Mr. Lakachew Binalf | Plant Pathology | Young Scientist Award
Lakachew Binalf at Debark University, Ethiopia
Summary:
Mr. Lakachew Binalf is a dedicated academic and researcher with extensive experience in plant science and pathology. He completed his primary education at Abima and Giraram Primary Schools, followed by high school at Debre Markos General High School. He continued his education at Debre Markos Preparatory School before earning a B.Sc. Degree in Plant Science with Very Great Distinction (CGPA = 3.97) from Debre Markos University. Mr. Binalf then obtained an M.Sc. Degree in Plant Pathology with Very Great Distinction (CGPA = 3.98) from Madda Walabu University, where his thesis on “Association Mapping of Septoria Tritici Blotch (Septoria tritici) Resistance in Bread Wheat in Bale and Arsi Highlands, Ethiopia” was awarded an Excellent rating (94.15%). Additionally, he holds a Higher Diploma Program (HDP) in Teachers Education from Debark University. Mr. Binalf has been a lecturer at Debark University since July 2018, where he teaches various courses, prepares teaching materials, conducts research, participates in community service activities, and advises students. Since July 2021, he has also served as the Head of the Plant Science Department. His research interests include plant breeding for disease resistance, traditional medicine for plant disease management, molecular plant pathology, agronomy, and horticulture. His notable publications include a review on the effect and management options for Septoria Tritici Blotch of Bread Wheat in the Journal of Natural Sciences Research and a research paper on the same topic in Heliyon. Mr. Binalf has undergone various training programs on research methodology, manuscript publication, leadership, and organizational ethics. He has also presented his research at national symposiums. Mr. Binalf is fluent in Amharic and English and possesses strong social and communication skills. He is proficient in software such as SAS, Minitab, TASSEL, and Microsoft Office. He is a member of the Ethiopian University Teachers Association (EUTA) and serves as a coordinator at the department level. In his personal time, Mr. Binalf enjoys listening to music, reading, writing poems and short stories, traveling, and nature photography.
Profile:
Education:
Mr. Lakachew Binalf began his educational journey at Abima Primary School in Debre Markos, Ethiopia (September 2007 to June 2009) and Giraram Primary School in Gozamin, Ethiopia (September 2001 to June 2007). He attended Debre Markos General High School (Nigus Tekle Haymanot) from September 2009 to June 2011, followed by Debre Markos Preparatory School (Debza) from September 2011 to June 2013. Mr. Binalf earned his B.Sc. Degree in Plant Science from Debre Markos University, graduating with Very Great Distinction (CGPA = 3.97) in June 2016. He further pursued an M.Sc. Degree in Plant Pathology at Madda Walabu University, where he also graduated with Very Great Distinction (CGPA = 3.98) in July 2018. His M.Sc. thesis, titled “Association Mapping of Septoria Tritici Blotch (Septoria tritici) Resistance in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Bale and Arsi Highlands, Ethiopia,” received an excellent rating of 94.15%. Additionally, Mr. Binalf completed a Higher Diploma Program (HDP) in Teachers Education at Debark University on February 4, 2021.
Professional Experience:
Mr. Lakachew Binalf has been an integral part of the academic community at Debark University in Debark, Ethiopia, since July 2018. In his role as a lecturer, he delivers lectures and tutorials, prepares teaching materials for various courses, including Plant Pathology, Agricultural Microbiology, Seed Science and Technology, Plant Taxonomy, Management of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests of Economic Importance, Research Methods in Plant Science, Senior Research Proposal, and Senior Seminar. His responsibilities extend beyond teaching, as he is actively involved in conducting research, participating in community service activities, and serving on different committees. Additionally, he advises students and has held the position of Head of the Plant Science Department since July 2021. His commitment to education and research is evident in his contributions to the university and the broader academic community.
Research Interests:
Mr. Lakachew Binalf’s research interests encompass a range of critical areas in plant science. He is particularly focused on Plant Breeding for Disease Resistance, where he aims to develop, introduce, and select disease-resistant plant varieties. Additionally, he is interested in Traditional Medicine for Plant Disease Management, emphasizing the modern utilization of botanical plant extracts for managing plant diseases. His expertise extends to Molecular Plant Pathology, where he investigates the molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions. Furthermore, he has research interests in Agronomy and Horticulture, contributing to the broader understanding and improvement of plant cultivation and crop production.
Skills:
Mr. Lakachew Binalf possesses a diverse set of skills that enhance his professional and personal capabilities. He is proficient in Amharic, his mother tongue, with excellent listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and he is equally proficient in English. His social skills are evident through his active participation in volunteering activities and social committees, demonstrating his ability to interact effectively with others. He has strong communication skills, facilitating clear and effective exchanges of information. Mr. Binalf is highly cooperative in team settings, contributing to collaborative efforts with ease. His technical skills include proficiency in software such as SAS, Minitab, and TASSEL, alongside fundamental computer skills in Microsoft Office. These competencies make him a well-rounded professional in his field.
Publication:
- Authors: Lakachew Binalf
- Journal: Journal of Natural Sciences Research
- Year: 2018