Selamawit Hirpa Abu
Public Health Researcher
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ,AA
Summary
As a public health researcher with more than a decade of experience in both quantitative and qualitative research, I gained valuable skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. With a Ph.D. From Martin Luther University, Germany, I have contributed significantly to public health research and policy development by leading research projects, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborating with local and international stakeholders. I have also been part of several multi-country research initiatives such as the Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovations from Polio Eradication (STRIPE) project, which aimed to disseminate lessons learned from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to advance health beyond polio eradication. As part of this initiative, I collaborated with colleagues at the Addis Ababa University School of Public Health to develop and contextualize modules and materials from a global perspective for the Ethiopian health system and workforce.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Research Fellow
Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovations from Polio Eradication (STRIPE) project
12.2021 - Current
- Desk Reviews: Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to gather relevant information and insights.
- Key Informant Interviews: Interviewed stakeholders to gather firsthand perspectives and experiences.
- Transcription and Translation: Ensured accurate documentation of interviews and materials in multiple languages.
- NVivo Coding: Used NVivo software for systematic data analysis and coding.
- Collaborated with other researchers to write and distribute impactful results of qualitative researches .
- Analysis and Writing: Utilized qualitative research skills to synthesize data and draft reports for dissemination.
- Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
A Co-Principal Investigator
TCDI (Funded By Bill &Millnda Gates Foundation)
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Established strong partnerships with external collaborators, broadening the scope of investigation and enriching the overall research experience.
- Wrote research proposal and obtained Ethical Clearance from Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Addis Ababa University.
- Cultivated a positive research environment that fostered open communication, creativity, and intellectual curiosity among team members.
- Participated in the survey instrument development, translation, and piloting.
- Worked with principal investigator and funders to facilitate daily research activities and comply with research protocols.
- Worked with the principal investigator and contact health and administrative authorities at National, Regional, Zonal and Woreda levels to establish collaboration.
- Developed comprehensive research plans, ensuring timely completion of project milestones and delivery of high-quality results.
- Assist in the recruitment and training of the field team including data collectors, supervisors, qualitative interviewers, and qualitative data coders.
- Trained data collectors and supervisors for both quantitative and qualitative researches.
- Communicate with the local government officials, before the start of the field work, to receive permission for the field operations.
- Conducted key-informant interviews,and daily briefs with other key informant interviwers.
- Supervise the transcription and translation of qualitative researh interviwes
- Ensure that qualitative data coding is accomplished by data coders timely with the expected level of quality
- Maintain regular communication with the field coordinator and the field team during data collection to ensure smooth progress of the field work.
- Work with the data manager to ensure data quality and data safety and address barriers to data quality accordingly.
- Together with the research team and the data manager, clean and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data and interpret the findings.
- Report and manuscript writing.
Research Fellow
GCRF Tobacco Capacity Control Programme
03.2018 - 12.2021
- Developed protocols for ethical human subject recruitment, ensuring compliance with institutional review board requirements.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Conducted a literature review to identify the latest research in a field of study, allowing for more informed decision-making on the research project.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Collaborated with a research team at UK universities and Germany to develop research proposals.
- Trained and coordinated a team of research assistants to ensure timely completion of research tasks.
- Led qualitative research projects: Conducted in-depth interviews, supervised transcription and translation of interviews, and coded the transcripts.
- Organized and presented a research plan for stakeholders at different phases of the project.
- Drafted research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented research findings at international conferences.
- Published a research paper in a peer-reviewed journal, resulting in increased visibility for the research group.
- Gave lectures for Master of Public Health and medical students on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), risk factors for non-communicable diseases, and qualitative research methods at Addis Ababa University, School of Public Health.
- Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborated with other researchers to write and distribute impactful Policy briefs.
- Increased interdisciplinary collaboration by organizing workshops bringing together researchers from diverse backgrounds.
- Presented research results at national and international conferences, fostering professional relationships and collaborations.
- Facilitated strong communication among team members through regular meetings, progress reports, and open channels of dialogue.
- Conducted document review, organization and quality control of data acquisition to draw relevant conclusions and direct research activities.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Computed complex statistical analyses and interpreted data using STATA software.
- Established partnerships with external organizations for collaborative research efforts, increasing resources and expertise available for projects.
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality to protect data quality and project research.
- Published research findings in top-tier academic journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
American Cancer Society Research Project coordinator
Addis Ababa University
02.2016 - 02.2018
- Developed project plans that included research objectives, data collection tool, timelines, milestones, and resource allocation to ensure successful project completion.
- Conducted quantitative and qualitative research.
- Implemented project lifecycle management processes to ensure project requirements were documented and tracked throughout the project.
- Collaborated with a cross-functional team for designing the research project, resulting in the successful completion of the project on time and within budget.
- Identified and resolved project issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing their impact on project progress.
- Ensured timely completion of research milestones by effectively delegating tasks to team members.
- Arranged travel and accommodation for team members and project partners.
- Facilitated successful partnerships with external organizations for data sharing and joint publications in scientific journals.
Qualitative Researcher
Harar Ethiopia Project
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Wrote research proposal and obtained ethical clearance from Institutional Ethical Review board.
- Enhanced research quality by meticulously designing and conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups.
- With other team members conducted transcription, translation of in depth interviews and focus group discussions.
- Built rapport with study participants, fostering trust and open communication during sensitive data collection sessions.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Coded and analyzed qualitative data using Atlasi.ti software
- Strengthened internal capacity for conducting qualitative studies by developing and delivering training programs for colleagues.
- Developed comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations that informed key stakeholders'' decision-making processes.
- Took active role in stakeholder meetings and brainstorming sessions, promoting positive changes to project strategies and future implementations.
Faculty
College of Health Sciences, Adama University
11.2007 - 02.2016
- Designed and facilitated interactive learning activities that improved student collaboration and critical thinking skills.
- Built strong, positive relationships with students, resulting in increased motivation and engagement.
- Created and implemented assessments that accurately measure student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues and Save the Children Ethiopia Office to offer integrated management of newborn and child health courses that meet the needs of the local community to health professionals in different regions and graduating class students.
- Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
Education
Dr. Rer. Medic. (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology -
Martin-Luther-University
Halle, Saale 10.2019 - 05.2023
Master’s Degree in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases -
Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathology, Addis Ababa University
07.2010 - 05.2012
Nursing - undefined
College of Health Sciences, Hawassa University
11.2003 - 05.2006
Skills
Leadership Skillsundefined
Affiliations
- Non-Communicable Diseases Control working group at the School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University
- Ethiopian National Tobacco Control Committee
- Ethiopian Public Health Association
- Women’s Health Research group at Addis Ababa University
- Global Health Team at Marthin Luther University, Germany
Research And Publications
A light touch intervention with a heavy lift – gender, space, and risk in a global vaccination programme, Global Public Health, https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2022.2099930,
If I don’t smoke shisha, I won’t be able to sleep”: Lived experiences of high school students in Ethiopia, International Journal of Global Health Reports, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35518649/,
They have a right to participate as a stakeholder’: Article 5.3 implementation and government interactions with the tobacco industry in Ethiopia, BMJ tobacco control, https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2022/01/30/tobaccocontrol-2021 056885.
