معرفی
Dr. Tolessa Deksissa is the Director of the Water Resources Research Institute and Environmental Quality Testing Lab at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) within the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences. He leads innovative research on urban water quality, emerging contaminants, and sustainable stormwater management while overseeing laboratory operations and academic programs.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Biological Sciences: Environmental Technology, Ghent University
- Master of Science in Environmental Science, Ghent University
- Bachelor of Science in Arid Land Crop Sciences, Haramaya University of Agricultural Science
His research expertise includes integrated water systems modeling, environmental toxicology, and quality assurance for accredited laboratories. He focuses on stormwater green infrastructure, wastewater systems modeling, contaminant fate studies, and dynamic modeling projects, bridging scientific innovation with real-world applications.
Dr. Deksissa's recent publications highlight stormwater reuse potential, circular economy integration, and ecosystem service enhancement. His work aligns with UDC's mission to connect research, education, and community resilience.
- Recipient, National Black Engineer of the Year in Research Leadership, 2022
- Inducted into Marquis Who's Who of 2024
- Quality Matters-Certified in Online Course Designing and Teaching
- Recipient, Myrtilla Miner Faculty Fellowship
- Recipient, Wave of Excellency Award, UDC
He has secured grants from the National Science Foundation (2022, 2015), United States Geological Survey (2014), and Department of Defense (2022). His leadership roles include Director of the Water Resources Research Institute since 2012 and founding positions for UDC's Environmental Quality Testing Laboratory and Professional Science Master’s in Water Resources Management.
Dr. Deksissa teaches courses including Water Quality Assessment, Urban Water Quality Management, and Environmental Toxicology. He actively participates in national conferences like AGU, ARCSA, and CCE, emphasizing practical training through an accredited environmental laboratory.
