Seifu Kebede Gurmessa

Professor Seifu Kebede Gurmessa obtained BSc degree in Geology (1994) and MSc degree in Hydrogeology (1999) both from Addis Ababa University. He obtained PhD degree from the University of Avignon, France in 2005 in Isotope (tracer) hydrogeology. Between 1994 and 1999, he served the School of Earth Sciences, Addis Ababa University as research assistant and junior lecturer. For about one year (2005-2006), after completion of his PhD work, he served the International Atomic Energy Agency as Junior Professional Officer. On return to the Addis Ababa University in 2007, he was appointed as Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology and later in 2013, he has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Hydrogeology. He joined the School of Agricultural Earth and Environmental Sciences and Center of Water Resources Research, University of KwaZulu Natal in September 2019.

He authors more than 40 peer reviewed scientific articles in various hydrology topics and a book on groundwater (see below).

His research interest rests in tracer hydrology and geochemistry as applied to water resources management, surface water groundwater interaction studies, and open water evaporation studies. He has been involved in research activities related to the multifaceted dimensions of groundwater including -rural water supply, groundwater irrigation, and human health.

He has work relation with a few international organizations, UN agencies, river basin organizations, NGOs and the private sector operating in Africa. He travelled in more than 20 African countries in relation to capacity building projects around tracer hydrology and groundwater.