Tibebu Merde Zelelew

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Scientist
Woldia, ET.

About

Highly accomplished Assistant Professor with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in advanced materials science, dynamic loading analysis, and ballistic protection systems. Leverages expertise in multifunctional and multiscale materials, including shear-thickening fluids and nanomaterials, to drive innovation in critical sectors such as military, healthcare, and automotive industries. Proven track record in research, publication, and academic leadership, committed to advancing material science through rigorous modeling, simulation, and experimental validation.

Work

Woldia University
|

Assistant Professor, School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering

Woldia, Amhara, Ethiopia

Summary

Leads advanced research and instruction in mechanical engineering, focusing on innovative materials and structural analysis, while mentoring students and contributing to the academic community.

Highlights

Spearheaded advanced research initiatives in materials science, leading to 7+ peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations on shear-thickening fluids, nanomaterials, and composite ballistic protection systems.

Mentored over 15 graduate and undergraduate students in mechanical engineering research, guiding them through experimental design, data analysis, and contributing to their academic and professional development.

Developed and delivered specialized coursework in Mechanical Design and Materials Science, enhancing the curriculum and preparing students for cutting-edge challenges in engineering.

Secured and managed research funding for projects focusing on military, healthcare, and automotive applications, demonstrating strategic leadership in academic research.

Woldia University
|

Science and Technology Coordinator

Woldia, Amhara, Ethiopia

Summary

Coordinated strategic science and technology initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and resource optimization within the university.

Highlights

Directed and streamlined science and technology programs, optimizing resource allocation and project timelines to achieve institutional objectives within a 1.5-year tenure.

Fostered key interdepartmental and external collaborations, expanding research capabilities and facilitating knowledge transfer across multiple scientific disciplines.

Implemented new technological solutions for academic processes, improving data management efficiency and accessibility for faculty and students.

Organized and facilitated over 10 workshops and seminars, enhancing professional development and promoting advanced research methodologies among the university community.

Woldia University
|

Lecturer

Woldia, Amhara, Ethiopia

Summary

Delivered comprehensive instruction in mechanical engineering, fostering critical thinking and practical skills development among students.

Highlights

Instructed diverse cohorts in core Mechanical Engineering subjects, including Mechanics of Materials and Machine Design, resulting in high student engagement and improved comprehension.

Revitalized course content and teaching methodologies, integrating practical case studies and simulations to align with contemporary industry practices.

Provided comprehensive academic guidance to over 50 students annually, assisting with course selection, project development, and career pathway planning.

Achieved positive student feedback scores (e.g., above 85% satisfaction) through engaging lectures and accessible support, fostering a strong learning environment.

Woldia University
|

Graduate II Assistant Lecturer

Woldia, Amhara, Ethiopia

Summary

Provided essential instructional support and academic assistance to faculty and students in mechanical engineering courses.

Highlights

Supported senior faculty in delivering lectures and managing laboratory sessions for foundational mechanical engineering courses, impacting over 100 students per semester.

Administered and graded assignments, quizzes, and exams for multiple courses, ensuring fair and consistent evaluation of student performance.

Conducted targeted tutorial sessions for challenging subjects, contributing to a measurable improvement in student understanding and success rates.

Assisted in the preparation of course materials and managed classroom logistics, significantly enhancing the efficiency of instructional delivery.

Education

Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University
Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia

Ph.D.

Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical Design)

Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University
Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia

M.Sc.

Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical Design)

Deremrkos University
Deremrkos, Amhara, Ethiopia

B.Sc.

Mechanical Engineering

Publications

Nanomaterials for Ballistic Protection: Advances and Future Prospects-A Review

Published by

Results in Engineering

Summary

Tibebu Merde Zelelew, Firdwon Siyoum Haile, Tsedale Mequanent Admasu, Mestawet Girma Bekele, “Nanomaterials for Ballistic Protection: Advances and Future Prospects-A Review", Results in Engineering (2026), doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.109126

Effects of shear thickening fluids to enhance the impact resistance of soft body armor composites: a review

Published by

Smart Materials and Structures

Summary

Zelelew, Tibebu Meride, Addisu Negash Ali, Geta Kidanemariam, Getnet Ayele Kebede, and Ermias Gebrekidan Koricho. "Effects of shear thickening fluids to enhance the impact resistance of soft body armor composites: a review." Smart Materials and Structures (2025).

Numerical simulation of composite materials with sisal and glass fibers for ballistic impact resistance

Published by

Materials Engineering Research

Summary

Zelelew, Tibebu Meride, Addisu Negashe Ali, Getnet Ayele Kebede, Geta Kidamemariam, and Ermias Gebrekidan Koricho. "Numerical simulation of composite materials with sisal and glass fibers for ballistic impact resistance." Materials Engineering Research 6, no. 1 (2024): 323-331.

The Effect of Nanoparticle Reinforcement on Shear-Thickening Fluid

Published by

Journal of Nanotechnology

Summary

Zelelew, Tibebu Merde, Addisu Negash Ali, Geta Kidanemariam, Getnet Ayele Kebede, and Ermias Gebrekidan Koricho. "The Effect of Nanoparticle Reinforcement on Shear-Thickening Fluid." Journal of Nanotechnology 2024, no. 1 (2024): 8819920.

Development of cornstarch-based shear thickening fluid and characterization of the effects of the addition of halloysite nanotubes-silica hybrid reinforcements

Published by

Journal of Polymer Research

Summary

Zelelew, Tibebu Merde, Addisu Negash Ali, and Ermias Gebrekidan Koricho. "Development of cornstarch-based shear thickening fluid and characterization of the effects of the addition of halloysite nanotubes-silica hybrid reinforcements." Journal of Polymer Research 30.11 (2023): 433.

Modeling and numerical simulation of ballistic impact on sandwich composite materials

Published by

Springer International Publishing

Summary

Zelelew, Tibebu Merde, Ermias Gebrekidan Koricho, and Addisu Negashe Ali. "Modeling and numerical simulation of ballistic impact on sandwich composite materials." In Advances of Science and Technology: 9th EAI International Conference, ICAST 2021, Hybrid Event, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, August 27–29, 2021, Proceedings, Part II. Springer International Publishing, 2022.

Design and Analysis of Bullet Resistance Jacket Projectile Penetration: Reviews

Published by

J Material Sci Eng

Summary

Zelelew, T. M., and E. G. Koricho. "Design and Analysis of Bullet Resistance Jacket Projectile Penetration: Reviews." J Material Sci Eng 8.528 (2019): 2.

Languages

Amharic
English

Skills

Technical Software & Tools

MATLAB, SolidWorks, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, ANSYS, Material Studio, Digmat, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), LabVIEW.

Research Methodologies

Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Numerical Simulation, Experimental Testing, Material Characterization, Structural Analysis, Modeling & Optimization.

Materials Science & Engineering

Multifunctional Materials, Multiscale Materials, Shear-Thickening Fluids (STFs), Nanomaterials, Composite Materials, Hybrid Structures, Mechanics of Materials, Dynamic Loading, Body Armor Design, Ballistic Protection Systems, Energy Absorption Technologies.

Application Domains

Military Applications, Food Packaging, Healthcare Technologies, Automotive Engineering.

Academic & Professional Competencies

Teamwork, Leadership, Communication, Curriculum Development, Academic Instruction, Student Mentorship, Project Coordination, Scientific Publication.