Dawit Solomon

Roles & Affiliations: Dawit Solomon is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science (Soil and Crop Sciences Section) and serves as Lead/Director of CGIAR's Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) in East Africa, based at ILRI in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His work bridges academia and global research institutions.

Education & Expertise: Over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, soil science, and climate resilience. Expertise includes soil fertility, biogeochemical cycling of C/N/P/S, synchrotron-based spectromicroscopy, and environmental management. His research integrates advanced analytical techniques with field-based studies.

Research Focus: Investigates soil degradation mechanisms, organic carbon stabilization, and climate change impacts using synchrotron imaging (Sr-FTIR-ATR, STXM, NEXAFS). Aims to quantify micro/nano-scale interactions between organic matter and minerals to inform soil management and climate mitigation strategies. Recent work emphasizes African soil enrichment practices and phosphorus recycling solutions for developing regions.

Grants & Outreach: Leads large-scale initiatives like CCAFS, focusing on food security and climate adaptation in Africa. Collaborates globally on projects addressing land degradation, pollution prevention, and sustainable technology transfer.

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Cornell's Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and collaborates with ILRI and international partners on synchrotron-based environmental research.