post-Harvest Practices and Evaluating the Nutritional and Bioactive Contents of Selected Wild Edible Plants in Certain Districts of Southwestern Ethiopia” 🌱🔬
- Firehiwot Assefa, 2019 – “Effect of Storage Materials and Duration on Gravimetric, Chemical Properties, and Sensory Quality of Ethiopia Brand Coffees” ☕📦
- Ziad Amme, 2019 – “Effect of Soaking Temperature and Time on Physicochemical, Functional, and Sensory Properties of Selected Parboiled Rice Varieties Grown in Eastern Ethiopia” 🍚⏲️
- Kasahun Desalegn, 2021 – “Effect of Gases Composition on Quality and Shelf Stability of Cow Butter and Ghee over an Extended Period of Storage Time” 🐄🛢️
- Gizazchew Merga, 2018 – “Standardization of Teff (Eragrostis Teff) Injera Making Process Conditions for Better Physicochemical and Sensory Quality” 🌾🍞
- Gemechu Geleta, 2018 – “Assessment of Handling Practices, Physicochemical, and Microbiological Quality of Honey Along the Supply Chain from Gera District to Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia” 🍯👩🌾
These projects reflect his diverse interests and commitment to advancing knowledge in postharvest technology and food science. 🌍🔍
Professional and administrative Experience:
Mr. Chala’s professional and administrative journey is marked by a wealth of experience and contributions. Here’s a snapshot of his roles and accomplishments:
- Head, Office of the Registrar, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University (January 2020 to August 2022) 🏛️📚
- Assistant Professor, Department of Postharvest Management, Jimma University (December 2019 to date) 👨🏫🌾
- Lecturer, Department of Postharvest Management, Jimma University (September 2016- December 2019) 📖🌱
- Graduate Assistant I and II, Department of Postharvest Management, Jimma University (September 2014- September 2016) 🎓🌾
- Head, Department of Food Processing Unit, Higher 7 Teaching and Vocational Education Training, Addis Ababa (September 2012- October 2013) 🏭🌍
- Certificate of Participation in the review of a manuscript for Ethiopian Journal of Science & Technology (EJST) 📝🔍
- Certificate of Participation in the review of Jimma University funded concept notes and research proposals 📑🤝
- Delivered two rounds of Short-Term Training (STT) on “Analysis of Food Products, Thermal Processing, and Preservation of Perishable Food” for ATVET instructors (July 2017 and July 2018) 📚🍲
- Participated in Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in a technology village established by JUCAVM 🌐🏡
- Certificate of participation as a co-researcher in a consultative research project entitled “Postharvest Loss Assessment of Maize, Wheat, Sorghum, and Haricot Bean” funded by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) 🌾💼
- Delivered training on the Production of Value-added products for E-Plan Network Members organized by GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) in 2019 🌱🏭
Mr. Chala’s diverse roles showcase his commitment to education, research, and community engagement. Whether heading departments, teaching, or contributing to research projects, he brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to every endeavor. 🌟👨🏫
Certificate and Awards:
Mr. Chala has earned accolades and grants that underscore his outstanding contributions in academia and research. Here are some of his notable certificates and awards:
- Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Academic Performance from the Joint project of Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Canada; Jimma University, Ethiopia, and McGill University, Canada (April 11, 2012) 🏆🎓
- Grant of $5360 (268,000 ETB) as a principal investigator for the project “Impact of Food Price Inflation and Fraud on Dietary Quality and Safety among Residents in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia” (2022) 💰🍽️
- Grant of $6500 (168,000 ETB) as a principal investigator for the project “Evaluation of the Extent of Adulteration of Honey along the Value Chain in Southwest Ethiopia” (2020) 🍯🔍
- Grant of $5500 (165,000 ETB) as a principal investigator for the project “Development and Participatory Evaluation of Fruit Harvester Impact on Quality, Phytonutrients, and Shelf Life of Selected Fruits in Manna District” (2019) 🍇📊
- Grant of $8771 (240,000 ETB) as a principal investigator for the project “Assessment of Acrylamide Contents of Street Food in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia” (2018) 🍲🧪
- Co-principal investigator for the project “Harnessing Food, Feed, and Pharmaceutical Potentials of Wild Edible Plants to Contribute to Nutrition and Health Security Efforts in Ethiopia,” receiving 2,995,286.58 ETB in 2023 🌿💊🌐
These certificates and grants reflect Mr. Chala’s commitment to impactful research and his significant contributions to the fields of postharvest technology and food science. 🌟🔬
Research Focus 🌱🔬: