Zelalem Demissie

Zelalem Demissie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at Wichita State University, part of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Oklahoma State University (2018), and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Geology and Geophysics from Addis Ababa University (2005 and 2000).

His research focuses on active deformation processes, including natural hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and induced seismicity, as well as anthropogenic impacts. Key areas include the East African Rift System, East African Orogeny, and the application of geophysical methods (gravity, magnetic, InSAR) to understand crustal dynamics. He also integrates machine learning and GIS technologies for environmental risk assessment, such as drought forecasting in Kansas and flood susceptibility mapping.

Demissie’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in transdisciplinary research teams addressing community resilience to disasters. His recent studies highlight the role of pre-existing structures in rift evolution, magma-assisted rifting mechanisms, and the mitigation of geohazards through advanced analytical techniques.

His research outputs span geophysical investigations, tectonic modeling, and applied environmental studies, with a focus on bridging geoscience and technological solutions for societal challenges.