Zerihun Assefa

Zerihun Assefa serves as Professor and Chair of the Chemistry Department at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, with research spanning photoluminescence, biochar applications, and sustainable materials development.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Maine (1992): Dissertation on photoluminescence of lanthanide ion complexes
• B.S. in Chemistry, Addis Ababa University (1980)

His research focuses on biochar utilization in construction materials, crystal structure analysis of luminescent compounds, and cement chemistry. Recent work demonstrates strong alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals through waste-to-resource innovation in sustainable infrastructure.

Publication trends (2018-2022) reveal concentrated expertise in agricultural waste biochar applications for cement replacement, examining physiochemical properties, hydration kinetics, and structural performance in concrete systems across multiple waste feedstocks.

Professional Service:

• Grant proposal reviewer
• Academic journal associate editor
• Research competition judge
• Professional board member and officer