The Availability and Utilization of Psychosocial Services for Breast Cancer Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Mixed Method Study, Research Square, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350575043,
Application of the rapid ethical assessment approach to enhance the ethical conduct of longitudinal population-based female cancer research in an urban setting in Ethiopia, BMC Medical Ethics, https://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/articles/,
Norms, rules, and policy tools: understanding Article 5.3 as an instrument of tobacco control governance, BMJ tobacco control, https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content,
Advancing whole-of-government approaches to tobacco control: Article 5.3 and the challenge of policy coordination in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Uganda, BMJ tobacco control, https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2022/02/10,
Determinants of MDR-TB in patients who underwent first-line anti Tuberculosis treatment in Addis Ababa: a case-control study, BMC public health journal, www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/13/782,
Prevalence and risk factors for tobacco, khat, and alcohol consumption among high school students in Ethiopia, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15088-
An Emerging Problem of Shisha Smoking among High School Students in Ethiopia, International Journal of Environmental Health and Public Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8297266/,
The role of health education on the uptake of cervical cancer screening, PLOS ONE Journal, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33027267/,
Factors Associated with Cervical Precancerous Lesion among Women Screened for Cervical Cancer in Addis Ababa, PLOS ONE Journal, Breast and cervical cancer patients' experience in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia: A follow-up study protocol, BMJ Open, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332308529,
Knowledge about cervical cancer and barriers towards cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women in health centres of Addis Ababa, Journal of Cancer Medicine, http://rdcu.be/GYle,
Oesophageal cancer magnitude and presentation in Ethiopia 2012-2017, PLOS One, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346613312,
What you need to know about a research partnership for sustainable development, DEVEX, https://www.devex.com/news/sponsored/opinion,
Availability and Utilization of Psychosocial Services for Breast Cancer Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, European Journal of Cancer Care, https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5543335,
Determinants of delayed care seeking for TB suggestive symptoms in Seru district, Oromia region, Ethiopia: A community-based unmatched case-control study, BMC Infectious Diseases, www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/13/782,
Gender Difference in Research Productivity and its Associated factors in Addis Ababa University: A Cross-Sectional study, Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353652866
Courses And Trainings
- Qualitative research training at the University of Edinburgh
- Short course on Epidemiology of NCDs in LMICs at Martin Luther University, Germany
- Training on the Epidemiology of NCDs at the University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Attended summer school programs for the past six years on NCDs at Marthin Luther University, Germany
- Short Course on Clinical Research and Evidence-based Medicine (SCREM) course at Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Implementation Science Research workshop at Adiss Ababa (organized by John Hopkins University)
- Nicotine and tobacco CPD at the University of Sterling, UK
- How to measure second-hand smoke using Dylos air monitor, University of Sterling, UK
- Workshop on tobacco taxation at the University of Cape Town
- Workshop on tobacco industry and monitoring course at the University of Bath, UK
- Research Communication and Impact training at Addis Ababa
Grants Received
- ITP Grant call for capacity building short training, 150,000 Euro, Research team member
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 200,000 USD, Co-investigator
- KNCV/USAID/TB CARE, 9,500 USD, Co-investigator
- Adama University, 112,000 ETB, Lead investigator
- Addis Ababa University, 100,000 ETB, Lead investigator
- USAID/HEAL TB, 20,000 ETB, Lead investigator
References
- Prof. Wakgari Deressa, PhD supervisor and immediate boss, deressaw@gmail.com, +251-911-483714
- Prof. Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Director, PI for TCCP Research Project, Linda.Bauld@ed.ac.uk, +44 (0)7714 213 372
- Prof. Mitike Molla Sisay, Previous Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Addis Ababa University, Women Health Research Working Group at AAU, CHS, Chairperson, mitike.molla@aau.edu.et, +251 0966275132
Timeline
A Co-Principal Investigator
TCDI (Funded By Bill &Millnda Gates Foundation)
09.2022 - 09.2023
Research Fellow
Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovations from Polio Eradication (STRIPE) project
12.2021 - Current
Dr. Rer. Medic. (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology -
Martin-Luther-University
10.2019 - 05.2023
Research Fellow
GCRF Tobacco Capacity Control Programme
03.2018 - 12.2021
Qualitative Researcher
Harar Ethiopia Project
01.2017 - 09.2017
American Cancer Society Research Project coordinator
Addis Ababa University
02.2016 - 02.2018
Master’s Degree in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases -
Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathology, Addis Ababa University
07.2010 - 05.2012
Faculty
College of Health Sciences, Adama University
11.2007 - 02.2016
Nursing - undefined
College of Health Sciences, Hawassa University
11.2003 - 05.2006
Similar Profiles
Neil Bobu GeorgeNeil Bobu George
Project Manager, Team Leader, Full-stack Developer at Polio Points ProjectProject Manager, Team Leader, Full-stack Developer at Polio Points Project
Krish SujitKrish Sujit
NA at Ammonia Synthesis projectNA at Ammonia Synthesis project
Yuhan HuYuhan Hu
Undergraduate Research Assistant at Gu Yuwei Organic/polymer Synthesis Research GroupUndergraduate Research Assistant at Gu Yuwei Organic/polymer Synthesis Research Group
Zewdu ZebergaZewdu Zeberga
Manager at Craft Software PLCManager at Craft Software PLC
Gudeno LemitaGudeno Lemita
Educational Planning and Management at Educational OrganizationEducational Planning and Management at Educational Organization